Page 64 of All the Chaos of Constellations
“Not in the least.” Solarius laughed. “What’s your excuse?”
She thought for a moment, trying to compose a plausible explanation for her absence. “Well, I was?—”
Her mouth snapped shut.
Ariesian was at the opposite end of the hall, stalking toward them, consternation deepening the frown across his brow.
“Solarius. Novalise.” He glanced between them, then studied her, his keen gaze taking in her tangled braid and ridiculously plain dress. “Did you stay at House Emberspire last night?”
Anxiety lodged her voice somewhere in the back of her throat. From beside her, Solarius reared back, his brows arched in surprise.
“Really, Nova?” he whispered conspiratorially. “Lord Firebane? And how is the book-loving fire fae in bed?”
She jabbed him swiftly in the ribs with her elbow, glaring up at him with silent condemnation.
“Nova?” Ariesian prompted. He crossed his arms over his chest, his displeasure expanding the longer she stood there without speaking.
“Of course not.” She laughed, but it was forced. Strained and slightly off-pitch. She clenched her hands together. Panicking under pressure, she blurted out a stolen excuse. “I was in town playing crystal spades. I lost too much money, drank too much wine, and found a safe place to sleep for the night.”
Solarius might be able to get away with sleeping on the side of the road, but she most certainly could not.
“What?” A scowl marred Solarius’s face, but his eyes danced with laugher. “That wasmyreason for strolling back home in the early morning hours.”
Ariesian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose to disguise his growing vexation. “You don’t have anything to be ashamed of, Novalise. I merely want to ensure you’re being careful.”
Careful? Did he think so little of her as to assume she might be with child before marriage? She wasalwayscareful.
Novalise fisted her hands on her hips, the urge to defend herself against his assumptions rising. “I’ll have you know, my moon cycles are none of your concern. I drink a special blend of herbal tea regularly to prevent?—”
“Gods, no!” Ariesian threw his hands up to silence her, his eyes widening. “That isnotwhat I meant.”
Solarius chuckled, coming to her rescue. He planted one hand on her shoulder, lowering his voice. “Ariesian was inquiring whether you’re certain traipsing around with Lord Firebane is the best course of action, since your wedding is only a few days away.”
She huffed. “I am not innocent. I’m allowed to enjoy the company of whomever I choose.”
Solarius turned red.
Ariesian turned stone cold.
“I’m aware.” His voice dripped with disdain. The stars trembled, despite being eclipsed by the glowing sun. “But I also know that everyone in Aeramere is watching your every move, waiting to see what will happen. After your star reading…”
He trailed off, the unsaid words hanging between them like the cloying scent of heady perfume.
Right. Of course, her disaster of a star reading would be at the forefront of his mind. Nothing had gone according to plan despite the effort she put forth to achieve the fate promised to her. She’d worked so hard, she’d been so diligent. She never stepped out of line, did everything that was asked of her, and allowed decisions to be made for her. The artfully crafted pedestal she’d been placed upon had given way beneath her, sent her careening back toward the ground, only to be caught in a web of risky bargains and unpredictable chance.
And what did she have to show for it?
She’d made a deal with the Shadowblade Assassin, she’d yet to take her place as the Reader of Stars, Asher had finally accepted her but refused to love her, and worse, her wedding was days away and she wasn’t even sure he would agree to marry her.
“I’m sure everything will fall into place.” Solarius broke the strained silence, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Our Novalise is going to the have the wedding of the Season.”
Ariesian grunted, shaking his head. “At least the stars got something right.”
With that, he stalked past them, his brooding temperament hanging over his head like the clouds of an incoming storm.
Solarius’s hand fell away, and he faced her, tugging lightly on her braid. “Don’t worry, Nova. Ariesian has a lot on his mind as of late.”
“Is finding a suitable husband for me something that plagues him?” She ran the toe of her shoe along the line of constellations inlaid against the smooth stone floor. Exasperation burned in her stomach, acidic and volatile. “Because I am quite capable of doing that on my own.”
