Page 88 of Kissing Potions and Elves
Elyssia lifts one delicate shoulder in a careless shrug. “She’s human. Plain and utterly common. Truly, Lyrion, what did you expect me to say?” Her emerald eyes flash dangerously, her pride sharp as a blade. “Did you expect me to happily step asideand allow everyone to whisper that you rejected me for some human girl who works in a café?”
“You and I were never a love match,” I remind her. “This betrothal was arranged for convenience and duty. Nothing more.”
She arches a brow. “Convenience or not, you cannot simply walk away without consequences. My pride and your family’s name are at stake. You know as well as I do that this betrothal must be dissolved formally, in Rivenyl. Anything else would cause scandal neither of us desires.”
“I planned on returning next week,” I grind out. “I sent a raven explaining my intent to travel to Rivenyl and formally dissolve our betrothal.”
“Oh, yes.” Elyssia’s tone is mocking. “I received your ridiculous message, but I thought it was a ploy… that you simply wanted more time to complete your work.” She gestures dismissively toward the door where Isobel fled moments ago. “Imagine my shock at learning you chose to amuse yourself with a human distraction.”
“She’s not a distraction,” I snap, my anger flaring. “She’s—”
“She’s what? A mere peasant?” She crosses her arms. “I cannot even fathom how your parents are going to react once they learn that their son has fallen for a human.”
“Our king took one as his bondmate,” I point out. “Queen Lyana is—”
“That was a necessity to unite Rivenyl with the kingdom of Eryadon,” she cuts me off. “But this—” She gestures again to the door. “Your dalliance with ahuman peasantwill become fodder for court gossip and rumors unless we handle this carefully.”
“Watch your tongue, Elyssia.” Anger boils beneath my skin. “Do not speak of her that way.”
“You think I care if you’ve fallen for a human, Lyrion?” She gives a haughty laugh. “All I care about is distancing myself fromour betrothal before you descend into scandal. Youowethat to me.”
Her eyes flash, pride radiating from every pore. “We leave for Rivenyl tomorrow, not next week. We will return home immediately and dissolve this engagement properly, or I assure you, the consequences to your family’s reputation will be severe.”
With a final dismissive glance, Elyssia spins on her heel, and disappears down the hallway.
Silence echoes through the manor, oppressive and heavy, pressing down on me like an unbearable weight. Isobel’s scent—warm honey and lavender—lingers everywhere, a painful reminder of what I’ve lost.
My heart aches with each step I take, memories flooding my mind with ruthless clarity. Isobel’s gentle laughter, the brush of her lips against mine, the feel of her in my arms. My breath catches sharply. What if I’ve lost her forever?
Pain twists through me, fierce and raw. I was such a fool, thinking love could be so easily won. Isobel deserves better… someone who won’t deceive her, someone worthy of the pure heart she offered so freely.
My chest tightens. I have to fix this. I must prove to her that everything I felt was real, genuine. Even if she never forgives me, even if I’ve already lost her heart… I must try.
Rhystan steps out of the shadows, his expression somber as he places a comforting hand on my shoulder. “As much as I hate to admit it, Elyssia’s right. The sooner you go to Rivenyl to dissolve this, the better.”
“I know,” I murmur bitterly as pain lances through me. “But what about Isobel? She left before I could explain myself. I can’t lose her, Rhystan.”
My brother squeezes my shoulder. “We must handle this first. And I’ll be with you to help smooth things out withour parents. Once the betrothal is officially broken, you can come back and explain everything to Isobel. You can beg her forgiveness and tell her the truth. That you love her, and you’ll fight for her.”
“You’re right.” Determination rises within. “I’ll fix this. I’ll do whatever it takes to win her back.”
“I know you will.” Rhystan smiles. “Now, go pack. We have a long journey tomorrow.”
With a heavy sigh, I make my way upstairs to my room. My thoughts churn, anxiety clawing at my chest, but I push it back down.
I’m sure my parents will be furious once they learn the truth, but it matters not. I’ll face their disappointment and endure Elyssia’s prideful disdain, because nothing else matters but Isobel.
Stepping into my bedroom, I freeze, mouth dropping open in shock. The sight before me is utter chaos. Feathers drift through the air, littering the floor and furniture like a fluffy snowstorm. My pillows and bedding, and even a few of my tunics, lie shredded beyond recognition, torn apart as if by some fierce, vengeful creature.
I blink several times, stunned, before realization dawns sharply.Errol.The little tyrant.
I stare at the wreckage. Despite everything, a faint grin tugs at my lips, admiration stirring in my chest. He is fiercely devoted to Isobel, defending her honor in the only way he knows how. She couldn’t have asked for a better guardian.
With a heavy sigh, I step forward, feathers swirling around me as I begin packing what remains of my belongings. Determination fills me. Tomorrow, I’ll leave for Rivenyl. I’ll end this betrothal, and return to Oakvale to win back the woman who has captured my heart entirely.
I’ll face whatever storms await me. Because losing Isobel is not an option.
CHAPTER 45
