“It’s a little early to boast, isn’t it?” When he doesn’t answer, I hazard a glance at him.
He’s staring down at me, a bemused look on his face. “You still don’t know, do you?”
“Know what?”
William opens his mouth, but Mr. Cordell’s voice cuts off whatever he was going to say. “Ah, good, you got your cider. There are only a few minutes before I open the doors for the ravenous readers. First, though, you have a very special guest, Mr. Haywood. One I took the liberty of inviting inside early.”
Mr. Cordell steps to the side and waves someone over. From behind one of the bookcases emerges a stunning creature—a tall, slender fae with wide brown eyes and the longest, feathery lashes I’ve ever seen. Their skin is tawny with light-tan freckles over their nose and cheeks. Two dainty antlers protrude from either side of their head, while their russet chin-length tresses are arranged in a loose wave. They’re dressed in flowing white trousers and a blue silk robe-style top with long, trailing sleeves.
William’s face breaks into a jovial grin. He sets his cup of cider on his table and greets the newcomer with a warm embrace. “Zane, what are you doing here?”
“I performed at the Verity Hotel last week. I saw your name on the sign outside the bookshop and decided to stay for your signing.”
“We’ve been in the same city and the same hotel this entire time? You should have found me sooner.”
“I couldn’t abuse my influence and force the hotel staff to divulge your room number.”
As I stare between the couple, something tightens in my chest.
Mr. Cordell beams. “My bookshop is full of famous people today. A true honor.”
That’s when I realize who Zane is. This is the famous opera singer, one whose reputation has crossed the channel to Bretton, despite them never performing outside of Faerwyvae. Only humans leave the isle, and only under strict guidelines. Fae remain safe within the magic-infused border of standing stones that mark the perimeter of the isle. One that prevents humans from entering without a designated fae escort, all to prevent Faerwyvae’s bloody history of war from repeating.
Yet somehow this famous fae whom I’ve heard so much about, from their incredible vocal range to their beauty…is friends with William? I was already jealous that he was cast opposite Greta Garter.
“Ah,” William says, his mood sobering as if he only now recalls he has an audience. He introduces Zane to me, Monty, and Daphne, then adds, “Zane and I went to university together.”
“Another school chum,” Monty says. “You really got around at university, didn’t you?”
Zane scoffs and elbows William in the arm. “Get around, he did.”
William’s gaze slides to mine, but I avert my face before I can read too much into it. My chest continues to tighten. Am I truly so envious that William has such famous acquaintances? Or am I envious of…
I shake my head before I can finish that thought and occupy myself with setting up my table. I stack my books in several different ways until Daphne slaps my hand and tells me to stop ruining what she’s already made perfect. Then I settle into my chair, watching William do the same from my periphery. He andZane are still chatting amicably, and the latter perches at the edge of his table.
After a few more minutes, Zane says, “I should go. I don’t want to occupy your time once your fans arrive.”
“Are you not among my fans?” William quips.
“No comment. You on the other hand…” Zane swivels on William’s table until they’re facing me. “I’m really excited to read your newest book.”
I straighten. “Oh! Oh, thank you.” For the love of all things, Zane—the famous Zane—is looking at me. Smiling at me. Wanting to read my book. I flutter my fingers, eager to smooth my hair, or…do something.
Then I catch William’s glower. “Don’t let it get to your head, Weenie. Zane is merely a hopeless romantic. They’ll read anything with a kiss or a tryst.”
I give him an exaggerated smile. “They have wonderful taste then, unlike you.”
Zane chuckles and rises from the table. “I’m off?—”
“No, Z,” William says. “Please stay. Save me from boredom.”
I frown. Since when has any signing been boring for him?
“Fine,” Zane grumbles and settles back on the table. “Just for a while.”
“It’s time!” Mr. Cordell says, glancing down at his pocket watch. He returns the timepiece to his waistcoat pocket and scurries away.
Daphne darts after him. “I’m on crowd control.”
