The Lightning-Struck Heart (Tales From Verania, #1)

by T.J. Klune

“I want you to be happy.” “I am happy.” And I was. Mostly. “Happier,” he said. “I’m the happiest I’ve been.” “Are you?” “Stop. I’ve been drinking. No analyzing. Did you know a man licked my hand because you told him I wanted him to take my flower?” The King tripped but recovered gracefully, as kings are wont to do. “I can assure you that combination of words never came out of my mouth.” He was turning slightly red. “He still licked my hand.” “Who was it?” “Captain Bad-Touch. I don’t know. Scar on his face. Rapey eyes.” “Ah. That would Duke Waller of the Outer Banks. A shame, really. He came so highly recommended.” “I would recommend him for euthanasia,” I said. “And I don’t want to know the criteria you came up with to vet out any less desirables.” “I did nothing of the sort,” the King said. “I just had your stats and the date and time of the ball written on every tavern bathroom wall within a sixty-mile radius. There was no vetting.” “Remember that one time I laughed at a joke you told?” He grinned at me. “I do.” “This is not going to be like that time.” He laughed enough for the both of us.