Page 87 of Born of Starlight
“A gift. Isn’t it stunning? This color is such a rarity.”
Elsie was already reaching around my neck to clasp it, and I held my hair out of her way. I wasn’t one for wearing jewelry, but the simplicity of the cut and elegance were breathtaking. It was as if the Queen knew exactly which dress I would choose, as they paired perfectly.
Elsie stepped toward the door. “Will that be all, Lady Asterie?”
I turned my attention to her. “You have worked nothing short of magic. Thank you, that will be all.” I thought for a moment before holding up a finger. “Actually, one moment.”
I crossed the wood floor uneasily, adjusting to the heel of the shoes. Luckily, they were not so high that I was wobbling, but they were high enough that each step was calculated.
I reached into the brown satchel I had carried with me from the tower, needing to shuffle amongst the dozens of antidotes and charms.It never hurt to be too prepared.I looked for the ones that would be most helpful in wartime.
“I have something for you.”
Elsie reluctantly opened her hands as I placed two vials in them.
“The green vial will heal you from almost anything—it will bring down fever and ward away pox. It can even repair tissue damaged by most mortal wounds. The purple vial has two doses of invisibility serum. Drink half of the vial should you ever be in a situation where you don’t want to be seen or need to get away without notice.”
Elsie’s eyes grew wide as she stared at the magical concoctions in her hands.Magic that was banned. Magic the realm held so little of. Magic that could save the lives of the people of Luz.
My fault.This whole magicless world was of my own making.
“This is too kind, my lady.” Elsedora extended the potions back to me, but I shook my head and gently closed her fingers around the vials.
“Hard times are ahead of us. It is the least I can do.”
* * *
I was late.How was I always late for the most important things?
Dusk was upon the gardens—the sun-basked roses smelled lovely. Queen Sybilla Wymark awaited me on a wisteria-arched bench. Her honey-toned curls were pulled atop her head intricately, and she wore a royal blue ball gown with silver laces threaded across the bodice.
“Thank you for coming.”
The Queen stood quickly as I’d begun to kneel. She shook her head.
“Fuck the formality. I’m with you on that one. Follow me, Asterie…”
I was startled stiff by her crass words and quick demands. She looked over her shoulder.
“I lost my guards, but we don’t have much time before Emmerick comes sniffing around for me. So, come on, I won’t bite.” She waved me along impatiently as she marched across the gardens and toward the crypts.
What in the world was the Queen up to?
Chapter24
Queen Sybilla Wymark
As I unlocked the crypt door, the enchantress’ eyes went wide. Her thoughts raced through a million what-ifs.“What if the Queen wasn’t trustworthy? What if walking into the crypts of Luz was a trap? Where was Emmerick?”
Her worry was loud and tasted bittersweet on my tongue. I shut down my senses, cutting her off. She clearly thoughtIwas the threat.
I supposed that I was partly to blame…I should have brought her here sooner. My father had been so reluctant to bring the enchantress to our court. I’d always been fascinated by her. I still was.
“Can you light the sconces?”
Asterie hesitated. “My Queen…I am not allowed to wield magic out here.”
I huffed. “Just light the Sourcedamned lamps!”
