Page 68 of Christmas Magic

“I am a knight. Of that, I have no doubt whatsoever.” His eyes blazed with conviction. “Over the past twelve hours, I’ve never believed more strongly that I am a loyal warrior of the realm. That is who I am—and it’s who I always will be.”

Lucian paused to let his words sink in.

Anguish registered in Molly’s gaze before she pressed his hand. “Of course, you are a knight.”

A relieved sigh broke from him. “It’s…what’s the expression? My authentic self?”

A small smile curved her mouth. “Yes, but—”

“I should have my broadsword. I should be wearing chain mail.” He pulled his hand free of hers. “I don’t understand why I’m not already doing those things.”

“As I mentioned before,” Molly said, “you’re under a spell.”

“No!”

“Please. Just listen.”

“You’re going to tell me, again, that I care for you and not Cora.”

“I am, because it’s true.” Molly indicated her ring again. “Lucian, we’re engaged.”

“I believe the correct term is betrothed.”

Her fingers curled on the tabletop. “In the Middle Ages, people got betrothed. Nowadays, people get engaged.”

While interesting, her clarification didn’t explain why he’d apparently given Molly a ring when he loved Cora so truly and deeply.

“You and I have been discussing wedding plans. We’re going to the winery soon to see if it will work for our reception. Remember?”

“No.”

Hurt touched Molly’s gaze, and she drew in a shaky breath. “You should remember. The fact you don’t is even more proof that you’re spellbound.”

Bollocks!“How could I have been enchanted? There are magical protections around the store. I’m trained to use and detect magic.”

“I don’t know. It’s all very mystifying. Hopefully soon, we’ll have some answers.”

“We?”

After a slight hesitation, she nodded.

“Let me guess: you and The Experts.” An unpleasant ache lodged in Lucian’s chest. She’d contacted their superiors without his knowledge, and that conveyed lack of trust. “I have to wonder, Molly, what your intentions are.”

Her eyes widened, but admirably, she maintained her composure. “I care about you. I want to help you.”

“I don’t need help.”

“You do! You’re not yourself.”

Galahad crossed to him. “She’s right.”

“She is,” Rose meowed. “You’d never love Cora.”

Anger settled within Lucian. How tired he was of other people running his life. “When did you speak with Julius?”

“About fifteen minutes ago.”

Damnation. “You should have talked to me first.”