Jasmine's blood ran cold, but she hid her dread behind a smile.
"Take us to her, then," Richard commanded. The servant bowed and turned around, leading Jasmine and Richard. Jasmine held Richard's arm as they walked, her mind racing. All she could do was hope the witch didn't have nefarious intentions. After all, she wasn't sure Anya's amulet would do anything against a witch so powerful. They finally arrived in a small sitting room. Lady Sascheme looked Jasmine over carefully.
"Why have you fetched us, Lady?" Jasmine asked politely.
"My dear friend the Countess has informed me that your relationship may not be as stable as it appears," the witch said. Her voice was surprisingly sweet for her age. "In particular, she is concerned Lady Jasmine may be hesitant."
"It is merely because I lost my first husband Samuel less than a year ago," Jasmine lied. "Though I love Richard and am happy to be betrothed to him, some of my heart still longs for my first love."
"I see. In that case, I have a simple charm that will resolve that." Jasmine's heart stopped, but before she could say anything, Richard spoke.
"I do not wish for my beloved's mind to be altered by magic," he said firmly. "Should Jasmine's mind be changed, she will no longer be the sharp-tongued, witty woman I proposed to." Jasmine smiled warmly at him. The expression was completely genuine. She was grateful for his opinion and even felt a strange surge of attraction towards him again.
"This is no such charm," Lady Sascheme said. "It merely stifles mental blocks for relationships. Anything that is holding Jasmine back from full feelings will be overridden, allowing her to love you fully. Overridden, but not forgotten. She will still love her first husband, but no longer be held back by that love."
"I see..." Richard murmured. Jasmine's heart began to race. At this point, the only thing keeping her from falling in love with her former hunting partner was the mental block of being a man in a woman's body. Should that no longer be a concern for her, she would surely fall for Richard. She hid a shudder at the idea of knowing who she truly was, Prince Jasper, yet somehow at the same time being in love with Richard Townshend.
"Here, take it," Lady Sascheme instructed. She held out a small bracelet. "The charm lasts only while it is being worn." Richard took the bracelet. "And as thanks for your keen eye, Lady Jasmine, I am casting a spell you will be most pleased by." Before Jasmine could protest, the witch raised her hands. A strange feeling like being rained on came over Jasmine.
"What have you done?" she asked weakly. Lady Sascheme smiled.
"After you wed your betrothed and lay together as man and wife the first time, you will become pregnant with a son," the witch answered. Jasmine felt queasy, but Richard clapped with joy.
"Oh, thank you, Lady Sascheme!"
"It is no problem. Now, go and leave me be. I must rest," Lady Sascheme said. Richard led Jasmine out of the room. They stopped in the hall. Richard was beaming.
"We have been truly blessed, my love," he said softly. Jasmine forced a smile.
"Yes, we have."
"I don't think we need this charm. Not yet, at least. I will hold onto it and keep it safe."
"I agree, that is the wisest option," Jasmine murmured. Richard kissed her on the cheek.
"I have duties to attend to. I must assist the new Duke and plan our wedding. In the meantime, tend to your duties as lady-in-waiting."
"When will we leave for Featherstone?" Jasmine asked quickly before Ricard could leave. Richard chuckled.
"I am eager to get married as well. Alas, it will be at least a month until we can leave, perhaps two." Jasmine nodded, her heart sinking. "I will see you at dinner."
"You will?"
"My love, we are both living at the Keep! Of course I will see you at dinner. And every other meal." Richard kissed her on the lips, then left. Jasmine stood in the hallway. Every time it seemed Wind's Grove was within her grasp, it slipped away.