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

EPILOGUE

SABINE

Five years later

Though it seemsa lifetime has passed since I walked the streets of Davon, the city looks exactly as I remember it. But this time, Drake is by my side.

My younger brother pulls back his collar as if the day is too warm, unimpressed.

“It’s not my fault you’re overheating,” I remind him, smiling. “I told you to dress lighter.”

It’s been years since his curse was lifted, but I don’t take our conversations for granted.

“You’re certain this is what you want?” he asks, frowning at a man riding a strange one-wheeled contraption down the road.

“I’ve waited five years for Brahm and Alice to have a baby girl,” I say. “I’m not going to change my mind now.”

Drake turns to me. “Did you tell Alex you were coming?”

I shake my head. “I want to surprise him.”

“How long has it been since you’ve seen him?”

“Only a few months.”

“A lot can happen in a few months. What if he started courting someone?”

I scowl at him, but my brother merely shrugs, hiding a teasing smirk.

“We need to hurry,” I say, pulling him along. “We’re going to be late.”

Together, we step into the theater’s foyer. I never knew when, or even if, I could return. But it’s like coming home.

Frederick stands by the house doors, talking to an actress I don’t recognize. A little girl, only three years old, holds his hand. She’s beautiful, just like Candace.

When she spots me, she breaks away from her father and runs. “Aunt Sabine!”

I lean down and hold out my arms, laughing as she crashes into me. Frederick stares at me, his mouth wide open.

“Hello, Frederick.” I rise, grinning as I gesture toward the doors. “Is Alex inside?”

He nods dumbly.

“Is it all right if I go in?”

Again, he only manages a nod.

Laughing, I press a friendly hand to his arm as I push through the doors and step into the dark house. He and Drake both follow me inside.

The lamps are lit, and a woman stands on the stage. Alex sits at his desk with his back to us, watching as she finishes her song. My heart leaps the moment I spot him, and excited butterflies flutter in my stomach.

I wait toward the back of the theater until she’s finished.

“Wait here,” I say to Drake.

“What are you doing here?” Frederick asks, finally finding his voice. “How are you here?”

“I’m going to audition,” I tell him.