Page 208 of Starside

Then he pulls away. “I’ll have something sent shortly.” He walks out.

And I’m left gripping the wall, wondering if I’ve just made the biggest mistake of my life, trusting an immortal heir.

36

Hours before Heartfall, Vander has a dress delivered that is barely a dress at all.

It’s clear, liquid fabric that does exactly what he intended. It shows every one of my markings, and my sword tucked against my spine. Thicker fabric barely covers small places, hardly keeping me decent.

I stare at myself in the mirror, at all the silver, glimmering through the gossamer. For as long as I can remember, I’ve avoided looking at my naked body. It’s been a source of shame. Of sadness. Of fear.

Now I look. I look, and for once, I am not disgusted. I might not have had enough to eat for many years, but I am strong. This body has gotten me this far. I am capable, and maybe Vander is right. Maybe these silver markings are not a curse.

Because I’m silver, just like my dragon. Just like my sword. And they, I think, are magnificent.

Maybe I could be too.

I take a steadying breath, running my eyes down my dress again. Down my skin. I am not wrong, I think to myself. I am sky-touched.

And everyone in this castle is about to know it.

The festivities are about to begin. The estate is full of attendants who are running around, putting the finishing touches on the decorations. The gates, usually closed, are now wide open. Dragons and other majestic creatures have started landing outside them, making the ground lurch every few moments.

I walk into the stables, careful not to get my heels in the mud.

Raker’s head is hanging down, his wrists shackled above him. “Tell me that awful music is going to stop,” he growls, referring to the violinist who’s been practicing for the last hour. I think it sounds lovely. I roll my eyes.

“Of course you don’t like music.”

His head snaps up. “I don’t like—” His eyes widen, then narrow as he takes in the sheer dress.

“What the fuck are you wearing?” he demands.

I lift a shoulder, and the fabric shifts. “It’s a dress,” I say through my teeth.

He frowns. “All I see is you.” He says it like that fact is horrifying.

I lift my chin, refusing to let him make me feel anything but beautiful right now. Anything but strong. “Vander gave it to me. He said everyone would like it.”

“Did he now,” he says slowly, deep voice rumbling. Even chained, he sounds fearsome. I might be afraid of him if I hadn’t known him for weeks.

“Yes. Not everyone finds me as repulsive as you do.”

His lip curls in disgust. Something flashes in his eyes, something I can’t read. “Is that it? You’ve become enamored with the immortal?” He laughs, like I’m a fool.

I don’t even deign to answer his question. I just take a step forward, watching his gaze slide up my dress, up my body, until his eyes meet mine.

In a flash, I produce my sword. I dig it into the ground between us and sink to his level, both hands clutching the hilt.

I don’t know how this works, but I have a feeling Raker does. He’s had his sword longer than I have. He has royal training.

“Swear on my sword,” I say. “Swear you will help me reach the end.”

Seeing the map in Vander’s castle has shown me just how precarious this alliance is. Raker could betray me at any point. I need an oath.

I was right. He doesn’t look shocked at all. If anything, he looks bored. He lifts a brow. “Someone learned a new trick.” Fury rises. He manages to always make me feel like a fool.

I lean forward, until I’m just a breath away from him. “Someone is chained to a gods-damned stable wall. Swear on my sword.”