She spun, tucking away as much of the pain as she could as he crossed to her.
“Your Highness,” Ameera said, bowing.
Astra forced herself to make eye contact, hoping he hadn’t heard her mother as the courtiers shuffled inside. “I’m sorry that we’ll be separated so soon.”
“It is unfortunate,” she replied.
“But this could be beneficial for us. Pluto is in a tough position. It will be good to have someone on the Outer Courts in our corner.”
“Of course,” she mumbled.
“At least we’ll have tonight?” He offered, his eyes softening as he laid a hand on her crossed arms. If he felt the flicker of fire beneath her skin, he played it well.
She nodded.
“I’m excited to introduce you to more of my courtiers this evening. They’re all beyond thrilled to hear of the engagement.”
Astra smiled. “I look forward to it.”
“I’ll see you this evening,” he said as he leaned in and placed a quick kiss on her cheek. As he disappeared, she felt her shoulders loosen, but the heat did not dissipate. Instead, it only grew harsher, licking at her spine and whispering danger.
“Ameera,” Astra whispered, moving closer to her. “I can feel it again.”
“Feel what?”
The heat, the Solarian, she beamed, afraid to be overheard. Her skin prickled and she spun, searching for someone out of place. The courtyard was mostly quiet, save for a few maidens darting back and forth to prepare for that evening’s festivities.
I’ll tell Archera. You only feel it here? Or in the hall?
Just out here.
Ameera nodded, silently ushering Astra out of the open courtyard and down the hallway to her chambers.
“I’ll speak to Archera right away, but with Pluto’s announcement, your mother has every sentry available on the palace grounds. If someone is here, they’ll know, Astra.”
“Tell her to triple up on Lunelle’s guards. She has to be their target.”
Ameera arched an eyebrow. “Please don’t get yourself into trouble, Princess.”
“Who? Me?” Astra forced a smile, feeling her body finally release the emotions of the hall.
“This is a good thing, you know,” Ameera sighed. “Your mother leaving. You’ll be free from her strict rules. You won’t have to worry about Lunelle’s divided loyalties. You won’t have a fiancée to impress with your ladylike charms. We could have some fun.”
Astra leaned her head against the wall. “You’re right.”
“We could visit Ellume?”
This perked her up. “Excellent point.”
“Relax a little. I’ll bring lunch to your room. You don’t need to be in the midst of so much chaos before your betrothal ball.”
Ameera closed the door gently, leaving her to sit at the desk alone, absorbing that tonight would be all eyes on her once again.
Perhaps for the last time, if things didn't go well in Pluto.
She shuddered to think of it.
Her back would not forgive her when she came to, slumped over her desk as she thought about the worn path in the Midwood between the palace and the Lunar Elven village.
