Page 58 of Dueling the Suitors

“You are not.”

“Then let me out.”

“No.”

“Fine, then. Get lost.”

Princess!Skylar called her in admonishment.Swallow your pride!

Astoria narrowed her eyes at him.You swallow your pride around Spyrah first!

Skylar’s small face scrunched up in clear annoyance, and his eyes sharpened in a glare.

Cyrus’ chuckle reached her through the door. “Goodnight, Little Dragon. Dream of me.”

She lifted her eyes to the ceiling. “Bad night, Big Dragon. Dream of me escaping your prison.”

He laughed.He laughed!

Aggravating man! He was going to be the end of her. But before it came to that, she would bring him to his knees like the prophecy said.

* * *

The next morning greeted Astoria with the first wave of homesickness. She tossed and turned in her bed, her mind full of thoughts about Emmett and what he might be thinking and doing right now. When her grandpa heard about this, he would go paranoid too. Perhaps Silas as well, given that they were in good condition before she left.

The king and Marciawouldmourn her loss, only because they had lost her to their enemy; she had been their only weapon against him.

Then there was Jasper. While she didn’t want to think about him, she wondered how he would react when he learned what happened to her. This was partially his fault, after all.

How about we focus on blaming you right now, huh?

Astoria turned to Skylar’s sleepy voice; he was curled on the couch. He continued,For leaving your brother to his worries this long when you could’ve smoothed it over last night if you had—

Skylar, I told you—

Forget about my grudge against that spoiled Panda Princess. I’m not the one with a frantic brother back home worried about me. You are my only family, Astoria. I have no one I should be worried about, but you do!

The ache in Astoria’s heart throbbed. Oh, she wanted to comfort her brother. She so badly wanted to, but seeking Cyrus’ help was—

If you don’t do this now, don’t say I didn’t warn you when your brother shows up at the castle gates with an entourage of Daliston guards. You don’t want to bring him here, Princess. Write another letter and remind him briefly of the prophecy, and he will stay back, sending prayers to the Creator for you.

Astoria pondered his words and hated that they made sense from every angle. The last thing she wanted was Emmett showing up at the castle gates, demanding the Emperor return her. Knowing her brother and the lengths he would go for her, she knew hewouldcome to Draken if she didn’t stop him now.

She sighed.Fine. I’m only doing this for the love of my brother.

Whatever, I know I am the one who convinced you.Skylar gave a small shrug, his rounded shoulders rising briefly. A smug look entered his eyes.

Astoria rolled her eyes and wrote a new letter. After having breakfast in her room, she got ready with Emily’s help to see Cyrus. Once she was dressed, she reconsidered her choices and thought about sending the letter to him through Emily instead, along with a note of her own—or better yet, sending it to him viamagic, since only external magic was disabled—but at Skylar’s pointed look, she stopped the thought.

And shot him a sheepish smile. She was merely trying to annoy him.

Skylar rolled his eyes.

Emily told her that Cyrus could be found in his study at this time, and Astoria asked her to lead the way. When they reached the black double doors that were surprisingly unguarded, Astoria dismissed her maid and took a deep breath. Then she banged.

“Who is it?” Cyrus’ sharp voice cut through the door.

Astoria smiled in satisfaction. Instead of answering, she opened the door and let herself in. The fierce look on Cyrus’ face softened briefly, just before it turned into one of annoyance.

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