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  Star-Crossed: Cal’s Story

  A FIRE AND STARLIGHT NOVELLA

  AMBER D. LEWIS

  Copyright © 2022 by Amber D Lewis

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This is a work of fiction with a fictional world. Any resemblance to real or existing people, cultures, religions, or conditions is coincidental.

  Print Paperback ISBN: 978-1-7370541-8-4

  Ebook ISBN: 978-1-7370541-9-1

  Cover Design and Formatting: Once Upon an Amber Dawn

  Cover Art: Amber D. Lewis and Benjamin Lewis

  Editor: Andi L. Gregory

  For Business Inquiries visit www.amberdlewis.com or write to 4359 Wade Hampton Blvd, #282, Taylors, SC 29687

  Created with Vellum

  To everyone who deserves to find love and be loved. Yes, that’s you, dear reader.

  Also by Amber D. Lewis

  RECOMMENDED READING ORDER

  The Night the Stars Fell

  Scars: Alak’s Story

  The Starlight in the Shadows

  Star-Crossed: Cal’s Story

  Contents

  Author Note

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Author Note

  This story contains negative comments and views against the LGBTQIA+ community as displayed by fictional characters. These views are not reflected by the author. The main character also expresses self-doubt and struggles with his sexuality, especially after a forced outing occurs. Throughout the book he learns to accept himself and has the support of multiple friends.

  This story also alludes to an eating disorder as well as bouts of anxiety and depression.

  For more information please visit the author’s website: www.amberdlewis.com/content-warnings

  One

  Advance!” Captain Bramfield—Bram—barks.

  Without hesitation, we charge forward against our opponents, swords clashing. I meet Noah blow for blow, striking fast and sure.

  “Withdraw!” Bram shouts, and we break apart.

  I grin at Noah as I wipe sweat from my brow with the back of my arm. He returns the grin, but we’re careful not to let Bram catch us. Heaven forbid we have any fun during our morning training session. I glance over to Bram, but his eyes aren’t on me. They aren’t on any of the Guard. He’s watching soldiers training a field over, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. After a moment, he snaps his focus back to us and we all straighten to attention.

  “Good work, men,” he says with a nod of satisfaction. “There is a reason you are all members of Prince Ehren’s Guard, but you need to stay sharp. Dismissed.”

  We fall into a bustle of chatter as we sheathe swords and swagger off the training field. I’m sauntering away with everyone else when Bram draws my attention.

  “Cal, Noah, come here for a minute.”

  I exchange a curious glance with Noah, but he shrugs as we make our way over to Bram.

  “When was the last time either of you took a look at the newer recruits wanting to be part of Ehren’s Guard?” Bram asks, his eyes drifting back over to the soldiers training nearby.

  “I’m not sure. I think last week sometime,” I reply with a shrug.

  “Same here,” Noah agrees with a nod. “Sometime last week.”

  Bram looks back at us and nods. “Would you mind checking them out again? I heard there were quite a few new soldiers, several of whom who have expressed interest in the Guard. See if there is anyone we should keep an eye on.”

  “No problem, Captain.” I grin.

  “Very good,” Bram says. “You may go.”

  Without another word Bram turns and strides away. Noah looks over at me and bursts out laughing.

  “What?” I ask, eyes sparkling.

  “Do you think Bram ever has any fun, or does he think about swords night and day?” Noah asks, walking toward the nearby training field.

  I grin as I fall into step beside him. “I have no idea. In all the years I’ve known him, he always seems so serious.”

  “He needs a girl something awful.”

  I duck my head and will away the blush that always rises when the other soldiers start talking about girls. I’m not embarrassed by any rowdy talk, but I always feel at a loss with what I can contribute. Girls have never held any interest for me, and the fewer people that know about that, the better. I’m relieved when we reach the edge of the training field and I’m no longer expected to reply.

  “I don’t see many new faces,” Noah mutters, squinting at the sweaty soldiers.

  I let my eyes wander over the gathered men. “Me neither. Maybe the newer recruits are training somewhere else or at a different time?”

  Noah nods and cracks his neck. “Well, since there’s nothing for me to do here, I think I’m going to head into the city. Care to join me?”

  I’m about to agree when one of the soldiers catches my eye. He’s young, likely a year or two younger than my age of nineteen, with a head full of shaggy, loose blond curls made brighter by his tanned skin. Even from this distance I catch the bright flash of his smile, and I can’t look away.

  “Cal?” Noah says, waving his hand in front of my face.

  I blink, shifting my gaze to him. “Sorry, I think I’m going to hang around here for a bit more. See if any more soldiers join. I might even head over to one of the other training fields and look for those new recruits.”

  Noah shrugs. “Whatever suits your fancy. I guess I’ll catch up with you later.”

