Page 107 of A Kingdom of Magic and Rain

“Emelin?” Adrian’s voice pulled me from the unpleasant memory. “We need to make our rounds.”

We strolled through the Hall at a leisurely pace, engaging with the guests all through the evening. When it was time for the meal, Adrian led me to the long banquet table laid out with a sumptuous feast. We stopped by our seats in the middle of it, and my father assumed a position to Adrian’s right as my mother found her seat to my left. Celestina and Tarn stood opposite us, flanked by Aunt Lorraine and Luna on one side, and Sebastian, Miri, and Lady May on the other. We didn’t immediately sit down, lifting our wine-filled glasses. The hum of conversations ceased as everyone’s attention focused on Adrian and me.

“A month ago, Emelin and I entered into marriage to help unite our kingdoms. We have found love and trust in our union.” He placed his free hand on my lower back and looked at me, the love he had mentioned shining on his face. I met his gaze and smiled, each word resonating with me because I no longer had to pretend. My trust in our union and in him was stronger than ever. “We have found hope. Hope for a bright future where the Fae of Aubrielle and the people of Emeraldia find love and trust in each other. All of us gathered here are a testament that we are on the right path toward such a future. Queen Emelin and I are overjoyed to start a new tradition of hosting the State Banquet every year. Here’s to many more evenings like tonight.” He raised his glass higher, and I did the same as cheers and applause followed.

As Adrian brought his glass to his lips, I took a sip of my drink, frowning when my wine tasted tart and smelled strongly of flowers. I had grown accustomed to sweet, fruity wine here in Tardor. Smoothing out my scowl, I forced a few more sips down before we lowered to our seats.

Adrian reached for my hand and lifted it to his lips to kiss my knuckles.

“I’m in awe of you,” he whispered, the silver in his eyes surrendering to black.

I smiled at him, but my smile swiftly faded as a burning sensation started in my throat.

“Something’s wrong,” I said, suddenly lightheaded.

“What is it?” His look of concern swam in my vision. His nostrils flared as his gaze darted to my wine glass. Shock splashed across his features a second before he jumped to his feet and scooped me into his arms. “Lady May! She’s been poisoned!” His roar of despair was the last thing that registered before darkness pulled me under.

I regained consciousness to hushed whispers.

“I don’t understand how that happened. How he let that happen,” I recognized my father’s voice.

“It’s not his fault,” my mother said.

“Isn’t it? He failed to protect her.”

“And I’m sure that nearly losing her will haunt him for a while. Don’t add to his anguish by blaming him.”

“I have to blame someone.”

“Yes, and he is looking for the culprit. He will return when he has apprehended him or her.”

My head throbbed, but I pushed past the ache and pried my lashes apart. I stared at the decorative ceiling in my bedroom at Claiborne Palace. What was I doing here? I tried to ask the question aloud, but no sound escaped my dry throat.

“She’s awake! Thank the Stars!” my mother exclaimed, rushing to my side. “How are you feeling? Do you need anything?”

“Water,” I managed to get out.

My father was one step ahead, already reaching for the carafe and glass sitting on the bedside table. “Here.” He gently cradled the back of my neck to help me lift my head off the pillow. Wincing through the pain, I took a few sips. “Don’t drink too much too fast.”

Heeding his warning, I took one more sip before I lay my head back down and closed my eyes, bracing myself to sit up. When I reopened my eyes and lifted off the mattress, my parents helped me to prop myself against the pillows. I was no longer in my banquet dress, wearing a loose nightgown instead.

“How are you feeling?” my father repeated my mother’s earlier question.

“Weak and queasy.”

“Lady May said that’s to be expected,” my mother chimed in. “She and Thea are here at the palace. They’ve been waiting for you to wake up. Along with Sebastian, Miri, Lorraine, and Luna.”

“Is Adrian here?”

“No, he went back to Tardor to hunt down the one who laced your wine.”

My hand flew up to my chest, the memories of what had transpired rushing back in. “How long have I been asleep?”

“All day. Adrian brought you here last night, and now a new evening is upon us,” my mother said gently. “He wanted to stay by your side, but to catch the one who had poisoned you, he had to act quickly.”

My father’s face contorted in rage. “I do hope that he returns with the name of the one who did it soon. If he doesn’t, I will ask Lady May to glimmer me to Tardor so I can help look for the bastard myself.”

“I’m sure Adrian will be back soon. Why don’t you go ease everyone else’s worry about Emelin?” A reassuring smile followed my mother’s calm words. After the king had walked out, she started fussing over me. “Are you sure you’re all right? I’d never been so terrified in my life. When I thought we might have lost you—” Her voice caught as tears filled her eyes.