A Spell Too Sweet [ONC2025]

Laura never thought she would see the day when she would be glad to have Ambrose Waycaster crossing her shop's threshold, but stranger things had happened recently. She tried not to dwell on it or the little spark of warmth igniting in her chest as she took in his smile.

She had a hard time finding her words until her customer service instincts took over. "Welcome," she said, putting on a placid smile of her own. "What brings you over?"

Instead of a response, Ambrose simply handed her the small bread. It was pleasantly warm, not long out of the oven, and its crust crackled under her fingers with the promise of a hearty crunch. It was clear that Waycasters' was the most popular bakery in town for good reason.

"Have that with your lunch," he finally spoke, already turning away and reaching for the door.

"Wait!" Laura reached out a hand, grabbing at one of his sleeves. She couldn't just let him leave, and he'd given her the perfect reason to hold him back. "You said you'd be my tea tester. I just made a pot, and I want to hear your thoughts on it."

Emotions chased each other on his face, too swift to be properly interpreted. In the end, he settled on another smile and followed Laura's pull to the workbench, taking a seat on the stool and waiting patiently for her to pour him a cup.

He was painting a strange picture, his crisp clothes and his perfectly styled hair contrasting with the dark and cluttered backdrop that her workshop offered. He did not look out of place, though. It was rather like the whole place had been built specifically to have him in its midst, displayed like a fine jewel.

Laura needed a mental slap to put such thoughts out of her mind. It was not the time for her to wax poetical about his looks, not when she was on her way to make him fall out of love with her.

She'd taken the time to put the potion in a teapot this time, which had been kept warm on the stove. When she went to pour it into a cup for him, it felt like they were just about to enjoy a cup of tea together, like they had done as children. Only this time, her hands were a lot more stable, and they were fully grown.

If anyone had seen them spending time alone like this and noticed the way Ambrose looked at her, they would have surely jumped to the wrong conclusions.

Good thing it wouldn't go on for much longer.

"Drink up," Laura said, watching him expectantly.

Ambrose picked up the cup and smelled the liquid first, steam curling around his face. Laura knew there was nothing to give her away in the faint herbal scent, but she still held her breath, waiting for his next reaction.

"It's got a rather peculiar scent," he said, swirling the cup in his hand like it was a glass of wine. Then he finally took a sip, and then a second one. "There are some strong earthy notes, and a hint of something spicy. What tea blend is this?"

His expression was flat, hiding his reaction, but Laura could tell that he did not enjoy the taste. Still, he was great at separating the different aromas—he had always been, even as an apprentice. The recipe had called for three different types of roots and a good fistful of peppercorns, among a few blander ingredients. If he could figure those out, it was a wonder he couldn't taste the magic in it.

"It's a personal blend," she said, giving him the most innocent smile she could master. "I've been trying to make some of my own, to gift to my uncle. He is a tea enthusiast, as you might know."

He took a third sip, and with that, his bland expression finally crumbled. When he finally found his words, his voice came out a little strangled. "I wouldn't give him this one if I were you. It's not your finest work. In truth, I think it might be your worst. You've fed me mud pies that tasted better."