Page 68 of Fate's Sweetest Curse
“Why don’t you slip him a love potion?”
A shocked chortle spilled out of me. “Without him knowing? That’sincrediblyunethical.”
“Only kidding,” Oderin conceded. “Butifyou gave him one, do you think…” He circled his wrist, leading me to the unspoken conclusion.
Do you think it would work?Or, in more alchemically technical terms:Do you think he possesses enough feeling for you that a love potion would bring it to fruition?After all, love potions didn’tcreatelove, they only elevated existing affection.
My face heated even further.
The truth was,yes, I did think Noble possessed enough affection for me that a potion of that sort could be effective. But that was the thing about free will: just because an emotion existed didn’t mean the person intended to act upon it.
“Phina would be horrified by this conversation,” I said instead.
Oderinbeamed, causing me to break into a fit of giggles.
I’d missed these kinds of gossipy conversations. While Sani, Uriel, and I had bonded over schoolwork and our respective pursuits, we rarely spoke about our personal lives. Back in Waldron, gossip—for better or worse, usually better—was a cherished form of social currency. Never catty or cruel, just humorous and doting, if a tad nosy (thoughreal, sensitive topics were treated with the utmost respect).
Though I couldn’t tell Anyaeverythingabout my past without putting her at risk, Ididshare all my feelings with her—the yearning, the fluttery attraction, the heartache. Even more inclined to speaking about crushes and interpersonal dynamics was Idris, who liked to brew tea and snack on pastries while we chatted.
Everything at the Collegium had been soheavylately. I hadn’t realized how much I’d been craving a conversation like this until now.
“So…what’s his name?”
“Why?” I asked, feigning suspicion. “So you can steal him away from me?”
Oderin clutched his chest. “I wouldn’t do that to a friend.”
“We’re friends?”
“With the way I struck you this afternoon? We’re either friends or enemies.”
“Friends, then.”
Oderin smiled. “You know, Hattie, I think you should pursue this fellow. What do you have to lose?”
Everything, I thought miserably. “It’s complicated,” I said.
Oderin brightened. “Forbidden love? That’s myfavoritekind. Sneaking around, stolen glances, clandestine meetings.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“Oh, but it is.” He arched a brow, his brown eyes sparkling. “In my experience, attraction can’t be denied forever.”
“Inmyexperience, it can,” I said, but something about my last conversation with Noble—the shift in his demeanor after he saw the blood on my dress—made me wonder if Oderin had a point. Dangers be damned.
Oderin smiled again, this time with an encouraging, almost boyish tilt. His deep voice was lilting when he said, “We’ll see.”
A Letter
Posted from: Hattie Mund, Collegium, Fenrir City, Fenrir T.
Dear Anya,
Rest assured, I’m being careful.
In fact, your suggestion for me to get in touch with Oderin has resulted in him teaching me how to wield a sword! I’m sure you’re cringing at the idea (remember the carving knife incident two Astrophels back?), but it’s helping me feel more confident and capable. I can’t say much here, but things have proven rather…perilous…and the sword training helps. Don’t worry, though, I’m being my usual nosy self, so what could go wrong? (Ha!).
As for the wedding, I’m sorry to have missed the festivities—but I’m happy for Illian and Alden! And if I’m guessing correctly, I’m happy for you, too?! Can I lead your parade?!
