Chapter 6: The Difficult Delivery - How the Stars Fall

Petite hourglass figure. Full breasts with pale pink nipples. Milky white skin glistening in the morning light as water droplets rolled down her body. Legs that went on for days and arms that moved with such grace. Not to mention her ass. So perfect that one glance had him instantly hard. Ryker bit his lip as he tried to push the mental image of one very naked Nova from his mind.

She sat in front of him as they rode through the forest. The smell of her hair made him want to bury his face in it. Her scent was otherworldly, like tiny particles from a different realm. The closest thing Ryker could compare it to was lilac, the salty sea air, and something else he couldn’t put his finger on. Whatever the combo was, it drove him wild and after this morning’s ordeal, the combination of her smell and her incredible body had him grinding his teeth in self control. All he wanted to do was taste her.

Did her full lips taste as good as they looked? Would her skin feel like velvet beneath his hands? Would she make little noises while he rubbed his nose into the crook of her neck? Would this celestial creature even know what it was like to be pleasured?

He shouldn’t even dance with these swaying temptations. Pretty creatures with pretty eyes and pretty lips weren’t his to have, because when he did, he couldn’t keep them safe.

Ryker closed his eyes and took a slow, deep breath in. This was a business deal—despite the small niggling of what if it wasn’t?—that tugged on his chest. He needed to pull himself together and stop thinking about her naked or the evidence of it was going to show. There was very little fabric between them right now, which also didn’t help.

He inwardly smiled at her escape attempt. She was daring. And boy, could she sprint.

It had only taken him minutes to realise she’d made a run for it. Thankfully for him, Nova had fled in almost a circle, making it easy for him to catch up—before the Galanthor could.

Horrid creatures, really. Massive, with the hulking body of a bear and the plumed head of an owl—powerful, yet lumbering in their movements. The kind of beast Ryker avoided at all costs. He knew all too well the pain one could inflict.

He carefully flexed his hand, wrapped in bandages. Luckily, the beast’s claws had only grazed him, leaving a shallow wound that would heal in a few days. Ryker was relieved that the Galanthor hadn’t caused more serious harm. It was the first time he’d seen one in a while.

Hopefully, it would be the last.

Farm lands stretched endlessly on either side of the winding road, golden crops swaying in the breeze under a sky streaked with hues of late afternoon. Herds of sheep and cattle grazed within the rolling grasslands, their contented sounds drifting towards Ryker’s ears. He knew the palace was just hours away. Soon, he would leave her with the king, collect his money, and forget all about this beautiful creature in front of him.

At least he hoped so.

“You’ve barely spoken this afternoon,” Ryker murmured.

“What is there to talk about?”

Ryker shifted in the saddle. “We could talk about why you tried to run away?”

“Can you blame me?” Nova huffed. “Would you want to be carted off like an item, taken to a place you’ve never seen, with no choice in the matter?”

She got him there.

“Trust me, you’ll love living in a palace.”

Nova huffed, her delicate shoulders dropping. “How would you know? You don’t even know me.”

Ryker caught her sea-green eyes as she glanced over her shoulder. “I know all women like fancy dresses and to be waited on hand and foot,” he murmured.

“Maybe the women you know. I, for one, don’t like that sort of thing.”

Truth be told, Ryker did not know whether or not she would enjoy staying at the palace. Nor was he certain of Branoc’s intentions with Nova. It seemed as if the king always got bored with new things. There was a good chance it would be the same with the star.

Who was Ryker to challenge a king, though? And there was no point in filling the poor woman’s mind with worry, so he let the topic rest.

“Whatever you say, little star.”

Nova fiddled with the pale green fabric of her skirt. “Why do you call me that?”

Ryker’s brow furrowed slightly. “Call you what?”

“Little star.”

He paused, uncertain of the answer himself. Maybe it was because she seemed delicate, like something rare that deserved care and reverence. And the name just seemed to suit her.

He shrugged. “Would you rather I didn’t?”

Nova shook her head, a soft cascade of white hair falling over her shoulders. “Call me whatever you like,” she murmured.

A slow smile curved his lips. He could think of a few other names he’d like to call her, but for now, little star would have to do.

The village on the outskirts of the palace borders came into view, and Ryker stiffened. Clusters of tents nestled beneath the canopy of trees, while makeshift camps littered the edge of the forest in a patchwork of rugged shelters. Children’s laughter rang out as they chased one another, their clothing fluttering behind them in tattered rags. A few rough-hewn log buildings huddled together, forming the heart of the sparse village.

This particular camp sheltered many farmers who had little money to spare. Half-orcs, the odd elf, and a scattering of humans looked at Ryker with either fear in their eyes or a wariness that only came about because he worked for the king.

