Page 119 of What Blooms from Death

I lowered my gaze back to Nova. “Maybe they’re here to watch you?”

“Doubt it.”

Another glance from me caused a series of giggles to break out, followed by a shuffling of bodies as they all jostled for better positioning. The commotion seemed to fluster Nova, drawing a disgruntled noise from deep in her throat, and I couldn’t help the arrogance that curved my lips into a more complete smile.

“Do their stares make you jealous?”

“No.” The reply was quick, but her blush had been even quicker.

I beckoned her toward me. “Come here. Come practice magic with me.”

She hesitated.

“I bet we can makethemjealous,” I said, dropping my voice to a low, conspiratorial tone.

“I don’t care about making other women jealous.”

“No? Manipulating emotions is at the center of all court life and politics. A useful skill for a future queen, in other words.”

“How noble.”

I chuckled. “Let me guess: You didn’t pay attention in your political classes, either.”

“Do they teach this sort of thing in classes?”

“It’s the underlying message inallthe lessons where I’m from.”

“That’s concerning,” she said. But she was stepping closer, all the same, her gaze obviously fighting to stay fixed on mine and not trail lower.

“I can put my shirt back on if it helps you concentrate,” I offered.

“Don’t flatter yourself; I’m not that flustered by your bare chest.”

“I’ll have to find some other way to fluster you, then.”

“Keep talking,” she deadpanned, “and I’m sure it will happen. It usually does.”

I chuckled at this as she slipped off her cloak and tossed it next to my shirt and coat, revealing light, form-fitting leather armor underneath, before redoing the braid that hung nearly to her waist.

I looked her over as she went through these motions; I was searching for more bruises like the ones I’d noticed during our impromptu picnic the other day…but my gaze got caught on herthroat—on a shadowy thread that encircled it before dipping lower, caressing the curves of her breasts.

“Staring is rude,” she informed me with a smirk.

“It is.” I returned her smirk. “You’re a fast learner.”

“One of the many things I pride myself on. Also? It’s good to know youareflustered by a mere chest.”

“Flusteredis a strong word.”

“Shall I keep removing articles of clothing and see if we can get you there?”

“Are we going to practice magic or bedroom antics?”

“I don’t need practice in the latter,” she said.

“It never hurts to learn new skills.”

“That’s true. And there’s plenty I could teach you, I’m sure.”

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