Page 8 of A Fate In Moonstone

“Goodbye, Rune,” I whispered into the wind and left to get ready for my arranged future.

Chapter Four

The palace was in an uproar.

The throne room’s usually calm energy was chaotic and loud. Rainbows danced along the walls and various Fae walked near my mother’s diamond leaved tree behind the throne dais. The setting sun from the skylight above shimmered light over the crystals, swaying like the branches of a willow.

The awe in my body seeing that tree never got old. The very symbol of Crysia, and my family.

A loud voice called the ballroom to the side of this one. “Perfect timing, little gem.” My father sauntered over, his long black hair swished behind him, and his golden eyes lit up seeing me.

King Lachan wasn’t a very affectionate man. He didn’t hug me often or tuck me in when I was younger. Some Fae males weren’t affectionate, which was common despite wishing differently. We mostly had small talk conversations with each other. I assumed this would be no different.

He lifted an arm. “The ballroom is immaculate, a perfect greeting for your future husband. Come see.”

I placed my hand on the arm of his black and gold embroidered tunic and kept pace as we walked through the large wooden doors to the next room.

He was right about the room being immaculate. White cascading flowers hung from the ceiling. The open skylight in the middle of the room would bathe the room in the waning moon’s glow throughout the evening. Candles were placed all around the walls, and the buffet table housed exquisite decorations of ice and vines with purple flowers.

Someone was busy creating such masterpieces. I wish I knew who so I could shower them with compliments.

My father watched me take it all in. “Getting the ideas flowing for your wedding?” he asked and I froze a smile on my face.

“Very fitting for a princess.” But not this princess.

I always envisioned a small wedding with only friends and family present. I’d be hand in hand with my mate in nature. Not inside the ballroom with all the beautiful but superfluous decorations.

“Yes, I think your future husband will be enamored by our extravagance and his lovely bride.” He patted his hand on mine and dropped his arm.

“Best you get a head start on preparing yourself for tonight. Goblin blood starts to stink after a few hours. Can’t have the prince meet you smelling like dead goblins.”

My chest warmed.

Busted.

He winked and gestured for me to get going.

He was right, and honestly, I was surprised he didn’t go off on a tangent about how silly it was to put myself in danger, even if with great intentions. I was a princess. I was to do princess things and leave the fighting to the warriors.

My mother fought in many battles, she’d slain giants, and protected our kingdom at the helm. He wasn’t a fighter, more of a brain type than brawn. As I walked up the stone stairs to the royal chambers floor, my thoughts drifted back to Rune, and then my mother.

My parents were like roommates. They danced, they talked, they were there for me. But father liked to hunt. He would leave for random months, leaving her to raise me, and to rule alone.

Mates were common, and I wondered why, as one of the most powerful Fae, she never found hers.

Was her power too great that the magic of the elusive Heart tree, our supposed creator, deemed unworthy of a match? My father was harmless. His obsidian core made him smart, intuitive, and patient. He had the power of fire, though I never saw him use it. A brute’s power he claimed.

But he wasn’t a match for my mother, Queen Olyndria.

Was I destined to the same fate?

“Do me a favor and don’t lose your fire.”

Rune’s parting words followed me into my room. I sat at my vanity and stared at myself.

The warrior liked what he’d seen in the midst of a fight. The light brown skinned woman with hazel eyes watched me in the reflection. My curly brown hair shot in all different directions. The cloak and blue corset over my silver tunic weren’t fancy. Nothing fitting of a princess.

He saw the fire in me and wanted to burn in it.