Page 36 of All the Chaos of Constellations
In the next breath, he was before her. He captured her hand, dragging her flush against him. Most gentlemen would’ve stopped with a gentle brush of their lips across her knuckles, but Prince Drake was not like most gentlemen. In fact, she wasn’t sure if she would qualify him as one at all. He flipped open her hand, palm up, pressing a firm kiss to the center. Then he proceeded to kiss the inside of her arm, from her wrist to her shoulder.
A shiver of trepidation left her trembling and goosebumps pebbled over her skin.
“Lady Novalise,” he crooned, tucking her into his side, offering a cutthroat smile to anyone who dared look their way. “Might I have this dance?”
She nodded and handed her wine glass off to Sarelle, though following the shadow prince out into the faerie ring of flowers felt like she was agreeing to meet her end.
Prince Drake’s hand glided effortlessly around her waist, dipping dangerously low to the small of her back. Then he pressed her scandalously close, so her chest was flush against him. He let one finger trail over the rise of her breasts before tracing the constellation of Estrela’s crown marking the flesh above her heart. That same finger slid down her shoulder, to her elbow, then finally to her wrist, where he grabbed her hand and swept her into a dance.
“I have to admit, Your Highness…” Novalise rose up on her toes, whispering into his ear to make sure no one else heard them. Without the music, the forest was eerily quiet. So silent, even the rustling of the leaves seemed too loud. “I’m not sure this is going to work.”
“Trust me.” Prince Drake spun her around so she could see over his shoulder. “It already is.”
Sure enough, standing outside the circle of flowers with his arms crossed, looking ready to set fire to the world, was Lord Asher Firebane.
Perhaps dancing with the Shadowblade Assassin wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
CHAPTERFOURTEEN
Enough.
Asher couldn’t take it anymore. If Cyra was right, if they were going to announce Novalise’s betrothal tonight, then he would do everything in his power to ensure it wasn’t to Prince Drake of Brackroth.
When he first arrived, he’d caught sight of Ariesian exchanging some choice words with Lord Everland, but now the lord of House Celestine was nowhere to be found. Queen Elowyn wasn’t in attendance either, which was fine. Granted, it meant he couldn’t demand she break his bond to Novalise, but it also meant she wouldn’t be approving any engagements in person, which was her preference.
But then he saw Prince Drake stalk through the forest like he was one of the Ancient Ones, revered and worshipped, and it had taken every last shred of his willpower not to launch a bolt of frostfire at the shadow prince. Now, Novalise was in his arms. Her wedding would be at the end of the Season and if Asher didn’t do something to stop it, she’d be forced to marry Prince Drake. If for no other reason than the fact that every other male in the general vicinity was terrified of him.
There was no more time to waste.
He had to take matters into his own hands.
Asher rolled his head from side to side, cracking his neck, then started for them. He didn’t care if it was in the middle of a dance. He didn’t care if everyone was watching him, if interrupting two partners on the dance floor was considered a terrible offense. He didn’t care about any social cues or proper decorum. His agenda had been set.
Apprehension locked itself around him, slowing his movements. It was like being chained to the bottom of the sea and struggling to walk along the dense ocean floor. His fate was officially sealed. But he was sparing her, he reminded himself. Saving her.
In order to keep Novalise safe from Prince Drake, he would do the one thing he feared above all else.
He would marry her himself.
* * *
“If you’d excuse me,Your Highness.” Asher cut the Shadowblade Assassin down with a glare of steel. “I need to speak with Lady Novalise.”
Prince Drake stilled, keeping Novalise pulled snugly against him. His features were schooled effortlessly into place, and he showed no sign of emotion. No mockery. No anger. Not even a sliver of surprise. He wore a mask of indifference. “And such matters can’t wait until after our dance?”
“I’m afraid not, Your Highness.” It was one thing to walk the line of disrespect, it was something else to cross it completely. Right now, Asher was dangerously close to that border. “It’s of utmost urgency.”
A beat of silence passed. And then another.
“Very well.” Prince Drake stepped aside, releasing his hold on Novalise. “My lady, I’m afraid I must release you to Lord Firebane. Unless you have any objections?”
Asher finally looked at Novalise and his magic surged, racing toward hers. He held tight to the reins of his control, relenting slightly when she shook her head once.
“If you change your mind,” Prince Drake said, leaning down to whisper into her ear without breaking eye contact with Asher. “Just call my name.”
His lips brushed the pointed tip of her ear, a silent threat. A warning.
Asher offered his arm, holding the prince’s hard stare, and the moment Novalise slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, the musicians started playing once more. Without a word, he took her hand and guided her out of the faerie ring, towards the forest’s edge. When he was certain everyone had taken their fill of them, and no other prying eyes continued to wait for another spectacle to unfold, he stepped into the woods, taking Novalise with him.
