Page 9 of This Shattered Star

CHAPTER THREE

The crowd parted like a wave as we crossed the room. Their stares burned across every inch of my exposed skin, their judgement and disgust a scalding mixture I’d grown used to years ago.

Only when we reached the food and drinks did the festivities resume, albeit the thick tension in the air.

“Drink?” Maverick offered, preparing one for himself. He opted for a strong liquor, clear save for a slight burgundy tint.

“No, thank you.”

“Didn’t think so.”

I waited patiently as he brought the drink to his lips. They immediately pulled into a frown.

“Not to your tastes?” I asked through gritted teeth. Hid my clenched fists between the folds of my gown.

“It’s rotten.” He set the drink down, and eyed the endless selection of bottles at his disposal.

My eyes rolled on their own accord. “You rarely like anything other than your usual red. Serves you right for choosing otherwise.”

His fingers brushed a short, green bottle before he eyed me, and withdrew his hand completely. He huffed a small laugh. “You’re right. Shame on me.”

“Here.” I snatched a familiar bottle near the green one he’d abandoned. The resoundingthunkit made as I not-so-gently set it in front of him had me thanking the stars that it didn’t shatter into pieces. Then crossed my arms as I studied the crowd.

He hummed in approval. “One of my favorites.”

“I know.”

Turning to face the crowd like I did, he spoke over the rim of his new drink. “And that is why we’re friends.”

Diana wasn’t among those dancing, which didn’t come as a surprise. I found her huddled amongst a few other members of court. All of them tense and arguing.

Gideon stood a few paces away with another guard. Both were laughing and obviously having a better time. Good. He deserved it.

“Friends don’t condemn each other to death.”

Standing this close to him, I could feel the power of his magic radiating from his body. It seeped through his clothes, each piece dashing and everything kingly.

It was as if frost crept along my skin. Akin to the cold, spindly fingers on a windowpane during the coldest nights.

I locked my jealousy away before he could see it.

“I’ve been wanting to explain, you know. Why I chose you. But you disappeared.” Another sip from his drink. “It would seem as though you know the hidden corners of my own kingdom better than I do.”

My nails dug into the soft flesh of my palms. “It doesn’t matter anymore. My fate is already sealed.”

“Of course it matters, Eloise. Watch closely.” He gestured to the tangle of bodies, laughing and singing like he hadn’t just declared traitors in their midst. “The people in this room have had everything they could ever wish for served directly into their selfish mouths. They have never known true pain or suffering.”

“I am not like them.” Bitterness seeped into my words before I could stop it.

“You are different,” he agreed, nodding. “But that does not make you any less powerful.”

“Please,” I sneered. “Of all things, pity does not suit you well.”

His smile widened.

Had I been anyone else, the very obvious, verypublicdisplay of disrespect would’ve gotten my head torn from my shoulders.

“Leonie and Vincent were two of the most powerful Starlight Champions to ever exist. I admired them. How their resilience exceeded the strength of their magic. And that magic would have been passed down to you. You wouldn’t have had to work for a single thing in your life.”