A familiar smirk pulled at the corner of his mouth as he leaned closer to her, whispering in her ear, “If I had it my way, I would call you my queen. I would worship you as the Constellations are worshipped.”
Draven backed away from her slowly, holding her gaze. A gentle smile curved his lips as he pulled open the branches and stepped into the downpour.
Without another glance, the bounty hunter left her under the willow tree.
Chapter 24
The mistress waits for her lover. She waits in the coolness of the winter and the warm rain of the summer. She waits with hands outstretched, reaching for the owls and the wolves. She waits, dressed in velvet. The mistress of night waits; she waits for her starlight lover.
Starless Night
ASTRAIA OPENED THE DOOR TO her stateroom, drenched from the summer downpour. She had lingered for an hour beneath the willow tree, allowing tears to fall unseen, rain eventually seeping through the curtain of branches and soaking her through. Her navy cloak dripped water onto the pristine cream carpets, a steady rhythm matching the cadence of her heartbeat.
The stateroom was empty, the bed freshly made, the glass doors to the balcony closed—no hint of the bounty hunter. Not even his scent of smoke and pine lingered in the ostentatious room.
She slumped against the door, feeling the latch click as it closed.He left.To keep me safe.
If Draven really was sent from the regent king to hunt down any Starborne, she would have been the ultimate prize. The onlyknown dual-bonded Starborne. Her death would have been swift at the evil king’s hand.
But he chose to let her go and gave her freedom—freedom for which she would have gladly burned.
She gritted her teeth, shoulders tensed. The king had stolen everything from her. Her small life in Tenebris had been ripped out from under her with just his word and ink on paper. Then the only person who cared that she burned, he had been taken from her as well.
She unclenched her fists, trying to focus on the empty room around her. It was too large, too open, and too quiet. She had become accustomed to the bounty hunter always by her side—his hulking form towering over everything and everyone.
Yet, he was gone. He left. Astraia would have to accept it.
Just the thought of dismissing Draven from her life made her throat dry, and she choked down more tears.
A light tap echoed in the cold stateroom, jolting Astraia from her thoughts.
“Yes, come in,” she managed, swallowing the lump in her throat.
A petite young woman edged into the room, curtsying and bowed her head as she spoke. “My lady, I am Savi. I am to be your lady’s maid. I was sent to help you prepare for dinner with Lord Vireaux.”
“Stars help me. He knows I hate this kind of frivolity.” Astraia rolled her eyes, running her hand through her hair.
She froze, realizing she had just mimicked Draven’s exasperated trademark.
Quickly, she lowered her hand and fidgeted with her shirt. “Right, well, let’s get this over with,” she said, clearing her throat. “And for stars' sakes, stand up before your muscles are stuck that way.”
The young woman stood immediately, raising her head, and followed Astraia into the washroom.
Astraia could not help but indulge in all the soaps, oils, and perfumes that were spread before her. She might be a fugitive Starborne, but that did not erase the urge to want to feel clean. If she never slept on moss again, it would be too soon.
After hours of scrubbing and primping had passed, Savi was finally satisfied with Astraia’s appearance. The lady’s maid had smoothed her dark hair into a luxurious shine that would make even Desire envious.
Another knock sounded at the door, and Savi sprang from the washroom to answer, returning only a moment later with a large black box in her arms.
“A present for you, my lady.” She curtsied, placing the box on the marble vanity in front of her.
Astraia’s eyebrow rose in suspicion. Pulling the lid off, she gasped. Inside lay a gorgeous gown. On top lay a note with handwriting she knew intimately.
For you, Starlight. Yours forever. C.
“May I?” Savi motioned to the dress, averting her eyes from the note.
Astraia only nodded, folding the note and holding tightly as Savi helped her slip into the gown. After a few moments of cinching the gown and placing delicate silk shoes on her feet, the girl stepped back from Astraia and smiled.
