Page 37 of Bewitched

“Y-you shapeshifted,” said Rhys, trying to wrap his head around what he just saw. “I didn’t know you could do that.”

“I couldn’t before now. I accidentally learned how to do it, today,” said Medea, looking quite proud of herself. “I must have inherited the skill from my late mother.”

“Let’s hope that’s all you inherit,” muttered Rapunzel, limping away to join Zann and Darium.

“Medea, I wanted to talk to you,” said Rhys.

“Go ahead,” she said, fixing her sleeve.

“I just realized, you shapeshifted and have clothes on. When Zann does it, he has to be naked.”

“My powers are far more advanced than your brother’s, I’m sure. As a matter of fact, I don’t want to wear this gown anymore. I’m tired of it.” She waved her arm and instantly was clothed in a different dress entirely. This one was green with brown ribbons lacing the bodice. “That’s better.” She let out a deep breath and smiled at him. “Now, what did you want to talk about?”

Rhys stared at Medea in disbelief not saying a thing. She was proving to be a very powerful witch indeed. He had never known anyone who could shapeshift into so many different creatures or be clothed in a different outfit just with the wave of her hand. This girl’s power intrigued him, yet almost at the same time frightened him a little. He started wondering if he should listen to all the warnings he was getting from Rapunzel and his mother. Was Medea someone to fear? Was there really a darkness in her that she couldn’t control? What was she able to do, and would she be angered and use her powers against him?

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, I know what you want,” she said, acting as if nothing was wrong.

“You do?” he asked, not sure what it was he even wanted to say anymore. So many thoughts were crowding his mind right now, and they all had to do with Medea.

“You want to kiss me again, just admit it.”

“I do?” he asked, sounding like a dolt, but not being able to even formulate a sentence right now after what he just witnessed.

“Let me help you decide.” She reached up and grabbed the front of his tunic, pulling him to her. Standing on her tiptoes, she plastered a big kiss on his mouth, making him forget about anything else, since it was so passionate and inviting.

“Mmmm,” he moaned, liking the way it felt. His arms went around her waist and he pulled her closer, returning the kiss. She tasted sweet, like honeyed mead. And she smelled like a field of wildflowers on a breezy summer’s day. His hands roamed lower. Without thinking, he cupped her bottom, giving it a squeeze.

“Stop that, you fool!” came the voice of the stupid little elf, accompanied by a slap to Rhys’ wrist. “You’re a bigger oaf than even your sin-eating brother, and I didn’t think anyone could top that.”

“You,” said Rhys with a groan, releasing Medea and stepping back. A swirl of air came down from the sky, and his mother appeared right behind the elf.

“We’ve got work to do, and you need to keep your mind on the game. Both of you,” said Elric, sneering at Medea now.

“Elric.” Rapunzel ran over, followed by Zann and Darium.

“Tell us what we need to know, elf,” commanded Darium.

“What did you call me?” Elric’s hands went to his waist and his eyes closed to slits.

“Darium, please don’t goad him,” begged his mother.

“Sorry, mage,” said Darium.

“It’s sage, Sin Eater,” spat the little man.

“Are you still King Sethor’s fool?” asked Rhys, only managing to upset the elf even more.

“Rhys,” warned his mother.

“I meant jester. In my defense, he was the King’s jester.” Rhys held his palms up in the air.

“Well, not anymore, I’m not,” said Elric. “And I had a purpose for being there.”

“What purpose could anyone ever have for pretending to be Sethor’s fool?” asked Zann. “I mean, jester,” he corrected himself.

“My business is my concern,” said Elric. “If I wanted any of you to know, I’d tell you. But since I don’t, it’s none of your damned business.”

“Is a sage supposed to curse?” Zann asked Darium under his breath.