Page 33 of This Witch Is Not Wicked

“Well, maybe she doesn’t owe you an answer,” I said, annoyed by this entire interaction. “And she’s not responsible for the plants’ actions. Just like you’re not responsible for Castle’s actions.”

He harrumphed but didn’t argue.

Why had I never noticed how unfairly people treated Enid before? The double standards between her and the castle. Sir Arthur had threatened almost every resident in Fairwitch at this point, and no one demanded anything of him. Everyone laughed the sentient piece of armor off as one of the castle’s quirks.

“And why is her skin green?” my patient continued. “She’s never given a clear answer about that.”

I’d wondered the same thing, but I’d heard Enid give a variety of answers to that question over the years, which meant she didn’t want anyone to know whatever had happened to her. If she wanted to tell me the truth, she would, but I wouldn’t push the issue in the meantime.

“It’s none of our business.” I pulled another spindle out.

“Oh.” Mr. Porter made a face. “That’s right. I heard something about you two being an item. I didn’t believe it, but now that you’re defending her, it’s all becoming clear whose side you’re on.”

I plucked out another spindle. “You called the plant ugly. Have you ever said anything nice to the bog?”

“They’re plants.” His eyes bugged out. “Why in the world would I compliment one?”

“I’m just saying . . . maybe when you called it ugly, you offended it.”

“Madness,” Mr. Porter muttered. “Complete madness.”

“Okay, let me put it this way. Would you insult the castle? Would you call the gargoyles ugly?”

He looked horrified. “No, of course not. This place can make people disappear.”

“So you respect the castle but not the bog? This bog is as sentient as our home is. What makes it different?”

He opened his mouth to respond, then closed it. Then opened it again. “Well, I guess I never thought of it that way. This place just seems so . . . monstrous and terrifying.”

I grabbed a jar of green salve and smeared some over his wounds, looking at the bloody spindles now lying on a tray, studying their thin, sharp points. I’d have to clean them and put them somewhere for safekeeping. An idea was forming. One I wanted to work on when I had some time.

“Well, maybe you need a new perspective.” I finished bandaging his hand and clapped him on the shoulder. “You’re all set. When you get back to your shop, you could consider apologizing.”

His jaw ticked. “To a plant?”

I shrugged. “Just an idea. Maybe it won’t shoot you anymore if you’re nicer to it.”

He harrumphed and mumbled under his breath as he left the room, but he didn’t outright reject the idea.

Courting Enid wouldn’t be enough to improve her reputation. I had to actually campaign for her, work to change people’s perception. I didn’t know if being nice to these plants would make them stop terrorizing the people of the town, but it couldn’t hurt, and everyone was so convinced Enid was controlling this bog, making it misbehave. Even if she wasn’t.

“Oh good, you’re here.” I turned to see Cillian standing in the doorway, arms crossed. His gaze went to the spindles I’d just pulled from Mr. Porter. “Your girlfriend terrorizing the citizens again?”

“No, more like the citizens terrorizing this bog.”

“Oh, godwitches.” Cillian dragged a hand down his face as he stepped into the room. “You know, you’re putting me in a terrible position. I was ready to exile her the other day when you made your little announcement, and now what am I supposed to do? I can’t kick out the woman my brother is courting.”

That was the entire idea.

He set his ice blue eyes on me. “But I will if this doesn’t stop. I gave her eight weeks, and I’ll keep my word. But I need to see some improvements.”

I stood and leaned against the counter. “Is that why you’re here? To lecture me about Enid’s behavior?”

Cillian rubbed his eyes, which looked puffy and tired, something my brother would never allow. He was far too vain. “No, actually. I was thinking it might be time for you to start making house calls.”

“House calls?” I asked.

“Yes, I think we need to expand your services. Instead of townspeople coming to you, you go to them.”