Page 58 of Kissing Potions and Elves

Heat scorches my face, embarrassment washing over me in waves. “It’s… not exactly like that.”

“It’s not?”

I shrug. “It’s surprisingly pleasant, actually.”

Rhystan gapes at me. “Are you saying that you…enjoyed it?”

I clear my throat awkwardly, averting my gaze. “It was unexpected. But yes. It wasn’t terrible.”

“I think I need stronger tea,” Rhystan mutters, shaking his head in disbelief. “I don’t even know who you are anymore, Lyrion.”

I roll my eyes. My brother has always been dramatic.

“Speaking of complicated”—he gives me a pointed look—“Does Isobel know about Elyssia?”

I stiffen, the mention of Elyssia twisting uneasily in my gut. “No.”

“No?” Rhystan’s brows shoot toward his hairline. “Why not?”

“I didn’t see a reason to tell her.”

He arches a brow. “Well, Idefinitelysee a reason you need to tell her.”

“Why?”

“Because youobviouslyhave feelings for her, Brother.”

“I donot.”

Rhystan leans back, folding his arms as he glances pointedly across the café. “Oh, so you wouldn’t mind if she found someone else? Like that very handsome male over there, who’s clearly interested in her.”

My gaze snaps sharply toward the young man leaning confidently toward Isobel, smiling far too charmingly as he attempts to engage her in conversation. “Absolutely not,” I say, trying—and failing—to bite back a low, possessive growl.

Rhystan grins triumphantly. “Exactly my point.”

“Alright, fine.” I drag my hand down my face, suddenly weary. “Maybe I do have some… feelings,” I admit. “But how do I know they’re real? What if it’s just the potion manipulating my emotions.”

Rhystan nods slowly, understanding softening his gaze.

“Why did you come here anyway?” I ask. “Did Mother and Father send you?”

“Try not to be shocked, but I do miss you, you know,” he says a bit sarcastically. “And, no, our parents didn’t send me. But I was worried about you. I mean… I haven’t heard from you in a few months.” He sighs. “And you know how you can get when you lose yourself in your studies.”

“I do not get lost in my studies,” I mutter defensively.

He snorts and rolls his eyes. “You practically vanish into your work.” His expression turns serious. “Plus, I was worried that you might be mad at me because Elyssia mixed us up at the winter ball.”

I frown. “Is that why you’ve shortened your hair? To make it easier to tell us apart?”

“Yes, but I’ve found that I actually kind of like it.” He shrugs. “I think I’ll keep it this way.” He flashes a grin. “Besides, I think it makes me look more dashing, don’t you agree?”

I stop short of rolling my eyes again.

His expression turns sober. “But I have to ask in all seriousness:areyou mad at me?”

“Why would I be mad?”

“Because Elyssia introduced me to her cousin as if I were you. She couldn’t tell us apart, and I thought it may have upset you.”