Page 27 of Kiss and Spell
“That’s right! I almost forgot!” Whiney jumped from her seat and came over to Ursula. She squeezed her shoulder gently. “You must come back over for tea! I’m so thrilled he found a friend like you.”
Whitney cooed at him like a proud parent whose preschooler found a playmate by the swing. He ducked his head down, feeling the tips of his ears prickle. She planted a quick kiss on his head, then hustled back into the house. Xavier glanced around the patio area. Apparently, only he and Ursula were left alone with the breakfast spread.
“How did you sleep?” he asked.
“I slept well. Thank you for asking, Your Highness,” Ursula said.
She looked down at her hands. Disappointment flickered through him. He liked when she called him by his name. He wanted to hear it again.
“Madame, is there a reason you’re not calling me Xavier? Did I offend you somehow? I don’t remember what happened.” He gave his head a slow shake. “I probably ruined your dress. It looked nice on you.”
Her head snapped up. “No. You earned your title last night. You were an absolute prince. Literally. There was an accident,” Ursula said. She frowned deeply. “I’m sure the stain will come out. I hope.”
He suddenly felt ill. “I’ll make it up to you. I apologize for ruining your night.”
“Oh no, Your Highness. You didn’t ruin it. It’s just…” Ursula sighed. Her words came out in a rush. “Whenever I hear the song ‘Finally’ by Ms. CeCe Peniston, I can’t help it. I go into trance. I start dancing like a drunk octopus.” She winced. “We were having a great time; I went too big. I knocked into a satyr and spilled his drink all over me. I made a scene. It was humiliating. You spent your party cleaning me up.” Her face flushed. “You even insisted I take your bed.”
She… was in… your bed. He rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands. Xavier usually didn’t let anyone who wasn’t related to him by blood or honor this close to him. Even back in the Realm, Xavier made his own bed and washed his own clothes, much to Father’s horror. It wasn’t about being humble; it was about protecting his privacy. Court gossips weren’t above paying off their servants to search through his brother’s dresser for secrets or spy on his sister for evidence of a scandal. His ears burned at the mere thought of a stranger being in his personal space.
But the idea of Ursula, supine and sleepy, in his bed didn’t sound so bad.
Xavier blinked that thought away. He dropped his hands on the table.
“I agree with Whitney,” Ursula said. “You’d have a good time at the tavern.”
“We could have a good time together,” he suggested.
She regarded him for a long second, then nodded. “Be careful, Xavier. We might accidentally become friends,” she teased. “You’re going to get sick of me.”
If I got sick of you, I’d just take medicine.
“I’ve decided, after much thought, to help you with your enchantment,” Ursula said. “I can be your wingwoman.”
Gratitude gripped his throat. She was on his side. He swallowed to clear a knot of emotion.
“You have wings,” he said. “You didn’t tell me you were an angel.”
Xavier bit his lip. Even he knew that line was cheesy. Ursula winced at his attempt at flirting. “We’ve got to work on your game. Don’t worry, Xavier. I got you. You’re going to get that kiss and fall in love.”
Discomfort spiked within his head at her seemingly hopeful words. He’d told her about his curse last night but had omitted the one key detail. He didn’t believe in love. Even though her words on perfect kisses and love last night had stirred longing within him, he shut it down. Alders didn’t really do love. In fact, when it came to the subject of love, Father’s personal motto was First comes marriage, then companionship, and if you’re lucky, love will arrive in time. Over time, that motto transformed into a prophecy as Xavier watched his closest relatives make good matches but affectionless marriages. Love was meant for other folks, but it wasn’t meant for him. Xavier didn’t want to tell Ursula this because she was the real deal—she was a true romantic. His heart twisted. It didn’t feel right to lie by omission. He didn’t want to see the disappointment flicker in her eyes when she learned the truth about him. His brain set his heart straight. You don’t need love to break the curse; you just need the kiss. Toughen up.
Whitney returned to the patio table, cradling a cup of steaming coffee. “Apparently you can make coffee too hot. Be careful.”
“Bless the glimmer on your wings.” Xavier clutched the cup for dear life. Just smelling the brew made him perk up.
“Don’t drink too much,” Whitney warned. “I’m ordering lunch. It’s almost noon.”
Ursula stilled. She reached into her clutch and looked at her phone. Her eyebrows popped up to her hairline. “It’s—What?!” She leapt quickly from her seat like it was covered in angry spiders. “Where did the time go?!”
“Time flies when you’re having fun,” Whitney said with a wink.
“I’m super late for work! I’ve got to go.”
“I’ll walk you out.” Xavier went to stand despite his lingering aches, but Ursula placed a gentle hand on his chest. He’d push through the pain if it allowed him to be near her an extra moment.
“No, stay,” she insisted. “Finish your coffee. Rest. Um… I’ll text you later.”
Later. There was a hint of a promise in her voice that eased his headache. Xavier sat down again. Ursula hovered for a second, then hugged him. He pressed his head into her side, relishing in her softness. Blood rushed to the tops of his ears. The hug was over as quickly as it began. She let go of him, brushed a few flakes of stray glitter from his shoulder, and left. Xavier stood still for a long moment, then faced Whitney.