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

BRAHM

Aknock sounds at my outer chamber door only minutes after I return. Ignoring it, I quickly undress, kicking off my boots. I then stash the clothing in a dark corner of my armoire.

The knock sounds again, this time with an air of impatience.

Relaxing when I recognize that particular brand of irritation, I take my time dressing. When I swing open the door, I grin at Sabine. “I see you’re as impatient as ever.”

My sister stands in the hall, tapping her fingers on her crossed arms. “Took you long enough,” she says, pushing past me.

“Please, come in,” I tease, closing the door behind us.

“Of all nights, why did you decide to go out as the Highwayman tonight?” she demands. “What if you’d been caught?”

“Does it look like I was out?” I say, motioning to my nighttime attire.

Sabine points a finger at me and narrows her eyes. “Don’t try that with me—I saw you slinking across the yard. What if Mother had caught you?”

“And that’s why you get the room on this side of the manor when you visit.”

She huffs out a breath, shaking her head. “What did you do with the girl?”

“What girl?”

“Brahm!”

I laugh to myself, enjoying riling my younger sister more than I should. One day, she’ll inherit the crown and be my queen—but today is not that day.

“She’s in Kellington.”

“Mother is furious.”

“I’m not sure what I’ve done wrong.”

“You know how she feels about humans, and now you’ve let an untethered girl into your household.”

“I don’t remember that being strictly forbidden. Though it’s certainly a risk for them, every once in a while, untethered humans stay in Faerie for an extended time on business. What’s the name of that group of humans you’re so taken with?” I pause, trying to remember. “The traveling theater troupe?”

“That’s different,” Sabine argues. “They came as a goodwill gesture to celebrate my sixteenth birthday—as honored guests.”

“And Alice came to paint my portrait to try to win my favor so I’d release her brother.”

Sabine’s expression sharpens. “What’s her name?”

I realize my misstep, and I press my mouth into a thin line, assessing her.

Sabine and Eleanor were never great friends. The truth is, Sabine was jealous of the attention Eleanor received, though she’d never admit it. We haven’t talked about it, but I believe she still resents the girl for what Mother did to Father, though that was in no way Eleanor’s fault.

“It’s not her,” I say simply.

“Well, of course it’s not,” Sabine replies. “That Alice is dead.”

I narrow my eyes. “Must you be so callous? What if Drake had heard you?”

“Do you see him?” she asks bluntly, spreading her arms wide. “And it’s been over ten years, Brahm. She was just a human.”

“Sabine.”

She raises her hand. “I don’t want one of your lectures. I know how you feel about them, and I’ve never given you any trouble over it. I’ve protected your secret, and I always will. But don’t expect my heart to bleed for them the way yours does.”