Page 102 of A Kingdom of Magic and Rain

Adrian looked like he didn’t quite believe that Finn hadn’t been talking to me, but before he could press the issue, someone else requested a few minutes of his time. When he left my side again, he ordered Tom to stay with me.

“Where is your sister?” the adviser asked Cora, his hazel gaze searching the crowd.

“Mingling like the social butterfly that she is.”

“Will you find her and ask her to come over here?”

“Why? Aren’t you keeping the queen company?”

“Just do it, please? I need her. I mean, I need her help.”

Cora arched a brow but then separated from us, getting lost in the throng of faeries.

“You’re carrying yourself well tonight. Your grimace at your title was almost imperceptible,” Tom observed when she was gone.

I shook my head. “Must you always have a needling remark?”

“A needling remark? I paid you a compliment,” he retorted, matter-of-fact.

“If that was a compliment, then it’s no wonder Thea is clueless about your feelings for her.”

His eyes widened, and I clamped my hand over my mouth in disbelief with myself. “That’s enough of that.” I placed my wine glass on the nearby table. “Tom, I’m sorry I said that.”

“Not here.” He clasped my shoulder and glimmered us to the foyer of Rolamin Manor. Once we were inside, he glanced around to make sure we wouldn’t be overheard. “I don’t have feelings for her,” he said low.

Typically, I wouldn’t meddle, but the wine in my system pushed me to say things I wouldn’t usually say. “You don’t have to admit it to me, but you should seriously consider admitting it to Thea.”

“There is nothing to admit.”

“If you say so.” I shrugged and turned to leave.

“Wait.” I remained in my spot, staring at him. He stared back. “Do you think I have a chance with her?”

“Why wouldn’t you?”

“Because she’s Thea. She’s sunshine and wildflower meadows, and I’m…me—dark clouds and rain.”

My heart squeezed at the comparison. I couldn’t believe he was opening up to me, letting me glimpse his vulnerability.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen if you tell her but ask yourself this: would you rather tell her and know how she feels or spend your entire life not knowing what could have been?”

He scoffed. “Wise words. If only you would heed your own advice.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know what Thea will say if I confess my feelings. You know perfectly well what Gray will say if you let him back in. I have a good reason for hesitating. What’s your reason? What are you waiting for?”

“For my heart to heal after his betrayal.”

“I understand that, but only you decide how long that will take. It’s obvious to anyone that you and Gray are drawn to each other. Why fight your feelings for the sake of some arbitrary timeline?”

I opened my mouth but found I had no argument. “Wise words.” I smiled softly. “Perhaps I’ll follow your advice if you follow mine?”

He blew out a harsh exhale. “What I need to do is a far greater challenge.”

“But think of the payout. Either way, you’ll be happier, with or without her. You’ll be able to move on.”

“You know if this doesn’t work, I’ll blame you for all eternity.”