Page 68 of A Fate In Moonstone

Despite knowing the truth about Verin, he played a good game. I found myself aching to see if he was truly bad. I knew the stories. Verin was evil, everyone knew it. But this… non-threatening male didn’t scream danger which was more terrifying to me.

At breakfast, Tor announced that he wanted to go shooting, and my father roped me into it.

A little trip with the lovebirds he’d said.

He and Tor laughed. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched the king’s eyebrows lift when Tor aimed for the tiniest targets and hit them perfectly. Was he eyeing the prince for his army?

That’s when I turned the focus toward me. I was pretty good with a bow. Better with other weapons, but I rarely missed reasonable shots.

Verin complimented my aim, my stances, and smiled like a pleased father. It didn’t feel as good as Desmire’s proud smile, but my brain still liked it. For too long, I’ve craved his affection.

It’s as if he knew I was distancing myself and he wanted to nip it early on.

Or he knew who I was. But everyone led me to believe he’d kill me on the spot if he knew, so I didn’t think that was the case.

Golden eyes watched Tor press a kiss to my cheek and I couldn’t help but compare Verin to Desmire.

Mother had given me her journal, and she frequently talked about her warrior mate and Lachan. The king always said he was more brain than brawn. Using his smarts to attain his every desire. One with golden eyes, so cold, and always calculating. The other molten silver like metal, ready to be forged to defend. Desmire was larger, broad, and took up space with his presence. Where the male before me was lean, quick, and could disappear into the shadows if you closed your eyes too long.

I was torn on the inside despite knowing I shouldn’t be.

Verin smiled as Tor wrapped his hand around mine.

“My daughter is quite the warrior. You’ll have your hands full, young prince.”

Tor laughed and I might as well have been a prized unicorn the way they talked about me as I stood next to them.

“I imagine she gets that spirit from you, your grace.”

I chuckled but didn’t say anything. I didn’t get it from him. I got it from my parents.

“Perhaps from my younger years. Now I am an old king.”

Tor’s lips dropped for the barest second and I panicked. I hadn’t felt any tingling in my hands. Did he?

“Yes, I am a fiery handful. Now if I shoot that hanging limb on that oak, you owe me a date in the gardens.” My lame attempt to create a distraction worked, and Tor rolled his eyes. The king seemed amused with an arched bow.

“I mean, I was gonna do something special for dinner anyway, but I’m curious. So, if you miss, then what do I get?” Tor lifted an arrow from the quiver and pointed the tail end my way.

“A surprise.” I winked and the king laughed, his hands over his face.

Tor agreed, and without another breath, I shot the limb at the hinge point, and it crashed to the ground.

Yes.

Tor and I would go on another date as an engaged couple and the king clapped generously.

A cough came from behind us, and I swirled to find one of Tor’s guards standing there, his head bowed. “Prince Torin.”

“Hey Luc, is everything all right?”

“Yes, sir. Your father sent a package. He exclaimed it was to be viewed in private.”

Tor faced me with a pinched look on his face. “I’ll be back for the picnic. Excuse me.” He left with the guard and didn’t look back.

“Should we be worried?” I asked as the king set out a blanket with two covered cups of tea, and a plate of lemon sandwich cookies.

“No. Anything that comes in from other kingdoms has already been inspected. Now, come sit with me, little gem. We have matters to discuss.”