Page 103 of A Clash of Stars

Evander was so different being around Griffin. He was entirely himself. I could sense that his walls were down with him, which was abnormal for him to do.

While Evander and Griffin caught up for a minute, I shook Jeremiah’s hand and thanked him for coming. He smiled at me, still beaming the same as before, “I never know what to expect with these other royals,” he laughed, looking around at the people surrounding us. “They are so unpredictable, aren’t they?” he questioned me and moved around our group towards where my parents were near the refreshments.

I noticed Lettie standing a few paces away, watching everyone around us as if waiting for someone to attack. I walked towards her and studied her as I did. She was stunning as always. Her strawberry blonde hair wrapped around her hips, and her green dress contrasted with her hair beautifully.

She must have sensed that I was there when she turned her attention toward me. Her eyes were dark and concerned. I felt the pull of emotion from her, she was battling internally about something, so I put that on my list of things to ask about later. I reached out and hugged her, and I felt her take a deep breath before I stood beside her and turned to watch everyone around us, just as she was doing before.

“Clara, it is wonderful to see you. You look happy, truly. How are you?” No one had said that to me before other than my mother.

Was I truly happy? Did it show?

“Yes, I am. Thank you for noticing.” I paused for a moment before I continued. “So, what have you all been up to while we’ve been running around trying to save everyone from this curse?”

She laughed, “Oh, you marrying my brother is saving us from this curse?”

I giggled slightly because she did have an excellent point. I felt like I have done nothing to destroy this curse, but how are you supposed to destroy something without instructions?

She smiled at me and tightened her mouth into a straight line as if to keep information that I was not supposed to know. She picked up on the fact I could tell she was withholding information and decided she would share some of it with me but not enough.

“You are very clever, Clara. You do well to read between the lines and figure people out with and without your power. We have been busy with our to-do list of sorts. I can’t share them with you right now, but maybe soon I will.”

“Have you been enjoying your time in Rhysette?” I asked Lettie.

Her eyebrows raised, surprised by the question. “He told you where I was and why I was there?”

I smiled and laughed, “Yes, he did.”

She ran her tongue over her teeth, turning to look at me, “Well, I guess you know then. The truth about me?”

I nodded.

“Please don’t say anything to anyone,” she pleaded.

“Why would I ever say anything to anyone about that? It isn’t mine to share, Lettie,” I said gingerly.

Her soft smile said more than her words could. She hugged me before she walked away towards Griffin. Before she reached the refreshment table where he was, she turned back and winked at me. I couldn’t help but chuckle. Lettie and Griffin were complete opposites, yet they seemed to mesh well with one another. It could be amazing if one of them would own up to their feelings.

While deep in thought, I felt a stinging pain in my side as an elbow pierced into my rib cage. “Ow!”

Her laugh was light and airy before she spoke. “So… How was it?”

I looked at her with a narrowed expression, “How was…what?”

Bethany looked around inconspicuously before responding. “You know—sex with Evander?”

My mouth dropped open in shock when she continued, “What? I can totally tell you are getting laid. You have a special ‘glow’ that makes me want to punch you in the face. You get to have fun while I’m trying to be this angel daughter for my dad. So annoying.” She chuckled again before she took on a more serious look. “Seriously, though. How are things going with Evander? I know it was all very fast. I got a brief rundown of what happened, how you were forced to marry him. How does that make you feel?”

I turned to have our shoulders touch together as we watched everyone around us, and that’s when I saw him. He was laughing with Griffin and Lettie and lookedcontent and at peace. I couldn’t help but smile as he used his fingers to sweep back his midnight-black hair into place.

“You’re in love with him,” Bethany said, and immediately I shook my head no.

“No, I don’t. I barely know him. Also, we have this unknown back-and-forth conversation on if we are or aren’t mated. It is all too complicated.”

In reality, she might be right. I hadn’t said it out loud, but maybe that’s what this feeling was that I had for him. This longing. Wanting to make sure he was safe and happy. I knew when I wasn’t around him that I missed him.

“Yeah. Okay. I think you’re lying to yourself, but hey, whatever helps you sleep at night.”

I smiled as Evander noticed me looking at him, and I quickly turned my attention to Bethany. “So, can I run something by you?”

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