Chapter 36 Astraea
Astraea
Stepping off the Silver Sparrow was like crossing realms, not seas. The temperature was far more pleasant. Warm, even. The weather aside, I was taken by the breathtaking spectacle of wide white buildings in the distance, with circular roofs, which crowned in the middle.
The buildings and arches we had passed so far had been pristine, mostly white architecture with accents of gold.
The mountains, which didn’t peak quite as sharp as those on the mainland, must be volcanic, like I’d read about.
This kingdom appeared so somber in our eternal night, but I could picture how brilliant it would shine with the daylight.
Nyte and I observed the bright streets from a dark alley, quickly realizing how out of place we would look when we were clad in dark, thick clothing while the people here wore beiges and golds and lighter pastel colors.
Glancing back the way we came, I could just make out the harbor where the Silver Sparrow was docked.
“Do you think we’ll run into Balthezar and his son again?” I asked hopefully. We hadn’t had the chance to say goodbye.
“I hope not,” Nyte said.
“I found them charming.”
“I’m still debating going back and wiping their memory of us.”
“Please don’t,” I said. “I can’t explain it, but I trust the captain. We might need allies on the sea someday.”
Nyte reluctantly agreed.
“We need suitable attire,” he said, scanning the shops for any that might offer what we need.
“We don’t have any coin.”
“I don’t need coin.”
I cut him with a look, not enjoying the idea of thievery, but we didn’t really have a choice.
Thinking of Nyte wearing anything but black or dark colors made me grin. He rolled his eyes like he knew what I was thinking.
“How are we going to get inside Vermont’s palace?” I asked.
Even from here we could glimpse the expansive, prominent gold building that sat above the rest of the island.
“Balthezar said there’s a traveling circus due to arrive by the end of the day for Vermont’s son’s twenty-fifth birthday. They’re performing at a banquet tonight.”
“And what? We join the circus?” I asked sarcastically.
His pause of silence twitched a smile on his face.
“You’ll be a natural with how you can bend,” he said.
I blanched at the thought. “I’m not a performer,” I hissed.
“Sure you are; I’ve seen it. And I’m very much looking forward to seeing you dance again.”
Nerves bubbled in my stomach. “That’s an outlandish plan! They’ll have a set, choreography, routines! I’ll look like a clueless fool.”
“Not when I make the ringleader believe you’re his prized performer, who will have her own solo.”
I scowled at him. “And what might you be doing?”
“Looking for the trident, of course.”
“It could be anywhere.”
“I’m hoping a little rifling through a few minds will reveal it.”
I had to admit his ability was highly convenient.
“I don’t like this plan,” I grumbled.
Nyte smiled again, clearly enjoying himself. “I think you will.”
We spent the hours waiting for the circus observing the streets and keeping hidden. By the time the circus arrived in town I was giddy over our brash plan of infiltration.
When they stopped their wagons filled with flame throwers, dancers, magicians, and many more obscure and wonderful talents, Nyte easily lured a pair of dancers our way with the intention of borrowing their attire.
We had to take them into an inn, and as I couldn’t stand to trade away the magnificent custom leathers Nadir had gifted me, we had no choice but to leave them sleeping in a room in their undergarments.
They’d likely wake and think they’d indulged in too much wine they didn’t remember drinking and ended up in bed together.
I harbored a twinge of guilt about it, but I figured it was a small price for them to pay toward the greater cause Nyte and I were trying to stop.
I was dressed in clothing that reminded me of those I wore at the manor.
The fuchsia pink top was cropped below the breasts but had long, sheer sleeves.
The skirt was sheer too but with a lining like underwear.
The attire was elegant and lightweight. Slipping my feet into the thin sandals, I turned to Nyte.
My hand immediately shot over my mouth to smother my laugh but it didn’t stop the air escaping my nose.
“Don’t ever mention it beyond this night,” he said flatly, fitting on a small hat with a pheasant feather sticking out of the side.
His pants fitted at the waist and ankles with loose material between that matched the color of my top.
His vest was black, at least, but he was shirtless underneath.
Aside from the ridiculous color of pink on him and the unique style of pants that would take getting used to, he was quite a pleasant sight to behold.
“Let’s get this over with,” he said.
I reached for the open sides of his waistcoat, pulling him to me before he could turn for the door. My smile was all amusement and allurement.
“I think you look quite attractive,” I purred.
“Only quite?”
