Page 112 of The Gilded Fae (Royal Fae of Rose Briar Woods 2)

“I can do that.”

This whole time, he hasn’t looked me in the eye. He glances over now, looking like he wants to ask me something.

“What is it?”

Frederick rubs his forehead, hesitating. But then he sighs, looking as if he needs to know. “Did my father sell you into Faerie all those years ago?”

My stomach drops, and I stop pacing. “I think so.”

Frederick’s head slowly falls. He stares at his lap, looking like existing has suddenly become painful.

Sabine leaves her chair and sits next to him on the settee. “Frederick,” she says gently. “Our parents’ wrongdoings are not ours to carry. If they were, I would have been crushed long ago.”

“He’s my father, and he—”

“My mother executed my father,” she says. “And her sister. And my cousin’s husband. No queen in Faerie history has ever had as much blood on her hands as she. But I am not my mother, just as you are not your father.”

The creases on his weary face ease, but only slightly.

Encouraged, Sabine continues, “If anyone knows how you’re feeling, it’s me. It’s not your fault.”

After a few more pensive seconds, he stands. Turning to me, he says, “I’m sorry.”

There’s not much else to say.

“Sabine’s right.”

Frederick nods, heading for the door. “I’ll let you know when I’ve made the switch.”

“Thank you, Frederick. I don’t know how we’d do it without you.” I walk him out. “Oh, and your sword cane…I suppose it’s not that ridiculous.”

With a heavy smile, Frederick begins down the hall. I close the door behind him, turning to Sabine. Exhausted from the taxing night, I open my arms. The princess immediately steps into them. We hold each other for several minutes, neither of us speaking.

“He’ll take care of it,” I finally say. “I know he will.”

But the truth is, part of me is worried. Frederick has always been a diligent son. Will he be able to betray his father?

A knock at the door interrupts my thoughts.

“Did you forget something—” I begin to say as I answer it, cutting off abruptly when I realize it’s not Frederick waiting on the other side.

“Hello, Alex.” Alaric looks past me to Sabine, wearing a wry smile. “My brother said you kidnapped a Faerie and need my help freeing her. I guessed it must be the princess, and it looks like I was right.”