House of Eclipses by Casey Bond

Author:Casey Bond [Bond, Casey]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: YA Epic Fantasy
Published: 2021-08-10T18:30:00+00:00

Kevi will have time to think and reconsider until tonight, when we need to put the plan in motion, I thought as I went in search of Caelum.

In the great hall, I found him seated across from Father. Beron was at his left hand, while the seat at his right was empty. My heart skipped, wondering if he’d saved it for me.

Citali chose that moment to slide into the seat at Father’s right hand, ruining my happy moment.

Caelum’s eyes found me as I made my way to them, a suppressed heat in them flaring as he took me in from face to foot. He gestured to the empty chair and I gratefully took it.

As I sat amongst them, Citali frowned, studying me like I was as much a riddle as the one the Sphinx gave her this morning.

“Citali,” I greeted. “You almost look surprised to see me.” I gave her a smile, promising retribution.

Beron choked on the water he sipped, taking a moment to calm his breathing. So… Caelum had confided in his brother that Citali had given me poisoned jam.

Father’s countenance was calm, but I noticed the way his hands tightly clutched his utensils, then the table when he laid them down. He would try to corner me once the meal was over. I couldn’t let that happen.

I turned to Caelum. “Lumin, I was hoping you might like to take a walk after breakfast.”

When our eyes met, I hoped Caelum could see my plea.

His brows slanted, but he graciously accepted my offer. “I’d love to, Atena.” He gestured to Father, deferring. “Assuming there is time before we meet to sign the treaty.”

Father chuckled, but his smile did not reach his sharp eyes. “Haven’t you had enough excursions, Noor? You got lost the last time you wandered,” he reminded everyone.

“Caelum would be with me, Father.”

He gave a heavy nod and dread filled my stomach. “Very well. I’m sure there is time enough for a short walk.”

We ate from platters of meat and fruit and bread, though the sweet dates were my favorite. I froze when Caelum placed a few on my plate when I finished the last one and glanced to see if there was more.

Beron glanced between us, one of his dark brows raised.

We all knew what hand feeding or placing food on the plate of another meant to a Luminan now, but I wasn’t sure if Caelum was overlooking his custom to accommodate me, or if he meant it. If my cheeks could glow red-orange, they would have.

I quietly thanked him and ate what he’d proffered.

Caelum was different this morning. I hadn’t seen him since he left my rooms and me behind. Since he poured out his soul to tell me that I was darkness and light and nothing he could trust. I just hoped Vada was right about his feelings and that he hadn’t written me off entirely. Today he was quieter, but his attention was honed. He was a blade sheathed in steel and I couldn’t see how sharp his edges were.

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