Page 29 of Kissing Potions and Elves (Oakvale Ever After #1)

LYRION

T he café hums with quiet energy, the soothing scent of freshly brewed tea mingling pleasantly with the warm, comforting aroma of baked pastries. I sit at my usual spot, watching Isobel weave gracefully between tables, smiling at customers.

She’s effortless and natural, her laughter ringing out, sending sharp jolts of possessiveness straight through my chest.

Rhystan sits in the chair opposite me, lifting his cup to his lips, his violet eyes sparkling with unmistakable amusement as he follows my gaze. “You know, Brother,” he drawls, “if you stare at her any harder, you’re going to burn holes in the back of that poor girl’s head.”

“I am not staring.” Gods, am I truly that obvious?

“Really?” Rhystan gives me a pointed look. “Then you wouldn’t mind if I took her out for dinner tonight?”

My jaw tightens, irritation spiking through my veins. “Don’t even think about it.”

“So you are jealous.” He smirks. “This is fascinating. Tell me everything.”

“It’s not jealousy,” I grumble, glancing away. “It’s… complicated.”

“Oh yes, you mentioned ‘complicated’ earlier.” Rhystan leans forward, voice dropping conspiratorially. “The cat was joking, right? Surely you haven’t actually been kissing your charming human companion.”

He settles back in his chair, calmly sipping at his tea.

As much as I wish I could deny it, I cannot. “I have.”

He splutters violently into his cup, violet eyes flying wide. “You did what?”

Several heads snap in our direction, including Isobel, staring at us in concern.

“Keep it together,” I mutter under my breath. “You’re drawing attention.”

“You can’t just admit something like that and expect me not to react,” he says incredulously.

He leans in even closer, glancing around cautiously before whispering.

“I mean… you’re telling me you kissed her.

Our people don’t do that. I’ve seen humans kiss before—” His eyes widen dramatically.

“It’s positively indecent. It almost looks like they’re mating with their mouths . ”

I nearly choke on my tea, coughing loudly enough to earn several startled glances from nearby patrons. “Vaelar’s blade, Rhystan,” I hiss. “You can’t just say things like that in public!”

“But it’s true,” he insists, clearly both fascinated and horrified. “All that mouth and tongue movement, and swapping saliva—it’s absolutely scandalous.”

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, I definitely see a reason you need to tell her.”

“Why?”

“Because you obviously have feelings for her, Brother.”

“I do not .”

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: are you 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.”

“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.