Page 109 of The Masked Fae (Royal Fae of Rose Briar Woods 1)

BRAHM

“Have you gone insane?” Sabine hisses, looking over her shoulder to ensure we’re alone. We’re in her sitting room—I’m not sure who she thinks could be lurking.

“Probably, but it doesn’t matter because I’ve made up my mind.”

She shakes her head, looking more scared than angry. “If Mother even had an inkling of what you have planned—”

“Are you going to tell her?” I ask needlessly, mostly to make a point.

My sister’s eyes flash. “Of course I’m not.”

“Then how will she find out?”

Sabine crosses her arms. “I understand, all right? You’re not like so many of our people—you’re chivalrous, a man of honor, and I know why you’re doing this. But…”

“But what? Do you want me to change who I am? Should I become a lecherous pig like Ian? Turn Alice into a—”

“Brahm,” Sabine interrupts, pulling a disgusted face as she holds up her hand. “I do not want details about your relationship. Fine. Marry the human—but be quick about it. If you intend to return, you had better not linger outside Faerie. I’ll do everything I can to keep Mother away from your woods for as long as possible.”

“Thank you,” I say heavily. “Sabine, I—”

“Yes, yes. You are so grateful and are blessed to have me as a sister,” she says, eyeing me like I’m a nuisance. “I’m aware.”

“I am.”

Anxiety creeps across Sabine’s features once again. “Please—please—be cautious.”

“I will,” I swear.

Suddenly, she chokes back a sob. From the horrified look on her face, I believe it’s a surprise to us both. Swiping at her eyes, she growls, “I swear, if Mother tries to hurt you, I’ll fight her.”

“Sabine,” I say slowly, at a loss. Never in my life have I seen my sister cry. “Don’t say such things.”

“I would though. I’m stronger than she is now—I know it. And you and Drake are all I have. If she so much as tries to lay a finger on either of you…” She blinks furiously, looking as angry as I am startled.

With a sigh, I step forward, awkwardly hugging her.

I’ve taken her strength for granted—and now her shield is cracking.

Even Sabine can only take so much of Mother’s wickedness. She’s been crushed under her heel, refusing to break. But no one is invincible.

“We’ll return as soon as possible,” I promise her.

Nodding, she struggles out of my arms, brushing the front of her gown as if it might be wrinkled. Avoiding my eyes, she regains her composure. “But seriously, Brahm. A human? Thank goodness you’re not the heir. Can you even imagine?”

I laugh. “You’re far more suited for the throne than I am.”

Finally, she looks back at me. “Have a safe trip.”

I pause by the door as I leave. “You have a good heart, no matter how you try to hide it. You know that, don’t you?”

“Why are you still here?” she demands, turning away as she begins to cry again. “I don’t want to look at you anymore.”

I smile as I step out, but when I shut the door, I’m hit with a wave of guilt.

Our family is broken, and I have no idea how to fix it.

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