Page 9 of Kissing Potions and Elves
Unable to speak through my embarrassment, I nod.
He carries me like I’m some delicate noble lady in a ballgown and not a bedraggled café girl with mud-splattered skirts and damp hair plastered to her face.
It’s been a long time since anyone carried me. I almost forgot what it was like to feel taken care of in this way.
We walk in silence, my heart tripping over itself with every step. The streets change as we go, with houses becoming larger, windows brighter, fences trimmed with silver ivy.
I don’t think I’ve ever been to this part of Oakvale.
Eventually, we stop before a tall, ornate gate wrought from iron and etched with elegant curling runes and hinges that shimmer faintly with moonstone.
I stare at it, gaping. “Where are we?”
“My cottage.”
My jaw hangs open as I take in the massive structure beyond the gate. “This is yourcottage?”
He glances down at me as though I’ve gone soft in the head, and then opens the gate with a graceful wave of his hand. “Yes.”
CHAPTER 4
ISOBEL
This is most certainlynota cottage. It’s a manor house with Elven architecture, ornate spires, polished stone, and glowing crystal windows. The front courtyard is lined with moonflowers and elegant topiaries. A carved stone bench sits beside a large, three-tiered fountain.
When we step inside, he gently sets me on my feet, and I gaze at my surroundings in awe and wonder. The interior of the house is even grander than I’d envisioned, with polished wood floors, crystal lamps, silver-trimmed furniture, and tapestries that look like they belong in a royal library. A faint hint of parchment and pine permeates the air.
The entire place reminds me ofhim—ordered, exact, and pristine.
“This way,” he says as he leads me up the stairs and down a long hall to a pair of silver-handled doors. “This is the guest room.”
When we step inside, I gasp. It’s absolutely breathtaking. There’s a four-poster bed draped in gauzy silver fabric, a velvetchaise and sofa that sit before a glowing hearth along the left wall. Tall windows and a rather impressive balcony overlook a lovely garden out back, where fireflies drift through glowing red roses and blue and white moonflowers.
“Will this be adequate?” he asks.
I nod slowly, drinking in the elegance all around me. “This is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.”
Lyrion frowns, as if my compliment makes no sense to him. He’s probably used to grander things. Perhaps this is quaint for someone like him.
“Through that door”—he points to the far wall—“is your private cleansing room. I’ll be in my chambers next door,” he says, gesturing vaguely toward the hall. “If you require anything, just ring the bell by your bedside, and a servant will come.”
My mouth drops open. “You have servants?”
“It’s just the one.”
“Oh, just the one,” I repeat weakly, stunned by such a lavish lifestyle. “Well, of course. That’s… normal.” Because everyone has at least one servant, right?
Lyrion lifts one perfectly arched brow, giving me a look that suggests he’s possibly questioning my intelligence. “Well,” he says as he heads toward the door. “I’m going to retire for the evening. I’ll see you at breakfast tomorrow, and then we can start trying to figure out exactly what you put in my tea.”
“That sounds great.” I fidget with my skirt. “I’m going to um… retire as well,” I reply a bit awkwardly. “To my bed,” I add. In this palatial room that is bigger than anything I’ve ever seen. “I’ll see you tomorrow for breakfast and…” My voice trails off as Lyrion makes a hasty retreat to the hallway, closing the door behind him with a soft click.
I let out the breath I’ve been holding, shoulders sagging. Gods above, this has been a strange day, that’s for sure.
As I glance at the enormous bed and the velvet furniture, I’m suddenly very aware of the dried mud on my shoes and the hem of my dress. When I open the door to the cleansing room, the smell of lavender floods my senses.
Inside is a white marble counter and sink with a wide mirror, a large claw-foot tub with knobs for hot and cold water, and a separate smaller room with a toilet.
After filling the bath, I strip out of my muddy clothes and step into the glorious tub, submerging myself completely and allowing the hot water to soothe my tired muscles and rattled nerves.
