The Love Potion Trial

There was no doubt that the Darien family’s greenhouse was the perfect spot for a weekend date. A small circular table for two, draped with a specially embroidered mat, set in the midst of an expansive array of flowers. A potted single-stem red rose was the table’s centerpiece. Adding to the allure of the place was the marble fountain resting on one corner.

Inside this greenhouse, Aine, was expected to meet her match. To find true love, as her mother, Lady Odette, would say. To find her forever, her peers would say.

The promise of true love may be appealing to Lady Odette and Aine’s peers, but to Aine, there were things far more interesting than love and marriage. Things like…

“Potion-making,” Aine replied to the young man seated in front of her. “It’s something I’m really fascinated about.”

Aine observed as the young man, Reedus Lore, second son of Earl Fabian Lore, kept shifting uncomfortably on his seat.

“Uh…” Reedus mumbled, appeared to be grasping for words. “Lovely,” he finally managed after a couple of seconds. “May I ask why?”

“The first matriarch of House Darien was rumored to be a skilled witch famous for her potions. Let’s say I’m a fan of hers.”

“Oh…nice,” Reedus said, and after another pause, he continued, “So what else are you interested in?”

Aine’s brows twitched as she strived to keep them from rising. “What are you hoping I’d say? Piano? Embroidery?”

“Oh…so you like those?”

“No, I’m absolutely horrible at the piano. And according to my mother, my embroidery is hideous. But I personally think my embroidery skills just don’t appeal to the usual audience.”

“So, am I to assume you’re into unique embroidery designs?”

Aine chuckled. “Rather than unique, I’d say they’re…magical. And, very useful.”

Reedus’s brows furrowed. “That…uh…sounds nice. How about singing or dancing? Like ballet?”

“Negative.”

“Uh…” Reedus’s gaze shifted from Aine, to the rose bushes at the side, then to the potted rose at the center of the table, then back to Aine again. “How about flowers and plants? Gardening? Flower arrangements?”

“Not my thing.”

“Then other instruments? Like the violin?”

“Well, I’m good at fumbling with the strings of the violin. Does that count?”

“Oh…fascinating.” Reedus fell silent again, his gaze now shifting to the ground.

Aine pursed her lips to prevent herself from cursing. What is this? Asking all sorts of skills and talents, like he was trying to find her a job or something. This was the tenth man her mother had arranged for her to meet. And he was downright boring and annoying. Well, at least he was way better than the last one, who almost made her snooze.

Aine knew all the men came not for her, but because she was a Darien. They wanted the Darien name and all the perks that came with it. This was exactly why she did not really feel guilty—well, maybe perhaps a tiny bit—with her experiments.

“But brewing tea,” Aine said to end the awkward silence. “I’m quite good at it. I’d like to assume you enjoyed it?” She gestured at the teacup in front of Reedus. It was almost empty, with only a few traces of the red tea left.

“Oh, yes,” Reedus responded. “It was lovely.”

“That’s good to hear. By the way, did you know?” Aine said, her hand feeling for the pocket watch inside her dress’s pocket, “The first matriarch of House Darien was infamous for one particular potion.” She took a peek at the pocket watch. It was almost time. “She was said to be the only one who managed to make the one true love potion.”

“Oh…” Reedus said, obviously uninterested. “I—” Reedus suddenly froze. His eyes dilated. Then constricted. And with a thud, his head fell forward onto the table, causing the potted rose and the teacups to jolt.

Aine examined the unconscious young man. She slowly poked him with her finger. No response.

Then after a few seconds, his eyes suddenly fluttered open. He bolted upright, screaming, “I love you! I love you so much!”

Aine quickly stood and backed away. The effect of love potion seemed to vary from one person to another, and she was not sure how this one would go.

“I love you!” Reedus screamed again, and Aine moved further back. “Please be with me forever. Marry me!” he declared, but Aine realized he was not looking at her. He knelt down, arms outstretched…to the potted rose on the table.

People who drank love potions fall in love with the first living thing they see. Apparently, that meant all living things…including a plant.

“Well…” Aine breathed. “At least now I know.”