Once again, my path is directed back to Dimitri.
“Or you could wait until the caster of the curse dies, and then the curse would be lifted immediately.”
“How will I find out who cursed him?”
“Ask your father.”
I shake my head. “I can’t go home—not without the stone.”
What have I done? Who knew what a mess taking one little trinket would cause.
“Did you know fairies can read things about people, Anwen?” Brug sits back and crosses his arms. “It’s one of our gifts. That man there—” Brug motions to Irving. “He’s entertaining; he’s loyal. He’s a bit of a knave at times, but he’s not a bad person to have around.”
I nod for him to continue, unsure what this turn in the conversation has to do with my current plight.
“And you—” He taps my arm. “You are gentle and entirely too trusting.” I open my mouth to protest, but he sets his fingers on my lips again. “It’s why the female glasseln is so taken with you.”
“Coal is a girl?”
“Her name is Pika, and yes—she is a girl.”
I grin down at the napping cat. “She has a name?”
Brug smiles. “All animals have names.”
“What is Danver’s animal name?”
“Snoob.”
I scrunch my nose. “That’s awful. He stays Danver.”
Brug laughs. The sound is intoxicating. These fairies could be very dangerous should they choose to be.
“Now, you see that man there—” Brug nods to Galinor.
I glance at the prince. He is very politely attempting to keep the fairy woman’s hands off him.
“He’s something unique. Not only is he strong, but he’s kind and chivalrous.”
I chew my lip, studying Galinor as Brug makes his quiet assessment.
“Keep him close. He will bring you the changeling stone.”
“He won’t go where I need to go.” I look away from Galinor. “He wants to return home.”
“All you have to do is ask him,” Brug says. “But be careful. The tournament damaged his spirits. You will have to take care with his heart.”
I flush. “I don’t want his heart.”
Brug smirks at me. Ignoring him, I twist a gossamer napkin in my lap. “Was he in love with Pippa?”
“He was in love with the idea of Pippa.” The knowing look in Brug’s eyes irritates me. “But as for being in love with the girl herself?”
I lean forward, waiting for his answer.
“No.”
I take another sip of cider, trying to work up the courage for my next question. “I gave the changeling stone to a Bandolian man named Dimitri.” I pause, my heart’s pace quickening. “Does he love me? Did he ever?”
