Stormvalor Chapter 32
Moving Shadows
Bast waited until late at night to don his black leathers and climb the arena boxes and balconies. The lower level lamps glowed softly in the royal suite, as they did every night. Bast had been studying it since he arrived for guard watches, evening movement, and any lurking dangers.
He peered into the main living space of the suite, confirming only two guards on duty. One outside the queen’s suite. The other outside the princess’ suite. Elisio was not on duty at night any longer. Bast wasn’t certain if he was promoted or demoted, but he was thankful not to have the jealous swordsman nearby tonight.
With a leap into the shadows and a heave on the balcony rail, he silently hauled himself up to the princess’ balcony.
The doors were closed and curtained.
And the lamps glowed brightly inside.
Bast frowned, easing toward the door at an angle so he could peer inside. Instantly, he dipped back as Aslyn climbed out of bed, her skin flushed and utterly exposed. She walked away from the balcony doors, deeper into her bedroom. Bast’s pulse quickened as his gaze swept over her nude form, the perfect curves and smooth, rich bronze skin.
Aslyn was not the first woman Bast had accidentally spied on in this state, but something about her made his heart thunder.
She could see me in the shadows back at the palace, Bast recalled. He must have subconsciously worried that she would do it again. And if she did, his cover was blown.
Aslyn vanished into another room. A minute later, Bast heard her splashing in water.
Bathing.
Maybe she had taken the jewel off. He could lift it while she bathed and be far from the city by sunrise.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Starr’s Assassin's Lair to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.