Page 62 of A Fate In Moonstone

Lacha… Verin… Showed pride in my accomplishments, my usefulness. He’d been more affectionate since the prince’s arrival than he had in a long time.

I wanted to make him proud, be a good daughter, but most of the time I failed his standards. I came to terms with that.

“Have my daughter meet me at the cottage in an hour, Serim.”

Serim was quiet, never bothered talking to me unless he had orders. He seemed all right, but did he know who he took orders from?

Who else knew? Surely someone so evil and who bragged about his intelligence would not be alone in enemy territory.

“Of course, my king.” Serim bowed, his red hair shimmered in the rays of the skylight above.

Shit. I needed to move. On soft steps, I raced to the stairs and turned around, hand on the railing as if I were descending.

Serim bowed his head politely when he noticed me and kept walking.

I paused and watched him disappear out the palace doors.

Um... what? Didn’t he have something to tell me?

“There’s my little gem,” Father’s voice bellowed from across the throne room.

He’s not my father. He’s evil. He’s… hugging me.

“Your handmaiden was quite ecstatic to show me her designs for your wedding dress. I am glad to see you are embracing this engagement.”

Keeping my face and body neutral was hard.

“Yes. I think we will be very happy together. We’ve been talking about living in Crysia afterward—”

His eyebrow arched, then he laughed.

“Oh, little gem, you are a prize to be taken back to his kingdom. A future queen to solidify our future with a powerful ally. Your mother and I will ensure Crysia’s future together. Your turn will come in Regno De Lupi once Prince Torin ascends the throne.”

I was not told any of this, and I didn’t like the way he said it. Did he always talk to me like this? Or was this how I interpreted his words knowing his secret?

He can’t know that you know.

I smiled.

“Of course, Father. I guess I was lost in thought when Tor told me that.” Gag.

The king shook his head. Golden eyes looked me over and I felt the coldness in them. A stark contrast to Desmire’s swirling silver depths that spread warmth and safety.

“That prince has a mighty task taming my wild gem. But in time, you two will find your rhythm like your mother and I.” He placed a hand on my shoulder and squeezed.

Don’t flinch, don’t flinch.

“Now, I think I will take a walk. It’s a beautiful day. I’ll see you at dinner. Your prince has promised us a meal from his homeland.”

He smiled, the edges of his lips more pointed than I remembered.

A concoction of emotions rolled inside me. Guilt, anger, sadness, shame.

How could he be Verin? My brain refused to process it.

Would he truly kill me if he knew his brother sired me?

Celestine and my mother warned me not to say a thing. Which is the only reason I didn’t push when he walked out of the palace.