Page 61 of A Fate In Moonstone

“Tor is fine. Verin did assess if he’d be loyal to him, tested him, then wiped his memory. I do not know what transpired. Verin’s power is potions, poisons really. His body is like one giant potion lab. He could use it for good, heal illness, alleviate pain.” She snarled. “Instead, he uses his power for darkness.”

I needed a bath.

A fucking escape.

“So, I have this power too?”

“Yes, but he will never teach you how to use it and without that knowledge, tapping into it could cause devastation to yourself and others.”

Well shit.

“Is that it?”

Like finding out my father wasn’t actually my father and the one I’d called Father this whole time was the evil king was enough.

“I am a Virgo.”

I stared, and she stared back.

Did she just throw out human astrology right now?

I laughed and laughed hard. Yes, she did.

The queen cracked and burst into a fit of laughter with me until I couldn’t do it anymore. My stomach hurt, and tears coated my cheeks.

“So.”

“So.”

I stretched and stood. She joined me seconds later.

“So, I just carry on as if my world hasn’t shattered. Stay engaged to Tor for a few more weeks, then what?”

“Verin may kill you if he knows who sired you. He hates Desmire. He’s always seen him as a rival, someone to best, instead of a brother. You mustn’t let him discover the truth. As for the engagement, if Celestine gave you a timeline, you should follow it. But be mindful with your mate. You are not being very careful. As hard as it will be, you may need to keep further distance.”

My gut clenched but with all this new information, I had to proceed with caution.

I could do this. I walked to the door and paused. “Are you going to be okay?”

“I have endured, and I suspect I will endure worse in the future. But I will survive it, nonetheless.”

Okay then.

I left the room. What else was there to say? Now I had to decide what came next. Speak with Tor? Find Rune? Or figure out what Verin’s plan was in secret?

The answer was too easy to choose.

Chapter Thirty-Four

I watched the king speak with guards before following him and his closest guard down the hall to the ballroom. It’s been years since I shadowed him, learning how to be a leader, and now that I knew the truth I understand why he was so... unbothered.

He got everything he wanted. A kingdom, a title, everything, all behind a mask.

I wanted to deny Mother’s claims. She lied to me. Kept secrets.

But the truth was out, and I felt… relieved.

My reaction to Desmire took me by surprise. He felt warm, and accepting, and proud of me for existing. I’d seen many fathers in the kingdom show their daughters tenderness.