Sophia clapped the book shut, eyes narrowed. Mademoiselle Pique's Lessons for the Gentle Noblesse had nothing that would claim Kai for her. It was all compliments, fanning oneself, and dropping kerchiefs. She knew Kai was smart, but discovering his empty house helped her realize that he was a genius. A picnic in the forest with Mother Dear. Perfect excuse to flee the flamenco of a flattering female. Perfect timing. Perfect everything.
Sophia had arrived expecting a proposal. What she got was complete embarrassment in front of the entire town. People laughed at her behind their backs. More men shied away from her. Her father found many reasons to be away. They all feared her.
"I've got to have him," she muttered to no one.
"Why?" LeFou's voice startled her out of her thoughts. She turned to see the little man beside her tavern chair, eyeing her with confusion.
"Because, my dear," Sophia straightened LeFou's collar. "Kai is the only man in town who doesn't fall under my spell. He's also incredibly handsome. That means he's my equal. The others are easy to conquer. The harder I work on Kai, the more rewarding the outcome will be."
"You're a witch?" LeFou inquired, which sent a bolt of fear through Sophia's heart. She slapped him.
"Don't ever call me that," she murmured dangerously to him. "Any louder, and I could get killed. Do you want that? Do you want to lose your only friend?"
LeFou chose to ignore her threat. "If you're a witch," he said, albeit more quietly, "then no one can resist your magic. Kai should be totally under your thrall."
Sophia was quiet for a moment. "Do you even know," she asked, "what the word 'thrall' means?"
"No," LeFou answered thoughtfully. "I just read it in the spellbook I found in the atti –"
"Spellbook?" Sophia hissed. The other customers at the tavern raised their heads to look at her. She smiled and looked demure, whereupon they returned to their beers and ale.
"Show me the book," she ordered. LeFou nodded and led her to a guest room. He reached under the bed, and with great struggle brought forth the fattest book Sophia had ever seen. It was stuffed with bookmarks and loose paper, and bound in thick, scarred leather. She ordered LeFou to put it on the bed.
With a swirl of her skirts, she lightly stepped forward and ran her fingertips over the cover. Olde Magick and Spells, read the title. Something familiar clicked in her brain: a dim memory of her father hiding this tome, panic written on his features. In her mind's eye, she saw her mother bending over the book, scanning with eager eyes for a charm to keep her beauty. At once, everything seemed to make sense.
No wonder Kai loved books. They had the answers to everything.
"You're a good man, LeFou," she said aloud. "Treat yourself to my father's best ale, and leave me in peace."
LeFou was only so glad to do so.
Through a glowing orb, someone watched Ms. Latrieu. And that someone smiled.
Hey guys! I did the old bait and switch deal. Mwahahaha! I seriously wanted to write Kai and the creature's first interaction, but my inner English major knew better. But I can't wait to have them meet! It's gonna be craaaaaaazy!
