Page 13 of Enchanting the Elf
I refuse to find the action endearing.
“Let’s go,” I mutter and march ahead of her, trusting Florence to follow compliantly.
As we walk, I train my focus on finding a selection of books that could possibly dispel the bonds and the markings on our bodies, the weight of responsibility settling like a familiar mantle around my shoulders.
A week. I will grant myself a week of extensive research before I have to return to my usual studies. Before Florence has to return to her home in America. Hopefully.
With my resolve firmly in place, we round the bend and Florence lays eyes on Alberad for the first time.
Permitting myself a singular peripheral glance at her expression, I let my soul feed on the way her eyes widen, her whole being lighting up as she takes in the castle and the gardens.
Never before have I had an expression of such absolute awe on my own face.
It’s going to be a very trying week.
Chapter nine
Florence
I place my hand in front of my mouth to stop the gasp that wants to escape, the sight of Alberad castle pulling the sound right out of me.
The sunrise frames the formidable four-story classical stone building on the crest of the hill, looking like something straight out of a fairytale. Sharp gray turrets jut up proudly on each of the wings, the sandstone facade smooth and well-kept. Intricate details run above the large wood-paneled window frames, and heavy double doors lead into the maw of the castle.
The manicured garden at the foot of the hill is dreamy. Flower beds of coordinated colors run between sculpted trees and neat hedges. Roses bloom in rosettes of blush pink, lilac, and magenta. More climbing grandiflora roses are trained over archways and hugging pillars—the sunshiny yellows, creamy whites, and apricot oranges creating a color buffet for my artistic eye.
My eyes catalog each detail, trying to capture and store the hues in my mind so I can recreate them when I have access to my embroidery supplies again.
I turn to Adelbert, my eyes alight with the joy I feel, my spirit charged with the beauty I see, only to find his gaze already trained on me. His lips are slightly parted and his eyebrows squished together, his steel eyes almost soft as he studies me.
“This placelooksmagical,” I whisper giddily, remembering to keep my voice low.
He blinks and replaces his expression with the harsher version I’m more familiar with, and runs a hand through his sleek hair.
“Come,” he whispers back in a grim command and, with footsteps lighter than his long limbs should allow, leads me around the back of the castle.
Adelbert guides me behind a low stone wall that will obscure me from view. “You may wait here.”
Underneath a lone oak tree with a gnarly bark that looks like it’s witnessed thousands of stories, is a quaint bench. It’s a perfect make out spot for teenagers, and I’m tempted to ask Adelbert if he’s had a girl or two here.
I ignore the unexpected stab of jealousy that comes with the thought. Instead, I ask, “This is cute. Will no one find me here?”
Adelbert nods and points at a medieval-looking door.
“I do not believe so. The library is closest to that entrance and this bench is out of direct view of any windows. The dormitories are closed for the summer and the kitchen sits on the westernside, therefore it is highly unlikely that anyone will come near this early.”
Judging by that information, this is most definitely a make out spot. I wonder what Adelbert would do if I pulled him down with me.
No, Florence. Stop your dirty brain right there. This is not the time.
My teeth release my bottom lip from where they were nibbling away at it, and I return to more demure thoughts. “I take it that the library in this school is massive. Will you be able to remain within the hundred yards of the bond?”
Before Adelbert can answer, I rub at my chest and continue with the idea that just occurred to me, “I wish I brought my phone. Then, you could call me and tell me if I need to move closer.”
“You do not need your phone. It will not work within the wards.”
“But it worked at your house. I texted Sadie when we arrived last night,” I counter.
Adelbert’s jaw clenches. “I have tailored the wards around my house to my needs, which include allowing guests in as I please. Alberad’s wards are much more… secure.”
