Page 25 of The Noldrin Witch

Elise nodded at Adelle’s horror.

“I’ve heard it’s a reliable profession in the magic world,” Kurt whispered to Adelle.

The woman squinted and forced a smile at Elise.

The duke, seemingly aware of the hostility, set out to share some kindness. “There’s, in fact, an opening among the fairies for a new hand in the king’s court.”

“Fairies, Kurt, not witches.”

“The opening is for anyone who can help in the preparation of medicines and potions. Besides, the king used to employ witches before the fairies took charge.”

Elise managed a faint smile. “I’m just beginning to grasp the craft. But thank you.”

The carriage came to a stop, and Elise saw Morgaine’s house emerging among the white-blooming trees that lined the road.

“This is where I live,” Elise said.

Kurt moved to open the door and help her out.

Elise glanced at Adelle to bid her farewells, but the woman pretended she didn’t notice and held her gaze to the opposite side.

She stepped down the few narrow steps, and as she did, the duke’s hand met hers, steadying her with a touch that lingered just long enough to be noticed.

The forest air was cooler now, and Elise felt the coming rain. She looked up at the duke one last time. He stood close, thankfully his gaze now resting on her face rather than her dress.

Noticing the drizzle, he removed his blue velvet cape and settled it over Elise’s shoulders. She was about to refuse the favor, but the scent of it reached her so deeply that it would have been cruel to deny herself the comfort of keeping it.

“Until later,” he said.

“Perhaps.” Elise offered a smile.

She headed toward the house with an excitement hard to contain. She was so immersed in her own thoughts that she failed to notice the silence of the horses. Just as she was about to slide the bolt, something made her turn back. She found Kurt still standing there.

She managed a wave just before he turned swiftly and disappeared like the wind.

A handsome devil. Lucky Adelle.

Chapter 12

Elise entered the house with a smile and a sigh. The witch had clearly been waiting, settled in her chair by the fire and sipping her special tonic from a steaming mug—an infusion Morgaine claimed had medicinal qualities. “Good for the liverish,” she always said.

“I see you returned the basket,” Morgaine croaked, her voice roughened by the brew she had just swallowed.

Elise’s eyes widened at the memory of the basket slamming against Henrik’s giant frame.

“I sure did.”

Morgaine laid her concoction on the table beside her chair and joined Elise with a glint of mischief in her eyes.

“Tell me, what happened?” Morgaine began, glancing at the velvet cape on Elise’s shoulders. “I see you found time to mingle.”

Elise soon understood the true purpose behind sending her to the city in that dress. She felt rather less inclined to please the witch now that she realized the whole outing had been arranged for Morgaine’s amusement.

“I was groped, robbed, and rescued,” Elise muttered. “Are you satisfied?”

Morgaine gasped. “My child! But that’s the very reason I gave you the potion. Didn’t you think to use it?”

Elise nodded, a slight bitterness rising in her throat. Then the scent of the cape made her soften in spite of herself.