I bit my lip, and his amber eyes fell to my mouth. His thumb reached up to unhook my teeth before his lips slanted against mine hard. The kiss was deep and wild but very short. He pulled away abruptly.
“You look so utterly exquisite that I don’t know how I’ll contain myself in there. I want to fuck you so badly; I don’t think you’re ready for when I do.”
Need tightened in my lower stomach, and my fists flexed on his clothing.
“When I next let you fuck me, I’m going to be in charge.”
The gold of his irises flared a shade brighter. The way his eyes shifted hues was like a language only I understood from the privilege of being so close to him.
“Is that so?”
“We’re going to be late,” I said coyly, drifting past him, but I barely got a step before I squealed at the hand he hooked around my middle to pull me back against his front.
His warm breath fanned over my ear. “If you want to play games you should know I’m very competitive.
” His words vibrated along my collar while his hand skimmed over the bare skin of my midriff.
Boldly, his palm cupped between my legs; the thin material was hardly any barrier to his ministrations when his fingers moved in teasing strokes.
“You already know I don’t lose,” I said, a little breathless, but I pushed my ass against his cock, mimicking his motions, which swiftly made him stop, gripping my hip instead.
“Wicked creature,” he murmured, kissing my shoulder. “Go before I bend you over that desk and don’t let you leave until the gods hear you screaming my name.”
I stifled a shiver. Nyte took my hand. “As you said, we’re going to be late.”
It was strange, sitting opposite four strangers in a jostling wagon; they accepted us warmly but their confusion-filled glances kept my pulse racing. Nyte assured me he’d manipulated their thoughts to see their expected friends’ faces, not ours.
“Relax,” he said with a note of humor, taking my hand.
“They’re official! I knew it!” A brown haired and dark-skinned man across from us shouted suddenly, “Pay up, Trevor,” thrusting a hand out to the other man, brown haired with a fair complexion, opposite him.
Now I was confused. Until the only other woman with us giggled, and I noticed her smiling at our joined hands.
Nyte’s mouth leaned to my ear. “We’ve either coaxed along something inevitable or caused two people a whole lot of drama to fix when they wake and make it back to their party.”
“Why does it sound like you’re enjoying this?” I muttered under my breath.
“You have to admit it’s entertaining.”
“You’re troublesome.”
“Of all the things I’ve ever been called, that’s by far the tamest of them.”
“Devious.”
“Insult me like you mean it, Starlight.”
The wagon jostled over some uneven path, which had me bracing a hand on his thigh for balance.
“I can’t,” I said, sharing his breath in our proximity. “I’d be insulting myself when I love everything about you—everything wicked, every flaw.”
“Is this what we have to put up with now?” the pale man with red hair, Trevor, grumbled, turning away from us.
I glanced over my shoulder with a sheepish smile, trying to ignore them amidst my growing nerves.
“You’re being too kind to me,” Nyte said.
I lay my head on his shoulder, not teasing anymore.
“Maybe you just have to get used to it.”
The wagon was pulled to a stop by a command outside, and I stiffened. Nyte kept relaxed; his confidence was assuring.
The doors were pulled open, and we were greeted by gold-armored guards.
“Everyone out,” one said rather rudely.
The woman in our company seemed to think so too, but she merely stood with a huff and smiled sweetly at the guard, the kind of smile that hid a threat, but he didn’t balk in the slightest. They were all tall and broad and looked like they didn’t know the concept of kindness.
Nyte and I followed hand in hand behind our company, which was only one group out of several who would be performing tonight. I had to wonder what the particular talent of our group was.
“How are you going to sneak away when they think we’re their friends and, I presume, we’re to perform together,” I asked Nyte.
“I’ll leave right after it,” he said easily. “Then you’ll have your solo.”
I had to check for the sarcasm, but his expression remained neutral.
“I’m scared to ask what our act involves.”
Nyte grinned. Oh gods.
As we approached the gates, Nyte swore under his breath.
“What is it?” I whispered with a spike of panic.
“They’re taking a sample of blood before we can enter.”
I blanched. “Why?”
“To be sure we’re human, perhaps. I’m not entirely sure.”
I glanced around, realizing for the first time Nyte’s was the only set of pointed ears.
“We’re not human though,” I hissed. Contrary to his manipulation of everyone’s minds to see us as such. I couldn’t fathom the toll using so much of his ability was taking, despite how powerful he was.
“We might be the only free-roaming fae and celestial on this island,” he muttered, pondering it in his mind.