Page 95 of A Bolt of Magic

We make our way to the table.

“I haven’t seen this many different dishes in a long time,” Kian says, handing me a plate and taking one for himself.

A group of ladies in the far corner titter together, their eyes on Kian. They giggle, talking low.

I try to ignore it.

Kian gives them a cursory glance, and they giggle again.

Then he puts his full attention on me. “I am not familiar with everything on this table, even though it all looks delicious.”

“You should try the roast bird,” I tell Kian as I dish some roasted fowl with herbs. “It’s delectable. I haven’t tasted some of these delicacies in years.”

“Smells incredible. It’s certainly better than the muck we got in the mines.” Kian follows suit, taking a juicy-looking piece of the bird. Then he cuts a slice of fresh bread that looks to be still warm from the ovens.

“You definitely need to try these little fruit-filled pies.” I put one on my plate. “They have cinnamon and—”

I’m just about to put a second pie on my plate when a familiar voice cuts through the pleasant chatter around us.

“Well, well. Look what the night has brought us. If it isn’t the lady of the evening and her fae plaything.”

No! Why doesn’t she just leave me alone?

I turn to see Lydia striding toward us, and my jaw nearly drops. She’s wearing what can generously be called a dress – if you can call something made almost entirely of sheer fabric a dress. Her sex is barely covered by a strategically placed scrap of silk, and her breasts are completely bare, her dark nipples on full display. Her hair is pinned up. There are others dressed in similar attire. Our species is not shy by any means, but she is by far the boldest here tonight. She certainly has the body for it. I can’t help the jealousy that courses through me. If I’m honest with myself, I’ve always been jealous of Lydia. Of her magical ability, of her confidence, and her flawless beauty.

And she’s heading straight for us.

She sets her sights on Kian.

Of course she does.

“I don’t believe that we have formally met. My name is Lydia,” she says in a husky voice. Her eyes rake over him appreciatively, lingering on his broad shoulders and the way his shirt fits his frame. She holds out her hand as soon as she reaches him.

Kian clasps it, and my jealousy ramps up. “I’m Kian. You shot fire bolts at us, and many would say that constitutes a formal meeting.”

She laughs, managing to sound sultry. “I’m sorry I tried to kill you. I was only doing my job. So, you’re a king, I hear.” She looks him over again. “I must say, you look like one. Strong, powerful, regal, handsome.”

“Iwasa king.”

“Yes, but you have royal blood running through your veins.”

“But no kingdom to speak of.” He keeps his eyes on hers.

“I’m sure someone as strong and brave as you will fix that in no time.”

“Um…L-Lydia,” I say, wincing inwardly for being a stuttering mess, but she continues as if I’m not here.

Of course she does.

I hate her more in this moment than ever before.

“Tell me, Kian,” she continues, moving closer to him and placing a hand on his bicep, almost touching her breasts to his chest. “Are you enjoying our little celebration? I do hope you’re finding everything to your…satisfaction. Your satisfaction is important to us…tome.”

The way she says the word “satisfaction” has more burning hot anger rising in me. She’s blatantly flirting with him.

Kian glances at me, then back at Lydia, his expression carefully polite. “It’s a lovely evening. Your coven certainly knows how to host a feast.”

“Oh, we know how to do many things well,” Lydia says with a sultry smile, her fingers trailing down his arm. “Don’t let those among us who are prudish give the wrong impression.” She pointedly looks at me for the first time, her meaning clear. “Perhaps later, you’d like me to show you some of our other…talents? I would be happy to oblige.”

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