Page 93 of A Kingdom of Magic and Rain

As though our conversation had summoned him, Adrian walked through the doors. He drew up short when he saw me. “Emelin? I thought I caught your scent…” His gaze landed on the parchments rolled out in front of me on the table, and his brows lifted.

“I wanted to learn more about your kingdom,” I explained.

“Our kingdom,” he interjected as one side of his mouth turned up.

“How did it go with Finnian?” Thea asked a bit too eagerly, looking between Adrian and me.

The king’s half smile disappeared. “Emelin, if you’re finished with your breakfast, may we speak in private?”

I wasn’t finished, but I doubted I could take another bite as my stomach roiled. With a muttered ‘yes’, I rose from the table, prompting Tom and Thea to jump up to their feet as well. They remained standing as I walked over to Adrian, and the two of us exited the dining room.

“Thank you for all your help,” I shakily threw over my shoulder on the way out.

“Did you enjoy your breakfast?” Adrian asked as we set off down the long hallway.

“I did.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there. I would have loved to share a meal with you.”

“There is always next time.” I offered a soft smile. When he didn’t smile back, the churning in my stomach intensified. “Where are we going?”

“I want to show you the library and the art room. We’re almost there.”

We entered another long corridor, with a row of large arched windows. All the heavy drapery was pulled back to display the splendid panoramic view.

“I thought the curtains were kept closed during the day to fend off the heat?” I asked, remembering my very first time here at the castle.

“It’s still early morning. The servants will close the curtains before midday. We’ve been able to leave them open longer and longer each day. Thanks to you. With Silberium no longer being transferred into the land, the kingdom has begun to heal.”

“Emeraldia is also on its way to recovery,” I said as we rounded yet another corner.

I thought about Quilliam. Was he still hibernating or had he awakened with the warmer weather?

“That’s great to hear.” Adrian did smile then, the smile genuine and warm. “We’re here.”

He led me inside the library first, and a gasp of wonder escaped me when I stepped into the enormous space that rivaled the library at Clairborne Palace.

“What an impressive collection!” I exclaimed, taking a sweeping look around.

“What did you think of the one in your room? I personally selected the titles,” he asked as pink tinged his cheeks.

I’d had my suspicions, and now that they had been confirmed, I found the gesture incredibly touching. “It’s perfect for my taste. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” His smile grew. “When you’ve finished reading through it, which knowing you will be quite soon, you’ll find many fascinating works in here.” I turned away from him and faced the shelf with the sliding ladder, eager to start exploring the titles, but he drew my attention back to him. “If you don’t mind, before you start browsing, I want to show you the art room. I’m very excited for you to see it.”

He offered me his hand, but I didn’t take it, clasping my hands in front of me instead. “Of course, lead the way.”

“You can actually get to it through there.” He gestured to the set of open double doors on the far end of the library.

When we walked through them, another gasp fled from my lips. While the library was dimly lit because of the bookshelves covering most of the walls, this place was drenched in natural light coming from an oversized bay window. Half a dozen easels were set up in front of the window, each with a canvas on it.

“So you can work on more than one piece at a time, if you wish,” Adrian said next to me, following my gaze.

Even though the room was a large, open space, a quaint and cozy atmosphere filled it. The scarce furniture was made out of light wood instead of stone like the rest of the castle. Carved shelves lined some of the walls, adding a warm and whimsical touch. When my gaze fell on the piano that sat in the corner, I strolled to it and ran my fingertips over the ivory keys, knowing full well that I would never use the instrument.

“I know that music isn’t your strong suit, but I figured I could play to you on some nights while you paint?” Adrian said, watching my every movement. I didn’t say anything as I walked to the bay window and looked out at the verdant gardens on the other side. “And since you’ve expressed interest in learning more about the kingdom, we can go for a ride later. Even though it’s been ravaged by drought the last few years, the area is still spectacular.”

My brows pulled together as I felt overwhelmed by all the suggestions he was throwing at me. Did he think that because I had spent the night in his chambers I was ready to forgive him?