Page 66 of The Noldrin Witch

“You are too kind,” the king said warmly.

Then, as though stirred by the memories returning to him, his voice took on a note of passion.

“You do not know what I have done trying to find Morgaine.” He swallowed hard.

Elise lowered her head.

The king continued, “A few years ago, she was spotted in town, and a guard told her I wished to see her, but she never came. I even sent men to knock on every door in Metz in the hope of discovering where she lived.”

Elise pressed her lips together, knowing the king was not going to be pleased by what she had to say.

“She doesn’t live in Metz, Your Majesty.”

The king moved closer to the edge of his seat, and a small smile began to form on his handsome lips. He was a comely man after all, and Elise could easily see why Morgaine had been interested. A shadow of beard framed the king’s exquisite jawline. His dark eyes carried an authority that could undo even the most steadfast soul.

“Where is she?” he asked, concern creeping into his voice.

Elise hesitated. She was not keen on telling lies, especially to the man she served.

“I spoke with her last night, but you must know...she does not wish to rekindle your romance,” she said regretfully.

A flicker of pain crossed the king’s face as he leaned back.

“But is she well?” he asked.

“She is,” Elise replied. “In fact, she is in terrific shape. The years have not diminished her beauty. Other men before you have mistaken us for the same person.”

The king nodded, visibly relieved to hear that Morgaine was faring well. Elise could tell he was an honorable man. The news had hurt him, but he kept his composure.

Elise continued. “If it helps at all, it seems to me that she remembers your time together with the utmost fondness, Your Highness.”

“Sebastian. Call me Sebastian,” he said with a small smile.

Elise nodded. “Thank you.”

“I have heard about you, you know,” Sebastian said.

She gasped, suspecting Fabian’s complaints had already made their way to the royal chambers.

“You are the famous witch from Falaine, aren’t you?”

Elise nodded, thinking of using the opportunity to clarify whatever gossip the fairy might have brought to the king, but Sebastian was quicker to continue, likely noticing the worry on her face.

“Kurt told me about you. He was quite interested in seeing you take a post at the workshop.”

Elise felt she might faint at the mention of the duke. Her heart swelled at the thought of Kurt trying to help her join the fairies. A sudden desire to see him completely overtook her.

The king, apparently noticing Elise’s interest, added, “He’s one of the most honorable men in my court. As a matter of fact, I owe him my life. He’s a force of nature with the sword.”

“Is he?”

“He’s a good friend too,” the king said. “And above all, he protects those he cares about.” He paused. “Though that already proved dangerous for him in the past.”

“What do you mean?” Elise asked, perhaps letting her curiosity show a little too much.

The king hesitated. “He’ll tell you one day.”

Elise listened earnestly and didn’t inquire further. It was the king who steered the conversation elsewhere.