Epilogue
CONRAD
Conrad awoke to the sound of London traffic outside and the sunlight streaming through the lace curtains on the window.
He smiled and glanced at the man curled up at his side.
Sage was sleeping in his usual way, nestled close, with his cheek on Conrad’s shoulder, their legs tangled together, and one arm draped across Conrad’s chest.
He had shown up on Conrad’s doorstep the evening before, still wrinkled from traveling all day.
Sage assured him his family wouldn’t miss him that night and then promptly enveloped Conrad in an embrace and a kiss.
Conrad had been surprised that the man hadn’t changed from his traveling clothes first and found himself noticing different perfumes—hints of family members who had sat beside him—before he caught the familiar scent of rose and almond and kissed Sage back with a little more fierceness than usual.
Sage had moaned against him and Conrad laughed and pulled away.
“Is that a hint for what you’re wanting tonight?”
Sage had smiled and shook his head. “No. I just want you.”
They’d stayed up late, catching up on the past couple of months—Sage talked about his time in the country with his family and Conrad described what his time in London had been like.
Sage had fallen asleep first, weary from travel and attempting to continue speaking between yawns as Conrad pulled him close.
Now, Conrad was at liberty to once again study Sage’s face, softened as ever in sleep—the dark curling lashes, strong cheekbones, pouting lips, olive complexion, and black hair that splayed out over the pillow and Conrad’s arm.
He sighed and traced a finger across Sage’s cheek.
He’d missed waking up beside him. The days had been busy yet strangely empty in a new house, a new city, and with new responsibilities to keep him occupied.
But in that time, he’d made plans. Now that he had managed his first impossible dream, the time had come to work on his next one.
He’d received a great deal of advice from Leonora on the subject and, surprisingly, from Wyndham, Roger, Emrys, and Torquil as well.
A ring had to be considered, and the right question to ask Sage’s parents.
Furniture had to be arranged so that the nicest vanity was placed in the largest bedroom.
Sage nuzzled against his shoulder when he woke and smiled, his eyes still closed. “You made me a morning person and I’ll never forgive you.”
Conrad laughed in surprise. “My apologies.”
“I’ve woken up every morning for months feeling like something was missing.” Sage’s arm wrapped around Conrad’s chest. “Now I have it back.”
Conrad smiled too and curled his fingers to brush against Sage’s cheek. “That you do. And if all goes according to plan, we won’t have to spend so long apart again.”
Sage’s eyes flew open. “You have a plan?”
“Of course.”
Sage rolled his eyes, but there was a grin tugging at his lips as he repeated, “Of course. Are you going to tell me what it is?”
“Well, the first part is to make sure we eat breakfast.”
Sage groaned. “Absolutely not. I’ve waited this long. The least you can do is stay in bed with me.”
Conrad chuckled and mentally reorganized the list in his head. “You’ll note that I never said what time breakfast would be.”
Sage closed his eyes and pulled close again. “That’s more like it. And then what?”
“And then I need to show you my new clothes.”
Sage made a sound of interest but did not move. “You bought new clothes?”
“I told you I would. I want to do you proud. And if I’m going to do that, I’ll need the most fashionable person I know to give his approval.”
“I hope you got some colorful items. Human men tend to wear such drab and plain clothes. It’s absurd.”
“Cyril doesn’t.”
“A rare exception.”
“And yes, of course I did. Wyndham sent me a recommendation for his favorite tailor. He even had a few of my first pieces credited to his account, the sneak. So my wardrobe has grown significantly since you last saw me. Nothing to rival yours, of course.” He paused, considering.
“I’ll need to make a note to add wardrobes to this bedroom.
It can’t be good for your clothes to be all stuffed together like they were in the country. ”
Sage’s expression softened. “That’s very considerate.”
“And then, after you’ve looked over my clothes, and we’ve had breakfast, you’re going to give me your London address so I can invite your family over to dinner.
That will likely have to happen on a different night, of course.
And I’ll ask them for your hand. And then all we’ll have left to do is plan the wedding. ”
Sage gave a snort. “You’ve clearly never been to a fae wedding if you think that will be the easy part.”
Conrad shrugged as he relaxed against the pillow.
“Well, I’m content to let you handle most of that.
I’m impartial to the dates. Although Wyndham suggested I keep in mind what colors will be in fashion for the season.
So I think autumn or winter might be best as you seem to favor those richer shades and?—”
He broke off as Sage kissed him. “You really have thought of everything, haven’t you?”
Conrad grinned at him. “I do my best. I still have a number of details to work out. As you can imagine, I’ve been quite busy becoming a gentleman of London.”
“Did you get lost yet?”
“Multiple times.”
“It’s a rite of passage. Have you gone riding in the Park?”
“Not yet. I was waiting for you. But I did go shopping for some basic spell ingredients, and I bought a few books, and Iris kindly gave me a tour of the Council chambers.” He reached for the nightstand.
