Breaking Stars (Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

you has it?” he asked instead, staring Mikelle down. None of them looked up, suddenly very invested in whatever activity they were doing.
    “Come, have breakfast.” Mikelle said instead.
    He folded his arms over his bare chest. “I don’t trust you.”
    “I haven’t touched it,” she stated.
    “She hasn’t.” Bianji eagerly chimed in.
    “I’m not hungry enough to find out.” The trouser hem around his waist seemed to be a little loose. It sat snugly around his hipbones when it should have sat a little higher. She wondered if the Castrofax had something to do with that, but she did not mind too much as the muscles on his stomach were so obvious it was hard not to stare.
    She lifted a few of the silver covers hiding the food. “Is there nothing here that appeases you?”
    He sniffed at his tea suspiciously before taking a sip. It was likely getting cold, and she was surprised to see him put thumb and middle finger under it as if to snap, then stopped himself. He closed his eyes in what looked like frustration, and put the hand in his pocket. “Do I smell bacon?”
    She lifted a cover to reveal thin strips of charred meat that looked most unappealing. He snatched up two before she could recover.
    “May I have my shirt?” Gabriel asked politely, though she thought she heard the faintest sound of defeat in it.
    “It is under Bianji’s pillow,” Shayleen called in Arconian before Mikelle could reply. To drown Mikelle’s reprimand, Shayleen played a loud tune with rapid finger movements along the frets. Bianji tossed the shirt to him, and he caught it with his forearm.
    “If anyone asks—” he began, slipping it on.
    “We had a satisfying evening,” Mikelle cut in. “Would you like one of us to walk you to your room?”
    He gave her a pinched look. “I don’t need an escort.” He straightened his collar and tightened the laces around his chest, concealing the copper bands that had become so recognizable in the palace. She supposed he thought if he could hide it, people would not know him, but he had such a memorable face, and he could not hide that so easily. ‘Or perhaps he hides the band because he is ashamed?’ A wave of sympathy washed over her, and she searched his face for any trace of expression, but it was void. He did the new buttons up on his vest and tightened the synch in the back to fit snugly around his waist while fixing his blue eyes on her. They were so bright in color, but there seemed to be lack of life in them . ‘Could he be losing his fight?’
    “I will walk you to the end of the hall,” she said and stood. “This palace is vast; far larger than Shshonan Palace.”
    He bid the ladies a good day, giving each a kiss on their cheek. He thanked them for an enjoyable evening, saying he wished all his nights could be filled with Tiles and pretty faces. Mikelle inwardly smiled, knowing flattery when she heard it. He may deny it, but he was quite good with telling people what they wanted to hear, and she warranted that skill could get people to do his bidding easily. ‘He would make a powerful leader if ever given the chance.’ The inward smile slipped away. ‘He will never be given that chance. He will die in his binds having spent what should have been a grand life as a slave to a tyrant.’
    She wondered how much longer she would have to spend with him before the Arconians were spirited away. It would either be when the new Queen took reign, or when all the Arconians were impregnated. If the latter, she would fall into that count, and she would have to take from him what he was not willing to give. She swallowed at the thought. She had come to Anatoly planning on lying with the Mage if needs be, but she never expected he would capture her loyalty so easily. Had he asked, she would have fought for him to her last breath.
    Gabriel looked at her with slightly raised brows. She brushed a hand through the air to dismiss whatever he saw. Taking his arm, she led him to the door as