Page 84 of A Fate In Moonstone

“I’ll be working with the soldiers,” Rune mumbled then left without speaking to anyone else. Tor’s grip tightened on my hand. A warning not to look at my mate and frown. Give no signs.

I think I managed when Verin gave Tor a slap on the shoulder and told him not to be too rough with me before nap time.

“We’ll catch up once you are feeling rested. I’ll bring you some tea.” Mother smiled softly and I bit back the sigh threatening to escape.

So many conversations. So much to do.

I wanted none of it.

Yet, I knew there wasn’t a choice.

Mother ordered Nyx to assist her with something. I tuned it out as Verin welcomed us home once more before departing for whatever evil plans he schemed.

Tor guided me up the stairs and once inside my room, he released me and stood there while I plopped onto the bed.

“I know it’s a lot to ask. But I need you to trust me, and trust that when I lie, it’s for good reasons. Reasons I may not tell you.” I yawned, the dull ache at the back of my head started to spread.

Stupid Verin and his stupid poisons.

Tor watched me with his head slightly tilted before walking over and sitting on the mattress at my side. Silent, his expression neutral, and causing my chest to tighten.

“I don’t want you to hate me.” I don’t know why that came out first. I was sorry for all the deception, and just everything. My kingdom, my family. He didn’t ask for any of this.

“Hey.” Tor leaned over at the same time my arms went up. I scooched to make room, and he laid on the bed, us facing each other in a horizontal embrace.

“I don’t hate you, Sapphira.”

All the emotions I’d pushed away in the past twenty-four hours flew out of me.

“You should,” I said but I wasn’t sure it came out that way between sobs.

“I wish you’d have told me sooner. But I get it. You and I were pushed together, and we became friends, and liked each other.” He squeezed me tight, then relaxed. His thumb rubbed little circles against my spine.

I breathed into his chest, tears leaking from my eyes onto his shirt.

Despite my trembling breaths, he kept talking. “I know we would have made it work and been happy.”

I nodded, because it’s true. Everything would have worked out.

“But even in the short time I saw you and him together, I see it.”

I sniffed and looked up into his deep blue eyes.

“Rune and I were never close. I was surprised to see him here. Now it’s easy to see why. Maybe he didn’t even know why he traveled from home, but I do.”

The shaking in my body slowed, and the tears weren’t far behind.

“His cores knew something waited for him in Crysia. And knowing he’s the one your heart chose makes me feel better. There’s no one else I’d trust to protect you more than him.”

Whether wrong or right, I leaned up and pressed a kiss to his lips.

“You’re a good male, Tor.”

“Yeah, yeah. A real prince charming.”

He pulled me close again and I was forced back into the nook between his shoulder and neck. I had to admit it felt nice. This easy feeling of being with Tor but without all the pretending.

We were friends, and he was there for me. It meant more than I’d ever be able to say.