Page 47 of The Masked Fae (Royal Fae of Rose Briar Woods 1)

My mood sours a little. “I happily, and naively, gave everything to Gustin. It was my contribution to our family’s estate.”

And now it’s gone.

I had no idea my brother would gamble with our home. I still feel the sting of betrayal, though I’ve tried to ignore it.

Perhaps I should wash my hands of my brother altogether, let him reap what he’s sown. But I’ve lost too many family members to sacrifice the last to the Fae.

“Your money wasn’t his to gamble,” the bandit says, growing excited. “Tell Lord Ambrose.”

“What difference will it make?”

“All the difference in the world,” he says urgently, grasping my arms. “Alice, you must tell him.”

And despite all the evidence to the contrary, I can’t help but think Lord Ambrose knows…because I’m speaking with him now.

“Will it free Gustin?” I ask.

Immediately, the bandit releases my arms. Sounding frustrated, he shakes his head. “No.”

“Then what’s the point?”

“The point is Gustin gambled with assets that didn’t fully belong to him—it breaks the agreement. It allows Lord Ambrose to give you back your home and life without any repercussions.”

“It gives him the opportunity? You’re saying he doesn’t have it right now?”

“He’s not as free as you believe. The queen watches him, waiting for the slightest sign of defiance.”

I arch a brow. “For being the marquis’s arch-nemesis, you certainly know him well.”

“It’s always wise to know your enemies.”

“What will happen to Gustin?”

“No more than what he deserves,” he says darkly.

“You said the queen watches Lord Ambrose. What would she do if she thought he was acting out of kindness and not because I found a loophole in the agreement?”

“She’d execute him,” he says without reservation.

“Execute?” I demand, dropping my voice to a horrified whisper. “But you said he is her son.”

“Without remorse, she has killed five husbands, her sister, her niece’s husband, and so many more. Whatever you may have heard about her in the human-occupied lands is a mere shadow of her wicked heart. She is truly the most wretched woman alive. Even the rulers of the other Fae courts refuse to have dealings with her. West Faerie is a dark place because she is its queen.”

Suddenly, staying here doesn’t seem so wise.

“Do you understand now?” he asks. “That’s why you must return to Kellington. Tell Lord Ambrose what you told me.”

I set my hands on my hips, nodding to the wall that separates Brahm’s quarters and mine. “Should I tell him now?”

Surprise flashes across the visible parts of the bandit’s face, and then he slowly nods. “If you wish.”

“Do you think he’s in?” I prod.

“There’s only one way to find out.”

I eye him with suspicion, wondering how fast he can hop across the balconies and change.

I suppose I will test him.