Page 101 of A Kingdom of Magic and Rain

“With you in charge, I have no doubts that everything will go smoothly.” I smiled back. “Adrian told me that Tom has been helping you?” I asked nonchalantly before taking a sip of my drink.

“He has, though I have everything under control. I swear he likes to hover as if he doesn’t trust me to do anything on my own.”

“I’m sure he trusts you. He might have another reason for always being close by.”

“And what reason would that be?” Her brow furrowed, but her frown quickly smoothed out as she noticed a friend among the guests. “I’ll be right back.”

“What am I going to do about those two?” I murmured, bringing the glass back to my lips.

“My Queen.” A familiar velvet voice drew my attention to my left. Finn bowed when I turned toward him. “You look radiant as always.” Even though I had seen the lord during the first council meeting last week, we hadn’t spoken since the night he had taken me to his province.

“Finn, I hope you’re well.” I smiled at him.

“I am. Shockingly so. I thought surely it was off with my head when the king paid me a visit.” He laughed as if he found the whole thing entertaining.

“I’m sorry.” I grimaced.

“Don’t be. Such things add flavor to my life. I might have to infuriate him again just to experience that rush.” He brandished a daring smile.

“What exactly happened when he came to see you?” I asked, curiosity getting the best of me as Adrian had never shared that story.

“There was a lot of snarling and fangs flashing, but basically he told me to stay away from you.”

“He must not have been very convincing, seeing how you’re not keeping your distance.”

“Oh, he was very convincing, but I like to live on the edge.” He winked at me.

“Leave her alone, Finnian,” Cora interrupted our conversation.

“It’s Lord Finnian to you,” he said with a saccharine smile in her direction.

She rolled her eyes. “I wouldn’t be proud of the title if I were you, considering how you acquired it.”

He lifted a shoulder. “The end justifies the means.”

“You can keep telling yourself that.”

“I don’t need to. I never lose sleep over what I’ve done.”

“And that makes you a despicable creature.”

I flinched at the insult, but Finn only chuckled. “Always talking dirty to me, Coradelle. It’s a shame you choose to use your tongue to spew hateful words instead of for something far more enjoyable. You and I could have so much fun.”

“In your dreams,” she bit out.

“As you wish. I shall think of you tonight when I⁠—”

“Riestral!” Adrian’s snarl came from my right.

“Until next time,” Finn purred before he glimmered out.

“What did he want?” the king demanded, his eyes flashing.

“Nothing from the queen,” Cora chimed in. “Emelin and I were talking when he showed up and started harassing me.”

He looked at her. “Are you all right?”

“I am. The likes of him don’t faze me.”