Page 53 of Bride of the Midnight Prince

His eyebrows rise. “Were you there when her sister was taken into Faerieland?”

“I was.”

He nods vigorously, chuckling under his breath. “She probably thinks you will steal her heir and carry him off into the Long Lost Wood.”

“I will do no such thing.”

His chuckles die away slowly. He takes another sip of his wine. “So, Lord Rahk, how do you plan to win Queen Vivienne’s favor?”

I’ve been considering that issue for the last several days. I have a few ideas, but none fully satisfy me. Even if one did, I wouldn’t tell Lord Oliver. He has proved himself friendly and outgoing, but his first loyalty is to his queen and his kingdom. “Have you advice on the subject?”

“Well,” Lord Oliver drops his voice to a whisper so even the guards cannot hear, “it is rumored that the queen is secretly a romantic. She always finds great interest in every blossoming romance between us young people. She is even known to use her influence to subtly matchmake. She will create opportunities for any unattached bachelor or lady to meet and socialize with potential suitors.Andshe has even been known to bring old flames back into the picture—just to stir up drama and see what happens. She loves watching stories unfold.”

I do not approve. “And?”

“And I think you should create a story to catch her interest. Court a young lady. Make her fall in love with you. Show that you are trustworthy. You’ll catch the queen’s attention then.”

What a horrible idea. “I am not in a position to marry.”

“Who says you need to marry?” the young man grins. “Just court the girl. You might even find one who could benefit from the arrangement and then you wouldn’t have to fear breaking her heart.”

“I shall consider your advice,” I say. Then I turn my attention to the way he lounges against the wall, one foot propped up on elegant white molding. “Why are you helping me?”

“I want the land returned from the Long Lost Wood,” he answers without hesitating. “Most of my inheritance is currently swallowed up in Faerieland. I will be a pauper if I cannot get it back.”

Nowthatinterests me. “How much of the stolen land is yours?”

He shrugs. “Not much compared to Lady Vandermore’s portion. Her family owns the majority of it.”

“Do they?” This alsointrigues me greatly. I turn the information over in my mind. This isveryvaluable information. I release a slow exhalation. I think I know exactly how to repair this situation with the queen. “Thank you, Lord Oliver, for your aid. It is generous of you.”

“Hardly!” Lord Oliver laughs. “If you can get me my inheritance back, I will be much more successful in my efforts of procuring a wife.”

“You are that desperate for one?”

“Desperate? I hardly think desiring a companion in the form of a friend and lover makes me desperate. I rather think it curious if you do not desire the same.”

If only relationships were as simple in Faerieland as they are here. I know better than to even look at a fae woman, lest Lord and Lady Nothril decide to use her against me as they use Pavi.

I open my mouth to reply when something twinges in my chest.My spells. A second later, the invisible spell thread inside me snaps in half.

The Ivy Mask has entered the Wood.

“Lord Oliver, I must leave, but it has been a pleasure,” I say abruptly, straightening. “I hope our paths cross again.”

He gives a friendly wave. “Come to the sparring yard if you’d like to cross swords with me and some of the other men. None of us have sparred with a fae before.”

I restrain my quiet snort. “I will see what I can do.”

With that, I take my leave. The guards follow on my heel, trying to keep up with my quick strides. Edvear waits for me outside, cleaning his fingernails. His head pops up the moment he hears my stride.

“Already, my lord?” he asks, pushing up to his feet as my guards disband to their guardhouse.

Edvear follows me as I take the steps down to the courtyard two at a time toward our carriage. “Ivy Mask.”

His yellow eyes, bright in the moonlight, widen. “You will catch him tonight?”

I will.

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