Page 61 of Potions & Prejudice
“I do,” I said with another laugh. This little dragon was so cute.
He sighed. “The world can be scary sometimes. I’m trying to be braver. I think Draven is disappointed he adopted me—buyer’s remorse and all.”
A crack formed in my heart at the dragon’s words. “I’m sure that’s not true.”
“He adopted me to look after his sister, be a companion to her, but she gets annoyed because I’m not always up for all the adventures she wants to go on. Sneaking out, exploring the darker parts of the forest, going on dangerous missions.” A shudder rolled through his back, his wings trembling. “It’s too much for a dragon like me.”
So Draven’s sister was a bit of a rebel. I bet he hated that. The thought made me smile.
“He would’ve been better off adopting one of my siblings.”
Edgar flew down the hallway and toward a small corridor with spiral stairs.
“You have siblings?” I asked.
“Oh yes. Four of them. Herman has already been adopted. But I have three more waiting adoption at Arcane Creatures Emporium. One of them probably would’ve been better suited for this job.”
“You’re perfectly suited for this job,” I said. “It’s okay to be scared.” I thought of all the things that scared me. “The world can be a scary place.”
Edgar stopped mid-air and turned to face me. “That’s what I say! I’m glad I found someone who agrees.”
I smiled and leaned forward. “We can be scared together. And maybe we can also be brave together, face new things.”
I thought of this town, of the cottage, of everything we were doing that scared me on a daily basis.
“Draven didn’t adopt the wrong dragon. I think a practical voice sounds like exactly what his sister needs. Maybe you just haven’t found the right thing to bond with her yet.”
Edgar turned and flew up the stairwell, and I followed. “That’s a good point. We had a good time getting ready for the ball. She even let me tie a ribbon in her hair.”
“Well, there you go. Progress,” I said.
We got to the top of the stairs, which led to a single door. “Here we are,” Edgar said, pointing his tail at the door.
“Thank you for your help.”
Edgar nodded and flew back down the stairwell.
I raised my fist to knock. “Adelaide?” I called.
I heard a rustling sound and then the door swung open, Adelaide barreling into me. “Elspeth, what are you doing here?”
She backed up a step. Her cheeks were flushed, sweat shining on her forehead. Her blonde hair had come undone from its elegant bun from last night and tumbled past her shoulders. She still wore her white dress, all wrinkled and creased now.
I held up a satchel with one hand and kicked the door shut behind me. “I brought you some clothes from home.”
“Oh, thank the Witch Superior.” She snatched the satchel. “Will you help me with this?” She gestured to her dress.
I turned her around and undid the laces in the back of her dress. She shimmied out of it, now only in her panties and bra. I dug into the satchel and pulled out her pale pink nightgown with long sleeves.
“I figured you might want something more comfortable if you’re sick.”
She stretched it over her head and sighed out in relief, then padded back to her bed.
Stone made up the walls and floor of the room, the ceiling vaulted with a single window overlooking the estate. A fire crackled in the hearth.
I sat on the edge of the bed. “Are they taking good care of you?”
“Oh yes,” Adelaide said. “Elm has been checking on me every ten minutes. I finally told him to go take a walk because I felt so smothered. The servants have kept my fire going, brought me broth, and Draven called for the town healer. She gave me some tonic for the fever.” Adelaide slumped down. “I feel so embarrassed.”
