Page 56 of The Mirror and the Curse

“Not yet, but people are investigating.” Eddi spoke quietly, hoping Raquel couldn’t hear. She had no proof whatsoever, yet her gut kept insisting her rival must be responsible. But . . . how?

Emenike crossed his dark, muscle-corded arms and gave a sharp nod. “I don’t know much about magic, and maybe whoever did it just wanted to eliminate a threat, not kill you, but you still could have died. Are you sure it’s wise to race again before the rogue mage is caught?”

Eddi set her jaw. “I will not be intimidated out of flying in the Cup race.”

Chay gave her a thoughtful look. “I don’t blame you, but I’m thinking you should take precautions.”

At that moment, Fidelio rounded the fire. “Make way. Coming through.” When Chay slid over, scowling, Fidelio dropped onto the sand beside Eddi and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, grinning from ear to ear. “Sounded like an intense conversation going on over here. Fill me in?”

Eddi repressed a wave of resentment. He could spend the “group” evening ignoring her and chatting with Raquel, but she wasn’t allowed to talk with the two other guys? “We were talking about racing. Chay wanted to know what happened to White at the Sangiovese Stakes.”

Raquel gracefully climbed over the bench’s back to perch on its seat behind Emenike, sliding her bare legs down between him and Eddi. “White probably ate too much that morning,” she suggested. “Flying on a full stomach is no joke.”

Eddi snapped her mouth shut while Fidelio squeezed her shoulders gently. “Better to look forward to the Cup rather than speculate about the past.” His conciliatory tone set her teeth on edge. “White did pretty well today.”

“Your Ruggero seems depressed, Your Highness,” Chayton commented. “Every day his spirits are lower.”

Eddi felt Fidelio stiffen. “He’s all right. Probably reacting to the change in his feed quality.”

“None of our horses have reacted that way, but if you say so.” Chay gave Eddi a thoughtful look. “What do you think?”

“I think he’s homesick,” she replied.

“You think he’s lovesick,” Fidelio responded, his tone teasing.

It was Eddi’s turn to stiffen. “Yes, I think he might be.”

Fidelio grinned at the other guys. “That’s my girl, the hopeless romantic.”

Eddi sat bolt upright, shoved Fidelio’s hand off her shoulder, and shifted to her knees, facing him and the others, the fire hot at her back. “I’m not joking, Fidelio. As you well know.”

Raquel laughed outright, but the other two men had gone quiet.

Chayton’s dark gaze flickered from Eddi’s face to Fidelio’s. “Wait. ‘Your girl’? Let me get something straight. You and Eddi really are together?” he asked outright.

“Yes,” Fidelio said quickly. “You didn’t know?” He turned to Eddi, dark eyes glittering with accusation.

Surprise and humiliation stole her breath.

Emenike let out a huff that might have been laughter. “Princess Eddi has told us more than once.”

“But let’s just say we had our doubts due to conflicting evidence.” Chay’s brows rose high, his gaze flicking to Raquel, who sat very still, her face blank.

Fidelio shook his head and reached to link his fingers with Eddi’s. “Eddi and I aren’t into public displays of affection,” he growled. “But if that’s what it takes, fine with me.” He turned to her, his expression genuinely apologetic. “I’m sorry, Eduardi. I shouldn’t have twitted you like that.”

Some of the starch left her spine. “I forgive you.” But she gathered her feet beneath her, reclaiming her hand. “I think I’ll call it a day. Practice was grueling, and I didn’t sleep well last night.”

When she rose, Fidelio scrambled up with her. “I’ll walk you back.” He turned to the other three. “See you tomorrow. Guess we’re back to sprints, right?”

Raquel nodded. “Happy dreams, Eddi. See you later, Del.” And if that wasn’t satisfaction in her tone, Eddi would eat her flip-flops for breakfast.

Fidelio hurried her away from the bonfire. As soon as they were out of sight of the others, he tried to reclaim her hand, but she eluded him.

“Eddi, what’s going on? Why the cold shoulder? Is this about Ruggero?” Genuine worry laced his deep voice.

“Ruggero is just one issue,” Eddi said quietly. “I don’t appreciate being mocked.”

He gave a disbelieving laugh, then sobered. “I was teasing, that’s all. I mean, you’ve got to admit it sounds silly, worrying that my stallion is lovesick.”

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