had been deeply in love with the princess since they were kids and knew they belonged together. He was quite determined to win her over.
Astrid always envied how outgoing and self-assured Stella was, and it was Stella who encouraged her to keep trying to open up to Zander. Yet Astrid was always afraid of what might happen. What if she fell in love? What if he didn’t? They had so much in common, but would that be enough? The buzz around Yantra was that they would marry, but this only added pressure to the shy princess.
Stella answered, “Of course. Get ready. Maddox is making some spiced java downstairs, so you know where I’ll be.” Stella winked and strutted away. She pursued Maddox as Zander did Astrid. Stella was infatuated with his intensely blue eyes, sculpted muscles and angular black wings that hung in perfect symmetry from his tall frame. She found his unavailability and careless attitude irresistible. His indifference just made Stella want him all the more. Astrid didn’t have high hopes, but would certainly love Stella as a sister-in-law. Perhaps Stella could put a stop to Maddox’s immature escapades.
Stella traipsed down the spiral staircase to the kitchen where she found a pot of spiced java, but no Maddox… just shards of a shattered cup.
III. Escapades
But all we lust for. What endures?-
Exponential Greed.
—W.D. Snodgrass
Yantra Page 3
