“Okay, Star it is,” I tell the dog. “From now on, you will be the only star I think about.” She nudges me with her nose and I pet her. I start walking to my office and she follows.
Jonz laughs behind me. “Looks like she’s just been waiting for you to get home.”
A couple days later, I notice a stack of mail in the entryway. Usually it’s brought to my office, but as I thumb through it, I realize it’s been sitting here for a few days. An elaborate envelope is at the top and I open it first, taking the pile back to the office. Since Kathryn has been moved to a nearby facility, I’ve asked some of the staff to care for her so she doesn’t feel so alone, but I probably should have someone here more often if I’m missing mail.
I slide a letter opener through the envelope and pull out a gem-studded invitation. When I read it all the way through, I blow out a long stream of air and sit down at my desk, reading it again to make sure I’m not imagining things.
A grand ball in less than two weeks at the Farthing castle in Alidonia.
It’s a first in at least forty years that the Safrins have been invited to a Farthing event. I rub the gems absentmindedly, imagining seeing Delilah again. Is this her doing? Did she plan our meeting so I’d be sure to come to Alidonia? Is this a setup?
I have to set it aside to get through a few meetings, but in the evening after supper, I call Luka and ask him if he received the invitation.
“I was just going to call you. I got the invitation a few days ago and haven’t known what to think.”
“We’re going, right?” I ask, pulling up a picture of Delilah on my laptop. She looks younger in this picture…
“Do you think that’s wise? What do you think this is about?”
“It’s probably Farthing’s way of saying I’m healthy, I’m back, watch out.” I grit my teeth and shake my head. “I think we should go and let him know we’re not afraid of him. We’re not backing down.”
“Okay. If you say so. He is honor-bound to not harm any of us or our families while we’re there. He won’t break that vow. It’s in the bloodstones,” Luka says. “But I don’t doubt that he’s up to something.”
“I almost missed the invitation altogether…didn’t even see it until today.” My voice drifts off.
“You need to hire someone already. I feel like a broken record,” he adds, laughing.
We end the call when Elias knocks on his door, ready for their meeting. Luka’s become one of my closest confidantes since he married my sister. He has the same challenges I do, only he’s ruling across the world in his kingdom of Niaps. Sometimes I wish we could scrap everything and have a good old-fashioned family vacation. My sister Ava and her boyfriend Gentry would be there too, and we could do normal things like—well, what do people even do on vacation? I’ve never been on one.
Luka is always telling me I need a right-hand man like Elias, his assistant, to help out with the day-to-day, but after my stepmother almost killed me on my own property, I haven’t been as trusting of anyone. In fact, I’ve let most of my staff go.
I’d gotten used to the idea of thinking Farthing was no longer a threat with him being on his deathbed for such a long time, and now it’s difficult to know otherwise. I’ve thought it should’ve been him dying instead of my father many times. I’m not sure there’s one good bone in Vance Farthing’s body.
Delilah sure seemed to think there is.
I pick up my phone and carry it to my bedroom. I want to talk to Delilah, ask her about this ridiculous ball, but I shouldn’t call her. I take my second shower of the day just to distract myself from thinking about her. Doesn’t work. What kind of crazy spell did she put on me?
I crawl into bed, my list for the next day already made. Luka’s right. I need a new assistant, I remind myself. It’s crazy not to do more delegating. Tomorrow.
I toss and turn and look at the clock a dozen times. What time is it in Alidonia? It’s midnight here and I think it’s eight there. I pick up my phone and do something really stupid.
What is this about a ball?
I immediately see the dots of her replying and my heart pounds. I wasn’t sure if she’d bother responding.
Delilah: It’s all my father’s idea. I came home and he already had a party planned out. So far, there has been no RSVP from the Safrin family…does that mean you won’t be in attendance?
I pause before answering, unsure of what to say. It feels almost like a conversation between friends and I have to remind myself to be cautious.
I’ll be there. I hope it’s truly as the invitation says and that this is simply a celebration of your father’s life. Possibly a gesture of goodwill?
Delilah: I assure you that nothing bad will happen to you while you’re here, King Jadon…I had no idea you were such a scaredy-cat.
I grin. I can just imagine her mouth quirking up as she makes a sassy comment, the way her eyes crinkle at the corners and her perfectly straight teeth shining. I run my hand through my hair and groan. I don’t need to entertain thoughts of Delilah’s smiling eyes or her mouth. But fuck me if I don’t do it anyway.
I assure you I’m no pussy…although I have nothing against them personally.
There’s nothing for several long seconds and I am about to punch my fist into the mattress when she starts typing.
Delilah: Do you turn every comment into a sexual innuendo or only late at night?
I curse out loud and toss the phone aside. I need to stop this now. I have better things to do, for jinga’s sake. I haven’t slept with Mavis in a month, but she’s always willing and available. The problem with her is I think what started out as harmless fun seems to be her wanting more from me lately…which is why I’ve stayed away the past month. Maybe I imagined that though—she swore she never expected a commitment from me. I could take her at her word and seek out her distraction—anything that will put a stop to this sudden obsession with Delilah.
My apologies. I shouldn’t be texting this late at night.
Delilah: Don’t apologize! It was just starting to get fun.
I draw in a deep breath and my eyes widen at the ceiling. I sit up in bed and stare at the phone again.
Well, do carry on then. I grin and wait to see what she has to say.
Delilah: Why are you never photographed with a lady besides your sisters, Lord Jadon?
My sisters make me look good. Why else?
Delilah: That doesn’t work with me. Do you have commitment issues?
Damn. You don’t mess around with small talk, do you?
Delilah: Once pussy is mentioned, no, I don’t.
Fuck me. This IS Delilah Farthing, correct?
Delilah: The one and only.
So you discuss pussy on a regular basis?
Delilah: I’m starting to think we’re not just discussing scaredy-cats anymore.
I chuckle out loud and walk to the bar on the far side of my bedroom, pouring myself two fingers of whiskey. I tilt the glass back, savoring the last sips, and pour another finger. Another indulgence I don’t usually allow myself. The burn down my throat feels like an adrenaline rush. I set the glass down and pick up the phone, ready for whatever is next.
Once you mentioned sexual innuendos, I’m pretty sure you were in on the joke. But we can pretend you’re still sweet and innocent, if you’d prefer that.