But it is necessary, Faith noted as they reached his room. As much as she didn’t want it to be, she knew it would likely be the only time in her life that she would be with someone, and that alone emboldened her. If she would be a spinster for the rest of her life, at least she would know what she was missing out on.
Of course, there was also a chance that she wouldn’t like it. What a blessing that would be.
“Faith?”
Looking up at him, Faith realized that he had asked her something. Shaking her head, she spoke.
“Forgive me. My mind was somewhere else.”
Logan’s gaze became thoughtful, and he tilted his head.
“Where was it?”
“Oh, who knows?” she lied, looking at the bedroom door. Fear was creeping up her spine, and for an instant, she thought of delaying their encounter. She opened her mouth and blurted out the first thing she could think of. “Faodail?”
Logan stared at her, seemingly half surprised and half charmed.
“What?”
“Faodail,” she tried again, changing the pronunciation slightly. “Or fao-dail?”
“You said it correctly the first time,” he said, the corner of his mouth hitching up. “Where did you learn that?”
“I haven’t, actually. I’ve only heard it.”
“I see.”
“What does it mean?”
“It means, ‘lucky find.’ Though it’s sometimes used as an endearment, as well.”
“Oh.” Faith’s mouth quirked, confused. Upon glancing up at Logan, however, she hurriedly shook her head. “Oh no, I’m not disappointed.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes,” she said with a smile. “It’s just, I’ve heard it twice now and I don’t know why I keep hearing it.”
“Perhaps the fae are calling out to you.”
Faith gave him a biting glare.
“Do not torment me with fairytales, Logan. I’ve no room for such frivolities in my life.”
“Nor do I,” he said before peering at the door. He looked back at her. “I wanted to caution you. The painting is here.”
“Is it?” she asked breathlessly as he opened the door, and they walked in.
Parisian green walls adorned with gold leaf trim surrounded them. A crown canopy hung over a large bed. The furniture wasdark wood and heavily carved. Zodiac symbols had been painted around the room, with the ceiling done to mimic a night sky.
It was oddly fanciful and artistic. The corner of Faith’s mouth quirked. What strange decor for a bedroom.
Looking around, she noticed a large, rectangular shape covered by a white sheet sat leaning in the corner of the room. A wooden chair stood close to it as if someone had sat there, inspecting whatever was hidden beneath the cloth.
Faith’s heart began to thud agonizingly in her chest. It had been at least two years since she had seen it. The last time she had laid eyes on it, she had been in love and so sure of things. She had been very proud of Donovan upon its completion, even though she thought he had painted her far too flatteringly. Still, she turned to face Logan, whose face was carefully blank.
“Is that it?” she asked, and he nodded. “Why is it covered?”
“I’ve not permitted anyone to see it,” he said, moving around her. “That’s why it’s not hung up. And also, why it’s in my bed chambers.”
