Page 70 of Of Curses and Courtship

“I’m only doing this because you commanded it. It’s not to get me in any trouble.”

“Of course. I will see to it.”

“Good.” She looks at me over her shoulder. “Then I shall allow you to drag me wherever you please.”

It’s rare to see Ophelia look carefree and mirthful. These moments are saved for our dances together in dirty taverns, but she gives me that look now, and I want to run. How can she settle me and shake me to my core? She works in ways that only she will understand, and I’m entirely at her mercy.

Whatever she wants. I’ll give it to her. If she doesn’t know what to request, I will show it to her. I will bring her into worlds she has only ever dared dream of.

Someday. Once the curse is lifted.

“Meet me at the staff exit in thirty minutes,” I say. “That should give you enough time, yes?”

“Just about.”

“Good.”

I can’t recallthe last time I saw Ophelia out of her work attire. It may have been in the tavern, but my mind was addled that evening, making it difficult to remember exactly how she looked.

The only thing that sticks in my mind now is the way her chest heaved. Her neckline was lower—inappropriately low. At least, it wasn’t appropriate for me to gawk as I’m sure I did.

Now, with a clear mind, I will remember her like this: in a simple beige dress that sets her hair aglow with warmth. Her eyes stand out, too. Her hair had been so high and tight before, but now loose tendrils fall perfectly around her face. I cannot look away from the delicate patterns laced across her skin, hiding her graceful hands behind intricately-made gloves.

“This is appropriate attire, I presume?” She lifts her chin and looks away. “I’m still unsure where you are taking me.”

“So long as you are comfortable walking in that gown, it’ll be fine.”

The exit for our employees leads to the back of the castle, something Ophelia is familiar with. While I’m taking her away from our palace, we don’t require a carriage.

“How far will we walk?” She huffs as I lead her out the door, into the sprawling forest. “You’ve dragged me from my duties only to demand more labor.”

“It will be worth it in the end, little halfling.”

“Hopefully, you’re right. I’m putting my trust in you, and that’s not something I do so easily.”

“I’m confident you will enjoy where we are going.”

There’s no part of our land untouched by the curse, but there is still beauty to be found. The path to the lake isn’t a long walk—just a few minutes away—but it feels as if I’m transported to another place. It’s almost as if the curse never kissed the air.

Though it is still as dark as can be, violet butterflies light up the place like moving, fluttering candles. A weeping willow stretches over the lake, its green branches skimming the water. Tiny, blue pixies skate over the lake’s surface likewater striders, and small, many-eyed frogs ribbit from their glowing lily pads.

Ophelia gasps. I turn from the scenery, captured by her lit-up expression.

“Do you have anything like this in your land?” I ask.

“Well… sort of.” She doesn’t look away. “We have lakes, but the common fae are not nearly ascommonin our world, and our butterflies don’t glow.”

Because they’re not butterflies, exactly—they’re common fae. I don’t expect Ophelia to have each type of fae memorized.

“That’s right. I suppose they don’t.”

She finally turns to me, letting me see how her lavender eyes light up—the same as the butterflies. She’s practically one of them, with her soft wings and skin. How I yearn to run my fingers over her full cheek, to know how she feels beneath my fingertips, and see her features glow pink. How I wish to stroke her wings. Would they feel like velvet?

My hands clench at my sides.

“Why did you take me here?” she murmurs.

There’s no correct answer. I took her here to be alone—truly alone—but that’s not the sort of thing I can put into words. We shouldnotbe alone, and I certainly shouldn’t seek out moments like these.