Page 35 of A Kingdom of Magic and Rain

“Good night,” Tom said in a clipped tone as he gave the lord a look of disapproval.

Adrian ignored him, and the adviser muttered something under his breath before retreating to his bedroom.

As soon as he was gone, Adrian stepped closer to me. “Thank you for sharing with me about your past,” he said quietly before giving me a warm smile.

“You shared first.” I smiled back.

We stared at each other for a few seconds as if trying to fight the pull between us but refusing to leave. My heart skipped a beat when Adrian leaned in. Hope sparked that we would be able to recapture the moment from earlier. Unfortunately, I was in for yet another disappointment when all he did was brush a tender kiss on my cheek.

“Good night, Emelin,” he whispered next to my ear. I was acutely aware that a slight slant of my head would bring our mouths closer. Would he finally give in to the growing attraction between us? Should I be giving in to it? Before I could answer the question for myself, he pulled away.

“Good night,” I said before walking into my bedroom.

As I closed the door and leaned against it, a sense of calm settled over me. What Adrian and I had shared with each other hadn’t been easy for either of us, but the hope that I had felt earlier wasn’t extinguished. If anything, it only burned brighter. With a soft smile, I peeled myself from the door and sat down in front of the vanity to document all the riveting events of my long day.

I slept through the night and woke up feeling lighter, as if a weight had lifted off my chest. Telling Adrian the truth about Gideon’s betrayal had made me feel at peace, as if I had exposed a dark secret to light, and it had chased away the shadows.

Since I had slept in later than usual, the lord was already on the patio with a coffee and a book when I walked out. Another steaming cup and the book I had been reading awaited me on the coffee table.

“Good morning.” I smiled in greeting as I sat down beside him on the wicker sofa. “How thoughtful of you to bring a coffee and my book!”

“Good morning.” He smiled back as he handed me the drink. “Killian made your coffee. If it’s not to your liking, the blame is on him.”

I chuckled. “I’m sure by now he knows how I take it.” I tried a sip and sighed with content.

Adrian’s smile grew. “I was worried it would get cold. You came out a bit later than usual.”

“Yes, I’m sorry I’m late. It was hard getting out of bed this morning.”

His smile fell. “Are you not well?”

“No, I feel fine! Last night, I got the best sleep I’ve had in a while.”

“I did, too. I feel…” His brows pulled together as if he weren’t sure how to put something into words.

“As if a weight had lifted off your chest?” I prompted. The smile was back on his face as he nodded. “I feel the same way,” I confessed.

“I’m glad to hear it.” He reached for his coffee and brought it to his lips.

My gaze snagged on his mouth as he took a sip, and my cheeks flushed as our almost kiss flashed through my mind. Forcing myself to look away, I picked invisible lint off my skirts. Dressed in a butterfly-sleeved, dusty-pink gown, I was comfortable without a blanket since the warmer weather from last night had carried over into the morning.

“I saw Quilliam this morning,” Adrian said, drawing my attention back to him.

“You did?”

He nodded and gestured to the overgrown section of the gardens to our left. “His new nest appears to be over in those bushes.”

My heart swelled with joy. “That’s wonderful news! Things are really looking up. Maybe today is the day I will finally unlock my magic.”

“Only one way to find out.” He gave me an encouraging smile.

My palms dampened, and I ran them over my skirts as I prepared for yet another attempt. Sitting up straighter, I closed my eyes and went to the source of the magic inside me. The well I always pictured looked different today. The water in it was sea-foam green, not the usual murky, dark blue. Holding my breath, I reached down and dipped my fingers in. The water was warm, not icy cold as it had been in the past. The corners of my mouth lifted as the liquid molded to my fingertips, tickling my skin. Still holding my breath, I submerged my whole hand and slowly moved it back and forth. Ripples disrupted the flat surface as I felt my magic come alive.

My eyes flew open as I gasped. “My magic moved! I felt it come alive!” I threw my arms around Adrian’s neck in excitement.

His deep laugh reverberated through me as he pulled me close. “I told you it wasn’t too late.”

His hold on me was tight, and I melted into the embrace, soaking up his warmth and his fresh scent. Seconds ticked by as we sat unmoving, neither of us willing to let go. I could stay in his arms forever. Warmth blossomed in my chest before spreading through my entire body as I felt extremely hopeful, not only about my powers but also the matters of my heart.