Page 76 of A Fate In Moonstone

Tor knew the truth. Rune and I were free to be together in many ways. To claim each other. But in the eyes of the kingdom, I was still engaged. Would it matter if we gave into the need to be together here and now? Would we condemn the realm in some way by being together before the month deadline?

There was so much to do.

I’d been sick, but I felt better.

Rune’s nose ran along the sensitive skin below my ear and I shivered. Oh, I loved it when he did that.

Fuck it.

I whirled around to kiss my mate.

And Nyx banged on the door.

“I can’t take the silence, let’s go to the library. Tor’s ready too.”

I guess they didn’t need more time to process.

Rune’s forehead pressed against mine and we sighed collectively.

“I could make them go away for like ten minutes,” I whispered and Rune laughed.

“Ten minutes is not enough.”

Then it was my turn to laugh.

“All right, let’s go before they break down the door.” I turned to leave but Rune stopped me. “What are you—”

Rune sniffed me again. “Your scent is different.”

Um…

“It’s faint.”

“What does that mean?”

Rune stepped back to observe my eyes, my face, my body.

“I’m not sure. We will see a healer on the way to the library.”

“Rune—”

“You’re seeing a healer, Sapphira. You can’t save the world if you’re dead. I’m not risking your life over a fucking tree.”

Chapter Forty-Two

“What did the healer say?” Nyx asked as I slid into the chair beside her, eyeing the two books, and one scroll on the table.

“She couldn’t find anything wrong. Rune argued about the scent thing, but there wasn’t any evidence of something off in me. We agreed it was likely the stress and lack of sleep. I promised both of them I’d take something tonight to knock myself out. Rune said he needed a walk and would meet us here. I’m guessing he had to blow off some steam. Dealing with the healer pissed him off.” I yawned and lifted the closed book with a red cover.

“Find anything about the tree?”

Nyx shook her head as Tor walked around a massive bookshelf.

“This library is intense.”

“Did the librarians give you any recommendations?” Nyx asked with a hopeful smile.

“Yeah, they’re rolling a cart over shortly. It’s a heavily studied topic in this place. They even have a Heart Tree theory book club once a month.” Tor looked me over and frowned.