Page 37 of Of Curses and Courtship

I place the cucumbers on his eyes. “This will help. Tilt your head back.”

“Is that?—”

“Yes, it is. An old trick, taught to me by my stepsisters.”

“How odd.”

“It will work, I tell you—” I yelp, my wings giving out, sending me falling back down.

Emyr’s hands move to my waist, keeping me in place and slowly lowering me to the floor. For the second time in one day, my chest presses against his.

He clears his throat. “Moon Fae don’t use their wings in that way, you know.”

Am I already doing something wrong?

I touch my wing self-consciously. “What do you mean? How else could they be used?”

The corner of his lip ticks up. “I mean to say that you cannot fly for long distances. You may be able to do a bit of hovering, as you did, but your wings are not sustainable for long.”

My face pinches. “What’s the use of having them? That seems unfair.”

“You have other ways of traveling. You can create portals. The rest of us cannot.”

Hm. I hadn’t looked at it that way. “I suppose you’re right.”

“Nevertheless, thank you for your assistance.”

He appears to realize that his hands are on me, swiftly pulling them away. I miss the gentle touch, but it’s for the best. What if someone is watching?

“It is all part of my job, Your Highness.” Offering emotional support is not precisely within my duties, but it shows my ability to go above and beyond for the position. Perhaps he’ll tell Lucille how great I am.

“Then you are very good at it.” He lowers his voice. “And about my betrothal?—”

“Say nothing more. Your secrets are safe with me.”

The prince, a man I’ve spent days fuming about… he does not wish to marry his wife-to-be. How peculiar.

What can I do with this information, besides keeping it close to my chest? It means little to me. He may still feel affection for the person I was at the ball, but that’s not who I am. It was all an act.

I am but a maid, and in a way, I always have been—a servant for my own family, but one nevertheless. What would this prince understand of my struggles and losses?

Nothing, and he means nothing to me.

CHAPTER TEN

OPHELIA

Irub my chest, fighting off the blossoming soreness. With my body so bone tired, I should be able to sleep with ease, but I can’t.

My stepsisters. Are they all right? What is the chance their mother is taking her frustrations out on them? That would be my fault. If something happens to them, I’m to blame.

What about the rest of our little town? What about Ethel, the woman who was supposed to be the love of my life and dearest friend? Has she truly turned against me, like everyone else, or was she acting in the heat of the moment?

I suppose I’ll never know.

My secret ruined my last courtship, and I’m still keeping secrets, but it’s easier now. With my glamour down, I look the same as any other fae. Some have smaller ears and lesser abilities, like me.

I’m safe now.