Page 100 of Kissing Potions and Elves

I shake my head.

“Well, what does she do?” Mother presses.

“She works in a café. In the village.”

Mother’s face pales and Father’s lips part in shock.

“She’s my fated one,” I add. “But even if she were not, I would still love her.” I meet Mother’s gaze evenly. “She is kind, beautiful, determined. She’s been through so much, and she’s so brave.” A faint smile quirks my lips. “And stubborn, and at times adorably clumsy as well. She is a bright shining light. If sunshine were a person, it would be her.”

I’m not sure what compelled me to speak so poetically about my mate to my parents. Perhaps it’s simply a side effect of being so deeply in love.

“I’ve never heard you speak this way of anyone.” Mother’s eyes soften. “You love her, don’t you, my son?”

“More than anything.”

As if my very words have summoned her, Isobel walks into the manor. She smiles, but it falls away into confusion when she notices my parents standing in the hallway.

“Isobel.” I step forward and take her hand. “Allow me to introduce my parents, Lord Errol and Lady Syrena.”

Isobel flashes a beaming smile before wrapping my mother in a hug. “It’s so wonderful to meet you.”

Unaccustomed to such informality, Mother stiffens.

“What a lovely surprise,” she adds as she embraces my father, who responds with an awkward pat on her shoulders.

Isobel takes a small step back and gestures to her cat. “My cat’s name is Errol too.” She glances at me. “Lyrion didn’t say you were coming, but I’m so glad you’re here, Lady Syrena, and Lord Errol.”

“We are too.” Mother’s expression warms. “And you may call us Mother and Father.”

Rhystan’s brows shoot up to his forehead in disbelief. A look that I’m almost certain is mirrored on my face as well.

Then again, Isobel is… Isobel. How could anyone not like her?She’s the warmest and kindest person I know.

Isobel is practically beaming at my parents. “Thank you.”

Mother’s gaze shifts pointedly to me. “It seems we have a wedding to plan. But first, it’s been a long day.” She turns to Isobel. “Would you like to join me for some tea?”

Isobel smiles. “That sounds lovely.”

Mother sweeps regally from the room, toward the kitchen with Isobel, my father following dutifully behind her, an amused look on his face.

As soon as they’re gone, Rhystan turns to me and whispers. “Well, that went surprisingly well.”

A smile quirks my lips. It seems my brother has the same exceptional gift for understatement as Isobel.

CHAPTER 54

ISOBEL

Nervous butterflies flutter in my stomach as I stare at my reflection in the full-length mirror. My golden hair is braided with white moonflowers woven throughout. My pale blue wedding gown is made of shimmering silk that flows gracefully over every curve, embroidered with a pattern of intricate leaves and vines in silver thread.

I rest my hand over my mother’s locket. Deep down, I know my parents would be happy for me if they were here. Wearing it today feels right—honoring their memory, carrying a piece of them with me on my wedding day.

I smile as I gaze at myself again in the mirror. I feel like a princess that stepped out of a fairy tale. I’ve never felt so lovely in my entire life.

“You look breathtaking,” Hilda says as she adjusts the gown’s train. Her eyes glisten with unshed tears. “He’s going to be utterly speechless when he sees you.”

Rhystan stands by the door, dressed in his blue tunic and matching trousers. “My brother won’t know what hit him,” heteases. He rests his hands on my shoulders as his lips curve up in a grin. “Lyrion loves you with every breath he takes. I’m so happy you two found each other. And I’m glad to have you as my sister.”