“When was the last time you were alone with Oberon?” Eversleigh’s usual flowery compliments seemed to have vanished.
Titania pursed her lips. “It has been quite some time. We are quarreling, as you know, so we are only together in public.”
“Have you noticed a change in him?”
The Faerie queen covered her eyes with one hand. “A change? Oh, no. Do not tell me there is a change.”
“I met with him earlier today. He is irritable and distrusts everyone. This war on mortals appears to be part of it.”
“Not the decline, I beg you! Perhaps he was simply out of spirits today.”
“I fear it is more than that. Prince Aelfric has known for some time and has been attempting to hide the changes, as very young Sidhe areapt to do. I plan to speak to my father tonight, but I thought it only proper to inform you first.”
Titania picked restlessly at the embroidery on a silk pillow. “I will go to him now and attempt to resolve our quarrel. I would not have him leave us with a quarrel between us.” Her voice quavered.
“If you are able to resolve it, that would be a kindness.”
“It should be simple. I will tell him that he is forgiven now that Libbet has come back to me.”
Elizabeth’s eyebrows shot up. How had she entered into this mysterious discussion?
“Was Libbet the child he took?” Eversleigh sounded surprised.
“Of course. He found Aelfric and Libbet playing together. He did not wish Aelfric to attach himself to a member of his human family, so he sent Libbet away and blurred her memories. I was particularly angered since when he took her mother, he said I could have her first child, but that turned out to be Aelfric. Then he brought me her second child, but she was terrified of Faerie, so I had to wait for Libbet, and he took her away, too.”
Elizabeth froze. The reason Oberon had altered her memories was to keep her away from Aelfric? And the queen had been quarreling with him for years as a result? It was inconceivable. Elizabeth instantly resolved that if the king wished to keep her away from Aelfric, she would somehow become a friend to her despicable brother. How dare he?
“But now my Libbet is back. I hope you will bring your own children to me, sweet Libbet. I have always had a particular fondness for your family. My mother’s brother fathered your grandmother, so you are like my own children.”
“I...” Good heavens, how could she begin to answer all that? “Honored lady, I do not expect to have children, but if that should change, I would be pleased for you to meet my child.”
“Not have children? Why not?” Titania sounded as shocked as ifElizabeth had threatened to murder someone.
Elizabeth would never grow accustomed to Sidhe frankness. “I do not expect to marry, so I will not have children.”
Titania’s delicate winged eyebrows drew together. “But what of the man you are always thinking of? I have sensed your desire for him.”
How utterly mortifying! Had Titania truly perceived her improper feelings for Darcy? How could she refer to them in front of Eversleigh and Frederica? If only she could sink down into the soft moss until it closed over her head!
Frederica said in an amused voice, “As a rule, mortals consider their desires to be a very personal matter, and we never speak of them.”
“How very odd mortals are! Does that mean you and Evlan have never spoken together of it either? And he was so pleased to see you dressed as one of us!”
“I must insist we leave this topic,” said Eversleigh, his voice strained. “I came here to speak of the king.”
Titania’s face fell. “I had forgotten for a moment. I wish I could forget it again.”
Elizabeth wished she could forget the entire conversation. How could she ever look the other two in the face again?
“I am sorry to bear such sad tidings,” said Eversleigh.
“I must go to him.” Titania’s silks swirled around her as she hurried from the bower.
Frederica’s face was flushed. “I wonder if I shall ever grow accustomed to the quick comings and goings among the fay.”
“One does become used to their mercurial nature and their disconcerting frankness,” said Eversleigh, but he did not look at either woman. “There are few secrets in Faerie. I am surprised Aelfric was able to keep one this long, but I suppose it is because the other Sidhe pay little attention to him.”
“I thought Titania has had many mortal followers over the years.How can she be so unaware of what subjects embarrass us?” asked Elizabeth.
