Page 3 of All the Chaos of Constellations
“You have to save me.” Novalise usually considered herself above begging, but desperate times called for desperate measures. The last thing she wanted was to fall victim to Reif’s charms again. Because if he was anything, it was convincing.
Ariesian stared at her, unblinking. “You’re serious?”
“Of course I’m serious.” She clutched the fabric of his coat between her fingers, clinging to him. “Tell him I’ve caught my death out in the cold and have lost my voice.”
“I thought you said that was impossible,” Ariesian countered, a nearly invisible smile tugging up the corner of his mouth.
She rolled her eyes to where the crystalline snowflakes continued to swirl above them. “What difference does that make? Please, Ariesian.”
“Absolutely not. I have my own demanding admirers to deal with, many of whom have rather ambitious mothers.” He patted her hand, then disentangled himself from her hold. “You’re fully capable of taking care of yourself. That being said, if he lays a single unwelcome hand on you, say the word.”
With that, her brother dipped his head and strode off toward the other side of the ballroom. She was helpless to do anything but watch as the gathering crowd parted for him, then just as swiftly swallowed him whole.
Novalise cast a hasty glance over her shoulder and was met with Reif’s wide, charming smile. His golden skin was kissed by the sun and his sandy blond hair was tied in a knot at the back of his head. Wisps of those shimmering strands framed his angular face, managing to make it look like he was standing on a windswept beach instead of inside the confines of a suffocating ballroom. Turquoise hoops pierced up one side of his pointed ears and when those eyes, as green as the Chantara Sea, washed over her, Novalise knew she was in trouble.
“Lady Novalise.” He bowed, then held out his hand.
She hesitated before giving in and he captured her fingers, placing a kiss upon each knuckle. Forcing a polite smile, she pulled her hand back and was rewarded with another devastating grin. Except this time, his teeth skimmed along his bottom lip, and she tracked the movement.
Oh yes, he knewexactlythe effect he had on her.
Reif clicked his tongue. “You look absolutely ravishing.”
“Thank you, my lord.” She schooled a neutral expression into place, refusing to give him the reaction he sought.
He shoved his hands into the pockets of his pants and moved closer. “I was hoping I’d get to see you tonight.”
Novalise dug her heels in place, willing herself to stand her ground against his alluring confidence. She clasped her hands before her, tilting her head in consideration. “I can’t imagine why.”
“Considering the last time we saw each other?—”
“You had your head between the thighs of someone else?” she prompted, grateful when he had the decency to look away.
The shame was short-lived.
“It was only one time.” He took another step so only a few breaths of air stood between them. His presence was overwhelming, the scent of him a mixture of sandalwood and the sea and entirely too tempting. “And she didn’t taste nearly as good as you.”
Fates divine, she had to get away from him. She knew his words were all sugar-coated fabrications intended to weaken her knees, but why did he have to be so ridiculously good at it?
A servant passed by carrying a tray filled with flutes of starberry sparkling wine. Novalise grabbed two and when Reif reached out to take one from her, she downed them both. The bright taste of ripe berries played across her tongue and mingled with the fizzing bubbles, easing some of her frustration.
His grin only widened. “Thirsty?”
“If you only knew,” she mumbled.
“What was that?”
“I said, not for you.” Novalise silently cursed Ariesian for discovering her on the balcony and forcing her to come back inside. She would always play the part required of her, but right now, she needed an escape. A moment’s peace. Anywhere that wasn’t near Reif Marintide and his gorgeously persuasive smile.
“Is that…” she gasped, feigning shock. She quickly set down the two empty flutes on the ledge behind her, then rose up on her toes. “No, it can’t be.”
Reif stole a glance behind them. “Who?”
“Prince Aspen.” The lie tasted sour, but she swallowed it down. “I knew Ariesian invited him tonight, but I didn’t think he’d actually show up.”
Novalise pointed to the far side of the ballroom where a cluster of fae were talking excitedly, their faces likely animated by some absurd story that had nothing to do with the prince of Aeramere.
Instantly, Reif whipped away from her. He was forever trying to earn himself a position within the prince’s exclusive circle. The moment he left her side, Novalise seized her opportunity.
