Page 14 of Potions & Prejudice
She crossed her arms. “No.”
Georgie grinned. “I like her.”
Of course she did. I, however, did not. “And who are you?” I asked.
“Elspeth. Elspeth Moonflower.”
“Right.” I let go of my sister’s arm, shoving her behind me. “Well, you must not be from here because I don’t recognize you. And thatmeans you don’t know me. You don’t know this town. And you definitely don’t know what in the hellfire you’re talking about, so I suggest you turn around and go back to the bar.”
“So this isn’t just how you treat young girls. It’s how you treat everyone.” She gestured around. “It’s a wonder anyone comes here. Then again, this is the only place in Thistlegrove that serves ale from what I understand. I suppose no one has a choice in the matter.”
Georgie peeked around me. “You’re right. People definitely don’t come here for Draven.”
Elspeth set her steely gaze on me. “I can’t imagine why not.”
Oh, this lady was a real treat.
“Are you okay?” she asked Georgie. “Do you need me to find your parents or something?”
I winced at the mention of them.
“No, that’s alright.” Georgie picked up the wet rag off the table. “This has been delightful. I’m going to go clean a few tables now.” She flounced off, leaving me alone with Elspeth.
I gaped after my sister. This was what it took to get her to do my bidding? Someone insulting me? Georgie happily wiped a table nearby, a smile on her face as she hummed.
Elspeth looked between Georgie and me. “She’s your employee?” Her eyes widened in horror. “But she can’t be more than sixteen, and... you should not be putting your hands on your staff like that. Especially not a young girl. Who’s in charge here?”
“I am,” I ground out, teeth clenched so tight my jaw hurt.
I should’ve corrected her, told her that the “young girl” was my sister. But I didn’t like how this woman barged into my tavern and made assumptions about someone she knew absolutely nothing about. I didn’t owe her any explanations, and I didn’t care what she thought of me.
“I suggest you return to your seat now.” I gestured toward the bar, where Elm and the blonde were sitting, their heads bent together as they talked. They were so deep in their conversation they hadn’t even noticed their companion was over here with me.
Pestering me.
“Fine,” she said. “I could use a drink anyway.”
“Yeah, you’re not the only one,” I fired back.
“Whatis that supposed to mean?” she asked.
“It means I just met you, and you’ve managed to insult me, anger me, and exhaust me in the span of a few minutes. I shouldn’t even allow you to step foot in my tavern again after that display. And the only reason I’m not kicking you out right now is because you’re Elm’s guest, and he’s a loyal patron.”
She snorted. “Well, it’s definitely not because of you. You must serve good ale.”
Right then, a mug flew through the air. The one I’d just spelled. Elspeth looked at it and let out a scream as it shot toward her head at a frightening speed.
Fuck. I must’ve been too aggressive with my spell, and now it was going to knock the woman unconscious. For a moment, I considered letting it happen. But no matter how much I disliked her, I wouldn’t let anyone get hurt. Especially not in my tavern. Not because of my magic.
Before I could think too much on it, I barreled into her, and we both tumbled to the ground.
Seven
ELSPETH
One minute, I was standing upright, seeing my life flash before my eyes, and the next, the rude tavern owner was crashing into me. His heavy body pushed me toward the ground. I yelped as we fell, and he landed on top of me with an oomph.
The mug flew right over us and through the air, crashing into one of the walls. Everyone broke out in applause.
