Page 43 of All the Chaos of Constellations
Novalise told herself it was plenty of time. She’d made a deal with Prince Drake, and if their plan was going to work, it would require Ariesian’s assistance. She would convince her brother to draw up a trade agreement with Prince Drake, exactly as he’d asked her to do. Once she succeeded, the shadow prince would be compelled to help her secure a mate for her marriage, exactly as he promised. And not just any mate. Asher.
Because the prince had certainly been right about one thing, Asher was probably the only fae in all of Aeramere who didn’t fear him. She had no doubt Prince Drake would hold up his end of their bargain. Despite being a ruthless assassin, he hardly seemed like the type to go back on his word. If anything, he would be more likely to enforce it with scrupulous consequences.
Heavy footfalls sounding down the hall snagged her attention, and she drew herself up, smoothing her rumpled skirts so she at least looked somewhat presentable.
“Novalise.” Ariesian appeared at the end of the corridor, walking toward her. He glanced up and down the hall, a line of concern furrowing across his brow. “What are you doing up this late? I would have thought you’d be in bed by now.”
Right. Because that was expected of her and she never did anything rebellious. Granted, staying up past her apparent bedtime wouldn’t exactly start a rebellion, but this was all new for her and she was going to take it one step at a time.
She straightened, smiling to greet her eldest brother. “I need to speak with you.”
Ariesian blew out a breath, the ends of his silver hair fluttering across his forehead. “Regarding?”
Novalise steeled her backbone. “A trade deal with Brackroth.”
Ariesian reached behind her, opening the door to his study. Unease rippled around him. “Negotiations with other realms are none of your concern, Nova.” He gestured for her to sit, and she seated herself on the plush navy velvet sofa. “Especially ones involving Prince Kalstrand.”
“I understand.” Novalise settled against the soft cushions, folding her hands in her lap. She couldn’t back down, not this time. “But I’m also aware he seeks an accord with House Celestine.”
She wouldn’t mention the fact she thought it completely mind-boggling that Prince Drake would want to bargain with House Celestine and not all of Aeramere. But Queen Elowyn had never limited the reach of the houses when it came to bettering their livelihoods or improving relations among other realms. Her primary concern was that of her crown. So long as she maintained the integrity of the Veil, she would never need to worry. Unless, of course, another uprising occurred, though there hadn’t been one of those in years. Not with Prince Aspen at the helm of their defense.
Ariesian dropped into the leather chair behind a desk covered with marked pages in books and stacks of paper. He was usually so orderly, and everything had its place. He leaned back, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Prince Kalstrand told you this?”
That information she was definitely keeping to herself.
“Ariesian, I’m no fool.” She leaned forward, trying to make her point. “He mentioned a contract the night the Veil was lifted when he demanded I be escorted home.”
Glowing faerie fire bounced off his features, covering him in a swath of light and shadow. Her brother looked exhausted. He squeezed his eyes shut, gently rubbing his temples. “His terms, Nova…they can’t be taken lightly.”
She would expect nothing less. This was the Shadowblade Assassin they were talking about. He moved with purpose, spoke with precision, and never said anything he didn’t mean. She could only assume his mannerisms and demands would be reflected in every negotiation.
“Understandable.” Novalise nodded. “What is he offering us?”
“A trade.” Ariesian opened his eyes. They were dark and haunted. “Protection.”
Protection? That seemed a little excessive. She wasn’t involved in the intricacies of politics surrounding the houses of Aeramere, but she knew they were safe. She knew the Veil safeguarded them from any outside threats.
“Protection from who?” Novalise prompted and Ariesian sent her a withering look. “Let me guess, it’s none of my concern.”
“You know how I feel about you partaking in such burdensome conversations.”
“The stars spoke to me in a reading, Ariesian, and the constellations that were shown to me?” She shook her head, crossing her arms. “They shouldnothave been in alignment.”
He leaned across the desk, lifting one brow in concern. “What did you see?”
“Aedes the Fae Warrior, the Great Stag, and Vespira the Druid.”
“Holy shit.” He winced, sparing her a glance. “Apologies for my coarse language, Novalise.”
She waved him off, dismissing his nonsense.
“But you’re right.” She was on the edge of the sofa now, her fingers digging into the soft velvet. “You know what they mean as well as I do. Overcoming strife or possibly even impending war. Power and leadership. Great change. Ariesian, I couldn’t possibly have misinterpreted them. Their meanings hold true, do they not?”
“They do.” He dropped his head, muttering to himself. The words were unintelligible, and all she caught was the trail of a sentence ending with, “I should’ve known.”
Suddenly, he stilled and his head snapped up. “Who else knows?”
Novalise reared back. “I’m sorry?”
