Can't Spell Treason Without Tea (Tomes & Tea, #1)

by Rebecca Thorne

Reyna raised her sword again, and inside her chest, that weariness quadrupled. She was so, so tired of this: of their sovereign, of palace protocol. All she wanted was a nice, hot cup of tea.

despite two years of dating, their jobs had kept them apart for most of it. A few stolen days here and there were all they managed, alongside their limited communication with the moonstones.

“Thought you had the sparks under control,” Reyna said, laughing a little. “I thought you had your life under control, but here we are.” She

They were going to do it. Open a shop somewhere, fill it with books and tea and a fireplace and cozy armchairs, and Reyna could finally, finally learn who she was without the queen looming over her.

Preposterous that Reyna thought griffons were “vicious.” By all standards, Visk was an itty-bitty buddy and a good boy.

“This is a health hazard, love.” “No, your last career was a health hazard. This is raw potential.” Kianthe winked at her, strolling

The first thing Reyna noticed was a pounding headache. The second thing was that her whole body ached, like someone had taken a hammer to her joints.

Her eyes fell to the fireplace. “Ah, thank the Gods. I was meaning to suggest a hearth.” Kianthe had been hoping for a bit more swooning, maybe some Oh, Kianthe, you’re so smart, dearest comments. The carpenter, who knew this, ducked to hide a smile.

“No, it’s hilarious. New leaf? Tea leaves? Turning over a new leaf? A leaf of a book?” Kianthe smirked. “Please, Rain. I’ve had this name picked out for two years. I was just waiting for you to join my chaos.”

Please, stay and enjoy the space. No purchase necessary, although we’re pleased to offer teas and herbal blends from as far south as Leonol, and as far west as the Roiling Islands of Shepara.”

Her voice was a bare whisper, meant for Reyna’s ears alone: “This seems like a very ten-tea-tive conversation.” Reyna nearly snorted. “Been saving that one?” “Maybe.”

“Reyna, you don’t have to ‘earn’ me. You have me.” “Yes, and it’s baffling.” Reyna spoke like it was a common truth. Her eyes roamed the bookstore, the small touches Kianthe had added over the weeks. The plants. The paint. The ever-flame. A smile tilted her lips as she retrieved another book, stroked its leather cover. “I’m not sure I deserve this … but if I pay for it, that gives me something tangible. Proof, if anyone in the Queendom comes asking. If I come asking myself.”

It made sense. It was messed up and wholly incorrect, but it made sense.

I’m not trying to secure sympathy—just explain myself, I suppose. If I pay for the barn, the tea, the books … maybe that will be enough to feel worthy of dating the Arcandor, the Mage of Ages, the most incredible woman alive. Who loves me, even though sometimes I’m not exactly sure why.”

The person heaved a sigh. “You may use ‘they’ or ‘them.’ And Arcandor, I’m slightly disappointed you don’t remember me. We partook in the air manipulation class as children. I’m Allayan?”

“Dragon magic. Not for the fainthearted.” And ironically, she fainted.

Reyna laughed. “There’s a reason I left the family business, dear.” Cya’s fake backstory was alive and well, especially now that Matild and Tarly were privy to the truth. Tarly even offered to teach her the jargon so it’d be more convincing. One day, she might take him up on it.

Diarn Feo grumbled, snatching the book. “Fine. I’ll report to your home first thing tomorrow for … collaboration.” Kianthe would have a field day with that, if she were here.

“What the forge is going on here?” Kianthe said. For a moment, everyone just stared. “You’ve been waiting to use that, haven’t you?” Reyna pinched the bridge of her nose. Kianthe shrugged. “Maybe.”

“Queendom law is that the oldest daughter inherits. If there was another child, why wouldn’t she be raised alongside Queen Tilaine?”

“You seem to misunderstand. Reyna isn’t here—but even if she was, she wouldn’t be going anywhere with you. Sorry, but she’s mine.” A pause, a laugh. “You’re welcome to a cup of tea. I’ll try not to poison the leaves.”

Reyna pressed her lips together, wiping her hands on a rag. “Ponder’s awfully young to be uprooted. She’s comfortable here. This is a nice environment for her to be nurtured.” “Griffons crave adventure, Rain.” Kianthe rolled her eyes. “And it’s not like she won’t have Visk for stability. Not like she wouldn’t have you.”

“It’s a pinyon pine. A seed from the tree where we met when we fled the Capital—the night you made my dreams come true.” The mage paused. “Sorry. This is sappy.” “Is that a tree pun?” Reyna’s tone was bone dry. “Maybe. But don’t worry, I’ll leaf it at that.” Reyna choked on a laugh.

So, Kianthe addressed the question head-on. “Oh, things are definitely wrong. In fact, let’s get riot down to business.”

Against her better judgment, Kianthe snorted, and a glob of saliva slid down her throat, and she dissolved into a coughing fit that doubled as wheezing laughter. Reyna started laughing too, patting her back almost sympathetically, and once Kianthe regained her composure, they moved on.