Page 52 of Measure of the Stars

“Oh,Leonhart,” Delauney’s father said.“How...nice.Are you here under your brother’s orders, then?”

“Absolutely not,” Wes said sharply, as Ferrin said, with a yearning in his voice that made Delauney feel tense and tight, “How have you been, Wes?”

“Fine,” Wes said.

“Then whyishe here?”Delauney’s mother whispered, too loudly as always.Far from shrinking away from the awkwardness permeating their circle, King Adrien looked delighted, turning from Wes to Ferrin with obvious interest.

“He’s my guest,” Delauney said.He slid his arm around Wes, but it was truly like trying to move a statue.“We’re...we’re partners.”

“Partners?”Delauney’s father asked.“Partners how?”

“How else can two people be partners, Father?”Leo asked.“We were just going to a smoking room to speak, in fact, if you’d like to show King Adrien the reflecting pool.”

“You and Delauney?”Ferrin asked, tilting his head slightly.Wes’ mouth went hard.

“Lane,” Delauney’s father said, pulling Delauney away from Wes and the king.Unfortunately, it was hardly far enough for his boisterous voice not to carry.“I’m not saying that you can’t take on a commoner as a fun little diversion, but the Leonharts are notorious social climbers.Even Captain Ferrin has ingratiated himself with the de Guillories more than is wise for someone of his station.You need to protect yourself, love.”

“It isn’t like that,” Delauney said, feeling suddenly young and helpless again, trapped by his father’s misplaced concern.

“Darling, I know you think that, but he will inevitably toss you over once you can’t finance his lifestyle any longer.”Delauney’s father dabbed at his neck with a cloth.“But you can’t really blame them.It’s in their blood to drain us dry.”

“Inwhoseblood?”Delauney asked.He could see Wes’ shoulders stiffen from where he stood.

“People like the Leonharts.Do you think that the captain received his post by chance?We all know that he was familiar with King Emile, and, well, King Adrien is young and submissive.”

“Andmarried,” Delauney said.“Father.They’re less than ten paces behind you.”

“They can’t hear us,” Delauney’s father said.Delauney glanced at King Adrien, who looked more amused than ever.Leo looked like he wanted to sink into the floor, but he had his hands full with their mother, who kept saying, “partners?” in an increasingly troubled tone.

Delauney’s father sighed.“Here, lad.We’ll sort this out for you.Just pay him what he wants to leave and we’ll find a nice dominant to take care of you.Someone like Ned, wouldn’t that be nice?”

“I don’t want someone like Ned,” Delauney said.“And Wesley doesn’t want my money.We’re going to the Aviary in Gerakia, Father.Both of us.The Gerakians don’t acknowledge noble titles there.”

Delauney’s father went pale.“Gerakia?”he cried.

“Oh no,” Delauney’s mother said.“Notagain.”

“Again?”Leo asked.“Was there a first time?”

“He got it into his head that he wanted to study the constellations or some such nonsense,” Delauney’s mother said.“But that’sovernow.You already moved on from such foolish notions.”

“If this Leonhart fellow put these thoughts into your head,” Delauney’s father said, his voice trailing off in a warning tone.

“All right,” Wesley said, turning on his heel.“I believe I’ve had quite enough.”

“Wes,” Ferrin said, his voice low with dominance.Wes ignored him.

Delauney took a step away from his father.“I’m capable of making my own decisions.”

“And we’re so proud of you,” his father said.“But an enterprising man might exploit your easy nature.”

“Easy nature?”Wes asked.His tone was formal, his manner impeccably polished.“You’re speaking to Captain Delauney de Mazet, an overseer of King Adrien’s special military council and a scholar of some acclaim.I wouldkindlyask you to speak to him with a greater measure of respect.”

Acclaim?Delauney thought.They hadn’t even started their studies yet!But Wes had clearly hit his mark, because Delauney’s parents were staring at him as though he’d started spitting fire all over the ballroom.Even Leo was staring, though a small smile was starting to creep over his face.

“Ah, yes,” King Adrien said.“Ididappoint you to my council, didn’t I?”He winked at Delauney.“Thank you for that.I can’t have eyes everywhere, no matter what people say.”

“Young man,” Delauney’s mother said.“I don’t know how your people comport themselves in polite society, but it’s generally expected—”