Page 43 of Kiss and Spell

What was it about the darkness of the night that made a person recall their regrets? She’d been saddened to hear that someone like Xavier with such a kind, thoughtful nature didn’t believe in love.

It was like finding out the Tooth Faery hates teeth, or the Sandman prefers to use potting soil instead of sprinkling sand in dreamers’ eyes.

Her stomach ached as this afternoon’s events played and replayed in her mind.

She’d pushed Xavier with her comments, made him uneasy, and asked for answers that she had no right to know. She wasn’t his wife or even his girlfriend. Even so, Ursula was concerned about what would happen if he allowed his heart to wither and fossilize. It would cease to exist and become buried deep within him without ever knowing true love.

A heart like his shouldn’t be forgotten.

Xavier in turn had called her naïve. A familiar brew of anger, hurt, and disappointment stirred within her chest. How many times had Lincoln said something like that to her at a Walker family gathering or party? His low, smooth voice droned in her head.

Don’t be so naïve, Sula. You don’t really believe a few words can change your fate. Sweeping your feet with a broom doesn’t chase away your luck! Don’t be silly, honey! Of course I’ll see you at the altar tomorrow. I’ll be in a tux. Don’t be so nervous.

She wasn’t a fool, but she was naturally inclined to imagine the best and sometimes the worst of life.

Ursula could envision Xavier—sitting in his castle, the light in him faded and nearly snuffed out. A ripple of grief went through her. Ursula was saddened for all his desires that would fade away into painful regret.

Ursula didn’t want that life for Xavier, but she couldn’t bully him into believing.

She kicked off the covers, got out of bed, and went into the kitchen. It was time for sleepy-time tea. Ursula was searching through her cabinet when a noise at her window caught her attention. It sounded like pebbles plinking against the glass. Wait. Someone was throwing pebbles at the front window. She went over and threw it open, ready to yell at whoever it was, but her mouth dropped when she saw Xavier. He peered up at her, holding an upright box with a crooked bow. His striking profile was brightened by the streetlamp, which illuminated his beard.

“Your Highness?” She yanked her robe closed.

“Madame!” He visibly relaxed. “Thank goodness. I’ve been throwing pebbles at random windows all night. There’s a very angry gargoyle down the street who doesn’t like me.”

“Baltazar’s always mad. He deals with pigeons perching on him all day,” Ursula said.

Even so, the grumpy but kindhearted gargoyle had kept an eye out for her when she moved into the neighborhood. She made a mental note to leave Baltazar a sweet roll the next time she saw him. Ursula stared down at Xavier. He was in his usual professorial attire, but he looked wrinkled, slightly undone.

Her heart jumped at the mere sight of him. Apparently, it didn’t get the message that she was currently angry with the prince.

“You could’ve texted.” Was there a tremble in her voice? Lock it down, Caraway. He hurt you. Don’t let him see it.

“I needed to talk to you face-to-face.” He sounded insistent.

She wrinkled her brow. Really, now? “Why did you come over so late?”

“I had to pick something up from Meadowdale. I got lost. I took… a taxi.” He said the word “taxi” in the same mystified tone a person would use if they took a spaceship. Xavier lifted and dropped his shoulders. “They got the address wrong and left me in the West Grove. There are a lot of mystic shops in town.”

“You could’ve asked Gwen!”

“I did ask, Madame! She said I had to, and I quote, ‘work for it.’”

Gwen must have seen her leave abruptly from the bistro without saying goodbye. Ursula exhaled. She was lucky His Highness hadn’t accidentally ended up three towns over in Belmar or Point Pleasant. Did princes have a terrible sense of direction? Rapunzel didn’t have to deal with this nonsense up in her tower. Which reminded her: She couldn’t yell down at him all night. Gargoyles were nosy and would tell the ravens her business.

“Don’t wake up the neighborhood with our foolishness. I’ll be right down.”

He pressed his free hand to his chest. “Thank you.”

Ursula belted her robe, looked quickly in the mirror, and went downstairs to the front door. If she was going to entertain royalty for a little while, she could at least look a little put together. She opened the door and ushered him inside.

The stairs squeaked as they ascended to her apartment. Once Ursula closed the door behind Xavier, she held on to the knob. Why did her place seem so small around him? Her place was a spacious studio with one bedroom with a pale pink accent wall, but with him standing tall, it felt like a kindergartener’s closet. There was a quiet authority about Xavier that demanded she pay attention. Ursula shook herself. She wasn’t going to let herself get caught staring at the prince. Being angry with him was safer than feeling any other emotion—hurt and disappointment right now. At least she could offer him a warm cup of tea before she showed him out once he delivered his message.

“I was going to brew tea. Would you like some?”

“I’m good, but thank you.” He scanned the apartment quickly, holding the upright box to his side. “Your place is very cozy. I like it.”

She rolled her shoulders as she filled the kettle at the sink. “You don’t have to be polite. I’m aware it’s small.”

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