It tugged at Ryker’s heart, seeing the children looking up at him with hungry, pleading eyes. The king should have intervened long ago, but his focus rarely strayed from his own desires, leaving these people to fend for themselves amid his indifference.

Other kingdoms he’d visited over the years seemed to flourish in all areas. Not just the cities, but the villages and farms too—obvious that their rulers actually cared about the people. Branoc was just a greedy pig.

There was no way around it—this path led directly into the city, forcing him through the familiar district. In past ventures, he would pause to buy food for the children. But today, Ryker didn’t have the time for that. He needed to deliver the star to the king, before temptation overtook him—before he did something he would regret—like let her go.

Ryker moved swiftly through the cluttered tents and small log homes, ignoring the eager children who ran towards him. It nearly killed him to turn them away. He would come back to bring them sweet treats and stories after King Branoc paid him. It was all he could really offer.

“Why are these children coming to greet you?” Nova asked.

Ryker shifted in the saddle. “I usually stop and tell them stories.”

Nova glanced over her shoulder. “The grouch can be nice—who would have known?”

“I can be many things, Nova.”

The simple mention of her name on his lips shifted something in his chest. It wasn’t often he called her by it.

Nova huffed in amusement. “Do they not have parents?”

“Some of them do. Some don’t. Most parents are away all day trying to make money.”

Nova’s voice softened. “Why didn’t you stop today?”

“I don’t have time. I need to get you to King Branoc.”

The quicker he dropped her off and took his money, the faster he would be free of this constant torment that had invaded his mind the moment he touched her.

Satisfied with his answer, Nova turned her focus to the road ahead.

The city loomed before them, and Ryker broke Charlie into a canter. Nova squealed as the black stallion took off, her glistening white hair floating behind her and tickling Ryker’s face. He smiled softly at her excitement and pushed Charlie harder. The wind whipped over them, and Nova threw her arms out.

“Careful Nova!” Ryker said sternly.

“Of what?!” she called back. “I feel like I’m flying!”

Ryker pulled her tighter against his chest. His other hand tightened on the reins. “Just don’t fall off.”

Nova giggled as she nodded. “This is the most wonderful feeling!”

Forestry, farms, and wide open spaces flew past in a flurry of colour and textures, like the brush strokes of a painting. Birds sang overhead and for one fleeting moment . . . Ryker couldn’t help but feel alive.

He eased Charlie to a slower pace as the palace came into view. Towering spires pierced the sky, their golden tips catching the afternoon light. The grand stone walls seemed to stretch endlessly, and the distant flutter of crimson banners waved in the gentle breeze. Bit by bit, the entire structure revealed itself, looming on the horizon like a silent watchman.

They passed villagers carrying their wares, the cobblestone streets alive with the hum of commerce. Stalls brimmed with vibrant fabrics and aromatic spices from distant lands, each watched closely by different fae races. Some with sharp, calculating eyes, others with smiles plastered on their faces and laughter bubbling from their mouths.

The savoury scents of roasted meats and spiced breads wafted through the air as they passed food merchants and bustling taverns. Yet, even after four years of living among these sights and sounds, the place still felt foreign to Ryker—never truly home.

Ryker steered Charlie through the main street towards the larger gates that entered the palace grounds. Wary people eyed them, gossiping, women whispering as they passed by. If he was honest with himself, he didn’t think anyone would have noticed them as they rode through, but, glancing down at Nova, Ryker saw the reason they were staring wide eyed.

Nova was glowing.

It was the first time since he took her from the twins that her skin glimmered in such a lovely viridian hue.

Ryker wrapped his body around her a little more, trying to diffuse her celestial essence, but it was of little use. Her neck strained, following everyone’s movements, and the more sights of the city she took in, the brighter she glowed.

If people didn’t know what she was before . . . they did now.

She gazed at everything with such awe and wonder, and something hit Ryker—an unexpected pang of regret . . . No—something fiercer and far more protective. Maybe he should forego the bounty and simply find her somewhere else to live. This innocent woman did not deserve to be placed into the hands of King Branoc.

Yet, surely living in a palace was better than other fates, right?

* * *

King Branoc rose from the seat, his royal cape trailing behind him as he took long, confident strides towards the pair, grinning from ear to ear. “You did not disappoint, Ryker.”

Nova drew closer to Ryker’s side and reached for his hand. His first instinct was to take it and walk right out of the room, but he shoved it down. Surely living in a castle would have its benefits. She would be fed, have a comfortable bed to sleep in, and be out of the hands of other bounty hunters or even pirates.

