Page 80 of Kissing Potions and Elves
“It’s not that late,” she insists. “Just go on outside. The fresh air will do you good, and I’ll join you in a bit.”
“Alright.”
With a grateful nod, I carry my tea outside, stepping into the moonlit gardens. The night air is cool, scented with the delicate perfume of blooming moonflowers. Above, the sky is a breathtaking tapestry of glittering stars.
I settle on the familiar wooden bench beneath the cherry tree, my fingers gripping the warm teacup as my mind echoes with a dozen quiet fears and tender hopes.
As I sit alone, staring up at the endless stars, a quiet ache takes hold in my chest as I think of Lyrion. The manor looms behind me, beautiful but somehow distant, a constant reminder of a world I’ll never truly belong to.
Stars, I feel so utterly ridiculous. It’s not as if this were ever a permanent situation. And even though I’ve fallen for my broody Elf, it doesn’t mean he feels the same. I’ve seen elegant Elven ladies with their perfect manners and flawless beauty. How could I possibly compare?
I’m just a girl who works in a café, a human who can barely read and has no magic.
Lyrion deserves someone who fits seamlessly into his world. Someone who won’t embarrass him with awkward manners and stupid mistakes.
He’s claimed my heart, whether he knows it or not. I want so badly to belong to him, and to this beautiful, enchanting world of his. But no matter how deeply I wish for it, I’ll never truly fit into his life.
Tears sting my eyes as I realize now how foolish I was to ever think that I could.
So, it’s best that I leave before the magic between us completely fades. I’d rather go now and save him the trouble of sending me away.
CHAPTER 40
LYRION
I’m deep in thought, frowning down at the potions book on my desk, with Rhystan, when the door bursts open. I look up sharply as Hilda sweeps into the study, a determined look on her face.
“Is everything alright?”
“No,it isnot. We need to talk about Isobel.” She places her hands on her hips. “Did you know she’s planning to leave tomorrow? To return to her apartment.”
“What?Why?”
“Because the proximity spell has faded.”
“Yes, but that’s no reason for her to feel she needs to leave.”
“Then, you need to tell her that,” Hilda states firmly. “And while you’re at it, perhaps you might also consider telling her how you feel as well.”
“I’m… not sure what you mean.”
“Lyrion Thornwylde,” she says sharply, “I’ve known you since before you could walk. You know exactly what I mean, young man.”
Rhystan leans back in his chair. “Well, this seems rather serious. It’s not often that Hilda gets upset about things.” His lips curve into a teasing smirk as he leans in and mock whispers, “Glad I’m not you, Brother.”
I shoot him a withering look. He simply lifts his hands in surrender, reclining further in his seat as though preparing for a particularly entertaining show.
With a resigned sigh, I turn my full attention to my Dwarven housekeeper, who is actually more of a second mother to me than anything else. She’s standing with her arms crossed, eyes narrowed, her usually soft features carved into a determined mask. I don’t remember the last time I’ve seen her this upset.
“What are you talking about, Hilda?”
“What are your intentions toward Isobel, Lyrion?” Instead of her usual warmth, her words are clipped and direct. “She’s living in your house and you’re engaged to another woman that you haven’t even told her about.”
Rhystan coughs dramatically, barely hiding a laugh. I send him a glare, which only seems to fuel his amusement. “Do continue, Hilda. I’ve been raising similar concerns, but perhaps he’ll actually listen to you.” He smirks. “This should be good.”
I ignore my brother and pinch the bridge of my nose, exhaling deeply. “Hilda, I know you might be disappointed, because I know how much you liked her, but… I’ve already sent ravens to Lady Elyssia and my parents. I’ve informed them of my intent to break my betrothal.”
For a moment, the room is silent. I brace myself, expecting to hear a sharp intake of breath, to see disapproval etched across Hilda’s face. But instead, she claps her hands together. “Oh, thank the gods!”
