Page 68 of The Gilded Fae (Royal Fae of Rose Briar Woods 2)

The thought makes me sad. I know Alex is a director now, and the owner of the theater, but he was captivating on stage. It seems a shame he only takes part behind the scenes now.

“Shall we begin?” she asks, deciding which piece she’d like to practice first.

“It might take me a few tries to learn the music,” I say.

“That’s all right. We have plenty of time to work on it.”

I draw in a deep breath as she begins, my nerves fluttering.

To my deep relief, when I join Lesley, the notes are clear and on-key. The lyrics twine with the piano, bringing the piece to life.

When we come to the end, the pianist slowly turns on the bench. “Dennis said your voice was sublime, but I thought he had to be exaggerating.”

“You’re too kind,” I murmur, secretly thrilled by the praise.

We practice for a while, and then we join the others as they finish their read-through. Hours later, when I can focus on little more than finding lunch, the rehearsal ends.

“Sabine,” Alex says as the others prepare to leave for the day. “I’d like to hear what you and Lesley worked on.”

Feeling more confident than I was earlier, I nod.

Together, Lesley and I go through the piece at the piano near the stage. When the song is over, the cast stands frozen in the aisles and amongst the seats. Alex stares at me, his eyes dark, a satisfied smile ghosting across his handsome face.

“Just as enchanting as the first time,” Frederick’s father says, joining us by the piano.

“Thank you, Lord Cavinder,” I say, not missing the irritation that flashes across Alex’s face when he realizes the man is here.

As usual, Phillip is by Lord Cavinder’s side, wearing a drab brown suit that is a touch too snug for his massive shoulders. The jacket buttons strain just slightly, and the sleeves are too short. He offers me a grim smile and turns to Alex.

“I didn’t know you were coming today,” Alex says to Lord Cavinder.

Brightly, he answers, “I like to check up on my investment every once in a while.”

Alex’s expression becomes stormy, and I promise myself I will ask him about it later.

“What a lovely addition to the theater you make, Miss Sabine.” Lord Cavinder leans in to take my hand, giving me a knowing look. “I’m so glad Alex took my advice and decided to keep you.”

His words set me on edge, but I force myself to laugh.

Candace comes to stand next to Alex, looking rather sulky. When she catches me looking at her, she says, “You are rather extraordinary, aren’t you?”

I’m not inclined to believe it’s a compliment.

“Thank you,” I say anyway.

“This show is going to be a success,” Dennis says with a satisfied look on his mustached face. The theater manager crosses his arms and nods. “Two spectacular talents filling the role of Allora—we’re going to sell out every night.”

A shadow crosses Alex’s face. “That’s certainly the hope.”

* * *

Alex hada meeting with Candace’s fiancé after the rehearsal, and I tell myself I couldn’t care less whether he spent the afternoon with the woman. Why would I? He caged me.

Maybe it’s freedom.

I groan, dropping into one of the upholstered chairs in the guest room Frederick has lent to me. I’ve learned we’re in his family’s townhouse, the place they reside when they’re in the city, which it seems Frederick and his father often are.

It’s a lovely space, cozier than the hotel, with personal touches scattered about—a framed needlepoint upon the dressing table, a knitted blanket folded at the end of the bed, a quilted sampler on the wall.