Page 63 of The Noldrin Witch

He could not make out much of the conversation as he made his way along the twisting paths and more walls came between him and his target. It mattered little to him if he interrupted one of Sebastian’s affairs, so long as he delivered the brief report he had prepared. He was certain Sebastian would not mind him knowing of his latest romance, as Kurt had always proven to be the most discreet of his friends.

But when he finally found Sebastian, discretion became the least of his concerns.

Together, in the midst of what looked like a private moment, stood not only his friend but Elise herself.

Kurt’s heart froze. He felt all the blood leave his body for the span of a breath.

The two of them were too absorbed in each other to notice him. Sebastian was unusually agitated, delivering something very much like a passionate speech to Elise.

Thankfully, he was a man of quick reaction. The battlefield had trained him well enough not to let emotions get the better of him.

Kurt hurried away before they could notice him.

Out of the maze, rage and jealousy gripped him as he made his way back. Once more a king stood in the way of his interest. This time, however, it was not a foreign monarch he could openly resent, but his friend and his liege.

Kurt closed his eyes as he stumbled along, scarcely aware of where his feet were carrying him.

Memories of Josephine clouded his mind as he reached his horse.

He tried to find another explanation for what he had just witnessed, but why else would Elise be there at that hour of the night with Sebastian? It seemed plain to him that just like Josephine, she had measured her prospects and decided a duke was not high enough for her ambitions. And who could blame her? After all, she was the most irresistible creature he had ever seen. The mere thought of her was enough to set his blood racing.

Kurt rode in despair all the way to his manor. One thing was Elise dealing with a former lover, but having to share her with Sebastian was another matter altogether.

He found himself resenting his friend as well, remembering all his warnings about witches. What a bastard his king had turned out to be. Sebastian had likely set out to meet Elise after he had been foolish enough to talk about her. He had spoken of her too well, and knowing Sebastian and how eager everyone was for him to take a wife, Kurt did not doubt he could silence any objections and give the kingdom the first witch queen people had ever known.

None of it mattered anymore. Perhaps Sebastian only wanted Elise the way the king of Falaine had wanted Josephine. What mattered was the betrayal, the violation of trust, and of course, Elise showing what she truly cared about.

He would go back tomorrow to see Sebastian. He would fulfill his duties as duke and captain, but nothing more.

*****

Elise went back to her room with a strange feeling about her brief encounter with the king. She could barely believe even His Highness had his history with Morgaine. The man seemed still smitten with the witch. In every one of his words there lingered the unmistakable yearning of a man who had lost the battle to love many years ago.

“You are just as fair. How is it possible?” the king had said.

Elise had explained that she was acquainted with Morgaine and that she was her ward, but the king had shown little interest in her apprenticeship. Instead, he dismissed much of what Elise said and repeatedly inquired about Morgaine’s whereabouts.

It was a miracle Elise managed to make her way out of the gardens without being sent to fetch Morgaine in the middle of the night. The king eventually calmed down. He had rather lost his wits for a moment. Apparently, he had not seen Morgaine in a decade.

Elise remembered Beth and Morgaine’s comments from that night over drinks, but hearing the confirmation from the king made the matter seem less like old gossip and more like an incendiary reality.

Just in case, Elise had kept the exact location of Morgaine’s home to herself. She felt a measure of worry at the thought that the king might send an army to her door at any moment, and Elise figured it would be best to speak with Morgaine beforehand.

Once she had recovered her breath, Elise took out the Mirror of Daimor and proceeded to contact the witch.

“Morgaine, Morgaine,” she called.

It was almost midnight by then, and Elise hoped to get some sleep if she wished to keep up her good work in the workshop.

Elise waited and waited, but no image appeared in the mirror. It was not until one of Bruno’s loud croaks that the glass finally began to shift.

“Elise?” a voice from the mirror said.

Elise sat up in bed, prepared to tell the witch everything that had happened.

“Morgaine, I was on my way to find the rock tonight—”

“Good, good,” Morgaine interrupted. “Any luck on that?” The witch seemed a little too relaxed, the miniature face in the mirror sporting a wide grin. Elise suspected Beth was still with her and that the celebration was stretching on for a few more days.