Page 115 of The Masked Fae (Royal Fae of Rose Briar Woods 1)

“If you’ll now sign your names,” the man says when we part.

We do as he asks, and then the receptionist steps forward to write her name as the witness. After Magistrate Rodgers signs the license as well, he seals it with his stamp.

“Congratulations,” the receptionist says after the magistrate excuses himself. “We’ll file the license. If you ever wish to see it, it will be kept in the records building next door.”

After we say our goodbyes, we leave the office, officially married.

Feeling giddy, I sit next to Brahm in the carriage. After Darren closes the door, Brahm kisses our clasped hands, looking completely content. “So, Alice, how does it feel to officially be a princess of West Faerie?”

I blink at him, startled by the realization. “I am, aren’t I?”

He laughs, pulling me in for a real kiss. “You are.”

* * *

We makeit as far as Thornborough before it gets too cold to continue. I would have liked to have spent our first night together in Brahm’s estate, but the trip is just too long. After all the traveling, I’m so tired I don’t even care.

The inn we find is small and quaint, and we stand outside a tiny room on the second level.

My nerves nearly get the best of me as Brahm unlocks the door and pushes it open. The room stretches before us, roughly the same size as the stamp pads at the stationery shop.

The bed is narrow and small, with one pillow and several heavy blankets. There’s a chair shoved under the tiny table, but it’s so close to the bed, it would be impossible to pull it out. A washing bowl rests on a petite cupboard under the window, and a hand-sized mirror hangs on the wall.

All in all, it’s a sad sight, though I know I should be thankful it’s clean and tidy. It could be worse.

At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.

Brahm clears his throat as he steps inside, avoiding my eyes as I follow him in. “Would you like me to take this room, or…”

Darren comes in behind me, setting down my trunk.

“This is fine.” I cross my arms when I realize my fingers keep fidgeting at my sides.

We didn’t tell our coachman what business we had with the magistrate in Davon, though I think he suspects.

But the fewer people that know, the better—that’s why Brahm secured us two rooms for the night. We’ll continue the charade until we return to Brahm’s estate.

It’s a depressing thought, but I’m not sure I want to spend our first night here anyway.

“Good night, Alice.” Brahm hesitates in the doorway before he steps into the hall. “Sleep well.”

“You too,” I murmur.

After I lock the door behind him, I open my trunk with a sigh, wondering how I’ll ever get to sleep. I dress for bed, taking my time as I brush my hair, running the day’s events through my head.

I smile when I remember how confidently Brahm said his vow.

We’re married.

I press my hand over my mouth, trapping in a girlish squeal. Tossing back the covers, I crawl into bed and stare at the ceiling, willing myself to sleep.

But I lie here, thinking about Brahm…wondering what he’s thinking about. Is he in his room, staring at the ceiling, too? Does he wish he was with me?

I sigh, spreading my hands to either side of the mattress, easily touching both edges. I don’t even know how we’d fit. Brahm isn’t a small man.

The idea makes my cheeks heat, and I fan my face, laughing at my ridiculous thoughts.

Every minute stretches longer than the last. I count backward from a hundred, but I’m still awake. I close my eyes, breathing evenly, telling myself I am very sleepy, but that doesn’t work either.