Page 41 of All the Chaos of Constellations
“Where have you been? I was looking everywhere for you.” There was a faint sheen of sweat across her brow and a sparkle in her eyes. He didn’t dare ask what she’d been doing while he was gone. Cyra reached up, trying to smooth his wild hair. “And what happened to your hair?”
He gently swatted her hand away, shoving it back from his face.
Lilith watched the exchange, the corner of her deeply painted lips curling. “From the looks of it, I’d say he was slightly indisposed. A bit delayed, if you will.”
Asher stiffened, brushing his hair from his face again. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Lilith looked pointedly at his dick, then let her eyes wander back up the front of him before finally meeting his gaze. She smirked, crossing her arms beneath her chest to boost her ample bosom. “Oh, I know exactly what I’m talking about.”
He glowered down at her, but she didn’t flinch under the severity of his stare.
The damn fae.
Of course, she would know what he’d been doing. It was time for a deft change of subject.
“Have you had any luck finding a match, Cyra?” He glanced around the party carrying on around them, carefully avoid any more interactions with Lilith. “Anyone who strikes your fancy?”
Lilith’s seductive laughter rang out, garnering the attention of multiple males and more than one female. “No one you would approve of, my lord.”
Cyra sent Lilith an admonishing look, nudging her lightly with her elbow. “Not yet, darling brother. Though a fae lord from House Galefell did ask me to dance. Twice.”
Ah. At least that explained the flush in her cheeks. He was relieved her rise of color was not some other activity.
“That is something,” he agreed, glancing out over her head once more to see if he could spy anyone lurking between the dancers, waiting for him to walk away. He’d been told on more than one occasion he wasn’t exactly approachable, and he saw no reason for that sentiment to change, even if Cyra’s future was on the line. He didn’t exactly possess the same intimidating demeanor as the shadow prince, but he wouldn’t be at all surprised if his sister had to drag her future husband before him to ask for Asher’s blessing.
“What about you, my lord?” Lilith sauntered closer, her hips swaying. She used her sexual prowess on many a male for her own wicked ways, and Asher was grateful he’d always been immune to her advances. “Will you be choosing a bride this Midsummer?”
Asher made a derisive, scoffing sound. “Absolutely not.”
“I imagine such a notion would be impossible, considering…” Lilith’s allure faded, her voice trailing off.
“Considering what?” he prompted.
Cyra tugged on his sleeve, staring at something behind him. She’d gone terribly pale. He turned to see what captured their attention.
“Evening,” Prince Drake murmured, the dancers around them backing up, giving the Shadowblade Assassin a wide berth.
“Your Highness.” Cyra and Lilith greeted him in unison, dropping into elegant curtsies.
Asher afforded the prince a stiff bow. “Kalstrand.”
Prince Drake eyed him coolly, inclining his head. “Firebane.”
Without looking away from the prince, Asher spoke to his sister and Lilith. “Ladies.”
“Come on, Lilith.” Cyra grabbed Lilith’s hand, tugging her close to her side. “Let’s go dance.”
He waited until his sister and Lilith disappeared into the safety of the crowd before addressing Prince Drake. “I thought you’d seek me out sooner, Your Highness.”
The shadow prince clicked tongue, shaking his head. When he smiled, it was cruel. “You fuck up everything, don’t you, Firebane?”
A flicker of annoyance fired through Asher. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“I gave you something on a silver platter and you ruined it.” He took an intimidating step forward, malice radiating from him. “You of all people should know I never make the same offer twice.”
Unease slithered down Asher’s spine. He knew the day would come when he would have to face the Shadowblade Assassin again. Inhaling, he steadied himself, calmed the trepidation coursing through him like a rapid current.
Asher lowered his voice, aware of those who pretended to ignore them, but who listened for any significant detail from their conversation, anything that could be plucked and twisted into a rumor. “If this is about our deal, I only need a little more time. I’ve narrowed down the location of thevirdis lepatiteto three regions.”
