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CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

N arissa tried not to be disappointed by Solarius’s decision to not touch her and failed miserably.

When they came inside from the snowy outdoors, he had a warm bath drawn for her, then retreated to the main living area…

where he stayed for the duration of the night.

Not once did he ask if she might enjoy his company or if he could share the bed with her.

He was solemn and reserved, and the swift change in his behavior was jarring.

He behaved perfectly, like a proper lord of Aeramere, yet not at all like a husband.

So she’d slept in the immense bed by herself.

Alone.

Again.

She supposed it had something to do with the letter he received from House Celestine, and though he had not divulged any of its contents to her, she did not miss the way his knuckles whitened while reading it or how his jaw ticked when he crumpled it with one hand and tossed it into the nearest waste bin.

The next morning was no better.

In fact, she thought it was worse.

They spent most of the day exploring Galefell and all the while Solarius remained terribly agreeable.

It was strange, not being at odds with one another, not bickering or tossing out well-intended jabs.

He rarely spoke to her as they wandered the streets, browsing shops, and when they stopped in a bakery so Narissa could grab more of those delicious tiny cakes, he didn’t even notice when she intentionally left a dollop of pink frosting on her lips.

Solarius wasn’t exactly cold to her, but more overly formidable.

At the same time, he was completely oblivious to the effect he had on her throughout the day.

His little touches left her wired, so her skin tingled with constant anticipation.

When his hand moved to the small of her back, she felt the distinctive tug of longing in her core.

If he gently took her elbow to guide her to another area of the streets, her knees softened and her heart skittered out of control.

She was acutely aware of him, her body entirely in tune to him.

To his chivalrous movements, his incoherent murmurs, his complete and utter distraction.

Yes, he was with her, but he was going through the motions.

His mind was somewhere else altogether, and he’d built a shield around his thoughts, one not even the bond could break.

By the time they returned to Windsong, Narissa was done with his foolishness.

She no longer felt guilty about sneaking off to House Galefell to deliver the truth serum to Lady Aria.

Though balls and parties were one of her least favorite things to do, she was almost looking forward to the music and drone of incessant chatter, as anything was better than the suffocating silence of a withdrawn and distracted Solarius.

Narissa fisted her hands on her hips as she watched him.

He was sitting on the sofa, staring into the flames of faerie fire sparking in the hearth, with a small cup of hot cider balanced upon his knee.

Gold flecks of the snapping fire reflected in the distant silver of his eyes, and Narissa pressed her lips together, refusing to waste any more time.

“If you don’t mind, I’m going to swim fully nude in the hot springs behind the cottage.” Narissa didn’t even know if hot springs existed in Windsong, but her words had the desired effect, because Solarius blinked, and continued to stare absently into the hearth.

“Of course,” he muttered, barely hearing her.

She scowled then, her eyes flicking to the charming blown-glass chandelier floating above them.

Mist billowed and swirled through the ribbons of fused glass like shimmering clouds, and for a moment she wished Solarius was coming to the ball at House Galefell, for surely there would be dancing, and it had been so long since she’d been swept around a ballroom on enchanted clouds.

But Solarius didn’t move from his frozen position on the sofa.

He was so lost in his own thoughts, he wouldn’t even know she was gone.

On a sigh of disappointment, Narissa fled to the main bedchamber to dress for the evening.

She chose a gown of dark pink, the shade reminiscent of Azurvend sunrises right before sunlight crested the sea’s horizon.

The satin bodice plunged in the front, revealing the piercing in her navel, and dipped dangerously low in the back.

Thin straps embellished with diamonds held the sparkling fabric in place, and the decadent skirts fell around her like a waterfall.

She opted for a collar of tiny pink sapphires, matching earrings, and a gold ring for almost every finger.

Her gown wasn’t incredibly thick, so nude thigh-high stockings were an absolute necessity to keep her somewhat warm, and she decided on heels the color of warm sand.

She snatched the vial of truth serum from her collection and tucked it into the low waist of her gown, concealing it from view.

Though empowered with her choice to attend Lady Aria’s ball on her own, she didn’t quite possess the bravery required to leave out the front door.

Narissa grabbed a pair of gloves, wrapped her velvet-lined cloak around her shoulders, then left through the back entrance of the cottage.

She wouldn’t dally at House Galefell, she had every intention of finding Lady Aria directly upon her arrival to deliver the truth serum, then make a quick escape.

Besides, she was quite good at being stealthy.

This was not the first time she would mill about a ball unnoticed.

Hopefully Calfair would be too busy chasing other ladies to even notice her.

Considering the only reason he paid her any attention at all was because of Solarius, it shouldn’t be too difficult to avoid him.

Slipping out into the frigid night, Narissa swallowed down the knot of fear clogging the back of her throat that had nothing to do with facing Calfair and everything to do with flying alone in a carriage pulled by Eponians.

But the only way to reach House Galefell was through the sky, and though it was bound to be an expedient trip, Narissa couldn’t quite overcome the terror that seized her muscles as soon as she stepped inside the waiting coach.

