Ember didn’t want that to be Bastien. The thought of his hating her…
That was the only thing unbearable.
“What am I going to do?”
Kindel took her hand and smiled sadly. “I don’t know, Em. I screwed up my life. Last thing I want to do is screw up yours.”
She snorted. “Not helpful.”
Her link buzzed.
Ember started to ignore it, until she saw Bastien’s avatar. That goofy photo he’d made as a joke and programmed into her link a few weeks ago.
This way everyone will know what a total jack-off you date and a reminder to you that no one else will have me and my weirdness. So you never have to worry about me cheating or straying. I know the best when I see it and no one’s better than my girl.
Trying not to laugh at the memory, she picked it up and answered.
“Hey, lovely.”
Ember scowled as she heard something that sounded like blaster fire in the background. “Where are you?”
“Um… nowhere. Just wanted to say that I love you.”
“Are you under attack?”
He hissed in her ear, then made a noise that sounded like he was straining.
“Bas?”
“Yeah… sorry. I, uh, I’m having a little trouble hearing you.”
Over blaster fire! “Oh my God! You’re in a firefight?”
“Little bit.”
“Are you pinned?”
The longest pause of her life crackled in her ear before he finally answered. “Don’t worry, Em. I’ll be home tonight. Just wanted to hear your voice.”
Her heart sank as she saw the news on a nearby monitor. It showed the attack he was in. The royal envoy his father was supposed to be in had come under Eudoran fire. But at the last minute his father had sent Bastien and Quin instead.
At the last minute…
“Bastien,” she breathed. “I love you. No matter what happens, please don’t ever forget that.”
“I won’t.” He cut the line.
Ember’s hand shook as his father’s words echoed in her mind. No… it wasn’t possible.
“Em? What is it?”
Swallowing her panic, she jerked her chin toward the monitor. “That’s Bastien in that mess.”
Kindel cursed. “You want to scramble?”
Yes, but she had more to think about at the moment and she knew for a fact that Bastien could hold his own. “Kin? Can I ask you something?”
She sat back down with a frown. “Sure.”
