The Gilded Fae (Royal Fae of Rose Briar Woods 2)
SABINE
I set aside my quill and read over my letter, assuring myself it will ease Brahm and Drake’s concerns. I told my brothers I’m still doing well in Valsta and need them to cover for me for a bit longer.
I hesitate, wondering if I should ask them to look into Alex’s tether. But there is no subtle way to go about that, and it’s best if Alex lives quietly, without drawing attention to himself.
“Miss Sabine?” the stage manager says from Alex’s office doorway. “The director said he’s ready for you.”
I fold the letter, tucking it into a deep pocket in my gown, and follow Dennis to the conference room where Alex must be waiting. He was supposed to speak with his leading actress and explain our peculiar situation.
I’m not sure how she will take that news, and I’m not eager for a confrontation so early in the morning.
“Thank you,” I say to Dennis when he opens the door for me, and I step inside.
Alexander sits across from a dark-haired woman in gray. She’s beautiful, with balanced features, dark eyes, and an overall softness about her. They’re engaged in a conversation, and she leans across the table, reaching for him. When they realize I’m here, the woman pulls her eyes from Alex, obviously not happy about the interruption.
Frederick sits next to the actress with his arms crossed, looking uncomfortable.
After assessing the three of them for several seconds, I walk into the room, choosing a chair at the end of the table.
“Sabine, this is Candace,” Alex says. “Candace, this is Sabine.”
The woman studies me, looking a little unsure of herself. Then she offers me a tight smile. “I understand you’ll be singing for me?”
“That’s right.”
Her brow knits. “Your accent—I can’t quite place it.”
“I’m from the northwest.”
The actress turns to Alex. “Will that be a problem?”
“Her accent is very subtle,” Alex answers, and it seems he’s struggling for patience. It’s apparent she’s not taking the news any better than he feared.
Candace turns back to me, pressing her lips together as if she’s not sure she’s going to agree to the situation. “How many shows have you performed in?”
Alex hastily leaps in to answer the question. “I sang with her once about five years ago. I assure you, she is more than competent.”
He couldn’t have danced around the truth better if he were Fae himself.
“I still don’t understand.” Candace glances at me before she turns back to Alex. “When you told me, I imagined the woman was a troll, and that’s why you couldn’t put her on stage. But Sabine is…” She frowns at me. “Lovely.”
A troll?
Frederick frowns. “Candace, now really—”
“You were born to play this part,” Alex says soothingly, talking over his friend. “Please don’t let this small, insignificant detail shake your confidence.”
With a sigh, Candace reaches across the table and catches his hand. Gracing him with a smile that he likely doesn’t realize is manipulative, she says, “I will trust your judgment, director. Please do not think my hesitation is due to you—if anything, I’m ashamed I’ve disappointed you. I’m so grateful you cast me in this role, and I swear I will make you proud.”
Frederick makes a strange noise, and I glance at him. Is he jealous? And is Candace doing it on purpose? From the way she watches him from the corner of her eye, I wonder.
“Ah.” Alex clears his throat, patting her hand awkwardly before he tugs himself free. “Yes. I’m eager to work with you as well.”
No matter Candace’s motive, I lean back in my chair, enjoying watching him squirm.
Alex stands, his hands moving at his sides as if he’s not sure what to do with them. “Why don’t you join the rest of the cast, Candace? Frederick can introduce you to everyone.”
She glances at me, looking like she’s still not sure she approves of my presence.