Page 49 of Enchanting the Elf
I hit my forehead in mock obviousness.
“Now why didn’t I check the linen closet that was shown to me during my personalized house tour? Oh, right, because I wasn’t given a tour and because I don’t like snooping around.”
Adelbert eyebrows climb high up his forehead.
“Sassy under that sweet layer, I see.” There’s no derision in his tone, only the hint of a smile.
Instead of cringing in on myself and uttering the apology that is sitting on the tip of my tongue, I flick a strand of my hair.
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”
“Of that, I am certain. Now, follow me so I can show you the linen closet and we can prepare for a picnic.”
Chapter twenty-three
Adelbert
After gathering all the supplies, Florence and I head out for our day outside. I have had such difficulty with my concentration over the past couple of days that a small break in my daily routine might be what I need to recalibrate.
Thoughts of Florence have also been bothering me without cease, diverting large portions of my focus from important matters. I am finding it increasingly difficult to tell what is the bond and what is essentiallymegenuinely enjoying her company.
“I usually like sitting over there,” Florence says and points to the spot I know she frequents.
“I am aware. Though, today I thought I would show you a different spot since you can venture farther from the house now that I am with you. If you would prefer that, of course.”
“I would absolutelyloveseeing other parts of the forest. The bit I’ve seen is so beautiful but I feel like there’s much more to be discovered,” she says, beaming a brilliant smile at me.
I acknowledge Florence’s excitement with a nod and lead the way to an area I used to like to play in when I was a child and did not want my father discovering me enjoying such frivolous activities.
Much like our first venture through the forest, Florence follows quietly behind me. This time, my steps are slower and I am less tense, therefore less likely to snap at her for being distracted by the surrounding sights.
Last time, the stress of entering Alberad with a human and the pressure to find a resolution to the bond were riding me hard, and I may have come across ruder than I intended. On top of that, meeting my father so unexpectedly threw me off.
With that in mind, I slow down until I walk beside Florence. She moves over slightly, always taking care not to accidentally touch me.
I card a hand through my hair and glance sideways at Florence as I say, “I must apologize for the last time we walked through the forest. I may have been a bit short with you.”
“Oh, that’s okay. I understand.” Florence waves a dismissive hand in the air. “You were under a lot of pressure and you had a stranger thrust upon you and invading your private space.”
“Yet, you had to move to a new country with a very rude stranger after just learning that monsters are real,” I counter.
“But you’re kind of a nice monster.”
I scoff. “Nice is not something that is usually used when referring to me.”
“Well, you’ve been nice to me,” Florence says with a tilt to her chin.
“I could be nicer,” I admit.
“Don’t be so hard on yourself.” Florence’s eyes fill with empathy and her hand lifts as if she wants to reach out to me, but she catches herself in time and lowers it again. She laces her fingers together and quickly changes the topic when she notices my expression.
“Knock knock,” Florence starts and the whole mood instantly shifts.
Seeing the mirth dancing in her eyes, I decide to play along.
“Who’s there?”
“Yoda. Lady,” Florence says carefully, enunciating slowly.
