Page 3 of The Gilded Fae (Royal Fae of Rose Briar Woods 2)

My mind is toofull of the day’s events to sleep. I lie in bed, tossing and turning, commanding my thoughts to be still.

In the wee hours of the morning, I finally give up. With a frustrated sigh, I sit, shoving the blankets back.

Ten minutes later, I slip through the castle, using my magic to sneak past the drowsing guards.

Though I don’t consciously intend to go to the gardens, that’s where I find myself. The stage remains, but the area is deserted. The traveling troupe members sleep in their carts near the front of the castle, protected by my mother’s temporary agreement. It wouldn’t be safe for most humans to linger in Faerie after nightfall, but exceptions can be made.

At least they were tonight.

I call my magic, casting an orb of light above the stage, and walk up the wooden steps. Lilacs bloom nearby, their purple flowers scenting the air.

I run my finger down one of the velvet curtains, imagining what it would be like to perform on this stage, humming under my breath.

“Does your mother know you’re out here?”

I whirl around, letting out a soft cry of surprise, ready to run.

The young man I met earlier leans against the base of the stairs, smiling at me in a way that makes it hard to catch my breath. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“I have magic,” I warn.

His smile grows as he circles the stairs and then climbs them, joining me on the stage. “A common gift of the Fae, or so I’ve heard.”

I swallow, excitement growing in my belly and chasing away the fear.

“Shouldn’t you be sleeping?” I ask. “It’s the middle of the night.”

“Funny.” His smile turns lazy. “I was going to ask you the same thing.”

“What’s your name?” I ask.

“Alexander.” He bows his head. “But my friends call me Alex.”

“I’m Sabine.” I touch a hand to my throat, evading him when he draws a little closer.

It almost feels like I’ve been dropped into a play, and we’re practicing for a scene that makes my heart beat too quickly.

He laughs, cocking his head to the side. “Why do you keep running from me?”

“Am I?” I force myself to be still.

The young man stops a few feet away, his eyes bright. He’s taller than I am by several inches, lean like Drake.

“Couldn’t sleep?” he asks.

I shake my head, biting my bottom lip to hide my smile.

“Neither could I.” He nods toward the painted flats, which have yet to be packed. “I take it you enjoyed the performance?”

“I did.” My smile breaks free without my permission. “It was my first.”

“And what was your favorite part?”

Before I can stop myself, I say, “You.”

His eyebrows jump, and his smirk grows lopsided.

“I mean…the character you played.” My cheeks burn. “Not you specifically.”