Page 25 of Kissing Potions and Elves
Grumbling under my breath, I stride toward the door, Errol trailing behind me.
Before we reach the stairs, he adds,“Just remember she has a tender heart. If you break it, you answer to me. Some people are soft because life has been kind to them. But some people… are soft because life wasn’t.”
Despite my irritation with him, his words make my heart clench. It seems he and Isobel have been through a lot.“I would never treat her unkindly, Errol,”I reassure him.“My vow.”
He tips up his chin.“Good,”he says with a slight swish of his tail as he leads me downstairs.
CHAPTER 13
ISOBEL
The dining room glows under the golden flicker of lamplight, warmth radiating from the polished wood, chasing away the chill of evening. Rich scents of roasted meat and herbs mingle with the comforting aroma of fresh-baked bread.
My attention drifts toward Lyrion, seated opposite me.
He seems different… less guarded somehow, despite his usual stiff posture and carefully neutral expression. Every so often, his violet gaze flickers to mine, sparking a warmth deep within my chest.
Hilda walks in, carrying a porcelain dish. When she sets it down, she removes the lid, revealing the fragrant, golden honey cake Lyrion bought at the festival. It’s been months since I’ve had this delicious treat, and my mouth begins to water at the sight.
Hilda starts to leave, but I call out to her. “Wait, aren’t you going to have some of this?”
“Oh, thank you, dear, but I’m not much for this sort of dessert. It’s a bit too sweet for my tastes.”
I blink, confused. “But... Lyrion said it’s your favorite.”
Hilda’s brows knit together. “Did he now? I’m afraid he must be mistaken. Perhaps he was thinking of someone else.” She shrugs. “I have a few things to finish in the kitchen. Enjoy your dessert.” She slips quietly from the room, leaving the two of us alone.
An awkward silence settles between us. I glance at Lyrion. He looks decidedly uncomfortable, his posture rigid. The tips of his pointed ears are flushed, and he shifts in his seat, pointedly avoiding my gaze.
Something soft and hopeful unfurls within me. “I thought you said it was Hilda’s favorite.”
Lyrion clears his throat, still avoiding my eyes as he picks up his fork. “I must have been mistaken.”
I could let this slide and change the subject, but I’m feeling a bit bold and I want to know. “Did you buy this for me? Because I mentioned it earlier?”
His violet gaze flicks up to mine, studying me curiously. “You’re very direct, aren’t you?”
Taking another delicious bite of honey cake, I shrug. “I figure life’s too short to be anything else.”
He narrows his eyes, but I notice the hint of a smile he tries to hide. “I suppose it is.”
“Well?” I press when he doesn’t continue. “You didn’t answer my question.”
Lyrion arches a brow. “Does it matter who it’s intended for? The important thing is that it’s here now. And you seem to be enjoying it.”
Warmth floods my chest at the gentle evasion. He’s not denying it, but he’s not admitting it either. A smile crests my lips. “Well, thank you anyway, Lyrion.”
“Of course,” he murmurs. A faint flush still colors the tips of his ears, betraying his discomfort at being caught in this small act of kindness.
Under the table, Errol brushes affectionately against Lyrion’s ankles, winding himself around his legs with a loud, satisfied purr.
Lyrion reaches down, gently scratching behind Errol’s ears, the small gesture making my heart flutter even more.
I take another bite of the honey cake, savoring its sweetness, but knowing that the true sweetness in this moment has nothing at all to do with dessert.
Stars help me, we need to undo this potion before I lose my heart to this handsome and broody Elf. Which would be all the more devastating because I doubt he could ever fall for someone like me.
CHAPTER 14
