Page 24 of Enchanting the Elf
“I hope this isn’t a rude question to ask, but can I ask what this means for you specifically and how this will affect me?”
Adelbert nods like he was expecting that question.
“You need not worry. I never intend to come near you or touch you or influence you in any manner.”
My eyebrows lift at that statement, now even more curious.
“Okayyy,” I drag the word out. “But what does that mean?”
Adelbert clears his throat and takes a step back to lean against the counter behind him, crossing his arms over his chest.
“So you are already aware that I can create wards.” He doesn’t phrase it as a question, but he still waits for me to answer him, so I nod back. “That’s one aspect of my magic. I can also read emotions fairly well and I have the ability to exert some influence to alter emotions.”
“So you can make me happy or make me sad? Is that what you’re saying?”
“Yes and no. I personally do not wish to alter anything about you. I believe in complete autonomy. However, should you feel fear or any extreme emotion, it grates against me and the need to bestow calm or to ‘fix’ it becomes almost unbearable. I spend most of my time alone, thus it has certainly been quite trying to have you in my home.”
A quick pang moves through my chest and my brows draw down. “I am so sorry this is happening to you. I didn’t think my being here would affect you this much. I’m usually pretty happy and easy-going. How can I help you be more comfortable?”
“Honestly?” Adelbert tilts his head and looks at me like I’m a puzzle he’s trying to figure out.
I nod, really wanting to ease his stress and discomfort. “This is all just temporary, right? I want you to be comfortable in your own home. So, how can I help?”
“My one request is that in order to not be disturbed by outside emotions, I remain rather isolated and can focus on my work without disruptions. I have not yet found a means to dissolve the bond, therefore, I am not certain how long you will have to remain here.”
My eyes widen and a strange noise escapes from my throat. Adelbert uncrosses his arms and grabs the edge of the counter on either side of him.
“And now I have distressed you. My apologies.”
“No, no. It’s better to be direct and honest about such important matters.”
“I agree. I told you what I need, now how about you tell me what you require? It sounds fair, does it not?”
“Sure.”
I take a deep breath and square my shoulders, gathering my courage to ask for what I want, convincing myself that I’m not a burden for making requests when he’s already so busy.
“I don’t suppose you get delivery services here, do you?”
“Human ones, no. But I can make a request with the pixies that run Pixie Parcels. I’ve granted them access to pass through my wards to deliver necessities. Anything you need, they’re able to get it.”
“Pixies are real?” A broad smile blooms on my face and my feet bounce on the floor, my mood suddenly lifted with this new piece of information. “Are they cute and small like in the myths? What kind of magic do they have?”
Adelbert’s face softens and a corner of his lips start to tug up but he blinks the expression away.
“Maybe you can meet one when they do the delivery. But let’s not get distracted now. What do you need?”
“Well, it’s not aneedexactly.”
“Florence.” The way my name rolls across his lips is like a seductive caress that almost makes a whimper escape from me.
This is not the time to catch feelings, Florence. Even the horny ones,I chide myself.
“Embroidery supplies.” The words just burst past my lips and I quickly bring both hands up to stifle anything else that wants to come through.
Adelbert inclines his head, and that strange quirk to his lips that can’t quite be defined as a smile plays along the edges of his mouth.
“You will have to excuse me. I do not know what all entails ‘embroidery supplies.’ Could you perhaps specify or show me examples?”
