Page 46 of All the Chaos of Constellations
She was being incredibly ominous.
“I want you to promise me you won’t talk of such things with anyone else.” Asher reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. “The last thing I want is for you to get caught up in any sort of political intrigue.”
It was one thing if Queen Elowyn or Prince Aspen asked something of him, but he would not allow his sister to be used as a pawn. By anyone.
Her smile was too bright. “Of course.”
“Swear it,” Asher demanded. “This isn’t another one of your silly amusements. If you get caught up in any of this, there could be severe repercussions.”
“Fine. I swear it on mother’s grave.” She pulled her hand out of his hold and picked up her piece of toast. Though she seemed content, a faint line etched its way across her usually smooth brow. “Now, what is this favor you need from me?”
“I need you to befriend Lady Novalise Starstorm.”
Cyra’s golden eyes widened like orbs, her lashes fluttering back. “TheLady Novalise Starstorm?”
“The very one.”
“Whatever for?” Cyra snatched her napkin from her lap, dabbing at the corners of her mouth. “I’m sure she has plenty of friends.”
“That may be, but how often do you ever see her with anyone?”
Cyra opened her mouth, then closed it. Her lips pursed. “Now that you mention it, hardly ever. She is always by herself. I imagine she’s quite lonely.”
Her unsaid words hung in the air between them.
Like you.
“Exactly,” Asher agreed, shaking off the uncomfortable sensation. “I’d like for you to keep her occupied over the next few days. But mostly, more than anything, I need you to keep her far away from Prince Drake Kalstrand.”
“The Shadowblade Assassin?” She gaped at him. “But why?”
“This is the part where you must not tell a soul.” Asher held her gaze, willing her to understand. “Do I have your word?”
She nodded. “Yes. Yes, of course.”
He swallowed, hoping she would stay calm. “I may have accidentally kissed Lady Novalise during Winter Solstice.”
Cyra’s face was blanketed. Expressionless. “And?”
“And in doing so, bound us to one another.”
She stared at him, unblinking. When she spoke, her voice was eerily steady. “You’re telling me that your soul is bound to that of Lady Novalise Starstorm? That your magic chose each other? That she’s fated to you?”
“Yes. Yes. And also…” Asher cleared his throat. “Yes.”
Her eyes darted from him to her plate and then back again. Her lips were pinched, her cheeks high with color. It was like watching a child walk by a candy store for the very first time. He could see the excitement building inside of her, and her smile widened with pure elation.
“Asher!” she squealed, snatching his arm and shaking him. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You know exactly why I didn’t tell you.” She was damn near bouncing in her seat. He gestured toward her, flicking his fingers up and down. “This is why I didn’t tell you.”
“Are you going to marry her?”
“No.”
“Don’t you love her?”
“No.”
