Page 115 of The Gilded Fae (Royal Fae of Rose Briar Woods 2)

“So I gave him my water skin and told him I’d return with the charmed ring when it was finished. I promised if he was still there, I’d set him free.”

“Why didn’t you let him out then?”

“He was still tethered, and Lord Treald could have tracked us.”

“Did you know you were powerful enough to create the curse?” I ask. “How did you even know about it?”

“Studying the mechanics of magic has always been a hobby of mine. There are few books written on it, as most of our people pass knowledge verbally, but the Fae of Evelsa integrated with humans centuries ago and adopted their ways. I searched all of Valsta and Algora, looking for their historical tomes, specifically those which came from the isle before it fell off the map. I found a wealth of knowledge—including information about the Cahlvare curse.”

“And you created it? Just like that?”

Alaric shrugs, far too humble.

Alex appears in the doorway. “As I’m sure you’ve already guessed, I was still in that wretched cage when he returned.”

“We traveled back to Valsta, and along the way, I learned he was part of the theater troupe that had gone missing the year before,” Alaric says. “It created quite a stir in Davon at the time.”

Alex sets the tea tray on the table. “And we’ve been friends ever since.”

Alaric shoots him a look. “If I’d known you would eventually kidnap the princess of Auvenridge, I would have left you in that wretched cage.”

“I’ll make sure my brothers know you were innocent,” I promise.

“Please do. We’d have a tense political situation on our hands if you didn’t.”

“Would King Balthus be so foolish to declare war against West Faerie?” I ask, startled by the ridiculous thought.

“Not Father.” There’s a secret in his gaze. “The king of the Sionna Court.”

“We don’t involve ourselves in the business of the other courts. Why would he care?”

Alaric only raises an eyebrow.

I narrow my eyes. “Who’s your mother exactly?”

“And that is a conversation for another day.” He stands. “If my services are not needed, I’ll return home.”

“Thank you for coming,” Alex says. “I’m sorry for the mess I’ve made.”

We say our goodbyes, and then we’re finally alone again.

“You need to sleep,” Alex says. “You look exhausted.”

“I’ll go in a few minutes.” I clasp his hand and lead him to the settee, pushing his shoulders so he’ll sit. I then take the place next to him, pulling his arm around me.

He laughs, shifting our position so we’re more comfortable, and pulls me into his side. “Just don’t fall asleep. If Ms. Kettinson finds us like this in the morning, she’ll have a conniption.”

I laugh even as I start to drift.