Page 65 of Lady for Embers

“Because they are involved.”

His brows went from furrowed to arching in shock. “Why in the realms would you think that?”

“For one, I’ve known Cassius for ?fteen years. He’s my best friend and I know how to read him. As for Cyrus, he is acting like you,” she answered around a mouthful of bread.

“Like me?”

“Yes. Overprotective. Increasingly broody.” She waved her hand in his direction as if he were an example of what she was describing.

“I am not broody.”

She rolled her eyes. “When we ?rst met, you were broody as hell, especially when it came to me. Demanding information from Cassius. Trying to interfere with my life on the daily—”

“You asked me to train you,” he argued incredulously.

“And you were a broody asshole for a long time.”

“Because you were an arrogant brat,” he shot back.

“Whatever,” she sighed, rolling her eyes again. “The point is, they’re involved. Cyrus needs some time to calm down after he thought I was going to draw from Cass again.”

“You know we have all been sleeping for an entire day, right?”

“Yes, I know that. Which meanstheyhaven’t had much of a chance to talk yet.”

“I still do not see why you think they are involved. They— Wait.” He paused, his eyes widening slightly at the realization. “Are you telling me Cassius prefers males?”

“I sure hope so, or that will be a very one-sided and awkward relationship.”

“Your sarcasm is as delightful as always,” Sorin muttered.

Scarlett ?ashed him a sardonic smile. “Yes, Sorin. Cassius has always preferred males.”

“Why did you not tell me this in Baylorin? When I thought you two were together?”

“I told you we weren’t. Both of us did. That should have been enough. His relationships were none of your business, and even if they were, they were not mine to share,” she replied. “Anyway, it’s still new. I don’t think they realize it’s going on yet.”

“If it’s so obvious to you, you think they don’t see it?” Sorin asked doubtfully.

“I tried to ignore us for months,” she answered with a shrug. “They’ll ?gure it out eventually.”

“If memory serves, an Oracle had to spell it out for you, ­Princess,” he said with a smirk as she pushed off the desk.

“Becausesomeonedidn’t tell me I was his twin ?ame.”

“Fair enough,” he chuckled, following her from the cabin. He did not know where she was taking him, but it didn’t matter. He’d follow her anywhere.

When they reached the main deck, she turned to him. “Make a ?re portal to Briar’s ship.”

“What?”

“Make a portal, Sorin. I won’t draw from you until you can make a portal.”

He sighed, the mood from their banter quickly dissipating as irritation took its place. “I can’t right now.”

“Why?”

“If I knew why, I would ?x it, Scarlett. But we will ?gure it out. In the meantime, I do not think you need to stop re?lling your reserves. We have no idea when they will show up again, and you need to be prepared,” he said evenly, trying to reason with her.

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