Page 14 of Enchanting the Elf
“I must be super special to be here, then. Right?” I shoot double finger guns at Adelbert, then cringe at myself.
What the hell was that? Who even makes finger guns?
Adelbert shakes his head. As he turns away from me, I swear I hear him mumble, “Looks like it.”
Did he just stop using formal words? Color me intrigued. I wonder what else I can do so he’ll speak more casually around me. Maybe I can even get him to let down his walls one day and we could eventually become friends.
“So, no phones...” I prompt.
Adelbert turns back to me, posture rigid once again. “There is no need to fret. Your location is a constant variable I have been conscious of since the island, and I am rather well equipped to gauge distance. Just remain on the bench and… enjoy nature.” Adelbert started off so confidently, but his last two words sound more like a question, as if he’s never just sat in the forest and taken in his surroundings.
I guess he hasn’t.
Choosing to be mature and not remark on him saying he’s “rather well equipped,” I store the sentence in my memory to tell Dede about later. She’d have a ball with it.
Ball!
My smile, however, plays along my lips as I acknowledge my role this morning. “I shall keep my behind firmly placed on the bench until your return, Mr. Alberad.”
Adelbert stares at me impassively, but I swear I see a flicker of amusement in his eyes as I lower myself onto the bench.
A sigh is Adelbert’s only audible response, then he pivots and strides toward the back entrance.
On his way, he bends to pick up a large rock in one hand. I do not stare at his firm ass as he places the rock in front of the heavy door to prop it open. It makes sense if he’s going to be carrying a bunch of books to not have to bother with door handles.
Adelbert doesn’t look back at me as he disappears into the darkness of the corridor beyond.
For the first time in two days, I’m alone. Even though I slept in what is probably the loveliest bed I’ve ever laid down on, my sleep was fitful and insufficient. I knew we would be getting up early this morning, and I didn’t want him to wait for me.
I tossed and turned most of the night, until I finally gave up on attempting to sleep. From the early morning hours, I lay awake, straining to hear any sounds coming from the other side of thehouse. When I heard a door click open then thud shut, I dressed quickly and waited for Adelbert to summon me.
Considering the stress of nineteen people depending on him to find a fix to this bond so we can all return to our normal lives, my heart can’t help but ache for him. I wish there was something we could do to help, but no one has the resources that he has, nor would he allow anyone but me—whohadto come—to follow him to Alberad.
Adelbert has not complained once, just taken it all in stride, and it makes me question how many burdens he carries around that this doesn’t send him careening into panic.
He’s a bit of a closed book and I doubt I’ll have the opportunity to get to know him and have him trust me enough to tell me his deeper thoughts, but I can be a silent pillar of support while I’m here.
Because that’s who I am at my core. I help where I can. I listen. I care. I empathize. And unlike my extroverted sister, I like to make as few waves as possible.
Are there things I wish I could demand more strongly? Yes, but never at the expense of others. Not at the expense of Adelbert’s peace.
Waking up early and complying with his requests while keeping my complaints to a minimum, seem like the easiest things I can do right now.
I scoot back on the bench and cross my legs as I close my eyes and bask in the tranquility of the early morning forest, my moment of solitude in nature wrapping around me in a friendly embrace.
Birds chirping, leaves rustling, and I let out a quiet sound of contentment.
A sudden humph and a weight settling on the bench beside me has my eyes flying open and a mini closed-mouthed shriek flies from me before I can catch myself.
Thankfully, it’s just a cat. A wonderfully plump cuddly ginger cat looking for scratches sitting next to me on the bench.
My lips curl up in a delighted smile and, this time, it’s a tiny squeal of excitement that makes it past my tightly sealed lips.
“Well aren’t you the most handsomest boy in all the land,” I coo gently at the cat and reach a hand forward to stroke under his chin. He looks unimpressed but allows my touch with a slight tilt to his head, intelligent sage-green eyes still locked on mine.
“You’re so cute, aren’t you? Are you the master of this castle?” I whisper as I keep petting and scratching him, following his lead as he shifts his body for me to reach the best spots on his back.
Seemingly pleased with the attention, he starts up a stuttering purr and moves closer, staring at my legs until I readjust so he can climb on my lap.
