Page 79 of The Noldrin Witch

“I’m not sure. I need to find Sebastian.”

Chapter 32

Kurt’s heart was still racing by the time he found Sebastian. He had wanted more of Elise. He found himself unable to think of anything sensible. He had faced battlefields with greater composure than he had managed in a garden a few moments earlier.

He had cast aside any fear of deceit, and for a moment he had felt like a new man, one capable of claiming his freedom. It had been a glorious moment, but even so, he kept replaying every word Elise had said, eager to believe every one of them.

“Kurt, I’m glad you are here,” Sebastian said, rising from his seat at the long table in the map chamber. His stern gaze spoke of the gravity of the situation.

Two other men, the Chancellor of the Guard and the Marshal, rose as well as the king greeted him.

“I came as soon as I heard the trumpets,” Kurt said. “What has happened?”

“It’s Noldrin,” Sebastian muttered. “It was taken back and Philippe is advancing toward Metz.”

“How about the garrison and the men there?”

“All dead,” Sebastian said dryly.

Even if the terrible news struck Kurt like a blow to the gut, he couldn’t help wanting to confirm what Elise had told him. It was unfortunate Sebastian was not alone. Kurt knew it was only a matter of time before Commander Langohr and the other leaders came to the council.

He took his seat at Sebastian’s side as they waited.

“Have the fairies found a way to battle the illness yet?” Kurt asked, hoping to bring some of the fairy topic into conversation.

“They are working at a faster pace. I’ve been informed they will have something by tomorrow,” Sebastian replied, sounding confused. “Is there any reason why you think that can help us?”

Kurt shifted in his chair. “Any advantage can tip the balance in times like these.”

A small smile tugged at the corner of Sebastian’s lips, perhaps knowing exactly where his friend’s interest lay.

“Elise herself is working on finding a cure,” he whispered. “I suspect she would be pleased to see you. Just try not to distract her until her task is done.” He lowered his voice even further. “I’ve seen how she blushes whenever your name is mentioned. I made sure to sing your praises the last time I saw her.”

The king gave Kurt a wink while the other two men were distracted.

Kurt’s heart leaped, realizing what Elise had told him was true. Sebastian was not a man who would willingly surrender a woman who held his heart, much less speak of it so lightly.

Sebastian patted him on the shoulder. “I didn’t know we had the same taste in women.”

It was then that everything made sense. It was all a misunderstanding, Elise had said. Kurt thought of the only person who could possibly be as fair as her. He himself had thought they were sisters when he approached them at the city gate. He was still in disbelief and confusion, but it seemed the only possible explanation.

It was Morgaine Sebastian had wanted to see.

They both shared a quiet laugh. Kurt was feeling that he could go defeat a whole army with his own hands in that moment.

Unfortunately, the moment of merriment was soon clouded by the arrival of a man who found joy only in the delicate pursuit of gaining power, his face and temper equally afflicted with self-importance.

“Gentlemen,” Commander Langohr said as he approached. “I wish I could find a measure of amusement in a situation like this.”

He looked at Sebastian and Kurt as though he were scolding two boys caught in some harmless mischief.

Sebastian’s smile faded.

Aside from his determination and steady hand in military matters, Commander Langohr possessed few qualities that made him tolerable company. The two men already seated at the table hesitated as he looked for a place to sit.

“Kurt,” Commander Langohr said as he took a seat beside him. “How are you, son? Adelle has missed you dearly.”

Kurt forced a small smile. He had delayed rejecting Adelle outright, knowing the insult could damage her prospects of finding a husband.