Page 98 of Antiletum

Another small frown, stealing away the joy she wasinfernumbent on producing. “Around sixteen. I think.”

“Youthink? You mean you don’t know?”

A slow shake of his head. “Not precisely, no.”

Her heart faltered, implications falling into place. Not wanting to scare him off by digging too deep, she offered, “Well. I’m fifteen. Not so far off from you. There. We know that about each other now.”

“Won’t you be in trouble?” Sebastian asked. “If you’re gone too long?”

“Of course, I will.” Unbothered, Delaney tugged at their looped arms, urging him out into the sunny street. Against his skeptical words, he eagerly followed. Like he could never resist her, even if he tried. Delaney shrugged. “It’s already done. Might as well make itworth the trouble now. Have something grand to ruminate on while I’m forced to do something painfully tedious to atone.”

“Such as?” he asked, slightly dazed, allowing Delaney to lead him, never mind the fact he was meant to be her guide.

“Writing lines. Or sweeping out thespirlinary. Maybe even shovel out the stalls of the stables.”

“I believe I recall threats of flaying.”

“Tenna is dramatic. My punishments are never quite so terrible.”

“Make trouble often then?” Sebastian asked, humored, the ghost of his smile returning. He adjusted his arm, more stable and sturdy for her hand, taking over to slide them effortlessly through the crowd.

The sun baked against Delaney’s cheeks, sitting high on her face with her wide smile. “You could say that.”

“I don’t mind trouble.”

“Well, you’re the first person I’ve ever met who doesn’t. How very fortunate for me.”

At this, he laughed. A real, rumbly thing that vibrated in Delaney’s chest. “I’d say I’m the one who found fortune today.”

Again, fluttering wings beat in her stomach. Without thought, she blurted out, “Your smile is beautiful.”

Embarrassment fully took hold when he stopped walking abruptly.

“You think something about me is beautiful?” His brows pinched, completely taken aback.

Delaney’s heart pounded in her throat. “I think everything about you is beautiful.”

She held her breath, beginning to think that perhaps she was being too bold. A trait not at all becoming of a young woman. Especially one with an aristocratic background.

But Sebastian lifted a hand, paused, and when she didn’t move, he brushed a thumb over her cheek. Like he wouldn’t believe she truly existed until he did. “You’re the loveliest thing I’ve ever seen.”

Their honesty lingered with exhilarating freshness, the undeniable pull between them new to both, solidified in place the moment their eyes first met.

Someone bumped into Sebastian’s shoulder, shaking them back to reality, resuming the world’s normal pace.

Lighter, they began walking again, Sebastian fully leading them now.

Delaney cleared her throat, tried to steady her breathing and dampen the silly grin living across her face. “What do you suggest then? For a girl with one chance to explore the city?”

His steps were knowing and sure, and he obviously had a destination in mind. “Why would it be your one chance? Surely you’ll be here often, given your family.” Sebastian sounded downright hopeful.

“Rainah—my sister—she’s the only one relocating to Omnitas full time right now.”

“Ah,” Sebastian sighed knowingly, side stepping a cart selling food set precariously half on the sidewalk and half on the street. “So your sister is our future Lady, then. Quite the illustrious role.”

“That it is. I’ll be going back to Thorngrove with my parents after she gets settled here. Plus, I don’t socialize much.”

“That doesn’t seem fitting for you. I would have guessed the exact opposite.”