Page 67 of The Noldrin Witch

“I have yet to ask you. How is the new employment? I would hate to hear they are treating you poorly.”

This time, Elise did not know what to say. She didn’t wish to complain about Fabian, but she also knew that the worst thing to do in the face of evil was nothing at all, and the fairy was an evil that afflicted more than a few in the workshop.

“Fabian can be harsh. Though I was told he is like that with new workers. I believe he sees the workshop as his own kingdom,” Elise said. “Had I known he intended to have me fetching things instead of brewing potions, I would have lowered my expectations beforehand. At least I’m thankful he didn’t follow through on his threat of having me clean the latrines.”

The more Elise spoke about the fairy, the more horrified the king appeared.

“Who is Fabian? I thought Susanne was in charge of things down there.”

Elise went on to explain that Susanne had indeed been a blessing and that it was only because of her that she was currently working at the workshop.

“You would surely recognize Fabian by the red leggings he is so fond of wearing,” Elise replied after being asked once more who in heaven’s name was the man who sounded more deranged with every detail she provided.

The king promised to look into the matter. Elise repeatedly assured him that everything was fine, but he insisted.

Elise thanked him once more and thought the topic of Morgaine had been completely dismissed. That was until the time came for her to leave.

“Please do not tell anyone about me and Morgaine, Elise,” Sebastian said. “I am not ashamed of how matters ended between us. I simply still hope that one day they might take a different turn.”

Elise’s heart warmed at the candor of the king’s words. There was no doubt the man was still quite taken with the witch.

“My lips are sealed on that matter, Your Majesty...I mean, Sebastian.”

*****

After the meeting with the king, Elise felt as though the world were bending itself to suit her deepest wishes. Not only had she escaped punishment for being Morgaine’s ward, but it seemed her life at the workshop was about to improve.

Everything Sebastian had said about Kurt echoed in her mind. There was so much she wanted to know about him. She couldn’t help but hope to see him again.

Then, as though she had tossed a coin into a wishing well, her wish appeared before her, striding down the hall and drawing closer with every step.

It was Kurt advancing with the determination of a general.

Elise felt her heart swell. Her grin widened as she waited for him. He looked even more handsome than she remembered.

“Kurt,” she whispered.

He stopped before her, and all Elise wanted was to touch him again. That romantic notion, however, did not survive long. The duke’s expression quickly suggested he was living in an entirely different reality.

“Morning,” he said as he walked past her.

Confusion filled Elise as she watched him go. “Wait!”

Kurt turned, and for a brief moment she felt a measure of hope as his gaze softened when it met hers.

“I’ve been waiting to see you,” she whispered.

The duke swallowed hard but his expression remained cold. “What for?”

“I wanted to apologize for running away the other day,” she began. “It’s just that I…”

She drew a deep breath.

Kurt’s lips tightened. He merely hummed and stood still, his blue eyes fixed on the distance.

Elise couldn’t tell what was happening. She stood there confused for a moment.

“Are you going to see Sebastian?” she managed.