The Starlight Heir

by Amalie Howard

The smirk that appears on his face should also be illegal, and I fight the sudden breath-stealing tightness in my chest. “Would you like me to arrest you, my lady? I do enjoy seeing a feisty woman in restraints from time to time.”

Well, at least if I die, it will be with a full, sated stomach.

“Your light casts every other woman into the shade.” “My light . . .” I swallow my snicker. “You princes and your flattery.” “I’m a bastard, not a prince,” he says.

“Definitely pain,” I say. “Maybe some torture.” “Don’t threaten me with a good time,” he teases, and everything inside of me ignites again.

Yes, I realize I’m calling on ancient gods outlawed by a bigoted monarchy, but it seems fitting: this man could be a deity in the flesh.

Roshan turns to face me, his hot gaze sweeping me from top to bottom. “You look good in racy.” Bold appreciation glitters in his eyes,

You are our heart. Our infinite hope. A soul of truth bred from the stars.

“Good thing you’re no damsel, Starkeeper.” With a wink, he slings the weapon over his arm and flexes. “So you think I’m a beast?”

“Sura . . . I love you.” I almost don’t hear the achingly quiet whisper, but I don’t need to hear it. I don’t need any more of his lies. “No, Commander. You don’t lie to the people you love.” With that, I leap from the wagon.

The prince of lies.

Vena smiles. “I see two incomplete souls finding their missing halves. I see a magical fated soul bond blessed by the gods.”

“Because I love you. Even if you don’t love me. Even if I have to prove my love to you over and over again to earn back what I lost.”

We might not be soul-fated, but love, like my father said, is a choice. And I choose him.