Page 53 of Kissing Potions and Elves (Oakvale Ever After #1)

LYRION

I sobel left early this morning to gather the last of her things and inform the boarding house that she is moving out of her apartment. So when there’s a knock at the door, I smile thinking it’s her as I go to open it.

I blink in surprise when I instead find my mother and father.

My heart drops into my stomach. The last time we talked was when I returned home to officially dissolve my betrothal to Elyssia. To say they were disappointed in me is an understatement.

I left as soon as it was done, leaving them a note informing them of my intent to return to Oakvale and bind myself to Isobel—a human.

Looking between the two of them, I lift my chin. “If you are here to dissuade me from taking Isobel as my mate, you are wasting your time,” I state firmly. “She is mine and I am hers. I will wed her with or without your approval.”

“Lyrion, dear, there’s no need for theatrics,” my mother says smoothly, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.

“If you wish to bind yourself to a human, that’s fine.

Right, Errol?” she asks my father before turning her sharp gaze back to me.

“Besides, it’s not as if it’s such a shocking thing to do now anyway.

Not after our own King Caelen wed the human Queen Lyana. ”

She shrugs. “The crown might even look more favorably upon our Great House because of it.”

My mouth drifts open. My parents have always been of the opinion that humans are beneath High Elves. This is definitely not how I expected them to react to the news that I’m planning on marrying one of them.

My father strides in behind my mother, tall and imposing as ever, his piercing violet eyes scanning the room. His gaze lands abruptly on Errol, who sits perched imperiously atop the cushioned bench.

Father gestures to the feline. “I didn’t realize you had a cat.”

“My name is Errol,” he replies, observing my parents with a regal disdain only he can manage. “And who exactly are you, and why are you in my home?”

“Errol?” My father frowns. “You named your cat after me?”

I open my mouth to explain, but Errol answers first, projecting his thoughts clearly. “Actually, I am not Lyrion’s cat. He and Isobel are my wards,” he points out. “And I’m their guardian.”

My father’s brows shoot up as he stares at Errol. “I beg your pardon?”

Rhystan chooses this exact moment to stroll into the hall, stopping dead in his tracks when he sees our parents. Shock flits across his face before shifting into a diplomatic smile. “Mother, Father! What a pleasant surprise.”

Errol winds himself around Rhystan’s legs, head-butting his shin. “And Rhystan, too.” He glances at my father. “He arrived shortly after Isobel and I moved in, and I graciously decided to adopt him into my guardianship as well.”

Rhystan grins as I pinch the bridge of my nose, bracing myself for Mother’s reaction to the news that I’m not only going to marry a human, but we’re living together before we’ve officially been bound.

“Lyrion!” Mother gasps, eyes wide. “You’ve already moved her in with you?”

My shoulders stiffen, bracing for the reprimand. “Mother, I—”

“How could you do this? You know better. It’s improper to move a female into your home before you are officially bonded.”

“Well, technically, we’ve been here since—” Errol starts, but Rhystan swiftly steps forward, scooping the cat up and whispering something in his ear. Errol’s eyes light with excitement, and he promptly quiets, though his expression remains smug.

Rhystan looks pointedly at me. “Fish,” he mouths, indicating his promised bribe to the feline.

My brother turns his attention back to my parents, flashing a charming grin. “They just moved in yesterday,” he says smoothly. “And not to worry, because they are staying in one of the guest rooms.”

“As if that makes it any better.” Mother sighs. “Oh, Lyrion, why must you always be so eccentric?” She shakes her head. “What will the poor girl’s parents think?” Her eyes snap to mine. “If they don’t know, I suggest you not tell them, don’t you think, Errol?”

Father nods.

“Now, where is she?” Mother scans the room.

“Your father and I would very much like to meet her. And which Great House is she from and what kingdom?” She looks at me.

“We’ll need to reach out to her family about the ceremony.

Perhaps we can convince them to have two.

A proper Elven one and”—she waves a dismissive hand—“whatever strange human traditions they have for such events.”

“Her parents died a few years ago. She doesn’t have any family except for Errol.” I gesture to the cat. “And she is not of noble birth.”

Mother goes still.

“Is she a scholar then?” Father asks hopefully. “Did you meet her while working on your—your project?”

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.