Page 76 of Kissing Potions and Elves
“About Isobel. I saw the way you looked at her tonight. You can’t pretend any longer, Lyrion.”
“What are you going on about? I’m not pretending anything.”
“I’m your twin, remember?” Rhystan arches a brow. “You cannot hide things from me. Besides, it’s clear to anyone with eyes that you’re in love with her.”
My jaw tightens. Silence between us stretches a moment before I realize he’s right. I cannot hide anything from him, and I can’t even remember the reasons why I wanted to in the first place. If I cannot talk to him, then I can confide in no one. “You’re right.” I sigh heavily. “I am.”
Rhystan’s brows shoot up to his forehead. “Well that was rather quick.” He smirks. “And here I thought I’d have to pry the truth out of you.”
A reluctant warmth spreads through me at my brother’s easy acceptance.
His expression turns serious. “What about your betrothed?”
I’ve already considered this, and the decision is firm and clear within my heart. “I’ll send a raven to Elyssia and our parents when we return to Oakvale. It wouldn’t be fair to Elyssia, or to Isobel, to do otherwise.”
“I agree. But what are you going to tell Mother and Father? I’d hate to be you when Mother finds out. She’ll—”
“Have to get over it,” I finish his sentence.
Rhystan nods slowly. “And while she’s doing that, I’ll obviously become the favored son,” he teases. “It will be hard to carry that banner, but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make for your happiness, Brother.”
“Of course,” I reply sarcastically. “You’re such a martyr.”
We both laugh a moment before I look across at him, grateful for his support. “Thank you, Rhystan.”
His mouth curves up in a grin. “Always, Brother. Now, try to sleep. Tomorrow you can charm your lovely Isobel on the journey back home.”
I roll my eyes, though a smile tugs at my lips. I turn away, the lantern light dimming as Rhystan settles down, his breathing slowly evening out into sleep.
My mind drifts inevitably back to Isobel and the gentle hitch in her breath as my lips brushed hers, the warmth of her body pressed against mine as we danced beneath the stars.
Love.Not the potion’s influence, not magic, but something deeper, truer. Real. I wasn’t sure of it before, but I am now.
Tomorrow, I’ll find the courage to tell her… to speak the truth of what she means to me. Hope burns bright in my chest as I close my eyes and allow myself to fall away into sleep.
CHAPTER 37
LYRION
Iawaken to golden sunlight filtering through the sheer curtains. As my mind drifts to the events of last night, there’s an unfamiliar, aching warmth in my chest. Something I’ve only recently begun to admit is real.
Isobel.
I sit up in bed and run a hand over my face. Last night everything changed. Or perhaps it’s been changing all along and I hadn’t noticed. But now, I can no longer pretend that my feelings are the sole result of the kissing potion’s effects.
Not when the truth whispers insistently in my heart, louder and clearer with each passing breath. I’ve fallen for her. Completely.
I glance across the room to Rhystan’s bed, empty and already neatly made. The quiet murmur of conversation and the faint aroma of tea drifts from the adjoining sitting room.
Quickly, I ready myself for the day and then step through the half-open door. The sound of Isobel’s laughter, gentle and warm, is like sunlight spilling over my skin.
And when she turns and smiles at me, I feel as if I’m staring into the very sun itself as the morning light paints her hair a luminous gold. Her honey-brown eyes meet mine and my chest tightens with an emotion I don’t fully trust myself to name aloud.
“Good morning,” she says cheerfully.
“It’s about time you woke up, Brother,” Rhystan jokes. “I’ll go downstairs and call the Wolves while you have your tea.” He grins. “Gods know you definitely need it in the mornings, else you’ll be as grumpy as a Goblin on our journey.”
I narrow my eyes as Isobel laughs at his teasing.
