Page 42 of Kiss and Spell

Her question rendered him silent. No one had ever questioned his honor before, but she just called him out right then and there. He didn’t move. A few customers turned in the direction of their table.

“I’m an honorable prince,” he said primly.

“But are you a brave one?” she demanded.

He stared at her, speechless. Xavier could see it now. Madame Ursula Caraway dressed in armor, sword drawn ready to protect everything she loved from harm. From danger. A heroine willing to rush into an unwinnable situation. She wouldn’t run away from an enchantment of a perfect kiss; she’d charge through it. The woman had more courage in her pinky than he had in his entire body. If he was truly brave, he would’ve asked her out on the equinox. He would’ve wooed and romanced her weeks ago. He would’ve kissed the beauty mark by her mouth and enjoyed her sweet sighs.

But he was a whole coward.

“My enchantment doesn’t need me to be brave,” he said.

He kept his mouth shut, not wanting to say anything further. It seemed that that wasn’t the right answer.

Disappointment clouded her eyes. She let out a shaky breath. “Okay, then. Well, I should get going. I’ve stayed long enough.”

He didn’t want their meeting to end on an uneasy note. Xavier stood. “Madame, wait.”

Ursula got up from their table. “Good luck with the online dating and everything, Your Highness.”

She hustled out the front without a backward glance. Gwen tried to get her attention, but Ursula was outside on the sidewalk and running way from the bistro. No, she was running away from him. Anger shredded at his skin. He shouldn’t have been so rude with her. He was wrong to call her naïve, but… he didn’t want to see her hurt. Ursula couldn’t know what he was thinking or what was in his heart. Xavier also didn’t want to make promises with his kisses that he couldn’t keep. It wasn’t too late to tell her how he felt. To make amends. Maybe it wasn’t too late to be a little brave with her.

He texted Whitney. Which flowers are best for an apology?

She responded immediately. Purple hyacinths and don’t forget the chocolate.

Ursula: Hey cuz. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to this month’s gathering.

Sirena: I get it. Auntie told me you were working. Make that money, but we miss you. Tell me more about that fine fae man. Auntie told me about him too.

Ursula: He’s a just friend.

Sirena: Listen, the best relationships start off as friendships. All it takes is an upgrade and the removal of clothes.

Ursula: It’s complicated.

Sirena: Oh, that sounds juicy. Let’s talk later. I need all the details. And photos.

Ursula: You play too much.

Chapter Thirteen

Where was Mr. Sandman when you needed him?

Ursula tossed and turned in her bed, trying to get back to Dreamland, but of course it was no good. She glanced at the digital clock on the nightstand and released a frustrated groan.

The dream god was sleeping on the job because Ursula couldn’t get to sleep. Not a single wink.

Every time her phone buzzed, she jumped up and checked it.

The subject heading for the first email was FWD: Dine Ravenous: Sautéed Mushrooms with Cheese Polenta and Spinach.

Ursula grinned. Apparently, Sirena was back online and sending her recipes. Even though they didn’t see each other much, they started texting and keeping in contact. She starred the email for later.

The next email was from Quentin. He wanted to know about how many tickets he needed to reserve for the Smitten Ball for her. His message was on brand for him—polite, yet nosy. As a nominee, you are given two free tickets to the ball and dinner. Do you have a plus-one or are you riding solo? Let me know when you know! Xavier’s confession spurred her to embrace whatever the universe was sending her way. She emailed Quentin that she would be bringing a date.

Ursula didn’t know who her date was yet, but she knew she had to find one soon. She didn’t mind going alone to the ball, but it would be nice to have someone by her side. The other Sweetheart nominees had started a text thread about what they were wearing and when they were shopping for the ball. Ursula responded to their texts with likes and emoji hearts but didn’t talk about possible outfits. The last time she wore a fancy dress it didn’t go so well.

Ursula turned off her phone and stared up at the ceiling.

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