Page 124 of The Gilded Fae (Royal Fae of Rose Briar Woods 2)

ALEX

I tug at my tight collar as I wait outside the throne room in the Auvenridge Court. Two Fae door guards stare at me with blank faces, making me wonder if they’re attempting to bore holes into my head.

Even though Sabine has summoned me, they won’t let me in until they confirm it with Her Majesty.

Several seconds later, the door opens, and another guard emerges. They whisper amongst themselves and then finally allow me to pass through. The door shuts behind me with a soft thud.

The sound echoes throughout the cavernous hall.

Before me, Sabine sits upon her throne, wearing a delicate crown. I pause, overwhelmed by the sight of her.

Light from an overhead skylight streams down upon the new queen. Her hair shines like spun gold, the sleek sheet falling past her shoulders.

She wears a gown of ruby that shimmers in the sunlight, making her look like a jewel.

And she is—the jewel of the Auvenridge Court.

Sabine watches me as I make my way to her, smiling as I approach. We’re alone—she’s sent everyone away.

It’s just the two of us, exactly as it was the night we met in the garden. I stop at the base of the dais, bowing my head. “Your Majesty.”

Slowly, she rises, coming down the stairs one by one—each step taking a lifetime.

Only once she reaches me do I look up. “You’re beautiful.”

“I’ve missed you,” she says.

“I was at your coronation,” I remind her.

“We haven’t had a chance to talk in days.”

“I’ve heard the life of a monarch is tiring.” I smile even though we both know what this is—our goodbye.

We knew it was coming. Our days were numbered from the beginning.

“You’re returning to Davon today?” Sabine asks softly, her eyes glistening in the light.

I take a moment, choking back the emotion that’s trying to work its way to the surface. “I have to salvage what’s left of the show.”

“I’m sorry I can’t be your songbird anymore.” She bites her bottom lip as her jaw begins to quiver.

“Don’t apologize to the fool who kidnapped you.”

She looks at the floor, and a tear trickles down her cheek. “You changed your mind less than twelve hours later. You’re a lousy criminal, Alex.”

We laugh together, but it feels like the moment is gutting me.

“Can I embrace you?” I whisper, glancing around the room. “Or will your guards throw open the doors and arrest me?”

“You’re protected now,” Sabine says softly. “No Fae can ever hurt you again. Because you’re mine.”

Suddenly, the tether between us becomes visible, glowing as gold as her hair. It flows from my wrist to hers, connecting us.

“You’ll have to use Alaric’s ring to leave Faerie,” she says. “Even I can’t extend the tether past our borders. I’m sorry I can’t release you.”

“No.” I stare at the shimmering thread, and my heart clenches. “I’m thankful for the connection.”

I pull her into my arms, holding her tightly. After several seconds, I ask, “Should I stay?”