The Curse of the Goblin Prince

Chapter Seven A Drink

"Infusions. I see." She thought back to earlier that day. Horrified, she turned her head as she understood what type of infusions they had been using. She grabbed his hands. "Why?!"

Confused by her reaction, he clarified. "It's the only thing that seems to help."

"But why are you not drinking it instead?"

He made a face; disgusted by her suggestion. "Why would I drink it?"

"Well, at home, we infuse the petals into a tea to drink."

The more he thought about what she said, the more upset he became. "Tea?" He scoffed indignantly.

"Yes. Tea. Who told you to infuse it that way?"

"Those fools!" He stood and paced the floor as he thought. Then he stopped and stood in front of her. "You know how to infuse the petals to make tea?"

"Yes." She had just told him that. Was he not listening?

"So if I asked you to make it, you could do it? By yourself?"

She was getting frustrated with him. Why was he doubting her? Those roses came from her kingdom, her garden! Of course, she could make it! Anyone in the royal family could make it! "I said I could, didn't I?"

"Could you make it right now?" He sounded hopeful.

"I guess I could. If I had access to the supplies I needed." She would show him. "Tea infusion isn't the only thing that we use the petals for. We also infuse them in oil for our skin, you can use them in a warm bath, dry them out and save them for tea, oil blends, and to use in making soaps. All of which are Thorn Family secrets!" She said smugly.

He was taken aback. "I had no idea."

"Of course you didn't. They're the royal family's most guarded secrets." She studied his face.
"You must swear to me that you won't tell a single soul. Otherwise I can't help you." Her expression was grave.

He nodded. "I swear on my life that I will not breathe a word of this to anyone."

She sighed in relief. "I'm so glad. I want so badly to help you, but I don't want to get into trouble with my father. If he ever found out that I told anyone our secrets, I don't think he would let me come back here." She chewed her bottom lip. "I probably shouldn't have told you any of that."

"It's okay. I don't have anyone to talk to besides you anyway."

Concern filled her face. "What about your family? Do they know that you're here?"

He looked away. His posture turned rigid. "Yes."

She could see that he didn't want to talk about his family. She needed to change the subject. "I need hot water."

He tilted his head as he questioned what she meant.

"If you would like me to make the tea tonight, I will need hot water in a teapot and a cup." She tapped her lips with her pointer finger. "Sugar might be good too if you don't prefer the taste of the tea."