Chapter 76

Reuben clung to him, fearing to let go of the one solid thing in this reeling palace of the senses.

Corin smiled fondly, and traced Reuben’s lips with a finger. “I think his grace the king is right to fear the consequences of his daughters’ actions. Yet, I cannot help but feel this trouble is of his own making.”

Reuben returned the smile, but it had a rueful edge. “Aye, my heart. There’s no pleasure so dear as one which is forbidden.”

“What will he do, do you think, when you tell him of these revels? For tell him you must, or your life shall be forfeit.”

Reuben looked away from his love, and his soul ached with the emptiness that lies between the stars that call out to one another, regal yet alone. “I cannot think it will end well,” he said at last. “Yet perhaps it is right, so. For these fair maidens—if such they yet be—have caused the death of many a young man.”