Page 49 of Adversary to the Villain

Evie shrugged. “You may do that, too. Just wait until we’re done with him.”

Trystan’s lips parted in hapless wonder. “That’s a tad ruthless.”

Evie pouted. “Only a tad?”

It was surreal to Kingsley, watching these two spar head-on, after having spent what felt like a lifetime observing them from the bottoms of their chins.

Tatianna finally interrupted. “We keep Alexander a secret until we’ve sorted out the rest of the prophecy,” the healer urged, handing Alexander a tonic. “For any muscle soreness.”

Alexander took it gratefully, downing every drop with a wince. Better than flies. But not by much.

At that moment, Blade busted onto the scene so abruptly that everyone jumped, including Alexander, who had not jumped—hopping notwithstanding—in a very long time. The dragon trainer was panting, hands on his knees as he delivered an alarmed plea.

“I was putting Fluffy’s saddle on outside the grove and a man—he jumped on his back and—” Blade clutched his heart like someone had ripped it out. “The bastard is taking an innocent animal for a joyride. Help me!”

“Who would do such a thing?” Winnifred inquired quietly, folding her lips inward. Alexander tracked it, unsure why it was notable.

Clare broke into a wide grin when said man flew past the group’s picnic blanket. “That would be the best of the Maverine children.”

Trystan exhaled before stalking for the dragon, yelling at the top of his lungs.

“Malcolm! Get the fuck off that dragon—now!”

Chapter 23

Tatianna

Tatianna was not overly optimistic, but nor was she a pessimist. She believed in weighing the options before her and understanding that regardless of how, an outcomewouldcome about. And it was best to be prepared for all such contingencies.

Including stopping the older Maverine brother from killing the younger.

After Malcolm had landed the dragon in the courtyard, Blade had rushed to soothe the animal. Becky joined him, assisting in hitching up the basket woven to catch the guvres. But Trystan had merely stood there, cold as ice, with a look on his face like he’d ram a fist into Malcolm’s smiling mouth at any second. It was why Tatianna knew she needed to proceed with caution. As soon as the Sage sisters arrived for their unofficial kitchen meeting, she had to play her cards perfectly.

Alexander Kingsley sat at the table, too—a bizarre sight by anyone’s standards. She took the seat next to him hesitantly, drumming her vibrant nails against the wood of the table, side-eyeing her froggy friend.

Edwin broke the ice as easily as always, walking over to ruffle Alexander’s hair affectionately. “So good to have you back, Your Highness. Don’t you agree, Mr. Trystan?”

The fear of disappointing the ogre had all of them sucking in a breath to straighten, nodding in agreement.

“You look well, Edwin!” Malcolm smiled, taking the ogre’s hand when he was given a ceramic cup of cauldron brew. “Reading anything good lately?”

Edwin gave Malcolm a warm smile in return, fondness in his gaze. “I’m rereading an old favorite.The Cunning Corset Society. I agreed to co-read it with your brother.”

Trystan stopped with the mug halfway to his mouth, dark eyes remaining on the cup when everyone turned their stares on him.

Evie had frozen in the doorway, mouth forming a smallO. She’d donned a clean dress—one Tatianna had gifted her, light green cinching tightly at the waist. Evie brushed her hands down the embroidered floral skirt, looking ready to burst from containing her laughter.

There was no need. The boning in the corset could do it efficiently enough.

Tatianna believed in a lot of things: her ability to properly dress her friends according to their color chart; her healing abilities; but most of all, she believed in herself, her instincts. One must accept whatever outcome was before them.

She had no way to know it would be as delightful asthis.

“You’rereading…smut?” Tatianna concluded, gleeful as a person could be.

Trystan clenched his jaw, pointing an accusatory finger toward her across the table. “I’m reading a book about complex feelings and emotional turmoil. It’s riveting.” He said it so evenly and without emotion. It made it all the funnier.

“Did you reach chapter six yet?” Tatianna pressed her hands together, not unlike when one was in prayer.