I nodded too, unsure of what I was agreeing with but agreeing, nonetheless. “You said you had a favor to ask?” I reminded her. I subtly adjusted my apron, making sure it covered my nether regions properly.
“Oh, right. The favor.” She looked nervous. “You’re allowed to say no.”
“Just spit it out—it can’t be that bad.”
She exhaled heavily. “Will you go on a trip with me?”
I waited to hear the rest, but she didn’t continue. She just stared at me beseechingly. A little pleadingly. This was too good to be true. There had to be some sort of catch. “Sure. Yes. Where to, princess?”
“The problem is… I’m not really sure. Again, you’re allowed to say no.”
“Now I’m intrigued.” I turned and faced Kizzi fully, crossing my arms over my chest so they wouldn’t hang awkwardly by mysides. “You want to gallivant through the realm with me? That sounds rather romantic.”
She snorted out an awkward laugh. “I need you and your big muscles.”
My eyebrows reached for my hairline. “Kizzi, wow. I didn’t realize you were so interested in my physique.”
She groaned and ran a hand over her face. “This is not coming out right. Tandor, will you just come with me to a few towns so I can buy a new cauldron? And something secret that I can’t tell you about. I need you to help me carry the cauldron—I won’t be able to move it. I can ask someone else, but?—”
“Yes. I’ll do it!” I interrupted.
“You will? That easy?” she asked. She squinted at me again. “How much of my chili did you eat?”
I shrugged, waving a hand to brush away her chili comment. I wiped my sweaty palms on my trousers. “I’ve been meaning to pick up some fruits and herbs anyway. I’ve got more cider ideas to try, and the traveling salesman won’t be back for a while. Besides, like you said—you need me.” I winked at her, cracking a grin. My heart pounded in my chest.
The corner of her mouth lifted. “When can you leave? I have a few orders to prepare, but that shouldn’t take too long.”
“How about a few days? I have to start a few new batches of cider and make sure Ginger will be alright here without me for a little while.” I hesitated, thinking. “How long will we be gone for?”
She chewed on her bottom lip. “It could be a few days… It could be a few weeks. I’m not sure how far we’ll have to go.”
I considered that. A few weeks on the road with Kizzi—I honestly couldn’t think of anything I’d rather do more. Only one problem held me back. “Will we return in time for Hallow’s Eve?” I would be disappointed if I had to miss out on celebratingHallow’s Eve here in Moonvale, but if I had to spend it on the road, it wouldn’t be the worst thing…
“Oh, absolutely. I wouldn’t miss Hallow’s Eve. If I have to set out on another trip, I will, but I’ll be damned if I miss out on celebrating with the coven.”
I sighed in relief. “It sounds like we’re on the same page, then.”
“It sure does.” She stared at me for a few moments before she subtly shook her head, resting a hand over her satchel at her side. “I better start preparing, then. Leave in five days’ time?”
“I’ll be ready,” I promised.
She hesitated. “Do you have any of those spiced pumpkin ciders left?”
I snorted out a laugh. “I’ve been waiting for you to ask. Yes, actually, I have another small batch I set aside. Let me pour you one.” I retreated to the cellar. I couldn’t help the smile that pulled at my cheeks. I returned with two full goblets—one for her and one for myself.
“For you, pumpkin princess.” I handed her a goblet and lifted the other out in front of me.
Kizzi smiled and tapped her goblet to mine. “I’ll let the princess thing slide, just because I love this cider so much.” She took a long gulp and hummed quietly. A drop of the liquid dripped from her bottom lip, trickled down her chin.
Hand trembling, pulse racing, I reached out and collected the drop on a fingertip, popping it in my mouth. I grinned when her jaw dropped open in surprise.
“Too good to waste even a drop,” I murmured before lifting my own goblet to my lips and swallowing deeply.
Gods, I really outdid myself with this one. This is fucking delicious.
It tasted even better coming straight from Kizzi’s skin.
We finished our ciders in companionable quiet, only speaking briefly about where our travels might take us and items we should bring. She requested that I bring a barrel of cider, but I had to turn that idea down, much to her dismay.
