Page 127 of Caressed By Sin
“Got it.” He put the left hand down and grabbed food with the right.
I checked Jade. So smart, she assessed everyone around her and then copied exactly what they were doing.
Don’t be sad. You have Jade back. That is one good thing about tonight.
More food arrived.
I remained with my wine.
My mother spoke first, “Fatou, I sensed your arrival three days ago. I could feel you moving in my bones, needing me.”
I blinked.
She continued, “I told everyone to prepare the feast because my daughter was coming home.”
My father frowned. “And I did not feel anything in my bones. I almost called off the feast.”
My mother gave me a sad smile. “Mothers know what fathers do not. We held the child in our bodies. You and I were one for a long time, Fatou. There is a special connection.”
My father dipped his hand into a large bowl of stew and scooped out a steaming portion. “Then, I hope your special connection can tell us why our daughter suddenly needs us after abandoning our people—”
I forced myself not to frown. “I didn’t abandon anyone. I was thrown out.”
My mother raised her hands. “It does not matter what has happened. What is important is that Fatou is home.”
My father glared. “And Fatou is alsoneedingsomething too. . .”
My parents and their advisors stopped eating and watched me.
“It is true.” I placed my glass of wine on the food mat. “I do need help.”
My mother and father stared at me with pursed lips. Silence served as my only response.
I placed my hands in my lap. “I come here to respectfully request two things.”
“This is so good.” On my side, Zoe scooped up food and stuffed his mouth.
I cleared my throat. “First, I will need a safe place to keep my daughter, Jade. I had to rescue her from an evil sorcerer who imprisoned her for years. Freeing my child is what I have been busy with this entire time.”
My father crossed his arms over his chest. “And why didn’tyourvampire help you?”
“He is not mine.” I let out a long breath. “And he. . .abandoned us.”
My father smirked.
Sadness spread across my mother’s face. “Then, I have a simple response, Fatou. My granddaughter will be safe with us for as long as you need us to watch her.”
“Hold on.” My father raised one hand. “But willwebe safe with your daughter in our castle’s walls?”
My mother turned to him. “You will not talk about our granddaughter in this manner.”
“It wasn’t until an hour ago where I discovered I had a granddaughter.” My father looked at Jade. “While she appears cute and harmless, I can smell her magic, and it is fierce and powerful.”
Jade stopped eating and glanced up at me.
I placed my hand on her leg. I didn’t appreciate how my father assessed her, but I understood that he was doing so as the king, not as her grandfather. His main priority was always protecting and serving his people. It was one of the reasons why I thoroughly respected him.
Therefore, I planned to tell him the truth and not hold anything back.
