“Oh.I didn’t mean—you don’tlooklike her.Well, a little, when you smile.You’re very manly.”I pressed my hand to my mouth as Edmund watched in amusement.I only hoped he didn’t think I was a complete nut.
“What I mean is,” I began again, “she used to smile at me like that.Like she believed in me.”
“Then I’m honored to share a resemblance to her,” Edmund said, his eyes twinkling.He took a sip of the tea, then coughed it back into the cup, grimacing.
I rose from my seat.“Are you alright?”
He wiped his mouth and set the tea aside.“Yes, I’ll just...save that for later.”
“I suppose you’ll want to call for a carriage tomorrow,” I said.“Is there any way I can help with that?”
Edmund met my gaze again.I couldn’t help but hold my breath; he was unbearably handsome.“No.I’m not leaving.”
My heart inexplicably skipped a beat.“You’re not?”
He shook his head.
“But your ankle—”
“Is feeling better already.I gave my promise to the crown prince.I shall stay the two weeks and do my job.I am eager to experience more of Witch Village, Giselle.Hopefully, the non-chaotic side.”
I laughed.Thank heavens he was a good-natured man.“Very well.Rest easy.I’ll bring up a tray when it’s time for lunch.”
Edmund inclined his head.“I’m sure I shall have a speedy recovery.”
16
The fever was entirelyunexpected.
We found out late next morning, going on noon, when Alexander went up to send a breakfast tray to Edmund.When he returned downstairs, his face was grave.
“He’s fallen ill,” Alexander announced.
I stood from my seat at the dining table.“Ill?From a fractured ankle?”
Maddox shoveled the rest of his oats into his mouth.The dining room was dimly lit by a witchlight lantern suspended over the table, throwing a pinkish glow over the furniture.“Is he going to die?”he asked through a full mouth.
