Page 10 of Of Curses and Courtship

His shoulders slump. “That’s good to hear.”

His relief seems genuine. Perhaps he is not an unkind man, even if he is peculiar.

“You know far too much about me.” I drain the rest of my drink. “Tell me something about yourself.”

He gestures for another round. “There’s not much to know about me.”

I scoff. “I don’t believe that for a moment.”

Before someone can serve us, an older neighbor approaches with two pints.

“Ophelia!” Tom grins at me as he sets down the glasses. “Didn’t think I’d see you tonight.”

“I wasn’t planning on being in attendance.” I smile weakly, gesturing to the drinks. “What’s this?”

The fae lifts a brow at me.

“Just a little pick-me-up for ya.” Tom’s gaze lingers on the fae. “You two be safe.”

“We will,” I say.

Once we’re alone again, the fae leans in, his eyes sparkling. “You’re right. The people here adore you.”

“Tom is a drunk who enjoys spending too much gold. His attention is nothing.” My cheeks blaze as I lift the cold pint to my lips. “I would still like to know about you. You haven’t told me a thing.”

“Fine.” His jaw ticks. “I’m a student of arcane magic. Doesthat itch the scratch of curiosity, or would you like to know more?”

He is a magician, then. I’ve heard tales of the fae magicians, the illusions they play with, and the intellect they carry. This strange fae may be curious about me, but I’m just as interested in him.

I tilt my head to the side. “Most would like to know about arcane magic. Is it similar to the witches? I know many witches.”

“Not quite.”

“Closer to a sorcerer?” I whisper, knowing his keen ears will pick up the question.

“No.” He wets his lips and leans in, his eyes sparkling. “Not like that at all, but if you wish to go somewhere private… I can show you what my magic is capable of.”

EMYR

I expect her to send me away. The woman with the strawberry hair and near-permanent scowl doesn’t seem interested in me, and I’m sure she doesn’t trust me. Her magic is weak, but it is there—a trickle in the ever-flowing stream of arcana.

Despite her prickly nature, she agrees to a moment of privacy. I can’t bring her to the palace, and she won’t invite me into her abode. The only other option is getting a room at the inn.

Tibalt stands guard while we duck inside, keeping the door unlocked.

“Does he not wish to come in?” she asks, her brows furrowing.

I can’t tell if the halfling is afraid or intrigued, but perhaps Tibalt’s presence would put her at ease.

“He can join us if you’d like, but there’s no need. Tibalt is accustomed to standing outside doors.”

“I don’t care what he does. You promised to show me magic.”

How impatient she is. It tickles me.

“And I will.” Small displays of magic are easy to conjure. I may as well give her a show. “As I said, it’s unlike the potions and rituals the witches in your town may do. My magic is within me. I need nothing outside of me to conjure the sun’s energy.”

I snap a finger and extend my hand. A small ball of golden light radiates from the center of my palm.