Page 64 of Kissing Potions and Elves

As if my very thoughts have summoned him, I notice Lyrion’s reflection in the mirror behind me. He leans against the doorframe, arms crossed casually, his expression unreadable as his violet eyes trace over my form.

“Do you like it?” he asks a bit hesitantly.

I smile. “I love it. Although I’d like to pay you back for these.”

“Consider the clothes a gift,” he murmurs, stepping closer. “There’s no need to reimburse me.”

I wouldn’t feel right. “I insist.”

He studies me for a moment, his gaze softening as if he finds something endearing in my stubbornness. A faint smile quirks the corners of his lips. “If you must.”

My heart skips as his eyes linger on me a moment more.

A sharp, imperious meow interrupts the moment, and we both glance down to find Errol sitting regally in the doorway, his fluffy tail swishing back and forth.

“Errol?” I ask, surprised by his dramatic posture.

Lyrion sighs. “We’ve been over this, Errol. You’re not coming.”

Errol gives a plaintive yowl, arguing his point, and Lyrion pinches the bridge of his nose in frustration. “Yes, I’ll make sure Isobel is safe, and no, you won’t be ‘wasting away from boredom’ if you stay behind.”

Errol’s tail flicks sharply, ears flattening.

“Please, Errol.” I crouch beside him, scratching under his chin the way he likes. “I love you too much to bring you along. It’s safer for you here.”

He fixes me with a mournful stare, and I glance helplessly at Hilda.

“Come now, Errol.” She smiles at him. “I’ll give you extra fish. We’ll have a grand time. I promise.”

Errol tilts his head, considering her offer carefully before finally winding around her legs with a soft purr, and I sigh with relief.

Rhystan chuckles from the doorway, eyes sparkling as he reaches down to pet him. “Such a fierce protector,” he says affectionately. “Don’t worry. We’ll all miss you terribly while we’re gone, my little friend.”

Errol lifts his chin proudly, and Lyrion sighs. “I promise I will keep her from harm, Errol. You have my word.”

The cat narrows his eyes, offering a pointed yowl that clearly indicates he’ll hold Lyrion accountable.

Hilda gestures to our travel satchels. “I packed extra food and water.” She looks at me. “And I made sure your dresses and sleep gown are all folded nicely.”

“Dresses? Sleep gown?” I look at Lyrion. “I thought it was just for a day. How long will we be gone?”

“I um…” He rubs the back of his neck. “I forgot to mention, we’ll be spending the night.”

“Oh.” Heat floods my cheeks. I wonder how the sleeping arrangements are going to work, but I don’t quite have the nerve to ask. Perhaps this isn’t something I should be concerned about. After all, I know nothing of Elvish propriety and etiquette.

Hilda fusses over us a bit more before finally bidding farewell. I cuddle Errol one more time and kiss the top of his head. “I’ll miss you,” I whisper as he purrs against me. “We’ll be back soon.”

When we step outside, I glance around in confusion. I’d thought Lyrion and his brother would have hired a carriage for our journey, but I don’t see one around. “How are we traveling?” I glance down the street. “By carriage or horseback?”

Lyrion clears his throat, shifting awkwardly. “About that...”

Rhystan grins. “We don’t use horses, Isobel. Elves ride Dire Wolves.”

“You rideWolves?” Worry prickles along my spine. Dire Wolves are terrifying predators. I’ve only ever glimpsed one once from afar and it was bigger and more intimidating than any horse I’ve ever seen.

“Don’t worry.” Rhystan places a hand on my shoulder. “Ours are rather friendly. I believe they’ll like you.”

“And if they don’t?” I ask a bit hesitantly, wondering if my life may be in danger. “They don’t eat humans, right?”