Page 5 of A Kingdom of Magic and Rain

The lord paled at my father’s words but gave a curt nod. The king bid farewell to everyone else in the foyer before leaving through the front door, followed by Gray’s butler. I stood frozen for a moment after the door had closed behind them, unsure of what to do with myself.

“Tom, my study,” Gray barked an order, startling me out of my stupor.

He turned on his heels and stormed off, and his adviser quickly followed, throwing me a scornful look as he passed by. My brows pinched in a scowl as I watched him retreat into the lord’s study, forcefully shutting the door behind him.

“That was a bit unexpected.” Thea laughed nervously. Her eyes were wary as she stood before me, wringing her delicate hands. As if catching herself, she dropped them and smoothed out the front of her dress the color of dandelions. “Would you like a tour of the house?” she asked, plastering on a smile. Before I could respond, the butler returned, carrying the bags I had brought with me. “Is that all you brought?” Thea asked, eyeing my meager belongings. Her confusion was understandable as I had packed for the few days’ travel from the capital of Nasyra to Zalie, not for an extended stay.

“Staying here was a spur-of-the-moment decision,” I told her, making sure my voice was steady.“I have everything I need for tonight. We can go shopping tomorrow.”

When Thea’s gaze returned to me, a myriad of questions danced in her eyes. Would she voice any of them? I owed her no explanation as to why I had suddenly decided to train, and here of all places.

“Of course, Your Highness. Are you ready for me to show you around?” she asked instead.

“Yes, I am.” I smiled at her.

She nodded, clasping her hands in front of her. “We will start the tour on the first floor. Follow me.”

We strolled to the sitting room that flowed into the dining room with a long, rectangular table. Glass doors lined the back wall and led onto a raised covered patio with an outside sitting area and steps that descended into a luxuriant garden. The trees and bushes looked healthy, and some were even in bloom with delicate, soft-pink flowers. In awe, I slowly approached the glass doors, taking in the oasis before me. The coolness radiating from the glass snapped me back to reality, reminding me that the weather outside was not as welcoming and warm as it appeared.

“It’s impressive you have maintained the estate in such a great condition despite the weather,” I observed, looking at Thea.

“Oh, that’s mostly thanks to Gray. I just help out when I can.” She shrugged, her cheeks turning pink. “But thank you, Your Highness. I’m sure the lord will be pleased that his efforts didn’t go unnoticed.”

“Please, call me Emelin. I will be your house guest for a while. It’s only fitting we are on a first-name basis.”

Thea’s brows lifted in surprise before she gave an answering smile, which looked more genuine this time. “Of course, Your Highness. I mean, Emelin.” She caught herself with a soft laugh. “Are you ready to continue the tour?”

“I am. Lead the way.”

I walked in step with her as we passed by a well-stocked kitchen, an ornate ballroom, and a half bath.

“And here’s the library,” she said when we reached the back of the mansion.

Another smile tugged at my lips as we entered a room with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a marble fireplace, and an oversized sofa. The library was not as extensive as the one at the palace, but it was cozy, and I could easily picture myself spending many an hour in here. My smile grew when I spotted an easel in front of a large window to the left.

“Do you like to read?” Thea asked, momentarily disrupting my perusal.

“I do,” I answered excitedly, turning to her. “Do you?”

“Not particularly,” she admitted, scrunching up her face. “But Gray does.”

“The lord didn’t seem pleased about my staying here,” I prodded, watching for her reaction.

She gave me an understanding look. “Your decision to train with him was quite unexpected. He will come around.”

“What about his adviser? The look he gave me after my father had left was outright hostile,” I pointed out, my brows knitting in confusion.

“That’s just Tom.” Thea waved her hand dismissively. “He’s very invested in Gray’s political career. He probably thinks you will be a distraction.”

“How long have you known them?”

“The three of us grew up together.”

“I see.” I tried and failed to picture Gray and Tom as lighthearted children. “Are you all from Zalie?”

“Born and raised. Are you ready to see more?” Thea turned to leave. With a nod, I followed her out, knowing full well that I would be back in the library sooner rather than later.

“This is my first time in the region, and I don’t know much about the area, but from what I have seen so far, it’s lovely,” I said as we made our way back to the foyer. The royal women were mostly confined to the capital and didn’t travel much. My father had only let me tag along this time because I had asked for a distraction from my failed engagement, and he had taken pity on me.