She never wanted to be defenseless again.
Elizabeth took a deep breath and pushed open the door to the witch’s shop. The shop felt different today—the atmosphere was eerie, heavy with silence.
She drew back her hood and looked around the shop.
“Hello?” Elizabeth called, her words echoing.
Risna’s daughter emerged from the back room. A forest green scarf covered her hair, her eyes sharp and assessing.
“Hello, miss. What can I do for you?” Risna’s daughter asked.
“I, er, I would like to see Risna.”
“She’s away on business,” her daughter drawled. “I’m her daughter, Nasera. If there is anything you need, I can help you just as well.”
“Oh. Sure. When will she be back?”
“Not anytime soon,” Nasera replied, her words cold.
“Okay. I have need of two things. I was hoping to speak to Risna about—are you—are you also a witch?”
Nasera looked at her sharply. “Only a fool would admit that. What services do you require? Then I’ll decide if I want to help you.”
“Right! Of course. I require … assistance with a delicate matter.”
Nasera’s lips curved into a knowing smirk. “Let me guess—contraceptive tonic?”
Her face warmed. “Er. Yes.”
“Wait there.” Nasera disappeared, then returned with a burlap bag and a steaming mug reeking of pungent herbs. “Drink this at the same time each day. It tastes horrible, but it works.” Nasera paused and tilted her head. “I’ll warn you that adding any sweetener makes it totally ineffective, so I wouldn’t recommend it.”
She accepted the mug, sniffing it. She took a tentative sip and immediately gagged.
Setting her mug down, she took the small burlap bag Nasera offered her. A peek inside revealed handfuls of teabags.
Nasera studied her with narrowed eyes. “Anything else?”
“I mean, if—if the night in question has, er, already happened, what can I dotoday?” Her face flamed with the admission.
Expression softening slightly, Nasera left and returned with a more potent brew that smelled even worse. “Triple dose, but it will handle any … immediate concerns.” She raised a brow.
She wrinkled her nose and forced every drop of the vile concoction down.
“Thanks. How much?” she inquired.
Nasera quoted her a silver noble, and Elizabeth gladly handed over the coin. She would have parted with far more for the security the tea offered her. Frankly, she was shocked it was so cheap, and she wasn’t being gouged. Desperate women would have paid anything for peace of mind.
Elizabeth thanked her profusely.
“I’m surprised a well-read lady, such as yourself, admits to needing help in this regard. Surely your governesses explained it at length and could have prepared thetea or sent for us privately. Usually, women from such”—Nasera gave her a look of derision—“esteemed households have a Healer on site.”
“For your silence and troubles.” She handed over a couple of coppers, choosing not to be baited into revealing more about herself.
“Tea. For several days to prevent a child from your previous encounter. Then take the regular dose every morning from now on. You and whatever gentleman you are friends with can continue seeing each other without fear.”
Elizabeth smiled and nodded. “My thanks. There is one other matter I want to discuss.” She paused, unsure how to say she didn’t trust the girl and would prefer to wait for her mother. “When will Risna return?”
“Not for some time. As I have already said.” Nasera’s tone was icy. “What business have you with her?”