Once the door shut soundly behind her and she was seated, Narissa squeezed her eyes shut, held her breath, and whispered a plea to the stars to keep her safe.

House Galefell was exactly as Narissa remembered.

Lavish.

Whimsical.

And dripping with excess.

The ethereal ballroom was brimming with lords and ladies in their finest—swishing skirts of lace and silk, trim coats and bold vests, all in a varying assortment of jewel toned hues.

In retrospect, perhaps she should have asked Lady Aria if there was a theme for the evening, because her bold gown of deep rose stood out like pearl in a bed of crushed shells.

It might be more burdensome to move about inconspicuously than she originally imagined.

Shades of emerald, sapphire, and amethyst swirled throughout the magnificent ballroom where couples danced upon charmed clouds that hovered in the air and moved to the melody of the music.

It was quite possibly the most beautiful sight she had ever witnessed.

“Lady Narissa, darling!”

The smoky feminine voice of Lady Aria cut through Narissa’s spellbound haze, drawing her attention to one of the more crowded corners of the room.

Following the sound of her voice, Narissa spied Lady Aria surrounded by a surplus of male suitors, each of them stumbling and fawning over her exquisite beauty.

Be it a bored, flat smile or a disinterested roll of her eyes, they fought and elbowed one another to see who could gain her attention next.

Lady Aria flicked her wrist, and they parted for her as easily as Narissa split the tides.

When Lady Aria shimmied past their bold advances, it was plain to see why they were so captivated by her.

She was dressed in a strapless gown of liquid gold that molded to her every curve, the cut of the bodice so low that Narissa worried one wrong move and her assets would spill from the gorgeous fabric, scandalizing everyone in attendance.

Her midnight hair was unadorned, kohl lined her rich amber eyes, gold dusted her bronze bare shoulders, and her lips were painted ruby.

She was striking in every sense of the word.

Lady Aria abandoned her flock of admirers and headed for Narissa, the faintest waves of powerful magic rippling around her.

She grabbed Narissa’s hands, lightly kissing the air near each of her cheeks.

“I’m so glad you could make it, you look positively radiant.”

“Oh.” Narissa flushed and ducked her head.

“Thank you, Lady Aria. You are quite breathtaking yourself. Though I am afraid I can’t stay long.”

“Nonsense! We’re only just getting started.” She waved one flippant hand through the air, gesturing to where the swell of music lifted the clouds higher.

“Where is your husband?”

Narissa tugged at the collar of pink sapphires wrapped snugly around her neck, they were somehow too tight.

She’d never had a problem with them before, yet now it felt as though they were strangling her.

“Ah, you see, Lord Solarius is the reason I cannot stay.”

Lady Aria’s gaze narrowed and her lips pulled to one side in distaste.

“Not that he forbade me,” Narissa supplied quickly, the need to defend her husband suddenly fierce, and she stole a hasty glance over one shoulder.

“Solarius would never. That being said, he and Calfair had a bit of a falling out. I don’t believe they are on speaking terms.”

Lady Aria’s raspy laugh filled the air between them, and she planted her palm over the swell of her bosom.

“Oh, yes. I am well aware. Lord Solarius demolished Calfair in a fight at the Thundercloud the other evening. It was a well-deserved beating, if you ask me.”

Narissa’s mouth fell open and she quickly snapped it shut as the missing pieces of the puzzle slowly fell into place.

Solarius had gotten into a fight, but he didn’t say with who.

Narissa had been so distraught by his injuries and caring for him, she never even thought to ask.

She didn’t know if Solarius went in search of Lord Calfair, or if was by some stroke of dumb luck, or if the fates just chose chaos that night.

A nearly invisible line of concern etched its way across Lady Aria’s forehead.

“Did you not know?”

“Oh, of course! I patched up Solarius afterward.” It was only a half-truth and Narissa shoved one hand through her messy waves, pretending she was privy to every aspect of Solarius’s life.

“But he wouldn’t tell me what they fought about.”

Because she already knew, as much as she hated to admit it.

Lady Aria’s shoulders rose, then fell in disinterest, and she inspected her perfectly manicured nails.

“Your guess is as good as mine, darling. Usually Calfair loves to boast about such squabbles, but I suppose he chose to slink into the shadows on this matter because he was so humiliated and humbled.” Her ruby lips curved into a caustic smirk.

“A public beating can bruise a male’s ego.”

Narissa smiled in return, grateful there had not been much discussion about her being the reason for their brawl.

While she was enjoying Lady Aria’s company, she also knew that since Lord Calfair had been horribly embarrassed, he was sure to be in a dreadful mood, and she wanted to be as far away from House Galefell as possible.

Determined to finish her task and retreat to Windsong, Narissa rubbed her lips together, then leaned forward, stealing another look around the preoccupied ballroom.

When she spoke, she kept her voice just below the thrum of music.

“I have the serum.”

“Lovely.” Lady Aria slipped a small satin pouch into Narissa’s hand as she pretended to observe the ballroom.

