Page 100 of Kiss and Spell

“It’s time.” Ursula picked up her clutch. “Let’s do it.”

Sirena gave Ursula a fist bump. “You got this, cuz. We’re here for you.”

Ursula gave them a thumbs-up and sashayed out of the room. She’d have to walk the next part of this path alone. Her expectant heart knocked against her ribs as she went down the hallway and boarded the elevator. As it descended to the first floor, her stomach rose into her throat, and she worked her bottom lip with her teeth. The elevator dinged, the doors opened, and she exited and made her way to the ballroom. All her wishes had led her to this moment, crowned in flowers and filled with hope. She didn’t know what was happening next and couldn’t see the proverbial forest for the trees.

The sight before her left her breathless. This was a vision of midsummer. The huge ballroom was decorated with gauzy lights and flower garlands that hung from faux tall trees. Glass pots of wild thyme, violet, and sweet musk roses with tall candles made up the table centerpieces. A chamber quartet played a classical take on a popular song while guests danced on the floor. The laughter and chatter pulled her into the room.

Every doubt told her to stop, to flee, but her heart repeated one clear command: Claim your wish. A witch didn’t fear the forest; she made the woods into her home and thrived. Ursula scanned the ballroom floor, trying to spot that one familiar face she yearned to see.

“My enchantress,” his voice said behind her.

Ursula pivoted and faced him. Xavier stood a few feet away in a midnight-black tuxedo, holding a bouquet of luscious dark red roses. Her heart leapt. Dark red roses symbolized love and complete devotion. She stilled, afraid if she moved that he’d dissolve away. He closed the gap between them, his gaze focused solely on Ursula. The ballroom around them faded away.

“My prince,” she whispered.

“I didn’t want to be late,” he said. “I’m not too late, am I?”

“No,” she choked out. “You’re never too late.”

Ursula flew into his arms, almost knocking the flowers onto the ground. He held her tightly. His familiar wildflower scent comforted her. He’s here and he’s real. She pressed kisses all over his lips, eyes, cheeks, and chin. He laughed and held her so close that she thought their souls would fuse together into one beautiful thing. Xavier leaned back and studied her with love in his eyes.

“My dear Madame,” he said. “I’ve missed you.”

She melted against his chest. “I missed you too. So much. How long can I keep you?”

Ursula didn’t want to waste any time, so she got straight to the point. Midsummer would be over soon, and they had so many plans to make. They needed to figure out how they were going to make this very long-distance relationship work. Hopefully there was a realm-friendly data plan that she could sign up for. She pressed her lips together, waiting for him to respond. No matter what, they’d make it work out.

His face grew solemn, and he tensed. “Well, how long will you have me?”

A joyous laugh parted her lips. Excitement warmed her from top to bottom. “I’ll have you every day if you grant me that honor.”

His shoulder sagged in relief. He let out a breath and smiled. “I can’t promise you that everything’s going to be a fairy tale, but I’m going to work to give you magic in our lives.”

“Does that mean—” Ursula wrapped her hands around his middle. Her mouth dried up. “You’re moving to the Grove. You’re here for good. What about… everything?” Your castle. Your family. Your life.

“We’re still working on the details, but I’m here for good. I’m staying with Whitney until I can afford my own place,” Xavier said. “I don’t have any leads on a job, but I’m sure someone will be interested in hiring a former fae royal.”

Regret lapped at her skin. “I… I didn’t want that to happen.”

Hurt shadowed his handsome features. “Father will come around eventually, but I’m not rewriting our story for anyone else.” There was a note of finality in his voice. “I walked away from you once. I’m not doing it again.”

“But it’s your title.” Her chest ached for everything he was forfeiting at this moment.

“What was the point of having a crown if I couldn’t lift my head?” Xavier said. “I’m done with just existing. I want to live. I love you.”

It was too much, but it was just enough.

Ursula responded with a watery laugh. “I love you too.”

They embraced underneath the makeshift midsummer twilight sky of the ballroom. Xavier presented her with the roses and escorted her to their table. They enjoyed their evening, danced all night, and celebrated when Ursula won second runner-up at the Sweetheart awards.

They went back to her apartment, popped kettle corn, and settled on the couch still dressed in their finery.

“Tell me a story,” Ursula said.

Xavier hummed to himself for a moment. “Once upon a time, there was a witch who loved iced tea and plants. She was gorgeous and had the biggest heart, but it had been a bit bruised. This witch was on a quest to find a wish, and nothing was going to get in her way.”

Ursula said, “So far, so good.”

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