Chapter 5
Colette
The inn’s gathering room is somewhat busy with folks wanting a little something to eat before checking out and traveling on to wherever they want to be for Snowlight. I still hear plenty of conversation about Archer and me between people wrangling luggage, younglings, and maps.
At the table closest to the front window and door, I pour some mulled wine for Tully.
The witch tucks a red curl under the brim of her black, pointed hat. “You look like you just had the best morning of your life.”
I don’t want the rest of the gathering room to hear me, so I lean forward. “Archer came by and caught me in my underthings.”
Tully’s lips tuck up on one side. “I assume you appreciated his response?”
“He tried to hide his attraction to me, but it was fairly obvious. I do feel bad that I’ve tarnished his serious doom and gloom reputation.” It’s great how easy it is to talk to Tully. She has sharp edges, but I feel like I’ve known her for years instead of days. Maybe this is just how small towns are.
“Ah,” Tully says dismissively. “It’s good for him. Males need to be made uncomfortable on a regular basis.” She takes another swallow of her spiced wine.
The horned, male goat shifter at the table beside us sniffs, scowls, and goes back to reading his book.
I chuckle. Lysandra was right when she told me that Tully says whatever she wants and doesn’t care who hears it. I love that. I pour myself some warm, sugared cranberry juice and down it. Delicious.
“Hopefully, the excitement about our kiss that wasn’t really a kiss is already dying down,” I say.
The inn opens the front door and a slip of parchment flies in. The message lands at my feet. Magic sparks around the note as I break the green seal, a seal very familiarto me.
“It’s from my editor,” I tell Tully.
“Ooo, the boss,” the witch says teasingly, holding her drink up.
Dearest Colette,
Kingstown isabuzz with the story of your blossoming romance with Archer Darkheart! What a fantastic move it was to kiss at the faire and knock those treats down for attention. You’re a genius.
I lookup from the letter. “Mistress Avalon believes I staged the whole moment at the faire.”
Tully shrugs one shoulder and absently taps her wand against the table. “It will be good for your sales.”
I huff a laugh. “I am not nearly duplicitous enough to think of a plan like that.”
“I don’t know. I’ve read some of your romantic comedies. You’re a sharp one.”
My heart swells at the praise from this new acquaintance. And, interestingly, I had the same thought about her. “Aw, thank you.”
I havean idea of my own.Mistress Avalon writes.
I liftan eyebrow and try not to worry. Avalon can be a little unhinged with what she wants me to do in the name of sales.
I metwith Archer’s publisher this morning and we decided you two must co-write a short story together immediately. You can read it aloud at Snowlight there in Leafshire Cove. Isn’t it the most perfect plan?
My chest tightens.I let the hand holding the note drop to my side. Archer will hate this. So much. I don’t think I’m excited about it either. Or am I?
Tully waves her wand and steals the note. “Can I read what she sent? You look troubled.”
“Definitely. I need advice on how to stop her.”
The witch reads the next lines and starts laughing. “Oh, this is going to be delightful.”
“I don’t want to do it.”