Nova’s already pale face was dull, and the glow she’d portrayed earlier was now gone. Even the strands of her diamond-like hair hung limp, clinging to her delicate frame.

“I rarely ever do.”

“Ryker . . . please don’t do this.” Nova’s voice touched his ears, trembling with fear as she gripped his arm between her bound hands. Her touch was like ice against the heat running through his veins.

Yet, he remained firm in his composure. He was hired to do a job and now that job was done. No matter what he thought of the king and his obnoxious grin. It wasn’t up to Ryker to change the fate of the star.

King Branoc circled them, a sneer on his face. “Did she display any powers?”

Ryker furrowed his brow. “She did not.”

Other than the schoolyard fables about stars granting wishes, it had never crossed Ryker’s mind to ask if she had any powers. As a child, he had been enchanted by those tales, imagining that the shimmering lights in the night sky held secrets and magic just out of reach. But now, standing before Nova, the reality was far more intriguing than any childhood fantasy. He couldn’t help but wonder if her celestial origins meant she possessed abilities beyond his understanding.

Branocs’ brow creased with distaste. “I hope you’re telling me the truth, Ryker . . . because if you are not—”

“I don’t make a habit of lying.” Ryker’s voice was stiff.

The king stopped in front of them and grabbed Nova roughly by the chin. “Oh, the fun we are going to have . . . you and I.”

Ryker bristled at Branoc’s tone, his hand twitching towards the blade that rarely left his side. The urge to drive an uppercut into the king’s smug face and snap his royal neck surged within him. But the thought of a guard’s blade finding its mark—or worse, hurting Nova—stayed his hand.

He eyes the king. “Is that what you hope to gain from her—powers?”

King Branoc drew Nova’s face inches away from his own. “She can’t give me powers, but she can certainly give me something else . . . can’t you.”

Ryker’s gaze flicked between Nova and the king. Was there something Branoc knew that Ryker did not? Perhaps he should have questioned Nova before handing her over.

Nova grit her teeth. “I will give you nothing.”

A brittle laugh cut through the throne room, filling Ryker with more dread than he liked to admit. Nova clung to his side, trembling.

He needed to get out of this situation before he, or the king, wound up dead.

“If you’ll pay me, I will be on my way.”

King Branoc motioned to a servant who stepped forward with a large sack. The contents clinked inside as it was handed to him.

Nova took Ryker’s arm and lifted her gaze to his, fear pooling in her eyes. “Ryker, please?”

Before he could answer, Branoc took hold of her hand and yanked her towards himself. “There is no need to worry. You will be very useful here.”

Ryker swallowed, forcing down the emotions that bubbled to the surface as Nova clawed for him again. This was for the best.

“What will you do with her?”

The King chuckled as he tucked Nova closely to his side. “You have your money. You may go. Guards, take our lovely new trinket and show her to her room.”

“No . . . please don’t go, Ryker. Why are you doing this?” Nova cried.

This was a business deal, and now it was done. He had to walk away.

“You will be safe here. Goodbye Nova.” Ryker turned on his heel, leaving the throne room, the sounds of Nova’s shouts muffled as the doors closed behind him.

Pain filled his chest, and he winced. That will teach him to let his stupid heart get involved with the job.

He couldn’t hurry from the castle fast enough. It was time to get home and put all of this behind him. A bath, good food, and a restful night. Charlie would appreciate his own stable, too.

Night had descended upon them, bringing with it the cool evening air as Ryker travelled. The air was thick with the intoxicating scent of night jasmine, its sweet floral notes wafting through the coolness. The fragrance stirred memories of Nova. He closed his eyes, trying to block out the haunting echo of her cries. He needed to put her from his mind.

They reached the lone cabin in the woods faster than ever and Ryker untacked Charlie quickly, wiping him down with a cloth before feeding him freshly loosened hay and a carrot.

After prepping a stew for dinner, Ryker placed it in the fireplace to cook while he bathed. He sank beneath the water’s surface, Nova’s cries ringing in his ears. He couldn’t shake the image of her sea-green eyes filled with the pain of his actions, and Ryker knew she would never forgive him.

Once he was clean and changed, Ryker returned to the fireplace, drying his hair with a towel. The bag of coins sat on the table, silently goading him. Was it worth it? Was it a good idea to deliver an innocent woman into the hands of a king? Ryker clung to the hope that Branoc would be content to simply keep the fallen star as a trophy, but who was he kidding? Branoc was a greedy bastard, and if he thought Nova had powers, he’d be ruthless in finding and exploiting them.

His worn jacket lay over the back of a wooden chair. He fished through the front pockets, looking for his flask of rum.

Truthfully, it didn’t matter what he thought . . . it wasn’t his problem anymore.