him to move on his own grounds.”
“We’ve talked about that, so a walk will be easy.”
“Good. One more thing. You’ll soon hear, if you haven’t already, about a magical book hidden in the enchanted forest. A book with the power to remove the curse of the person who writes their name in it.”
Theo gasped softly. That was just what Robin needed.
Amelia held her hand up. “Unfortunately, it won’t work for fairy magic that was created in another dimension like Limbo. That magic is so strong and so powerful that not even I could break it.”
“Then what would?”
She shook her head slowly. “Other than Vesta’s own command, I don’t honestly know.”
“Is there any way to find out?”
Amelia tipped her head. “I can certainly research it again. I did, years ago, but came up empty. Doesn’t mean I can’t give it another shot.” She smiled. “I do love a challenge.”
“That would be wonderful.”
“No promises.” Amelia stood. “If you need anything, you call me. Mrs. Applestock has my number, as does Robin. In the meantime, I am going to see about my niece taking you into town for lunch.”
Theo got to her feet. “Thank you. It was lovely to meet you.”
“You, too. Be well, changeling.”
Theo stiffened, and her mouth fell open. “I’m not—”
“You are, but don’t worry. I won’t tell him. But you’d better before he figures it out on his own.”
“How did you know?”
Amelia laughed softly as she headed for the door. “Nothing stays secret from me for very long, my dear. Especially not magic. Especially not in my town.”
* * *
Robin realized he’d lost his temper in a fit of self-pity. It was embarrassing, and yet he couldn’t quite bring himself to do anything about it besides hide in his room. Theodora probably wished more than ever that she could go home.
The thought filled him with sadness.
He should apologize to her and Amelia. If Amelia was even still here. Regardless, he’d send her flowers. A big bunch of the purple roses she’d been admiring in his garden. Those, along with a note of apology, should get him back in her good graces.
As for Theodora, he wasn’t as sure with her. But he could start with sorry.
He took a deep breath before leaving his quarters. She had every right to be upset, but he had a feeling she might hold back because of her situation. How awful that must be to have someone else in control of your future. But then, he knew a little about having someone else in control of your life.
He turned down the hall and toward the big curving staircase that connected the upstairs and the main floor. Theodora was at the other end of the hall in front of her bedroom door, about to go inside.
He lifted his hand in greeting as he walked toward her. “Did Amelia leave?”
Theodora nodded. “She did.”
He grimaced and put a hand on the back of his neck. “Was she terribly mad?”
Theodora turned toward him. “No, not mad at all. But…” She stared at the marble flooring for a moment before looking at him again. “I owe you an apology. I didn’t mean to upset you and—”
“You don’t owe me anything.” He closed the distance between them with a few more steps. She was about as perfectly beautiful as any woman he’d ever seen. “My reaction was uncalled for. I need to apologize to you and Amelia for storming out.” He exhaled hard. “The idea of a party is wonderful. Having people around would be amazing.”
She tipped her head slightly as if waiting for the rest. “But?”
She was even smarter than she was beautiful. Those green-gold eyes missed nothing. “But people tend to reciprocate when you issue an invite. They ask you to their house or out for dinner or to a movie or something that requires you to leave your house. How do I explain that I can’t because I’m a pawn in my ex-wife’s political games? That I was too dumb to see through her manipulations and realize that I was being played for a fool?”
“Your Lordship—”
“No.” Enough ranting. Enough explaining himself. He shook his head. “I don’t want to be a laughingstock. Call that ego or arrogance or whatever you want, but there it is. I have had enough humiliation. I don’t want more.”
Was the pain in her eyes on his behalf? That couldn’t be.
“Oh, Robin. You poor—” She froze, her brows bending in distress, which did nothing to detract from her loveliness. “Forgive me, Sire. I didn’t mean