Page 69 of The Noldrin Witch

Chapter 29

Kurt did not dare mention Elise during his audience with Sebastian. It seemed foolish to start an open rivalry when the entire kingdom was threatened by the advancing Falaine army. Early that morning, he had received a letter from the scouts stationed near Noldrin. The forces there were badly outnumbered, and soldiers from both sides were falling at an alarming speed.

The pandemonium that Elise’s town had become made him regain some sympathy for her. It was no small thing to come from a place that had practically vanished, let alone travel alone to an enemy kingdom.

He had to remind himself that she was not Josephine. Elise was probably trying to hold on to anything—or in this case, anyone—she could.

He could not blame Sebastian either. His friend had never been ill-intentioned. He was a king, but in spite of that, Kurt could not recall a single instance in which he had abused his power in any fashion.

For better or worse, Kurt decided it was best not to hold any grudge against either Elise or Sebastian.

The matter with Fabian still bothered him. He knew the fairy well, and what Elise had described was perfectly in character for him. Kurt did not mind having his name tangled up in gossip, but he thought it completely unfair to Elise. She was bound to remain under Fabian’s orders whether she liked it or not.

He made his way to the catacombs, or the workshop as the fairies preferred to call it. The walk through the dark passages only helped cement the idea that Elise was not to blame for trying to improve her circumstances. He himself would likely attempt to escape working for Fabian if such a fate were ever presented to him.

Her perfume still lingered at the tip of his nose. Kurt did not know whether it was some special brew she used or simply her natural fragrance, but whenever he was near her, he could not help feeling that her scent lowered whatever barriers he had worked so hard to keep in place.

Witch or not, Elise had somehow cast a spell on him that left him wanting more of her. And worst of all, he was starting to realize that even disappointment was remarkably ineffective against it.

“Kurt,” a familiar voice called from afar.

Kurt looked up to find Adelle among the fairies.

“What are you doing here?” she asked meekly.

“Adelle,” he said, his gaze wandering until it landed on Elise.

Adelle seemed to follow his gaze and, with a small grumble, walked over and looped her arm through his.

“Don’t tell me you were looking for me,” Adelle said, far too loudly for someone standing so close.

Kurt cleared his throat. Elise was arranging herbs in the company of a thin, small man. A fairy, he suspected. Another man in her life who was no doubt interested in becoming something more to her.

He sighed and patted Adelle’s arm before answering.

“I came looking for Fabian. There’s a matter involving Elise and me that I need to clear up.”

Adelle seemed surprised by his words.

“And what could that possibly be?”

“There’s a rumor that I had something to do with the room she was given in the castle.”

Adelle laughed.

“What folly is that?”

Kurt looked at her suspiciously. He knew Adelle well enough to tell she was not entirely herself.

“And you, what are you doing here?”

She appeared even more nervous this time. She let go of his arm and began to pace.

“I like to come here from time to time. Fabian offered to teach me a few things, and since my father visits His Majesty so often, I thought I might as well take advantage of the opportunity.”

Kurt was not entirely convinced, but he held his tongue.

Thankfully, he did not have to wait long to learn more about the situation. Walking as though he were inspecting his own kingdom, Fabian made his entrance with much pomp and self-importance. His chin was high, and there was something almost ceremonial about the bounce in his step.