“You stood up to her,” I say. “Alice, no one has dared do what you did in ten years.”
“And we are grateful.” Drake bows to her.
My staff has finally dared to enter the room, and they gasp at the gesture.
Though Alice likely doesn’t know, a Fae prince bows to no one, and yet Drake is here, showing such reverence to a human girl. They exchange looks, unsure what to make of it.
“Where’s Ian?” I ask suddenly, realizing the count has slunk away.
We search for him, but it’s to no avail. He likely bolted the moment Mother fell.
“Come on,” I say to Alice. “You need to rest as well.”
She agrees without protest.
To Drake, I say, “I’ll be down shortly. I’d appreciate it if you went with me to find Wallen.”
Drake gives me a solemn nod.
As I walk Alice down the hall, she reminds me, “Sabine is in my room.”
“I’m not taking you to Sabine’s room—I’m taking you to ours.”
“Our room.” She suddenly smiles and leans against my side. “Doesn’t that sound lovely?”
Holding her a little tighter, I finally let myself feel a trickle of relief. “It truly does.”