Page 11 of This Shattered Star

“Is it so hard to believe that I came over here just to talk?”

“Extremely.”

Finally, I met her gaze for the first time. Stars, even her eyes were captivating. My dressing rooms hoarded rings studded with the exact same shade of lapis.

She studied my face for a few moments before shrugging. “Your dress compliments your eyes. It’s a shame that your cosmetics mute their color.”

Before I could conjure up a reply, the second competitor that had flanked Kodhan appeared, stealing the muffin as she was about to take her first bite.

It was gone in seconds. He hummed in satisfaction. “Gods, that’s good. You think we’ll be allowed to eat things like this during the trials?”

“That wasmine.” She gave him a healthy smack on the shoulder, then sighed. “I was thinking the same thing.”

Instead of apologizing, he reached out a hand towards me. “Brannon Morvayne. Pleasure to meet you.” His warm smile would’ve been believable if I hadn’t suspected Kodhan sent him. “Nice dress, by the way. Compliments your eyes.”

“Do you ever have an original thought? Ialready told her that,” the woman huffed. Though her painted lips slowly curved upwards.

I ignored Brannon’s hand, brows narrowing.

His hair reminded me of Kodhan’s, though just a smidge shorter, and a shade darker. The ensemble he wore made evenMaverick’s look insignificant. A crown could have been placed on his head, and no one would doubt that it belonged there. But where his friend was decorated with gold, Brannon was adorned with silver. Several rings of colored jewels circled his fingers, and the buttons of his lapel sparkled. When he shifted just right, light from the chandeliers above bounced off his finery, flashing across his brown skin.

“Right…” He pulled his hand back only to swipe it across his mouth. His amber irises swiveled back to the thrall of bodies dancing in the center of the room. All of the other competitors were there, a large number of them holding empty glasses. “Not that they would notice, but if we keep filling their glasses, perhaps we’ll have an easier time in the first trial,” he mused.

The woman and I answered at the same time.

“It certainly wouldn’t hurt to try.”

“There is nowe.”

“Theia.” It was Brannon’s turn to lower his brows. “You haven’t told her yet?”

“I was going to before you stole my pastry.” She glared at him before splaying her hands out apologetically. “I’m sorry, Eloise. At least let me introduce myself first. My full name is Theadora, but everyone calls me Theia. My parents are Syrellos. Court-born.” Of course her parents were court-born. Most of our parents were, although I would never be able to single out the face of anySyrelloin a crowd. Staying far away from court members—and their families—ranked high on my list of priorities.

“And you haven’t told mewhatexactly?” I pressed drily.

The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as the scent of smoke and ash coated the insides of my nostrils. Heat tickled my exposed skin.

“That we’re going to be allies, of course.”

I whirled around, skirts swishing with the force of my momentum. “Absolutely not.”

Kodhan stood close enough that my skirts brushed the toes of his shoes. His arms were crossed over his torso, while he sported a cocky smirk that sent my molars grinding again. “You heard the king. All competitors must work with at least one person throughout the trials.”

“I heard him perfectly fine. It isyouwho is confused.” I jabbed a finger to the middle of his chest. Pure, hard muscle met my touch. “You’re a fool if you think I will set foot anywhere near you after tonight. Let alone work with you.”

He had the nerve to look bored. “Not just me.” He looked down at my finger, still pressing into his chest, then over my shoulder. “Them, too.”

“I refuse,” I seethed.

He leaned closer, and through the smell of smoke, I could discern notes of what reminded me of a forest in the aftermath of a downpour, of fresh pine and the mist that rose from still lakes. “Show me your other options, then,” he challenged, that smirk still fixed tightly onto his face.

I didn’t dare break his stare. We both knew I didn’t have any.

“You are a right bastard.”

“Insult me all you want. I made a promise.” Kodhan’s voice dropped an octave as his fingers wrapped around my wrist. I’d almost forgotten I was still touching him. “And I don’t break my promises.”

Someone cleared their throat.