Page 51 of A Fate In Moonstone

“I’m Desmire.”

Desmire. Desmire. I feel like I’ve heard that name before.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

“Have we met before? You seem very familiar.” The puzzle of this man would drive me nuts.

He shook his head, a soft gruff laugh. “We met once when you were a baby.” His silver eyes swirled like the sky on a stormy day.

“Are you related to Queen Desiniri?”

“Yes.”

A piece of the puzzle clicked into place.

I was related to this man somehow on my father’s side since she was my aunt.

“I apologize for the questions. I feel like I know you but couldn’t figure out how. It makes sense now. You and my aunt look a lot alike. Especially with the white tattoos, which are beautiful by the way.” I shifted to one foot knowing I should leave this interaction to find my mother.

“Yes, I could see the confusion. I was talking with Desiniri before your family’s arrival. It has been some time, and I wanted to see how you’ve grown.”

Warmth coated my insides, like every word was a thread weaving a soft blanket inside me. Soothing.

How was this cousin, or family member so damn soothing to me? Like a fire in the hearth, crackling, while I read. I wish I could explain it better.

“You’ve turned into a mighty woman. Fearless, brave, and strong-willed like your mother.”

I expected him to say beautiful and keep it at that. That’s what most did. I’ve grown tall, my hair is longer, my body filled out. Not many complimented my insides, my spirit. Perhaps it’s a warrior’s trait since the last person to do it was Rune.

“Thank you. My mother is all those and more. If I was to be like anyone, she would be it.”

Desmire frowned for the tiniest second. I almost missed it.

“A worthy ambition. Though, perhaps your wild nature came from your father then.”

I scoffed and laughed harder than I should have. This male was related to my father, he should know King Lachlan was not a wild card type. He liked to hunt sure, but he wasn’t a free spirit.

Desmire needed to spend more time with his family.

“I’m sorry. I’m being rude. I love my father, but he isn’t wild. Perhaps I got that trait from my grandmother or someone further down the line.” I didn’t know my grandparents. Mother’s parents died in battle. Father never spoke of his.

“I’d like to think my mother was a wild woman before my father tamed her.” The words were out before I realized what I said. My hands shot to my mouth. This male was like truth serum.

“She truly was,” he agreed. “Perhaps you will see her shining spirit one day. Your wedding perhaps.”

The wedding.

“Yes, it’ll be a blessed event. I’m sure my marriage will bring out the best in our kingdom.” Especially with my father planning it. Hopefully he will understand Rune is my mate and won’t be crushed.

Desmire’s eyebrow arched. “And for yourself?”

My fingers fiddled with the hem of my shirt. “Yes. Of course, I hope my marriage to Prince Tor is wonderful.”

Desmire stared and I felt like I was in trouble. Like I forgot to clean something or do a task. Was that disappointment on his face? Why did I care?

“If you were my daughter, your words would cause me distress. Especially when it’s clear you care more for your mate, than your betrothed.”

I froze. “I…uh—”