Page 47 of A Fate In Moonstone

“Oh, it’s cruel all right, but pack them. Rune said we’re supposed to think of this time like foreplay. Maybe I’ll heat things up a notch in Crystoria.”

“You’re such a brat.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Sure, I was biased about Crysia being my favorite kingdom. It was my home.

But the way the arts were weaved into every aspect of Crystoria always made me question that bias. Crystoria was a kingdom that valued innovation, the arts, mixing science with magic.

Melodies from fiddles, drums, guitars, and other instruments filled the air, reaching my palace balcony. I watched the festival at the lake behind the palace with a hot cup of tea and a smile.

Whether my mother realized it or not, I needed this getaway.

Sure, she kept me busy shadowing my father’s sister, the queen of Crystoria and her wife the last two days. But I learned so much.

Queen Desiniri and Queen Taraden bickered, held hands, and kissed while making plans for the kingdom, talking to their people, and holding court. They were mates and ruled as such. They never tried to take over the other’s position, speak for them, or dim themselves for each other.

Was this what ruling with a partner, a mate could be like?

Rune mostly stood as a guard nearby. Always watching, ready to protect. My mother’s lips lifted when she’d notice him there, his attention drifting to me, then the surroundings.

Aunt Desiniri tried a few times to get a rise out of him. I may have even helped because his narrowed eyes said there’d be punishment. I’d smile at him because I’d probably like it.

A melodic laugh hit my ears, and I saw my mother sitting at a picnic table with the other queens, wine glasses in their hands. She looked so happy. So free.

A knock came from the door. I already knew who it was. It’s taken some practice, but with Rune’s power, I’ve been able to hear steps on the ground, and guess who they belong to.

Rune walked quietly, except in his werewolf form. Each boot on the ground was soft, quick. Probably made him an excellent warrior. You’d never hear him coming.

“Why are you not at the festival with the others?” he asked, head tilted in question.

“I was earlier.”

Not that I needed to tell him that. He saw me dance with Nyx, talk to artisans, get hit on, and intervened before I pulled him to dance to one song. Just one teeny tiny song that required little touching.

Rune sat on the loveseat with me and refilled my empty teacup.

“Thank you.”

It was nice up here. Peaceful.

The music wasn’t as loud and the eyes of others weren’t on me. In the past month, my life felt like an endless party. I was rarely alone, and I missed having a moment to be myself without other’s judgements, expectations, and perceptions of me.

Rune must have understood that because he sat quietly beside me while we watched the festival together for an hour.

Resting my head against his shoulder, I breathed in Crystoria’s apple scented air with his sandalwood and waterfall. He smelled like home.

“I like this.”

His arm wrapped around me, pulling me closer, with his chin on top of my head. “I never wanted a mate, but this, with you. I’m still not sure.”

I poked him in the ribs, and he laughed.

“Yes, being mated to a grump such as you, the Heart Tree must have wanted to punish me for life,” I grumbled but pressed myself further against him.

“I fear your snores are my punishment,” he said playfully. “I hear them rattle the palace from the woods at night.”

“What a little liar.” I poked him again and this time he grabbed my hand. My prince is ticklish.