Narissa quickly tucked the pouch of coins into the folds of her dress, wrapping her arms around herself to discreetly remove the slender vial from the banded waist of her gown.

Her shoulder brushed against Lady Aria’s, and she slid the truth serum into her open palm under the guise of coquettish laughter and genteel amusement.

“Thank you for this, Lady Narissa.” Lady Aria nodded her head once and dipped into a slight curtsy.

“I am most appreciative.”

“Of course. Anytime.”

Narissa watched as Lady Aria was absorbed into a cluster of enamored lords desperate for her hand, none of whom had any idea she would likely soon be betrothed to one of the younger Starstorm brothers.

Her words rolled around in Narissa’s head, and she found herself wondering which one Lady Aria would choose—Lord Tovian or Lord Nyxian—assuming she was given the option.

Well, she supposed she would find out soon enough.

Now, however, it was time for her to return to Windsong.

She’d delivered the truth serum, and as much as she would like to stay and admire the couples dancing upon softly lit clouds, she couldn’t risk Solarius going in search of her.

It was only a matter of time before the flames in the hearth grew monotonous and he sought her out.

At least she could hope.

She sent one last look of longing toward the ballroom, then made her way to the grand hall to gather her personal effects.

Narissa ascended one of the winding staircases, counting her steps as she went.

The intricately carved doors were shoved open, giving her a glimpse of the hall just beyond where the scent of winter wisteria hung heavy in the air.

With her gown gathered in both hands so she wouldn’t step upon the delicate hem, she took the final step, when something snared her by the elbow, hauling her backward.

Narissa yelped and threw both arms wide to recover her balance as she lost her footing.

She smacked into something solid, and the stench of ale and heavy pine slammed into her, causing her stomach to clench and her nose to crinkle in distaste.

The hand gripping her elbow yanked once more, spinning her, and she came face to face with Lord Calfair Skyhelm.

A thousand thoughts and terrors sprang to the forefront of her mind.

The night he drugged her came hurtling back, planting crippling, traumatic images in her head.

His sloppy mouth whispering crude obscenities into her ear.

His cold hands groping and pinching her thighs and nipples.

The lack of warmth emanating from him.

And the sickening scent of dragon root mixed with mulled wine.

Lord Calfair’s upper lip curled into a vicious sneer, and the whites of his eyes were red from exhaustion and overindulgence.

The side of his face was a sickly green shade, likely where he was still healing from one of Solarius’s well-aimed punches.

He blinked hard as though trying to focus, and his lascivious gaze raked over her, lingering on her navel and the outline of her breasts.

The hand that gripped her elbow snaked its way to her wrist, dragging her closer, pinning her between the railing of the staircase and his body.

His hold was punishing, his fingers dug into her skin, and she was sure to bruise.

“I believe you owe me a dance, Lady Narissa.” Lord Calfair’s words slurred, his hot, rank breath sticking to her cheek.

She edged back, grabbing the railing with one hand, piercing the wooden veneer with her nails.

“You are mistaken, my lord. I don’t owe you anything.”

“Think of it as a way to make up for your rudeness.” His mouth twisted into a heinous smile as his other arm snatched her waist, pressing her into the railing with so much force, she thought for certain he meant to push her over completely.

He stared at her like she was a conquest, like she was unworthy of even being in the same room as him.

“You come into my home, mingle in my ballroom dressed like that , and yet you do not even grant me the courtesy of your attention.”

The curve of the rail prodded Narissa’s back, sending a spike of fear into her heart, one that rattled her bones.

She did not care to draw any unwanted attention, nor did she particularly like the idea of tumbling over the edge of the staircase.

And she was not going to allow this slimy, depraved male to wield any kind of power over her ever again.

“Forgive me, my lord.” She pressed one hand firmly against his chest and shoved.

Lord Calfair swayed a bit but still he held his ground.

She met his glare with one of her own.

“But you did not invite me tonight. The invitation was extended to me by?—”

“You think I give a fuck about my sister?” he hissed, spittle flying and clinging to the sparse black hairs protruding from his chin.

“You are here, deliberately tempting me by wearing a dress like that, and if you think for one moment I will control my urges simply because you are now wedded, you are sorely mistaken.”

He crushed her to him and her lungs caved, hollowing out as she struggled to catch her breath against the rank stench of him.

“Do not make a scene, Lady Narissa.” The threat raked across her skin, and she stiffened against him, struggling to free herself from his hold.

“You will dance with me. Unless you’d rather go somewhere more private.”

Narissa shook her head, ready to object, to scream if she must, because surely someone would hear her.

Surely someone would see her fight him off, someone was bound to come to her rescue.

She wasn’t invisible.

Not now.

But then a muscular arm shot out from beside her, and in a blur of color and movement, Solarius was there.

His scent engulfed her, eased the erratic beating of her heart, as the bond steadied her, secured her.

Solarius locked his hand around Lord Calfair’s neck and squeezed, the veins of his hands straining with barely contained rage.

“Release my wife,” he growled, venom dripping from his voice as the silver of his eyes darkened to an unfathomable shade.

“ Now.”