Page 28 of Enchanting the Elf
Florence heads inside with the cat on her heels, its tail high in the air as it swaggers past me while I hold the door open, still unsure of what just happened.
This day could not possibly get any stranger.
Chapter fifteen
Florence
Sir Purrington keeps up with me as I head directly for the kitchen. There’s a definite bounce to my step as I hum a happy tune, excited about having a cuddly companion in the quiet house.
Adelbert follows a couple of paces behind us—his steps not as jaunty as mine. I place my embroidery basket on the kitchen table just as he enters the kitchen and comes to a stop by the central counter.
His usual scowl is currently competing for the title of fiercest yet. His brows draw deep over his light eyes as he runs first one hand and then the other through his hair, slicking back the soft-looking strands in a particularly attractive manner I should not be thinking too much about.
But try as I might, I can’t help lusting after my temporary roommate.
“Is it okay if I give Sir Purrington some food?” I ask Adelbert as Sir Purrington rubs against my legs, moving in a figure eight between my feet for maximum effect.
“I’d prefer it if you don’t. It lives in the library and should be chasing mice for meals. Not become some pampered prince living off human food.”
“But he came all this way.” I pout. “It’s okay if you don’t want to give him any special food. I can just feed him bits and pieces of what I was going to eat.”
“I will not allow you to take your own food and give it to a cat,” Adelbert says sternly, fingers flexing next to his hips.
Finding the backbone I so often seem to lack, I place both hands on my hips and fix Adelbert with a look. “Excuse me?”
He takes a breath and sighs it out loudly. “That came out wrong.”
“I hope so.” Externally, I am giving such strong Sadie vibes that he must be convinced of my confidence. Internally, however, I am cringing and flinching at using that tone and I really hope he can’t read that emotion.
“Let me attempt this again. How about you have your meal, and I’ll prepare something separate for the cat?” Adelbert asks me and then addresses Sir Purrington directly, “Then you can go back to Alberad library and do your duty. Good?”
Sir Purrington lets out a displeased-sounding meow, clearly stating his opposition to that idea.
My lips threaten to turn up into a smile. “Do you think perhaps the cat doesn’t have the exact same level of obligation you feel to the school?” I hedge.
“I do not think many people do,” he says so softly I don’t think I was meant to hear it.
Adelbert catches my eyes briefly, and I can almost swear I see a bit of sadness lining his. But just as quickly, he covers it again with a familiar guise of indifference.
I can’t help but wonder how complicated his life must be. He seems so dedicated to making choices that benefit everyone else that he might be neglecting his own desires. I’m curious if Alberad is even where he wants to work, but I know this level of questioning will not be welcomed. Not now, possibly not ever.
So many people are currently counting on Adelbert, and he doesn’t need to be distracted by me. After seeing him so comfortable in the kitchen last night, I vowed to myself that I will try not to add to his burdens. And if it means staying out of his way, then I’ll do just that.
“Do you maybe have a can of tuna?” I ask Adelbert in an attempt to bring the conversation back to neutral ground.
“In the pantry. I will get it. You wait with the cat.”
I sit down at the table and Sir Purrington jumps into my lap. I lavish him with affection while Adelbert begrudgingly prepares his meal.
Adelbert places a dish on the floor with a saucer of water and Sir Purrington jumps down and immediately starts eating.
I lean forward to let my hair curtain around my face to hide my smile. He just looked so cute and domesticated.
Adelbert, not the cat.
“When you are done with your amusement, would you like someKönigsberger Klopse?WithSalzkartoffeln?”
I peek out from behind my hair and stare blankly at the handsome elf.
