Page 79 of All the Pain of Promises
“Right.” He huffed out a breath, his thoughts spiraling. “So, the real question becomes, how do we uncover whatever secrets Mother is keeping?”
Ariesian set the empty glass on his desk and when he looked up, the silver of his eyes had hardened, reminiscent of cold iron. When he spoke, his voice was a low rumble, like distant thunder. “We pry them from her through any means necessary.”
Solarius nodded in solemn agreement. He would gladly go to any lengths to protect his siblings and, now, Narissa. He would walk through fire, take a blade through the heart, give his life for theirs over and over if it meant they were safe. For him, it would always be family above all else. Blood above all else.
And when that blood was poisoned, it was time to cut the vein.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Narissa sat in the dining hall of House Celestine with one hand pressed firmly to her chest, trying to soothe the rush of anger funneling down the bond.
She knew Solarius was planning to meet with Ariesian this afternoon, so she could only assume the eldest Starstorm had said something to infuriate her husband. She’d seen Solarius lose his temper a handful of times, but this…this all-consuming rage, was entirely new. And to experience the effect it had on him through the bond was slightly terrifying. Never would she have thought Solarius capable of taking a life, but in that moment, it seemed as though he wanted nothing more.
Not only that, but it had been impossible to reach his mind. He’d completely shut her out. He’d shuteverythingout.
Helpless to do anything but search him out and perhaps make everything worse, she sat at the dining table with Sarelle and Caelian, pretending to enjoy the cute sandwiches and starberry punch, while acting as though nothing was amiss.
“Tell me, Caelian.” Sarelle lifted her glass of punch and took a sip of the bubbly pink liquid. “Did you dance with anyone at the Yuletide Ball? That is, after Solarius and our dear Narissa so effortlessly commanded everyone’s attention?”
Sarelle winked and Narissa ducked her head, smiling at the memory of last night—everything from the dance, to traipsing through the garden, to the faerie pool.
“I’m afraid not.” Caelian stared at her plate where the small pile of food remained untouched. Her silver hair, highlighted with threads of pale pink, icy blue, and lavender, tumbled around her shoulders, hiding most of her face from view. “I haven’t danced since I…”
Her voice trailed off, but her sister wasn’t letting her dismiss them so quickly.
“Since you saved the life of General Kjeld Holtstrom?” Sarelle suggested softly, her dark gaze flitting over her sister in quiet consideration.
A heavy sigh escaped Caelian then, filled with sharp agony and utter despair. She plucked at the starburst beads lining the opaque violet sleeves of her gown, then folded her hands in her lap.
“I should never have done it. He hates me for it.” Rubbing her lips together, she pulled her shoulders back and straightened her spine, as though that would somehow erase the tears threatening to spill down her cheeks. “I should have let him die.”
Sarelle instantly reached over and grabbed Caelian’s hand. “No. No, no. Do not ever apologize for saving someone’s life.”
“I was hardly heroic, Sarelle.” Hurt and torment were etched into the smooth planes of Caelian’s face. “I used magic like a folly. I expelled too much, took too much, wished for too much. I was selfish, thinking only of myself. And now, the stars have taken?—”
But Caelian’s proclamation was silenced as a gust of wind stole through the dining hall. Ribbons of shimmery sky blue ruffled Narissa’s hair like a breeze, stirring the curtains framing the windows, and caused the faerie fire glowing in the chandelier to flicker. It carried a crisp, cream envelope sealed with a waxemblem. The magical flurry of air swirled once, before delicately dropping the envelope into Narissa’s lap.
“Oh!” She turned it over in her hands, running two fingers across the raised wax depicting the crest of House Galefell—pale blue clouds across the outline of a sun—and her stomach sank. Calfair wouldn’t dare make any contact with her, not after the beating Solarius gave him, but her hands still trembled as she opened it.
“It’s a letter. From Lady Aria Skyhelm.” She pulled out a sheet of parchment with lovely, scrolling script, and quickly read the brief contents. It appeared Lady Aria required another elixir, one to help with exhaustion and fitful rest. A sleeping draught would do the trick.
“How curious.” Sarelle cut into her lemon mousse with a spoon. “I wasn’t aware you and Lady Aria were such good friends.”
There was no jealousy in her tone, but more so an edge of curiosity. Caution, even.
“Oh, we’re not. At least, not really.” Narissa placed the letter on the table and reached for her punch. The bright, lively flavors danced across her tongue when she took a sip. She didn’t miss the pointed look Sarelle sent her.
“I’ve always admired Lady Aria,” Caelian mused, poking at the sandwich on her plate with a fork. She’d still yet to eat a single thing since lunch was served. “Her exceptional beauty. The awareness of her own self-worth. And her inexplicable ability to go after exactly what she wants.”
Like one of your brothers, Narissa thought with a small smirk, recalling her conversation with Lady Aria the other day.
“Has she invited you for tea?” Sarelle asked, tilting her head so her raven hair reflected the deepest hue of blue in the afternoon light, illuminated by sprinkles of stardust.
“More or less.” It wasn’t quite a lie, but the words left an acidic flavor on her tongue. “She’s asked me to this quaint cafe in Galefell. They have the most delicious desserts.”
“How lovely, I do enjoy a good dessert.” It was the first time Caelian had smiled in the entirety of their time spent together.
“As do I,” a smooth male voice sounded from the doorway of the dining hall.
