The Stars and the Flames (FREE PREVIEW)

CHAPTER FIVE

I got barely any sleep that night, and since Tyberius was stuck guarding my door all night, I knew he got none. Still, at eight sharp, he opened my door just a crack and said, "Time for breakfast, Katarina."

I moaned in response as I huddled my comforter closer to my body, which caused Tyberius to slam the door open all the way. The room shook in response, and I instantly cursed my body for deciding not to sleep much.

A deep scowl was etched into Tyberius's features as he regarded my current state. "You're not even up yet," he observed as he crossed the room in easy strides. "The royal family is waiting."

Instantly, I shot out of bed and tossed the covers off my body in a careless fashion. "Shit!" I swore as I dashed to my bureau and started rummaging around for a suitable dress. In the wake of my midnight stunt last night, I had completely forgotten about my breakfast date with the royal family.

Tyberius looked amused, and I fought the urge to smack his face. "One would think you've never had to impress royalty before," he said, not maliciously, but I still stiffened at his words.

"I'm allowed to have flukes from time to time," I snapped before settling on a long, green dress that barely swept the floor. Then, I turned to Tyberius, and with as much attitude as I could muster, said, "Do you mind?"

Still smiling, Tyberius began making his way towards my door before disappearing and closing it behind him.

I huffed before chucking off yesterdays outfit and shrugging on the green dress. Because of my late start that morning, I didn't have time to properly shower, so instead, I rushed into the bathroom and quickly wetted my hair down with a brush before styling it in what I hoped would tell the royal family I didn't just get out of bed. Then, I ran back into my room and slipped on a pair of matching, green loafers before flinging myself into the hallway.

Immediately, Tyberius gave me a once-over. "It'll do," he said begrudgingly, yet also lightly, as he began to lead me down the hall towards where I was supposed to have breakfast.

An uncomfortable silence soon enveloped the two of us, and Tyberius's posture went rigid, as if he suddenly remembered who I was and who he was. Though our two planets may have been allies in name, we haven't gotten along with each other for a while now, not since King Gabrian tried to force his son upon the Caetanian princess. Yet, Tyberius's stiff demeanor irritated me, and so, I increased my speed until I was right next to him.

"What are you doing?" Tyberius questioned with a hint of annoyance, though he didn't slow his pace.

"I'm letting you escort me," I said innocently, and Tyberius immediately came to a halt.

"No, you're not," Tyberius huffed as he eyed me, evidently suspicious.

I bat my eye lashes at him innocently. "Where I come from, you actually talk to your company."

Tyberius pursed his lips together, and that was when I realized I struck a nerve. "Last night was a fluke, and this morning was a mistake," he snarled. "Remember where you are, Katarina."

I flinched at how he said my fake name, but I didn't respond once he started moving again.

"And for the record, this is how a proper guardsman escorts his company," Tyberius said from over his shoulder, and I begrudgingly followed behind him. "So if there were danger, I would be the first one to meet it."

"Noted, o' great and mighty guardsman," I sneered sarcastically.

In an instant, Tyberius whipped around so fast I nearly missed him, instantly pinning me against the wall with my wrists suspended above me. Instinct nearly took over, and I almost took him out with me until a more rational part of my brain reminded me of my role. Katarina Ferring wasn't an assassin. She wouldn't have had the extensive training I had.