“I also subscribed to the best gossip column in town. I’ve been told it’s a necessity for city life. ”
Sage grunted. “Ah, yes. The Tribune . Anyone who’s anyone reads it.”
Conrad caught the wary tone in Sage’s voice. He said gently, “I think you’ll enjoy this edition. Shall I read it to you?”
“If you like.”
Conrad held it up and cleared his throat:
“ Greetings returning readers,
Life has been exceedingly dull here in London with the ton spread out across the country for the summer. But we anticipate an exciting Season ahead.
First, the Council for Fae & Human Magical Relations has finally filled the remaining gap in their numbers with a third human member.
Little is known about this person. All we know is that he is acquainted with a number of notable members of society, including several of the other councilmembers.
We are sure the gentleman will be met with eager curiosity and, hopefully, congeniality upon his entry into society.
The Wyndham Wrenwhistles hosted their first house party over the summer.
To all accounts, it was an enormous success.
Many anticipate this couple to be leading figures in fashionable society.
The event ended with a celebration of Mr. Wyndham Wrenwhistle’s birthday.
Family and friends were invited. According to sources, noteworthy guests include Mr. Sage Ravenwing, who sported a gorgeous plum waistcoat, Mr. Cyril Thompson, who looked very fine in a subdued green suit, and Mrs. Aveline Buckthorn, who was lovely in peach.
As people trickle back to our fair city, we are already hearing whispers of potential matches.
Will this be the year that Mx. Hillcrest, Mr. Thompson, and Miss Thackeray finally head to the altar?
Will Miss Gloucester-Stone stun society with her ready smile and quick wit?
Will the mysterious new councilmember catch anyone’s eye?
One member of society who seems to be spoken for at last is Mr. Sage Ravenwing.
We are sure this news will be met with dismay as the gentleman has brightened many a salon in recent Seasons.
According to sources, Mr. Ravenwing found love over the summer.
Was it during the Wrenwhistles’ house party?
Or perhaps a friend near the Ravenwing estate?
Mr. Ravenwing has graced the pages of this column ever since his debut.
We are delighted that he should find someone worthy of him at last.
If there’s anything this humble writer believes in, it is that everyone is deserving of love, friendship, and happiness.
We hope you all find it, gentle readers, whether it be in this Season or the next.
Whatever shape that love may arrive in, we hope that it fills your heart with joy and your magic with sparkle.
In the meantime, we look forward to a most eventful Season,
Your winsome writer,
Sal Bailey”
Sage was unmoving beside him as he laid the column aside. Conrad ran fingers through his hair. “I wonder how they shall describe us when we first appear in public together? The illustrious Mr. Ravenwing and the mysterious Mr. Moore?”
“Tell me the truth,” Sage said, looking up at him. “Were you their source?”
“I was not.”
“Truly?”
“Upon my honor.”
Sage frowned. “That’s the nicest the Tribune has ever been about me. I felt sure it was you.”
“Then it must have been one of your other friends. Someone who wanted to make sure the rest of London recognized how wonderful you are.”
The corner of Sage’s mouth ticked up. “Someone wrote about you too, from the sounds of it.”
“Hm. Everyone will be very disappointed when they discover how much I lack mystery and intrigue.”
Sage laughed and then pressed a hand to his mouth. “I doubt disappointment will be on their minds after meeting you.”
“How kind of you to say.” Conrad cupped his chin and pulled him close for a kiss. “So, what do you think?” he asked when he broke off. “Will the elegant Mr. Ravenwing find love this Season?”
“Of course not. He already found it.”
“Oh? At this famous house party that everyone will be talking about?”
“Most specifically, at the lake, when he kissed a sweet and cheerful man and it felt so magnificent that his magic swept around them in a whirl.”
“And ruined our clothes.”
“No one needs to know about that.”
Conrad smiled against his lips. “It makes for a very romantic tale. I’m afraid Mr. Moore’s story will not be nearly as interesting to readers.”
Sage stroked his temple with his thumb. “Why not? When did he fall in love?”
“In the quiet hours of the morning. It happened slowly, softly. When he realized that he liked the smell of roses and almonds best of all, and the way his legs tangled perfectly with one particular man, and the way they taught each other so many things, and the way their secrets always felt sacred when spoken together. And when he realized all of that, Mr. Moore found that he was in love with one of his dearest friends. It’s not as thrilling a tale as wind whipping across a lake. ”
“Nonsense,” Sage breathed, as his arms slowly wrapped behind Conrad’s neck. “It’s the most beautiful story I’ve ever heard.”
“Would you like to hear it again?”
“ Yes .”
Then Sage closed the distance and kissed him and all Conrad could think of was the softness of his lips, the warmth of his skin, the joy in his own heart, and the scent of roses and almonds in the air.
The End