Page 25 of All the Chaos of Constellations
His menacing gaze locked onto her, and she snapped her mouth shut. Prince Drake ignored her as he stormed through the cluster of people who’d gathered to witness her torment. He carried her past a clearing where dancers twirled beneath an overhang of ribbons and floating flowers. Not one of them moved. They were all frozen in the midst of their revelry, watching the renowned assassin as he gently set her down on a wooden bench covered in cushiony blossoms.
“Are you well?”
He may have meant it as a question, but it came out as more of a demand.
“I am.” Or she would be, eventually. Novalise planted both hands on the edge of the bench in an effort to keep herself upright. Her head swam and nausea caused her stomach to roil. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Are you certain?” He folded his arms across his chest, his brows drawn in contempt. “You look as though you might be ill.”
“I’m not ill.” Her nails bit into the soft wood. Damn him for seeing right through her. Though it probably didn’t help that beads of sweat had formed along her forehead as well. She blew out a low breath. “I was overwhelmed.”
“Indeed.” He didn’t look at her. Instead, he kept his gaze steeled upon the celebration, disdain marring his handsome features. “You looked as though you were drowning.”
Interesting.
That was exactly how she’d felt at the time.
“Novalise!”
Her head jerked up at the calling of her name, and Ariesian appeared. He darted over to her, gently clasping the side of her face with one hand. Crouching before her, his silver gaze raked across her face, the blue flecks of his eyes nearly black. “Novalise, what happened?”
Before she could respond, Prince Drake cut Ariesian down with a singularly caustic look. “You should be more mindful of your sister.”
At the slight, Ariesian stood, clenching his jaw. The cordiality between them from before had evaporated, and he grew rigid. Austere. Drawing himself to his full height, he went head-to-head with the shadow prince. “I assure you, I’m fully aware of my sister’s wellbeing. As well as the rest of my siblings.”
“Then you should learn to read body language.” Prince Drake took one step closer. “Because your sister was clearly in distress.”
Novalise rolled her eyes to the star-ridden heavens. She was exhausted from having males argue over her and speaking for her, especially when they acted like she wasn’t even there. Would this wretched night never end?
Pushing to her feet, she smoothed her excessive skirts, gliding effortlessly into the role of a lady from House Celestine. “Ariesian, if you have no objections, I think I’d like to return home now.”
Her brother continued to face Prince Drake, the tension between them thick and palpable. If she wanted, she could stab at it with a sewing needle. After a few strained moments, Ariesian reluctantly jerked his head toward her. “If you so wish.”
“Find her an escort,” the prince demanded.
“I don’t need an escort.” Novalise moved to her brother’s side and Ariesian’s arm shot out, halting her from coming any closer. “I’ve moved freely within this realm my entire life. There is nowhere safer than Aeramere.”
But the prince disregarded her completely, like she hadn’t said a word. His eyes only darkened and energy crackled around them, causing her to shiver despite the warm night.
“An escort,” he repeated to Ariesian, his voice low and ominous. “Or you can consider my business here done.”
Ariesian’s shoulders grew taut. His jaw clenched, and Novalise caught sight of the faintest twitch. Though his arms remained by his sides, his hands were curled into fists, and power throbbed around him in intimidating waves like midnight stars.
“Business?” Concern entangled Novalise. She couldn’t imagine what sort of affairs her brother would need to conduct with the shadow prince. “What kind of business?”
“It is none of your concern, Novalise. Go home.” Ariesian nodded, and Solarius was by her side a second later. “Solarius will escort you.”
“I am not his charge.” Novalise struggled to keep her voice from pitching, fought to maintain her flawless exterior, as was expected of her. She inhaled sharply. “I am not in need of a chaperone, Ariesian. I’m not?—”
He whirled on her. Though his face concealed any emotion, his eyes were a torrent of fury. “You wished to leave, now do so.” He enunciated each word with suppressed anger. “At once.”
Shock radiated through her.
Never before had she witnessed Ariesian lose his temper. He was always calm and righteous, in constant command of his reactions. Whatever sort of contract he and Prince Drake intended to sanction, it must have been immensely significant.
Novalise backpedaled from him and Solarius quickly caught her hand, tucking it into the crook of his elbow, holding her in place.
“Shall we?” he whispered, his voice kind.
