“Despite being a strong young woman, you seem afraid of love,” the old woman observed.
The corners of Chloe’s delicate lips twitched slightly, unconsciously pursing into a firm line.
“You are afraid of being hurt by love, fair maiden.”
Chloe blinked her chestnut-hued eyes in surprise. Lost for words, she managed only an awkward smile.
“Fear not, for love will only serve to strengthen you.”
As the woman released her hand, Chloe was abruptly drawn back to reality. It was only when the woman extended her open palm with a wide grin that Chloe remembered she had yet to pay for her fortune reading. She quickly reached for her purse.
“May fortune favor you both,” the woman said, accepting the coins. She turned to Gilles, planting a gentle kiss on both of his cheeks. “And to you as well, servant of the Lord.”
“I am all right, thank you,” Gilles said.
