Page 63 of Measure of the Stars

“They stole from you,” Wes said, but he stopped trying to make for the door.It was almost gratifying to hear the heat in his voice.Delauney could barely register his own emotions through the shock that had suffused him.

“I wept fordayswhen I received that letter,” Delauney said, still holding Wes.Wes slowly held him back, hands grasping his jacket.“It was as though a piece of my life died with it.”

“It was unacceptable,” Leo said.“They never understood it.Theynever saw you make telescopes out of paper or chart the stars in the garden at night.”

“I did that?”Delauney asked.He couldn’t remember it, even though he did have dim memories of lying under the stars at night, trying to count them all.

“You were young,” Leo said.“I used to carry you in when you fell asleep out there during Mother and Father’s parties.”He scowled down at his feet.“I won’t blame you if you want nothing to do with us after this.”

Delauney gently withdrew from Wes’ embrace.He knew that he should have been furious, but all he felt was grief.Grief for the young man who’d been so certain that he hadn’t deserved an education, for the lost years he’d spent at sea, and for the endless balls and events he’d borne for parents who’d almost ruined his chances at a life in Gerakia.

“I don’t think I can speak to Mother and Father after this.But you’re as unlike them as it’s possible to be, Leo.”

“Thank you,” Leo said, with more feeling than was proper under normal circumstances.“But I do want to hear more about this university you’re attending.You’ll allow me to write?”

“So long as you keep my address a secret,” Delauney said.Leo held a hand over his heart.“I’m sorry that your engagement party was ruined.”

“If Ana and I had it our way, there wouldn’t be a party at all,” Leo said.“We plan on living in separate houses when this is done.”

“And you’re...fine with that?”Delauney asked, unsure.

“Absolutely,” Leo said.“A marriage without having to actually see each other, let alone arrange balls and festival appearances?It will be like sinking into a hot bath after a long day of settling accounts.”

“So long as you’re happy,” Delauney said.Leo gave him a curious look, as though the concept of marital happiness hadn’t even crossed his mind.

Delauney’s parents emerged from the study in a rush, barely looking at Delauney and Wes as they passed.Leo sighed and followed them, casting yearning looks back at Delauney over his shoulder.Delauney hoped that hewouldtake the title from them at the end of this.He deserved to build his own life.

Ferrin opened the study doors a moment later, sighing heavily.

“You’re both welcome to stay in my house tonight,” he said.Delauney didn’t mention that it was already past sunrise.“The king wants to add a bonus to your pensions for your silence in regards to what you may or may not have seen before our meeting with the de Mazets.”

Wes opened his mouth, but Delauney stepped on his foot before he could protest.“Tell him that we graciously accept,” he said.

“Good,” Ferrin said.“I can’t have my brother wasting away in Gerakia, after all.”He cracked a smile, looking far more human than the forbidding, authoritative dominant he appeared to be.“I give you leave to spoil him, if you can.”

Delauney smiled back, swinging an arm around Wes’ shoulders.“If he’ll let me.”

“Good luck with that,” Wes murmured, but Delauney caught a twinkle of amusement behind his stubborn scowl as they left the opulent halls of the palace behind them.