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

by Rebecca Thorne

Reyna stalked the edges of the gilded crowd, watching the assassin creep ever closer to Queen Tilaine.

Oh- what a way to start a book

Kianthe, the Arcandor, the Mage of Ages, their foreign guest of honor—who also happened to be Reyna’s very secret girlfriend—hadn’t shown.

“Well. Now it’s a party,” Her Excellency said over the faltering orchestra.

Shes lowkey funny lmao not even mad abt this

Well, something had happened tonight—and Reyna was not going to let this be the final chapter in her life.

“You are as fierce as an ice leopard, and just as beautiful.” “Flattery won’t change my preferences,” she replied pointedly. He shrugged. “Can’t fault a man for trying.”

Except, of course, in the shackles by the bank of windows, where their corpses would be strung for the partygoers to appreciate as the evening wore on.

Oh my-

Reyna bowed deeply, automatically, and turned her back on Her Excellency, the ballroom, the palace … and the Queendom. And it happened so quietly, no one else noticed.

Without resistance, she thundered out the north gates of the Queendom’s capital city. And this time, she wasn’t coming back.

She was an excellent guard. She was a terrible girlfriend.

“My spell didn’t say how you were injured. For all I knew, you ate something meant for that Stone-damned queen and spent the night writhing on her fancy marble floor.” “Thank the Gods you’re pretty,” Reyna remarked.

“Run away with me. You like tea. I like books. Care to open a shop and forget the world exists?”

her savings over years of service felt very small when she checked the numbers.

There’s no way this woman doesnt have enough money

Reyna forced a smile. “I’m quite certain the Arcandor, Mage of Ages, could find a wealthier woman to bankroll her endeavors.”

“Rain. It was a joke. You know I wouldn’t choose someone for their coin. I love you because you’re amazing. You find worth in me, not my title or magic.” Kianthe’s voice cracked, and now she was the one averting her eyes. “No one else sees past that. Ever.”

“We’re going to need more distance from the Capital. Her Excellency’s spies will be searching for me.” “Can’t just tell her to fuck off, huh?”

Her professional attitude was always sexy, but Kianthe had voiced that before and it never won any favors.

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

LMAO BYE 😭

Kianthe was enamored. “This is perfect.” “This is a health hazard, love.” “No, your last career was a health hazard. This is raw potential.”

Tawney was cold most of the year, but Kianthe hoped the coming summer months would warm at least a little. And if not, a bit of fire magic would go a long way. If Reyna wanted to sip tea in a garden, Stone damn it all, she’d have the chance.

But Kianthe didn’t reply, because the men who’d been contemplating Visk earlier had resurfaced. They were perched on two wooden crates, murmuring to each other. Their eyes kept flicking to the griffon—and now, concerningly, Reyna. The rest of the street was oddly deserted, like the women had scared everyone else away. Those two should have taken the hint.

Reyna assessed it. “Let me guess. Forbidden love?” “Hey. I like what I like.” Kianthe patted the tome. “For obvious reasons.” Reyna snorted, but made a note to steal that book at some point.

“I think we should do it.” Kianthe’s expression brightened. “You like Tawney?” Reyna gestured at the inn. “This is all I’ve ever wanted. A social atmosphere, new friends, and you holding me close.”

“That’s your wife?” Reyna exclaimed. She elbowed him, pushed to her tiptoes to whisper, “She’s marvelous. That hair.”

“I’m social,” Reyna said. At the mage’s amused expression, she crossed her arms. “I can be social.”

I was abt to say 😭

It was unfair that their new friends didn’t know her real name. Reyna almost whispered it like some kind of conspiracy, but the last vestiges of common sense stopped her.