Like,really angry.
I shrink back, feeling like a bug that’s about to be squashed.
“Because Ilove her,” Rowan exclaims vehemently—right to his ex-fiancée’s face. With a pointed look, he adds, “And I will not trap her into a relationship she doesn’t want, even if it suits my purposes.”
The woman rears back as if he slapped her.
Meanwhile, I stand quietly to the side, hyperventilating.
“You love her?” Mrs. Neilfellow says, looking at me as if confused. “This little…tea pixie?”
There are never any convenient holes to crawl into when you need one.
“Yes, I love her,” Rowan says firmly. “I loved her before we linked our magic, I love her now, and I will certainly love her after I undo this bond.”
It’s not a great time to glow, but goodness. Even though I tamp back my reaction with all my strength, I think a few sparkles must escape because Keira narrows her eyes at me.
I’m pretty sure she’s planning my funeral.
“Fine,” Mrs. Neilfellow says, startlingeveryone.“Good. That’s lovely. Stay with her—but donottamper with your magic. We’ll plan your wedding to her instead.” Abruptly, she turns toward the door. “Keira, we’re leaving.”
Stunned, Rowan, Ash, and I gape as Mrs. Neilfellow effectively shushes Rowan’s sputtering ex and ushers her down the stairs.
As soon as the door closes, Ash mutters a baffled curse and then turns to Rowan. “What in oblivion just happened? Did Mom just give the two of you herblessing?”
“I think so,” Rowan says, looking freaked out as he stares at the closed door. Slowly, he turns to his cousin. “Butwhy?”
Chapter 8
Know Your Gnomes
“Maybe your aunt just wants you to be happy?” I suggest.
“No, that can’t be it,” Ash says immediately. “She’s highly invested in our safety but doesn’t particularly care about our mental state.” He frowns. “But, perhaps, she’s worried about her own discomfort? If Rowan were to disappear again, she would be beside herself.”
Rowan slowly nods.
Ash turns to me. “It might be worth noting that despite evidence to the contrary, I do believe our mother loves us.” He clears his throat. “In her own way.”
“I was getting that.” I wince. “Sort of.”
“We still need to visit Emerson,” Ash reminds me.
“I’ll meet you downstairs in a few minutes,” I say, desperate to talk to Rowan alone.
Ash’s eyes go between us, and he nods. “Emerson goes home early on Saturday, so don’t take too long.”
The councilman looks resigned, like maybe he’s finally given up hope on the two of us getting together. I cannot help but wonder if Rowan’s speech had something to do with that.
As soon as he closes the door, I turn to Rowan. “You know, if you don’t want me throwing myself at you, you really can’t say things like, ‘I loved her before, I love her now, and I’ll love her after I undo the bond.’ How is a girl supposed to control herself after that?”
A smile plays at the corner of Rowan’s mouth. “The conversation went better than I could have hoped.”
“For everyone except Keira. She’s not happy.”
“She needs to be told no occasionally—it’s good for her. Heaven knows I should have done it long before now.”
“Do you think your aunt is actually okay with our relationship? After all, I’m just a ‘little tea pixie.’”
