Page 100 of A Kingdom of Magic and Rain

My knees felt weak as my body flooded with heat. Adrian pulled away, his lips twitching as he took in my visceral reaction to his words.

“Was that—” when my voice came out husky, I cleared my throat, “—was that your way of getting back at me for the torture you’ve had to endure for the past two weeks?”

A rough chuckle escaped him. “I don’t need to get back at you, for I know that you have been tormenting not only me, but also yourself. I’ll be waiting, my star. I’m not going anywhere. Say only a word, and I’ll soothe your ache. I can’t wait to see you come undone like you did that night at the manor. Over and over again.”

The curling sensation between my thighs was becoming impossible to ignore.

“I’m ready to go,” I said urgently, on the verge of forsaking my resolve to take more time to forgive him.

He chuckled again. “As you wish.”

“King Adrian and Queen Emelin,” Tom proclaimed as soon as we appeared in the middle of the vast gardens in the Rolamin Province.

I still wanted to cringe every time upon hearing the title, but I hoped that I had learned to hide the involuntary reaction more gracefully.

“We don’t have to stay long,” Adrian assured me under his breath.

Before he let go, I leaned in closer and whispered, “Do I need to siphon more of the ancient magic from you tonight?” My gaze flicked up to the crown of spikes on his head, to the glowing sapphires powered by Silberium in his blood.

“Yes, please. We will complete the transfer after the party.”

With a nod, I pulled away, and he released my hands.

“Good evening,” a luscious female voice greeted us from my right.

Zarana stood before us, flanked by Heiran and Daelana. Adrian’s mate looked as gorgeous as any other time I had seen her, and jealousy spiked, but I quickly tamped it down. Only a few seconds ago, Adrian had stared at me as if I was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. I had been on the receiving end of that look, not Daelana. I straightened my spine, holding my head high.

“King Adrian, thank you for honoring us with your presence,” Zarana continued. “Your Majesty.” She looked at me. She didn’t thank me for honoring them with my presence, which wasn’t surprising considering I hadn’t been invited.

“Your Majesties,” Heiran said in a raspy voice. “Enjoy the festivities.”

Daelana didn’t say anything before the three of them walked away.

“Not a very warm welcome,” I muttered to Adrian, hoping that the melody flowing through the gardens would drown out my words.

“I’m not surprised. They thought that their daughter would marry into the royal family, and now they have a new queen, who’s a mortal. I’m sure they are more than displeased.”

“Adrian!” Thea’s mother, Lady Loraphine, exclaimed in greeting. “I mean, Your Majesty.” She bowed her head before switching her attention to me. “My Queen, you look stunning!”

“Doesn’t she?” Adrian said, smiling at me. “Her beauty can rival the Stars.”

My cheeks flushed at the compliment.

“You know,” Loraphine said contemplatively, looking between Adrian and me. “I don’t usually approve of political marriages, but yours is not truly a political marriage, is it?”

“Darling!” Thea’s father, Lord Alastair, said with gentle reprimand as he joined Loraphine’s side. “Please forgive my wife, Your Majesties. She often speaks what’s on her mind even when it’s not an appropriate time to do so.”

“There is nothing to forgive,” Adrian replied with a good-natured smile in their direction.

“Exactly. Why would I apologize for speaking the truth?” Loraphine’s silver laughter spilled into the air. Like Thea, she had a bright and sparkling personality.

Alastair only shook his head with a slight smile, tucking her lovingly to his side.

“If I may have a few minutes of your time, Your Majesty,” he said to Adrian as a servant brought wine for us.

The king and I were soon swept up in the current of obligatory social interactions. Thankfully, Adrian kept the focus on himself, allowing me to quietly observe the conversations by his side. When he eventually had to step away, Thea joined me, handing me my second glass of wine for the night.

“I’ve been meaning to update you that the preparations for the State Banquet are well underway. In two weeks, you and Gray will host a marvelous event that will solidify the alliance between the two kingdoms.” She beamed at me.