Page 13 of A Kingdom of Magic and Rain

“I do, though I haven’t in a while.” His face took on a wistful expression.

“I suppose your new title doesn’t leave you much time to engage in things you enjoy.”

“It doesn’t, but I’m happy to spend my time serving the people of Zalie.”

My heart swelled in my chest at his words. “Thea told me you made sure to travel through and address the cold snap with the locals.”

“I did. I also helped with their crops as much as I could.”

“Hopefully soon I will be able to do the same.”

Gray frowned. “Your Highness—” He caught himself with a small shake of his head before I could correct him again. “Emelin.” He turned to meet my gaze. “About this morning… Thea told me you were upset.”

“I was. But if I’m being truthful, I’m more upset with myself for not attempting to harness my magic sooner.” My cheeks heated at my admission. I wanted to take responsibility, but it was not an enjoyable experience owning up to my mistakes.

A brief look of approval flashed on the lord’s face before he schooled his features. “Still, I could have handled it better. I’ve never trained anyone to use their magic before. I know you had your reasons for staying to train here instead of with Lady May, but, frankly, I think you’ve made a mistake.”

My eyes burned as tears threatened. “No,” I said as calmly as I could. “I made a mistake when I neglected my powers. This is my attempt to rectify that. I know this is going to sound strange, but I have this feeling that I need to stay in Zalie.”

“You have a feeling? Were feelings not what got you in this predicament in the first place?” I would have lashed out, but his tone was empathic when he asked the question.

“Adrian—” I used his first name, trying to establish a level of familiarity between us.

“Gray,” he interjected firmly. “Everyone calls me Gray.”

“Gray.” I swallowed. “I could say you have no choice but to follow your king’s orders.” The lord visibly tensed, his silver eyes blazing. “But I am not going to say that,” I added quickly. “Instead, I’m going to ask you to give me a chance. Please.”

His eyes instantly cooled as his taut features relaxed at my humble request. He held my gaze as I waited for him to make a decision. I wasn’t sure what I would do if he refused to train me. I could order him to do it, but then he would resent me, and my entire stay would be a miserable experience. No, I wanted for us to have a partnership. Only then could my training be successful.

“I take it you will not be swayed?” Gray finally broke the silence between us.

“No. I will not waver in my decision. Learning my magic is of great importance to me.”

“It wasn’t before.”

“It is now.”

“What changed?”

Taken aback by his question, I stared at him for a moment until I found the right words. “You said it yourself that I should have started helping with agriculture long before now. I want to do my part. It’s my duty.”

Something flickered across Gray’s face, but it was too fast for me to decipher. “Duty is something I do not take lightly,” he said in a strained voice.

“Then help me to fulfill mine.”

After another beat of hesitation, he conceded with a heavy sigh. “I will try. Though I can’t help much until you awaken your powers.”

“Thank you.” I dared a small smile.

One side of Gray’s mouth turned up in response before he assumed a serious expression. “Figure out what your magic feels like.” With those parting words, he turned and strolled out of the library.

A sigh of relief left me as soon as he walked out. We had put the incident from this morning behind us and reached a mutual understanding. My smile grew as a spark of hope flared in my chest.

I am not a lost cause, I thought, feeling optimistic about harnessing my powers.

“Close your eyes.” Gray’s deep voice skated over my skin.

Suppressing a pleasant shiver, I met his silver gaze, which seemed to glow in the sharp, bright world around us. Shimmering specks danced in his eyes as a zephyr stirred his long black hair. He was breathtaking, and I had to force myself to look away. Inhaling deeply, I drew in the smells of grass and wildflowers and closed my eyes as he had instructed.