Kian blows out a breath. “You’re a difficult woman.”
“Thank you.”
“That wasn’t a compliment.”
“It was to me,” I say.
His lips quirk into a half smile. “Well, we need to make an appearance at dinner tonight, so be prepared to be touched.”
“Why does that sound like a threat?”
Kian shrugs. “Take it as you will.” He downs the remainder of his drink, then nods at the door. “I’ll bring your tonic to the alchemist and see about making more for you if that’s all right.”
“Fine with me.”
He swipes it off the table and saunters past. I hate that my eyes are drawn to his incredible backside as he walks out the door.
I’m in trouble.
An hour or so later,there’s a knock at the door, and a familiar face peeks in.
“Sera?” I practically squeal.
“Raelyn!” she cries out and runs in, tackling me in an embrace.
“Gods, I thought I’d never see you again.” Emotion clogs my throat as I choke out the words.
“I almost didn’t believe it when the messenger came!” Sera exclaims. “This job is a dream come true, Raelyn, thank you so much. You have no idea how much of a difference this will make for my family.” Her eyes are filled with tears, which makes minetear up, and suddenly, we’re both crying, blubbering messes, trying to catch up on the time we’ve missed.
“Thank you so much for coming, Sera. It’s already more like home having you here.”
“Are you kidding me? I wouldn’t have said no for anything. Working in the palace? This is insane. I can’t believe you actually married the prince!”
“Yes, it’s quite shocking to say the least. I’m just relieved to finally be away from Stepmother. And also, can I just profusely apologize for any time I took you for granted? Your work is so incredibly challenging.”
Sera smiles, wiping a tear off my cheek with her thumb. “You were always loving and kind to me. You’re family, even if you need me to take care of you.”
I let out a weak laugh and pull her back in for another hug.
“Okay now, enough crying. I need to get you ready for dinner, right?”
I shrug. “I suppose so.”
“Well, let’s make you look like the princess you now are.”
My face blanches. “I forgot about that part. Will I have to wear a tiara?”
Sera laughs. “Don’t you worry about a thing, my lady. I’ve got you.”
“You know you’re my only friend, right?”
Sera sighs and pats my cheek. “I know, but I wish I weren’t. You deserve to have other people in your life who love and accept you for who you are. I think this change will be good for you.”
“I sure hope so.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
KIAN