  He bounds off and I turn my attention back to the sparring soldiers. They’re rearranging into organized lines now, so it takes me a moment to find the young man again. When I do, I’m mesmerized by his every movement. He has skill, that’s undeniable, but even I know he falls short of the requirement for the Guard. Pity. I wouldn’t mind training by his side every day. As if he could hear my thoughts, the young man looks up, his bright eyes meeting mine. My face flushes with sudden shame. The man grins, nearly getting hit by the sword of his opponent. I quickly pull my gaze away and rush from the field. The last thing I need is him asking me questions. I need to disappear. Now.

  The next few days are busy. Ehren has a short trip planned next week, and several of us will be escorting him. Bram wants to make sure we’re all ready to go and has us participating in extra drill sessions. I don’t have the heart to tell him a few more hours of practice a day won’t make that much of a difference. The poor fellow seems to live to swing that sword of his. After one particularly brutal training session, Bram pulls me aside.

  “Would you mind being part of the detail tomorrow?” he asks as I wipe the sweat from my brow.

  “I wouldn’t mind at all.”

  Bram nods. “Good.” He hesitates a moment before asking, “Were you able to observe the new recruits and find anyone promising?”

  I pause. I haven’t been back to the training sessions since the young man caught me watching.

  “There is one newer soldier who might have potential,” I say, stretching the truth but only barely.

  Bram nods with satisfaction. “Good to hear. There are a few soldiers attempting the trials today. I am headed over there now. Would you like to come with me, see if any of the soldiers you spotted are among those trying out?”

  I freeze. Do I want to see the young man again? Yes. Do I want to run the risk of him recognizing me? No. Then again, what are the chances that he’s actually among the few longing to be part of the Guard?

  “I know Ehren appreciates any and all input. He trusts your opinion, as do I.”

  And then there’s Ehren. I’m sure it’s as cliché as can be to have a crush on the crown prince, but it’s one I’ve harbored for nearly a decade now. As if a soldier like me could ever have a shot at the prince, even if he were interested in men. But, even if I don’t remotely have a chance, I still enjoy his company and leap at every opportunity to be near him.

  “I suppose I could join you,” I concede with a shrug.

  “Great,” Bram says, clapping me on the shoulder. “Let’s head on over.”

  Nerves twist in my gut as I follow Bram to the upper training ring where the trials take place. In order to enter specific training for Ehren’s Guard, soldiers have to pass three trials, each with a different weapon and playing to different strengths. Bram leads the tests, switching up the exact weapons that will be used each time.

  The trials may be difficult, but they’re only half the battle. Once a candidate makes it past the trials, they integrate into the Guard, where they prove themselves clean of character, compatible with the other members of the Guard, and skilled beyond the average soldier. They have one month to be chosen. Those that make the cut get to be members of Ehren’s Guard; the others join the king’s army as basic foot soldiers. Sometimes Bram and Ehren decide within days, but other times it takes the full month. So far Ehren’s Guard consists of thirty-six men, including Captain Bramfield and myself.

  When we arrive at the upper training ring, the space outside the wall swarms with people, mostly soldiers, eager for a good show. Bram pushes through the crowd, making his way to Ehren at the front. I stick close to his side as the crowd parts. Ehren leans forward onto the tallest, chest
-high portion of the wall, chin propped up on his palm as he watches the stretching soldiers with rapt attention.

  I step to his side and realize with a rush of fear and excitement the young man I saw is among those trying out. He wears a cocky yet charming grin that makes my heart flutter.

  “Do you see any of the soldiers that caught your eye?” Bram says in my ear, making me jump.

  “Oh, uh, yes. That young man right there was one I had my eye on,” I mumble, nodding toward him.

  Bram scowls, looking right at the young man in question. “That one?”

  It’s extremely unfortunate he happens to fumble and drop a sword at that exact moment. The tips of my ears turn bright red.

  “He seemed more competent before,” I mutter, regretting my decision to come along.

  “Cal’s right,” Ehren says cheerfully, eyes bright as he straightens and playfully bumps his shoulder against mine. “I was watching him when he first came up here, and he seems to have decent skill. He was the first to arrive and seems very eager.”

  “Eager does not equate talent,” Bram says, scanning the other participants with a scowl.

  Ehren shrugs, placing his palms flat against the stone to hoist himself up to sit on top of the wall. “It seems like he may have some talent, too.”

  Bram offers Ehren an appeasing shrug before circling around the wall to the center of the ring. Ehren turns, looking down at me with a wide grin, and motions for me to join him on the wall. I oblige as Bram whistles loudly, drawing the attention of both the crowd and the recruits.

  “The process to become a Guard member is simple, but the tests are not,” he says, his voice carrying easily over the open air. “They consist of three rounds, each slightly harder than the last. Anyone who can complete all three rounds will be considered for entry into training to become part of Prince Ehren’s Guard. The final decision and test falls to His Majesty, Prince Ehren, and myself. Any questions?” All the contestants shake their heads. “Good. Let’s begin.”

