“Good. You shouldn’t trust him. Or anyone. But better the beast you know. At least you will retain the crown and our home. The alternatives would be far worse.”
Rora knew that. While the various kingdoms in Caelira had not waged war against each other since the Time of Tempests began, conflict within the kingdoms was more common. Families disputed who was the rightful heir—who was the worthiest or the strongest. Other nobles tried to wrest control. Her mother had squashed a few such rebellions after the deaths of her husband and son. It was how Aurora knew her mother would have no pity for the hurt Cassius caused her. One did not rule in this world without learning to be ruthless.
“Did you know I fell in love once before I met your father?” the queen asked. “He was dashing and brave and handsome. I was smitten before he ever spoke to me.” The queen’s gaze was far away, in another time. “But he had no intention of being shackled to a crown. He was a free spirit. An adventurer. He slipped out of my life with as much ease as he came into it. I was devastated, of course. Swore that I would never love another man.”
“But then you met Papa?”
Her mother smiled softly. “Your father was a safe choice to rule by my side—wellborn, highly educated, and willing to take the Pavan name and submit to a woman as his ruler and wife. I thought that was all we would ever be—a safe choice. It took a little longer, but I fell so deeply for your father that it seemed impossible I had ever felt otherwise. I’m not saying you’ll grow to love your prince. Though stranger things have happened. I’m only saying that time tempers all emotions, and what feels terrifying now will not always be so.”
A knock sounded at the door, and the queen looked almost guilty. She squeezed Rora’s hand and said, “You, my daughter, have a will stronger than a hundred tempests, and that is something not even magic could ever give you. You can allow him a chance or fight him. I hope you will choose the former.”
The queen left the room, and Rora’s stomach pitched when she heard a familiar, deep voice. The door eased open with a creak. She pulled the covers up high and pretended to be asleep.
Cassius said her name from the doorway, and then a click sounded. Rora hoped he left, but the scrape of boots against the floor told her otherwise. He sat down in the chair by her bed, and she kept her expression relaxed and her breathing even.
She fought a flinch when he touched her hair. He wound a strand around his finger, tugging just enough that she might have woken if she were really asleep. Did he know she was pretending?
“You don’t deserve someone like me,” he said. She clenched the fist hidden beneath her pillow. “But you are mine all the same.”
Long moments passed with Rora pretending to be asleep. The air tickled her exposed skin as if the energy of the skyfire storm still swirled around him. He murmured, “It’s not enough. But it’s a start.” Then he placed something on the pillow beside her.
Another knock came, and when he went to answer the door, she peeked at the object he left behind. Her breath caught.
A skyfire Stormheart.
Had the blinding light that blasted the storm terrace been Cassius taking a Stormheart? And if so, how?
“Your Highness. I brought more herbs for the princess to ease her pain.” Rora recognized Novaya’s voice.
“Please come in. Though I’m afraid the princess is sleeping.”
Footsteps followed, and then another glass of tea was set on the bedside table.
“What is your name?” Cassius asked.
“Novaya, Your Highness.”
“That is a lovely name. And your accent is not Pavanian. You’re from…”
“Taraanar, originally, but I’ve been here most of my life.”
“Ah, is the Rani Delta as lush as they say?”
“It is, Your Highness. It is a stunning contrast to the surrounding deserts.”
His voice moved closer to the bed, to Novaya.
“How fitting then that it is your origin.” Rora heard Nova suck in a gasp, followed by Cassius’s low murmur. “You are beautiful. I’ve never seen hair shine so much as yours.”
A cramp formed low in Aurora’s belly. He was flirting with Nova? Here? Bile rose in her throat, and she swallowed it down. Not long ago she’d fallen blindly for his compliments. She had wanted to believe that someone could deem her special. Even with all her flaws. She wanted it with an ache that permeated every breath, and he’d used that to manipulate her.
Was he doing the same now to Nova? Or … was he truly interested in her old friend? Nova was beautiful. Once the wedding was done and he no longer needed to woo Rora, would it be Nova he sought out instead?
“Y-your Highness.” Nova’s voice had climbed higher. “I should take my leave.”
“Not yet. I have more questions.” His earlier sultry tone faded into something firmer. “Tell me about the markets in Taraanar. I’m told they are extraordinary.”
“I was quite young when we left for Pavan. I remember little about the markets.”
Rora heard the twist of the knob and the creak of the opening door, only for it to slam closed again. “And what of the markets in Pavan? What can you tell me of those?”
All Aurora could decipher of the conversation that followed was that Cassius wanted some information and would not take no for an answer. She heard mention of the storm cellars, various street names, something about a lantern and an eye.
“You’ll be glad you told me, Novaya. You want me as a friend.” She heard the distinct clinking of coins. “Keep your silence, and I promise you’ll be the first person I come to when I next need a favor. Don’t keep it, and I’ll be much less friendly when we meet again.”
The door opened and closed, followed by an odd thud. Rora waited, unsure if Cassius remained in the room, then slowly peeked out from beneath her blankets. The prince was gone, and Novaya sat slumped against the door, fists clenched at her sides and her breathing ragged. Had Cassius done something to her? Rora leaped from the bed and darted toward the girl. Before she got close, Nova held out a hand and cried, “Don’t. Please don’t come any closer. Just give me a moment.”
“Did he hurt you?” Rora asked. She would not put it past him. Nova had clearly been reluctant to give him whatever information he wanted. After several deep breaths, Nova’s fists unclenched and her body relaxed, her face dotted with perspiration. “I’m fine. I sometimes get … overwhelmed. But … I’m well now.” Nova pressed the heels of her hands against her eyes and asked, “Were you awake the whole time?”
“I was. I didn’t want to see him, so I pretended to be asleep.”
“Your Highness, you must know I would never encourage anything untoward—”
Rora waved off her concern. “That doesn’t matter. I’d rather know what information you gave him.”
Nova froze, her face twisting with fear. “Please, I did not want to tell him.”
“Tell him what?”
Nova’s fists clenched again, and she shook her head sharply.