Free Shadow’s Lure by Jon Sprunk

were like small glass beads painted with a patina of disdain.
    Josey waited for her to say something. Then, as the moment stretched into an uncomfortable silence, she felt the touch of other eyes upon them. Pretentious bitch . She’s making a scene , just staring at me .
    Finally, when Josey couldn’t take it any longer, Lady Philomena spoke.
    “That is an interesting gown,” she said. “It brings to mind the dress I bought for my maid last Yuletide.”
    Josey gathered two handfuls of her skirt into her fists to keep from punching the lady in her aristocratic nose. She tried to think of a scathing reply, but Philomena glided away before anything came to her. Josey looked around to see who might have overheard, but everyone in the area was involved in their own conversations. Which meant, of course, that they all had heard. Hang that woman !
    Moisture stung the corners of her eyes, but Josey held up her head as if nothing had happened. People did not meet her gaze as freely as before. Or perhaps that was her imagination. She fought the urge to look around for Anastasia, but she really needed her best friend.
    Then a man sidled up to her. Lord Du’Quendel, dressed in a smart suit of black with silver trimming. A thick gold chain garnished with tourmalines was draped around his neck.
    “Your Majesty,” he said. “Allow me to say how honored I am to become your new Master of Luminaries.”
    “Uh. Yes, Lord Du’Quendel. The honor is mine.”
    “And may I introduce a new addition to your court.”
    The nobleman turned to reveal a man standing behind him. Josey swallowed as she saw a smile of brilliant teeth set in a bronzed face. Inky black ringlets of hair. Oh heavens ! It’s him !
    She tripped over her own feet as she tried to stop and turn at the same time. The man moved with effortless grace to catch her with a grip as firm as stone, but gentler than she expected. She couldn’t stop staring into his eyes.
    “Pardon me, Majesty.” His voice was like pure silk.
    She extricated herself. “Thank you, sir.”
    Lord Du’Quendel cleared his throat. “This is my cousin, Lieutenant Dimas Walthom of Your Majesty’s Light Horse.”
    Josey had a hard time catching her breath. The room had become overly warm in the past few moments. “Are you enjoying the ball, Lieutenant?”
    He leaned closer. “To be honest, Your Majesty, I am not much for this sort of thing. But here, in your presence, I cannot bear the thought of leaving.”
    Josey’s feet didn’t want to move. Then an image insinuated itself into her thoughts, of her and Caim walking in the gardens a few weeks ago, surrounded by leafless trees. She blinked as the soldier said something.
    “I’m sorry. I was somewhere else for a moment.”
    His smile was easy. Practiced. “Wherever it was, I am glad you returned to me.”
    Josey glanced away. Whatever she had felt a moment ago, it was gone now. She wished Anastasia would find her. Then Hubert was beside her, nodding to the two lords as he offered his arm. She took it with relief.
    “We’re ready, Majesty,” he said.
    “Thank you, Your Grace.” She turned back to the other men. “Lord Du’Quendel. Lieutenant Walthom, it was a pleasure to meet you.”
    The lieutenant bent his head, but his eyes never left her. “The pleasure was mine. Perhaps we shall speak another time.”
    “Another time,” she said as Hubert led her away.
    “Thank you,” she whispered. “Your timing is impeccable—”
    The bottom dropped out of Josey’s stomach as she realized where they were going. The musicians put down their instruments and departed the stage. It was time for her introduction. She’d had a few remarks prepared, but now she couldn’t remember a single word to save her life. Swallowing, she tried not to show the dread oozing up as Hubert escorted her through the crowd.
    He climbed the stage first and helped her up. As Josey turned to the assembly, her stomach twisted to the point where she thought she might