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I paused my preparations to stare at the couple in my backyard who only had eyes for each other. Did I miss Farley being here? The short answer was yes, but I also wouldn’t want him hovering.

“I’m trying to think of how to explain,” I said aloud. “I long for his company in a way I haven’t longed for any of the others. Most of the men in my life passed through my bed like your seaman passed through yours. They didn’t stay in my life, but I also never expected them to. Ethan was outside my normal. He used our relationship to displease his mother. His infidelity made me angry, but it didn’t break my heart. I don’t think I love the way other women do.”

You’re not as blasé about love as you describe, so I will not go there. In many ways, I admire your modern views of men. You do not need one to survive. I didn’t either, but I was lonely at times. It is not my wish for you to tolerate such a life. I would wish that for no one.

“Good thing, because I am not one for tolerating much of anything I don’t think is fair,” I said with a chuckle. “But you don’t have to worry about the friction between us, Jezel. I’m only here for another forty-six days or so. We’ll work together fine until then.”

The inn and I want you to stay, Selene. The inn chose you above all other witches of your time. I trust the magic of this place. I will not stop trying to get you to stay.

“Noted,” I said. “Give me the clothes, Jezel. I have to serve lunch to the fairy spy.”

A ripple ran across my body. A form-fitting, single-layer, black dress covered me completely. The fabric was light to the touch, but it lay on me like armor. I felt safe in it. The dress fell to mid-calf and came with matching black boots with a sturdy sole. I lifted each foot.

Is this a better outfit?

“It’s too conservative for my tastes, but way better than the corset skirts.”

Good. We will find something that suits. The hat must stay.

“Understood,” I said with a laugh.

And this time, I knew she meant it.

10

By the time Farley came to dinner, Prince Robyn had returned to his centaur form. He’d gone to the stable, and Peace had gone to her room. Neither had wanted dinner, but I was making trays for them despite their protests. It was a telling sign of what I would be like as a mother, but that was a worry I’d indulge another day.

“Any luck cracking the spy yet?” Farley asked.

“No, but to be fair, I’ve been intentionally giving her a low-level headache with every meal. She’s emerged from her room once or twice, but hasn’t managed to harass Prince Robin or Peace yet. I truly hate politics and sneaking around, but Jezel’s suggestion to afflict her was a good one.”

“Too bad the fairy queen wasn’t willing to come here herself. If she saw Robin and Peace together, I’m sure she’d step aside and let them work things out on their own. A blind person could see they’re into each other.”

I smiled at him. “Just like I am definitely into you. I wish you were into me in more than the metaphorical sense.”

Farley growled, stood, and leaned over the kitchen counter to kiss me. “I have never hated a metaphor so much. When are your guests leaving?”

My laughter was soft, and my heart was light. “I don’t know, but it can’t be too soon for me.”

I rose to carry our empty plates to the sink. My regular clothes disappeared as the new innkeeper’s outfit appeared. My involuntary wardrobe change coincided with the doorbell ringing, as it always did. While Farley watched me with great interest, I reached under the weighted skirt to rescue the inn’s wand from the back of my underwear. I made yet another mental note to speak to Jezel about not leaving the wand in that same place every time.

“Nice outfit, babe. You look really good,” Farley said. “Do you want me to answer the door?”

“No,” I said with a sigh. “I’d better deal with whoever it is, since I might have to use Jezel to protect the prince.”

Wand in hand, I headed for the door. Caution. An army awaits you, Jezel announced in my head.

“Army?” I repeated aloud, smirking at the thought. How could I possibly provide rooms for an entire army? Was I supposed to rent them the entire yard so they could put up tents? This wasn’t a campground.

I opened the door and stared into the cold eyes of an irritated fairy fully dressed in battle armor. He gave me a once-over and came to an entire set of conclusions. I watched as his assumptions passed through his gaze before he spoke. I suddenly could see the value of the horrific innkeeper outfit. It was so ugly that it naturally disrupted normal thoughts.

“I assume you are the innkeeper of this place,” the fairy leader said without bothering to greet me. His tone couldn’t have been more condescending. He sounded like Lord Alfred when we first met.

I narrowed my eyes. “That’s awfully presumptuous. Perhaps I just like to dress up for dinner, which you are rudely interrupting.”

“I’m not here to jest with you, woman. I’m here with a purpose.”

“If you’re not here as a guest or here to harm my guests, your purposes don’t concern me. Be on your way.”