Page 69 of The Gilded Fae (Royal Fae of Rose Briar Woods 2)

But what truly captures my attention is a wooden figurine, whittled and painted, on the bedside table. I study the boy and dog, recognizing the style and afraid I know who created it.

Does Alex still make his figurines, or is he too busy running the theater to pursue the pastime anymore? I cross the room and take it in my hands, mentally comparing it to the figurine upon the shelf in my room in Brahm’s estate.

A knock at the door distracts me. Absently, I say, “Come in.”

Frederick steps inside, sans jacket, looking handsome in his yellow waistcoat. “I apologize for abandoning you this afternoon. I was called away on business, I’m afraid.”

“What is it you do, Frederick?”

He smiles as he leans against the doorframe. “Father has his project, and I see to our family’s estate just outside the city. I had a meeting with one of our tenants.”

“All is well?”

He nods, and his eyes drop to the figurine. Hastily, I put it back in its place.

“Alex made that for my mother,” he says.

“I suspected it was one of his.”

Looking mildly surprised, Frederick asks, “You’ve seen his work before?”

“He gave me a figurine when he came into Faerie.” I avert my gaze. “For my birthday.”

“Ah,” he says thoughtfully.

Frederick seems uncomfortable with the subject of Alex’s time in my kingdom, as if he never quite knows what to say.

I turn my back on the wooden boy. “Though I’ve met your father, I have yet to meet your mother.”

“The summer heat doesn’t suit her. She’s currently in the country with her sister.”

It seems there is more to the story, but it’s not my place to pry.

I smile. “She’s a wise woman.”

Frederick laughs and then says, “Are you hungry? We’ve been invited to join Candace’s aunt and uncle for dinner.”

“Is that…” I pause. “Uncomfortable for you?”

“Alex told you we courted.”

“Yes.” I study him. “Who ended the relationship?”

“I did.” Though he smiles, it looks more like a grimace. “But I assure you, we’re quite friendly. There are no hard feelings between us.”

“And how do you feel about Candace’s fiancé?”

“I don’t particularly like him.”

I laugh softly, deciding love is just as complicated in Valsta as it is in Faerie.

I want to ask if Alex will be joining us tonight, but my pride won’t allow it. If Frederick and I have been invited, I’m sure he’ll be there as well. He’s probably with Candace at this very moment.

Earlier, I was amused by the way she fawned over him—certain it was at Frederick’s expense—but it doesn’t settle as well now, likely because he’s with her and not me. But I’m not jealous, certainly not. After what he did to me, I wouldn’t let the man touch me for all the world.

Except…I already did. The memory of his hand on my side makes my stomach squirm.

“Are you hesitant to go out?” Frederick frowns. “We can stay in if you’d rather—have a quiet dinner here.”