Page 34 of All the Chaos of Constellations
No one’s kiss would ever compare to Asher’s, of that she was sure.
Prince Drake took up an easy pace beside her. “If you want, we could make him jealous.”
“It won’t work. He doesn’t want me.” She carefully tucked back the pieces of hair that had fallen loose from her braid, pinning them into place. “Besides, I want to marry for love, and Lord Firebane thinks such a notion is futile.”
She supposed she could always ignore the bond between them. Eventually it would grow weary, withering away like a summer rose before the autumn harvest. The stars would die, the flames would dampen. His voice would fade from her mind, becoming nothing more than a dull murmur in the darkest part of her heart. Then all this agony, all this suffering, would subside. She would move on, find someone who was worthy of her, someone who wanted her, and hope to the Mother Goddess herself that the one she picked loved her with a fierceness only she could match.
Prince Drake chuckled darkly, drawing her from her wishful thoughts.
“And you think you’ll fall in love in less than two weeks?” His remark was caustic and the truth of it stung.
Mostly because he was right. Midsummer had already begun. Time was not on her side. Her wedding would take place at the end of the Season, exactly eleven days from now, and she hadn’t any idea who she would take as her husband. An unfortunate matter indeed, because if she didn’t pick someone soon, Ariesian would undoubtedly choose for her. Though Solarius had claimed Ariesian would do her justice and attempt to find her a love match, she wasn’t mindless enough to realize those things took time. It could be a last-ditch effort, a final straw, and then she would be forced to settle for someone not of her choosing.
Someone who might be callous or cruel. Or just mean.
Her stomached twisted with dread but she kept her chin held high.
“Think what you want, Your Highness. But I am determined to find a love match.” All her life she’d been told what to say, how to act, what to want. This was the one thing she wanted for herself. The one thing she could finally control if she moved quickly enough. “I couldn’t imagine having to spend the rest of my life with someone who found me fairly tolerable.”
A strange glint sparked in the shadow prince’s eyes. “I have a proposal for you, Lady Novalise.”
He continued to stroll alongside her, down the sloping hill of the courtyard, his long stride easily keeping up with her hastened pace. “I came to Aeramere to meet with your brother, Ariesian. I’d like to form an alliance. A trade deal, if you will.”
Interesting. Solarius was right. Prince Drake had arrived in Aeramere to strike an accord with Ariesian. Strange, however, that he wouldn’t immediately go to Queen Elowyn for such things, but she could only presume that whatever he sought in return couldn’t be granted by the queen.
She peered up at him, curious. “What kind of proposal did you have in mind?”
Prince Drake leaned closer, overwhelming her. The scent of him caused her head to spin, and she took a steadying step back. “Let me court you.”
Novalise blinked. “I’m sorry?”
“It’s fairly simple. I’ll pretend to court you for the remainder of the Season, giving you free rein of suitors while intimidating the ones undeserving of you. That way you can have your pick.” He spread one arm wide, gesturing to the courtyard, the forest, and everything beyond. “In exchange, you’ll help me secure a deal with Ariesian. In the end, we both get what we want.”
“I don’t know.” She worried her bottom lip with her teeth, debating. “I don’t see how that could possibly work in my favor. Everyone is afraid to come near you.”
Her gaze slid back to him.
Prince Drake smiled, ruthless and cold. “Everyone except Lord Firebane.”
Novalise opened her mouth to retort, then clamped it shut. Itcouldwork. If she wanted Lord Firebane to acknowledge the bond between them, maybe she would have to do something daring. Something reckless. Something like pretending to court the notorious Shadowblade Assassin.
Defy the stars.
“Very well, Your Highness.” She held out her hand. “You have a deal.”
He accepted her hand, brushing a featherlight kiss across her knuckles. “So long as you uphold your end of our bargain, then I’m at your service, my lady.”
“Will you be at the Yavanna Ball tonight?” she asked.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Prince Drake bowed, gesturing to Svartos, who once again sat poised like a statue carved from onyx on the queen’s expansive courtyard.
“Ah, I think I prefer to fly by carriage this time.” Novalise took a tentative step back, clasping her hands together tightly. Not that she didn’t trust the majestic dragon. On the contrary, she didn’t trust his rider.
The corner of Prince Drake’s mouth curved. “Suit yourself. I’ll see you tonight, Lady Novalise.”
With that, the shadow prince strode off across the courtyard, leapt upon the back of his dragon like it was the easiest thing in the world, and took to the skies.
Svartos cut through the clouds like a black blade slicing through silk, weaving in and out of the darkening heavens until he was no longer visible. Novalise watched him go, then turned to summon a carriage when she came face to face with Prince Aspen.
