Page 30 of Kiss and Spell

“She’s been waiting for a long time, so don’t let her down,” she said in a warning tone.

Xavier sat upright. He couldn’t let Diane leave yet. “Ursula’s going to ask what happened. What should I tell her?”

Diane sighed and threw up her hands. “Tell her I had to pick up my top hat from the cleaners. Good night, Your Highness. Have fun.”

She wiggled her fingers at him and swept out of the bar. Xavier rubbed his forehead. What a mess. He tanked a pre-date in record time, and it wasn’t even his fault. Maybe he should have stayed in bed and recovered from his hangover. There was still a dull ache in his head, but he didn’t want to read flora books and sulk about his situation. He let his attention drift around the tavern. This event seemed to be more popular than Whitney had led him to believe. Creatures and humans intermingled with each other, effortlessly laughing and flirting with ease.

It was so easy for everyone else, but not him. Xavier ordered another glass of water with extra ice, trying to decide what his next move should be. Ursula returned after ten minutes.

She stood before Xavier with a hopeful look on her face.

“Where’s Diane? Are you guys going somewhere for dinner?”

Sweet Mab, he hated to disappoint her. Xavier delivered Diane’s message. Crestfallen, her smile quickly faded.

“I’m going to get that Dearworth chick,” she mumbled, seemingly more exasperated than angry. “I’m sorry, Xavier. I thought you’d be a good match.” She leaned in next to him at the bar, close enough that their shoulders touched.

“It’s not anyone’s fault,” he said.

Ursula stood in front of him. “Did she say anything else to you?”

Xavier shook his head, trying to remove Diane’s words from his brain. A passing customer rudely pushed Ursula, forcing her to stumble and hop-step into him. Xavier caught her by the waist, holding her close to him to steady herself. They fit together, nice and snug. A rush of blood flowed through Xavier as she moved against him, her arms pressed against his chest.

Ursula murmured an apology, but Xavier didn’t hear it. He heard the faint strain of someone singing a jubilant melody, but he didn’t know where it was coming from. No, it wasn’t music. It was his blood. He halted. Holding her in his arms made his blood sing.

What spell is she casting on me?

“It’s getting crowded in here.” She shifted, looking around to get a better view and accidentally rubbing up on him. In that moment, his soul leapt from his body. Where was here? Here was nowhere. Here was everywhere. Touching her felt like he escaped Earth’s gravity, and everything felt weightless. He held her tightly so that he wouldn’t float off into outer space. His hands held her tighter against him. Ursula faced Xavier, and her eyes softened, turning glossy.

He felt himself start to swell and grow excited.

Prince Xavier Henrie George Alder, get control of your hormones and act right. Smothering a groan, he blinked rapidly to force himself to calm down. He had to let go of Ursula—her soft, round curves—before he didn’t have the strength to release her.

“Outside,” he blurted, forcing his soul and reason back into his body.

She blinked. “Okay.”

He eased up from the stool and took her by the wrist. Xavier motioned with his chin to the back entrance. Ursula nodded and they made their way through the crowd. People were going out to the back garden, and he’d spied some tables outside earlier in the evening. He pulled her along behind him until they found an empty table near the white trellis.

As they sat down, Ursula watched him closely. “I wish you were having a good time.”

Xavier shook his head. “You’re not responsible for that. Besides, I’m enjoying myself.”

She perked up at his comment, but she seemed a little resigned. That pesky inner voice whined in his head. Yes, you’re enjoying yourself now because she’s here. Alone with you. Xavier turned that voice down until it was nothing but static.

“I’m supposed to be your wingwoman!” Ursula chirped. “We’ve got to get your perfect kiss.” She narrowed her eyes, then gave him a curt nod. “That’s it. We’re attending as many Smitten events as possible. We’re making you available to the eligible women of the Grove. There’s even a dating app we can have you join. I’ll help you with your profile.”

He stared at Ursula; her eyes were now filled with what could only be seen as sheer defiance in the face of his enchantment. He sat back in awe. He was in the presence of a woman who would defy the will of the stars if she didn’t like what she read in them.

“Someone has to live happily ever after,” she said fiercely.

Ursula was working so hard to help him out, but he hadn’t been honest with her. A strange mixture of gratitude and guilt churned in his chest. If she knew the truth about how he sincerely felt about love and all its trappings, she probably wouldn’t lift a finger to help him. Here she was draped in love, and he had long shucked it off like a discarded scarf.

“I don’t deserve your help,” he said. “I haven’t been honest with you about everything.”

“What? You’re not really a prince,” she said quietly. She added a smile.

He folded his hands. “I am, but I never told you what I said to the Queen.”

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