Page 95 of A Fate In Moonstone

“I need you to do something for me.”

“Does this have to do with the danger you mentioned?” he asked cautiously.

I pulled the necklace out my father gave me. “I need you to protect this, keep it safe, and remember me.”

“My moon.”

“This is important. I need you to promise that you’ll do those things. Trust me.” He did. I saw it in his eyes. My mate loved me, trusted me, and would fight with me until the end. And while this wasn’t our end, it would be a pause. I needed him to believe in us and protect this key until I returned.

“I will protect it like I will protect you. Nothing will harm you, my wife.”

I’ll take it even though him calling me his wife had my knees buckling. I wouldn’t get to marry him like I wanted. Eventually, one day, we would. He didn’t know that though, and I had to pretend one last time.

“I’ll marry you tomorrow, I promise. Now let me go, you brute.” I leaned my head away from his eager lips, needing to go. I had so much to do. My mate’s kissing was all too easy to fall into and lose myself. We’d have time . . . another time. I hated lying to him, but it had to be done. It was the only way to save us, to save my people. I would sacrifice everything for them, and it would not be my end. I would be back.

“After we defeat Verin’s forces, you are mine, not my brother’s,” my love growled into my neck and reluctantly let me go.

“I have always been yours. Since I came into this world. More than that, Rune, I choose you, not Tor.”

Screw it. I turned and gave him one last kiss, pouring out every unspoken word inside me. I believed he would forgive me. I also believed in the power of love and our mating bond. The werewolf in him made it more potent. He may end up forgetting me, but his wolf . . . his heart . . . would know mine.

“I’ll see you soon.” I pushed back from his hard chest, and I touched the necklace I had placed around his neck. Safe.

“Soon, wife.” Rune smirked, and my heart shattered into tiny pieces.

One day, just not today.

He ran off toward the armory where the guards were quietly choosing their weapons to protect our kingdom from Verin’s invading army.

Thinking of the evil king, his black boots came into my vision as I stilled before the steps. “There you are, my little gem. I’ve been so worried about you.” My focus shifted to the little box in the king’s hand, then back at his golden eyes.

One day, just not today.

I’d save this fight for when I was healed. I kept my gaze on his face and not the box I assumed carried his potion. After giving him the best smile I could muster, I cleared my throat. “I’m sorry. I thought I was feeling okay enough to go for a walk in the gardens but now I feel like shit.” I figured sticking close to the truth was best. On the eve of his evil plan, he’d be on the lookout for any agendas. Hopefully he was oblivious to mine.

“Perhaps I’ll bring you a pot of your mother’s tea tonight. Check in to see if you’re feeling better.” He grinned wide, but the action didn’t reach his eyes.

I wouldn’t be drinking any tea he offered, and part of me thought he’d be checking to see if the poison finished the job. The darkness covered most of my body. Was he able to see it beyond the makeup or possibly scent it? A poison master knows his handiwork.

“I’d like that.” Lies, lies.

Nausea struck as did another wave of pain, just in time to look weak before this monster.

Verin’s smile remained as he watched sweat break out over my face. “I won’t keep you. Guards!” he called and I heard rather than saw soldiers who just walked in race over.

“Help the princess back to her room. Be gentle with her as she is not well.”

“Yes, King Lachan.”

Someone scooped me up and I hadn’t the will to fight them.

“I’ll see you soon, little gem.”

One day he would, but not today.

Chapter Fifty-Three

Sun neared while I changed into new clothes that didn’t have vomit on them. Verin’s forces attacked nearly ten minutes ago, and the whole kingdom was in an uproar. Mother raised her diamond wall from beneath the ground to protect the people. But a few soldiers were able to get through. Likely the work of Verin’s portal jumping daughter.