Page 59 of Kissing Potions and Elves

“Why would that be your fault? Or hers for that matter?” I sigh. “There’s nothing for me to be angry about. It was a simple mistake. She’s not the first one to have made it.”

“Yes, but she’s your fiancée.” He studies me, a deep frown furrowing his brow. “Don’t you find that a bit odd, Lyrion?”

He holds up his hands. “I’m not saying I want you to be angry with me, but don’t you think it’s strange that you couldn’t care less if your own fiancée cannot tell you apart from your twin brother? Don’t you think it’s maybe a sign that the two of you ought not to be bound together?”

Rhystan has never really liked Elyssia, but he doesn’t understand. I don’t care if it’s not a love match. It’s a simple arrangement. One that benefits both our families.

I open my mouth to speak, but he continues. “I mean, Elyssia’s lovely, but you must admit she’s a bit cold, even for a High Elf.” He arches a brow. “And I’m talking Frost Troll level of cold.”

My lips twitch despite myself.

He clears his throat. “But all teasing aside, you need to figure out what to do about this thing with Isobel. Because I doubt Elyssia will be happy if she comes to visit and discovers a rather attractive and unattached female living with you. Especially a human one.”

“You think I don’t know that?” I huff out a frustrated breath. “I’ve tried to find a way to undo the potion’s effects, but each time I’ve failed. If you have any suggestions, I’m willing to give them a try.”

Rhystan’s brows furrow deeply. “I’m not a potions master by any means, but I might know of something that could help.”

I straighten. “You do?”

“Maybe. But it requires a bit of magic to be infused with the potion. I’ll need to be fully rested before we try it.”

Hope sparks within. “What about tomorrow?”

“Alright. But if we succeed and you discover that your feelings for Isobel are true, what will you do?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure.” I shake my head. “I don’t even know if she feels the same.”

Rhystan nods. “Well, whatever you choose, Brother, know that I’ll stand behind you. Always.”

His words touch me deeply. “Thank you.”

After a moment, Rhystan grins. “But seriously,kissing? I still can’t believe you’ve done it. That’s just… disturbing.”

I laugh at his exaggerated shudder. “Perhaps you should try it before passing judgment.”

He recoils dramatically, clutching his heart. “Never. I’d rather eat a dozen raw snails.”

I smile reluctantly, the weight on my shoulders easing just a little. Whatever happens, I know Rhystan will support me.

CHAPTER 30

ISOBEL

Isit nervously on the chaise lounge in Lyrion’s workroom, my palms clammy as I watch Rhystan confidently mixing ingredients. The soft clinking of the stirring rod against the glass is almost soothing, but my heart taps a frantic beat, betraying my anxiety. I’m desperate for this potion to work. Not just for Lyrion’s sake, but for my own.

Because I’m falling for Lyrion. Hard. And the sooner we’re rid of this potion’s effects, the better I can protect my heart.

“Alright, it’s ready,” Rhystan says, pouring the contents into a glass.

Lyrion moves to step forward, but Rhystan holds up a hand. “Actually, Brother, it’s best if it’s just Isobel in the room when she takes the potion. She needs to concentrate without distractions.”

My stomach completes a nervous little flip as I glance at Lyrion.

“You’ll be fine, Isobel,” he reassures me. “Rhystan has always been better at potions than me. He knows what he’s doing.”

I trust Lyrion’s brother, but unease still coils tight in my belly. What if this potion does to me what I accidentally did to Lyrion? Gods above, what if it makes me want to kiss Rhystan?

Even though they’re identical twins, the thought of kissing anyone other than Lyrion makes my stomach turn.