Rose
The hall was alive with firelight and shadows, the Ravens' stronghold buzzing with voices and the hum of strategy. I sat at Cassian's side, his presence steady and grounding, while across the table Asher King's eyes never strayed too far from me. It was almost amusing the way he tried to mask it beneath that iron composure of his. Almost.
Cassian leaned in, speaking low so only I could hear. "The Ravens are yours, Rose. My blades, my men. we'll bleed for this war. Adrian won't see us coming."
I let my lips curve into the faintest smile, lifting my glass in acknowledgment. Cassian was more than an ally; he was my friend, my brother in all but blood, my best friend. He had stood with me long before Asher appeared in my world. And yet, when I caught Asher's eyes narrowing ever so slightly from across the table, I realized he didn't see brotherhood. He saw competition.
When the meeting adjourned, I slipped from the war table, seeking air on the balcony that overlooked the city. It wasn't long before I heard the heavy footfall behind me.
"Comfortable here, with your Ravens?" Asher's voice was low, edged with something he hadn't meant to show.
I turned slowly, allowing the moonlight to kiss my features. "Of course. Cassian has always been loyal. Loyalty is rare these days."
His jaw tightened. "You seem… close."
"we are close" I corrected him.
I arched a brow, stepping closer so the distance between us was charged, deliberate. "Jealous, Asher?"
He didn't answer, but the flicker in his eyes was enough. I let my dress whisper against his arm as I passed him, leaning just close enough for my words to sting. "Don't mistake loyalty for love. I don't entertain petty jealousies, and I don't waste time on childish games with other women. If I want something or someone I don't hide it. And if I don't, they can set themselves on fire chasing shadows."
"You hiding it rose." He said to me in a slow voice. yes i am hiding it. i shouldn't lose myself in this.
His breath hitched, audible this time, though he tried to bury it beneath that iron control. "You don't make this easy."
I tilted my head, lips curving. "Make what easy?"
"Breathing around you."
The laugh that escaped me was sharp and wicked, curling around the tension between us. I leaned in close enough that my breath brushed his cheek, letting him feel the weight of the tease. "Careful, Asher King. That almost sounded like a confession."
His hand twitched like he wanted to reach for me, but he didn't. That restraint, that control—most men burned to ashes trying to touch my fire. He held himself steady, even as it scorched him. That alone made him dangerous.
I stepped back, smoothing the silk of my dress as if dismissing the moment. "Come inside, Asher. We still have a war to plan. Adrian won't fall by himself."
I turned, leaving him with the scent of smoke and roses, knowing full well his thoughts weren't on Adrian anymore. They were on me and that was exactly where I wanted them.