Starkeeper of the Fractured Crown

He nodded and stepped back, allowing me to pull my hoodie back up. “I guess I hadn’t expected his magic to feel so…empty. I will bring it up to Satarmore, but if the rumors are true, I don’t think anyone but he can remove it.”

I hadn’t expected him to have that power, honestly. So instead of showing my disappointment, I changed the subject. “Am I allowed to know what you two were talking about?” I asked, gesturing to Cole.

The old warlock straightened. “Unfortunately, not from my standpoint, but maybe from his. I must be off. Politics, duties, older brothers to annoy,” he smiled. “It was good to see you again, Astraea. Your speech was refreshing.”

My cheeks reddened despite his proud smile. “If I humiliated anyone—”

“No, far from it, in fact, you reminded me of Penny.”

My lips parted in absolute shock. It was the highest compliment I could have received. “Penny Rain?” I breathed.

Talaroe smiled. “The very same.” He grabbed the rim of his hat and gave me an informal bow. “Until next time.” He straightened, looking above me. “Goodbye,Minerva.”

I turned when there was no response, finding Cole still putting the charm on the old wolf. I smiled.

Talaroe laughed. “A matchmaker,” he joked. “If I was available, I may have required your services, alas, my heart fully belongs to my daughter. Have a good day, Astraea.”

I gave him a small wave, watching after him for only a moment before his words clicked. “Oh wait,” I called after him.

He paused, looking back.

“You have a daughter? That’s not recorded anywhere either.”

A sadness touched his eyes. “Not many people know anymore. She was lost on her 18thbirthday. I’ve been searching for her for 157 years. My wife died of a broken heart, and I live because of mine.”

Sorrow filled me and I wondered if maybe I had any information on a missing warlock girl. “I’m so sorry, Talaroe,” I breathed, my heart breaking.

His smile was weighted. “Don’t be, I haven’t lost hope.”

I watched after him for only a moment before I turned to Cole and Madam Levine, my heart a bit heavier.

Cole took Madam Levine’s hand and bowed at the hip, kissing it. “It was a pleasure meeting you.”

She giggled, her cheeks red. “You are welcome any time, Mr. High General.”

I smiled, rolled my eyes, and turned for the door. Mr. High General. He would never let that go.

11

My Bible, Chapter 25, Verse 1,

You are my slave. Body, mind, and soul. Whenever I give you a command, you will follow it or you will suffer.

Trick

Istared at the glowing piece of Obelisk, a fallen star of sorts, as my magic wrapped around it. Layer upon layer, hardening, creating an armor so thick, no one would taste it, smell it, sense it.

The Night Flowers had protected it all this time from my people, now it was my turn. I couldn’t be sure if there were other pieces out there, but if there were, I would find them and keep them safe.

Kyra would need rewarded for what she had given me. Something worthy. Something she would want, even if that want as unwanted at the moment.

When the soft steps of the High Queen of the Fae met my ears, I slid the wrapped bit of magic into my pocket and turned, smelling the fear wafting from her skin long before I could see her. It smelled of simmering sugar over hot fire.

I hadn’t spoken to the High Queen since the beginning of her reign. I knew of her story, of how seamlessly she and her family had slid into this world, but nothing more than that.

I would have prepared myself a bit more, asked Meeria how she had been handling the relations with the Fae, but my sister didn’t need to know of what I was doing. There was no need for questions to be asked. I could handle this just fine.

Penny’s sky-blue eyes, pupils rimmed in gold, were clear, the eyes of a High Queen. She carried herself as unafraid from the outside, a shield around her which was not noticeable to anyone but me that hid her nerves, her fear. A good idea, I thought, to hide her fear from her people. There was no need to alert them of who was here.