Page 96 of The Gilded Fae (Royal Fae of Rose Briar Woods 2)

My stomach churns, and my skin grows clammy. “How many years has this been going on?”

“Oh, let me think.” Lord Cavinder leans back, stroking his chin. “Has it been five now? I believe that’s right.”

That was the same year Alex and the group came into Faerie for my birthday.

“Does Alex know it was you who deceived his troupe?”

Lord Cavinder’s expression hardens as he narrows his eyes. “I don’t wish to speak of Alex at the moment.”

“I do,” I say hotly. “You sold your friend’s son to the Fae.”

“That’s not what happened,” he says, growing agitated. “And even if it were, it worked out well for you, didn’t it, Your Highness?” He gestures to my dress. “The two of you are certainly close these days. If I’m not mistaken, you didn’t return to the townhouse last night.”

Squeezing my hands together, fighting to remain calm even as my magic rages against its cage, I say, “What do you want from me?”

“I want you to continue your mother’s good work.”

“In her entire reign, my mother never did one good deed.” I stand abruptly, unable to listen to any more. “If you’ll excuse me, I told Alex I’d meet him at the theater.”

I glance at Phillip, worried he’s going to stop me from leaving. But he merely rises with me as if well-mannered, making no move to come toward me. I’m almost out the door when Lord Cavinder says, “Of course you may think about my proposal.”

I pause, looking back. “There’s nothing to think about.”

“Don’t be hasty.” The look he gives me is nothing short of patronizing. “There’s an excellent chance you’ll change your mind.”

Chilled, I return his smile with a tight one of my own and leave the room.

* * *

When I arriveat the theater, I’m torn between telling Alex and staying silent. Will any good come of it? He already knows Frederick’s father wants the theater. Will it destroy him to learn Lord Cavinder betrayed his father and him as well?

I pause in the middle of the foyer, nodding to the few cast members who greet me.

Madame Corsavina appears beside me. “You look as if you’re at a crossroad.”

“What?” I ask, startled by her assessment.

The fraudulent fortune-teller smiles and gives me a pointed look. “You’re standing in the middle of the room like you’re lost.”

“Oh.” I slowly release my held breath. “I’m looking for Alex.”

She gives me a knowing smile. “If anyone else were asking, I’d instruct them to look for you. He’s rarely far from your side.”

Before I can respond, Madame Corsavina walks toward her booth in the corner of the foyer, adjusting her scarves as she goes.

Deciding I’ll figure out what to do when I finally run into him, I head toward my dressing room. We have an afternoon performance today, followed by another evening show tonight, and I need to prepare myself.

I’m just twisting my hair into a bun when there’s a knock at my dressing room door. I jump in my seat, my nerves frayed.

“Who is it?” I demand.

“It’s me,” Frederick calls from the other side.

My shoulders sag. “Come in.”

Frederick enters the room, carrying a cup of tea. With a friendly smile, he sets it in front of me. “With honey and lemon, as Maria instructed when I visited the café this morning. She sends her love, but I made the tea myself.”

“Thank you,” I say quietly, taking the cup in my hands. “But I’m starting to wonder if you’re all trying to drown me in the drink.”