“I’m afraid that’s not all,” I interrupt. “He left me in the woods, robbed me of something very dear, and now I’m posing as a one of them, trying to track him down.”
“Marry me.” Irving’s dark brown eyes go wide. “Tonight—right now. I think I love you.”
He’s as flippant with his words as always.
“You asked me when I was twelve years old, remember? Then later that day I saw you kiss a milkmaid. You broke my heart.”
We both know it’s not the only time Irving has broken my heart, but I don’t bring that up now.
“I am fully sincere.” He grins. “Besides, you must—you said yes that day.”
I laugh. “You are an idiot.”
“I could have you hanged for that.”
“But you won’t.”
We swirl around the hall a little more, and for a moment I allow myself to enjoy the evening.
“Is he here? This scoundrel of yours?”
“I haven’t seen him,” I say with a groan. “Who knows where he is?”
“Your parents must be beside themselves with worry.”
“I know.” It’s not the first time I’ve thought about them, but Irving reminds me of Primewood. Now I am so homesick I think I might actually cry. “I can’t go back, Irving—not empty-handed.”
“What is it the man took? Perhaps we can find another.”
His promise isn’t an empty one. Irving, though free with his affections, is generous and kind. It’s the only reason I trust him at all.
“A stone. My father wears it on a chain around his neck. He says it was a gift of fairies. It’s precious to him.”
“What kind of stone?”
I bite my lip and then cringe as I answer, “A changeling stone.”
Irving’s eyes widen in surprise, and he leans in. “Anwen, truly?”
I nod, feeling sick.
“I’ve never seen one—not in my life. Is it real? Can you change with it?”
“Yes.”
He shakes his head, marveling at my words. “What have you changed into?”
“I’ve altered my features—the shade of my hair, thecolor of my eyes. When I was young, I thought it was a lark to change into creatures. I’ve been a horse, a unicorn, a wolf, a fox…I changed into a dragon once, but it was so painful I never tried again.”
Irving gapes at me now. “How did this man steal it from you?”
I groan and hide my eyes behind my hand. “I gave it to him.”
His hands drop. After a moment, he takes me by the shoulders. “It will be all right. We will figure this out.”
“We?”
“Yes. Tonight, I will send a message to your parents, so they know you are safe.