  Bram steps back to the side of the ring near where Ehren and I watch, motioning to one of the five young men waiting off to the side. The man stumbles forward, glancing around nervously. The first test is a simple sword fight against Pascal, a current Guard. The first contestant wins without any trouble, but fails the second test, which is hand-to-hand combat with a rather burly soldier who’s part of the royal army. Next up is the young man I have my eye on. He saunters to the center of the ring with a confident swagger. At first, his form is flawless, and even Bram seems impressed. He doesn’t adjust quickly enough, however, and Pascal learns to predict his moves. It’s not long before he’s disarmed and the round is over. He looks crestfallen as he takes his place next to the other soldier who failed.

  “Pity,” Ehren mumbles. “He looked promising at first.”

  Bram nods. “He did.”

  I try not to let my attention obviously wander as we watch the three remaining contestants. In the end, none of them pass all three rounds. The fact that he wasn’t the only one to fail seems to make my young man brighten a bit, but I still catch the clear disappointment on his face as he shuffles away.

  “Well,” Ehren says with a long sigh, hopping down off the wall, “shall we go grab a pint at The Gilded Goblet to commiserate the fact that my Guard will never have fifty members?”

  Bram rolls his eyes. “You are being dramatic. It takes time to build up a reliable Guard. It does not—and should not—happen overnight, but it will happen.” He turns his attention to me. “What drew your attention to that second contestant?”

  My cheeks warm as I glance away from his prying eyes. “He seemed very skilled in training compared to the other soldiers.”

  I expect Bram to question me further, but instead he nods. “I can definitely see his potential. He merely needs a little more focus and training. Keep an eye on him for us, will you, Cal?”

  I nod, trying not to seem too eager.

  “Either way, pub?” Ehren presses, waggling his eyebrows and making me laugh.

  Bram and I give in and follow Ehren into the city to The Gilded Goblet. It’s busy and, as much as I enjoy being in Ehren’s presence, I don’t care for the crowd. After one drink, I slip out, heading back toward the upper training field. I expect to find it empty and am startled when I see the young man from earlier training alone. I stand back a little, watching in awe as he trains. His muscles flex and sweat soaks his clothes, but he doesn’t slow down or stop. I deeply admire his determination. When he finally stops, he sweeps his arm across his brow, glancing around. I panic when he starts to look my way, scurrying off before he can spot me, my heart thrumming against my ribcage.

  Two

  A few weeks ago, Ehren, as part of his training to one day rule Callenia, was forced to attend one of his father’s meetings with commoners requesting aid. A representative from the village of Bellvale brought news of flooding due to unprecedented rain and requested aid to rebuild. Ehren took special interest in the request, and the king, probably hoping to engage Ehren in leading in any way he could, put Ehren in charge of the project. Ehren took the job seriously, and when he received word that the village was rebuilt, he insisted on visiting to confirm. Many of the nobles scoffed, believing Ehren was only looking for an excuse to escape, but I know better. While I have no doubt that Ehren would indeed relish any trip away from the palace, I know how much genuine love and concern Ehren has for his people. He would not be satisfied with secondhand information. He would want to see the progress with his own two eyes. This was the mission I got to join, along with Bram and seven other Guard members.

  Traveling as part of Ehren’s Guard is always enjoyable, no matter the length of the trip. This journey to the small village of Bellvale, a little way south of Embervein, takes two full days to reach. We pull into the town shortly before sunset on the second day. A man rushes up to us almost immediately.

  “Your Majesty,” he says with a low bow. “My name is Melvin Penbrook. We are honored to have you as our guest here in Bellvale.”

  “Please,” Ehren says, barely masking a grimace, “there’s no need to bow.”

  His voice is even and carefree, but I know him well enough to catch the discomfort in his voice. As long as I have known him, Ehren has wanted to be treated more like anyone else and less like a prince.

  “Whatever you wish, Your Majesty,” the man says, straightening. “We’ve set aside rooms for you and your Guard at our finest inn, if I may show you the way?”

  “Please,” Ehren says, gesturing for the man to lead.

  “The inn is above a tavern that serves a fine stew, if that would suit you, Your Majesty,” Melvin says as he walks alongside Ehren, guiding us toward the inn. “Of course, if you would prefer something else, we could always—”

  “I very much like stew,” Ehren cuts in with a genuine smile.

  The man releases a long breath of relief at Ehren’s words, noticeably relaxing. When we reach the inn, we dismount and Bram instructs two Guards to take care of our horses while the rest of us accompany Ehren inside. Bram surveys the inside of the tavern the moment we step through the door, assessing every possible threat. While it’s busy, barely half the tables are full. As soon as the owner spots us, he approaches with his head bowed.

  “We may need to make a few adjustments in order to secure the room for the prince,” Bram says to the man before he even gets a chance to speak.

  “Of course,” the man says, nodding his head enthusiastically. “Whatever you need.”

  “We also need our room information.”

  “I’ve that all ready for ya,” the man says, withdrawing a few keys from his apron pocket and extending them to Bram.

  Bram accepts the keys with a nod of satisfaction before turning to me. “Cal, escort Ehren upstairs to his room and help him deposit our travel bags. Remain with him until I secure the area.”