A Touch of Moonlight (A Court of Moonlight Book 1)

by Zora Marie

  Footsteps echoed down the hall and Rina stiffened, then shuddered as she relaxed. Fen watched in fascination as her entire demeanor changed as she turned toward the door. “Rose, isn’t it?” she asked as the girl came into the library.

  “Yes.” Rose blushed as she ducked her head. “Lord Engar will be here shortly.”

  “I assume we’re meeting in the throne room?” Fen asked.

  “You are.”

  “Thank you, Rose.”

  The girl blushed again and stumbled over her own feet as she left. What’s gotten into her? She’s usually so calm and surefooted.

  It wasn’t until the footsteps faded that Rina shuddered again as her shoulders slumped. Sometimes it was easy to forget that she wasn’t used to this, that all of this was new to her. Still, the corner of her lips twitched toward a smile. “I think she has a crush on you.”

  So that’s what has Rose all out of sorts. He glanced at Rina, then the door. “I thought she’d gotten over that. She’s had a crush on me since she was little. Sometimes I read to the children of the families who work here. Rose was always one of my most eager listeners.”

  “Really?”

  He nodded. “Father’s a firm believer in being there for those who help us. Treat others how you wish to be treated is the lesson he’s pushed the most. It’s why so many love him. I can only hope to be as good of a ruler as he is.”

  “I’m sure you’ll be great. You apparently already have the kindness part down.” She bit her bottom lip, and he wondered if she knew how cute she was when she did that. When she leaned a little closer to him, his heart fluttered.

  He made himself look away. “We should head that way. If Lord Engar is going to be early, his mate is likely involved.”

  “Is that a good thing?”

  “It varies, but it usually is.” Fen could feel Rina’s worry, so added, “Lady Gea has always been kind to me when we’ve crossed paths, so if she comes, I’d consider it a good thing.”

  As they headed for the throne room, he couldn’t help but feel like he was forgetting something. Something he was supposed to do. He shrugged to himself. It’ll come to me eventually.

  52

  Rina

  Rina struggled with the urge to disappear and hide rather than face these other lords. Fen’s presence was the only thing calming the nerves that gnawed at her with every step toward the throne room. The tour had been a nice distraction, but as they neared the throne room, she couldn’t help but recall every exit and hiding spot she’d seen. The throne room was near the main door to the castle, but the front gate was closed so that was off the table. If she took the next turn on the right and then raced up the stairs, she’d be back at the portal and on her way to freedom. But she wouldn’t run, never mind the fact she didn’t know how to use the platform on her own. I’ll survive this. I’m not as defenseless as I was south of the wall.

  They were nearly to the front of the castle when Fen slipped his hand from hers. “We should let Father tell them.”

  Rina nodded her understanding even if the absence of his touch made her tense. Forcing herself to step away from Fen, she put what she hoped seemed like a casual distance between them.

  Rengard stood in front of the door, his hand on its handle. “Don’t forget to use ‘lord’ when you address Farin in front of them. They don’t like how relaxed we are with titles,” Rengard whispered before opening the door for her and Fen.

  “Awe, there you two are. Please come join us,” Farin said. “Lord Engar and Lady Gea, this is Rye and Lyra’s daughter, Rina.”

  Rina bowed her head in greeting to the pair, noting the swords hanging at their hips. Their green eyes appraised her every move, yet their smiles were friendly. She’d never seen fae with skin so rich and earthy, and Lady Gea’s beauty held an allure that was a weapon in and of itself. Yet she carried herself much like Ash did, sure and grounded, her feet set apart.

  “It’s a pleasure to see you both, as always,” Fen said.

  The door opened behind them and Rina felt the pulsing power of another lord without having to turn and look. The skirts of her dress ruffled in a phantom wind as Lord Airin breezed across the room. She took in his sun-kissed skin and eyes the color of a clear blue sky. Lord of the Air Court, indeed.

  Skirting in behind the lord, Arlen made his way to stand with Farin and Dorn near the throne. Farin didn’t sit though and she couldn’t tell if it was to avoid being in a vulnerable position or out of some sort of respect for the others.

  “I see you’ve started without me,” Lord Airin purred to Lord Engar. “I take it I have Lady Gea to thank for you being on time for once.”

  Lord Engar chuckled as he waved off Lord Airin. “We’ve barely started. Apparently, this is the girl causing all the fuss.”

  “Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Rina,” Lord Airin said, inclining his head to her, the only sign of respect any of the foreign lords had given her. The recognition and appraisal made her want to shuffle to Fen’s side.

  His nostrils flared the slightest bit and she knew he was scenting her. She hadn’t understood how they could tell so much from a scent alone, but since she’d shifted, she had begun to notice how Fen and Farin smelled similar. Even the lingering scent of her mother on her books smelled a bit like her. Part of her wanted to ask if he was satisfied to have confirmed who she was, but she thought better of it and clenched her teeth to keep her tongue in check.

  “Does she talk?” Lord Airin said.

  “I do,” Rina said. “Thank you for taking the time to come and hear us out.” She made a point to meet each of their gazes.

  “As Rina says, thank you for coming. Do you have any questions that weren’t answered in my letters?” Farin asked.

  “Other than questions I have for Rina, no,” Lord Airin said. “How about you, Engar?”

  “Not you too,” Lord Engar groaned.

  “Oh hush, the title doesn’t really matter among our equals. It’s not like they’ll forget our positions.” Lady Gea said.

  Lord Engar sighed as he patted his mate’s hand that rested on his arm. “I’m much the same. I need to hear from her before I ask anything.”

  “Then what do you need to know?” Rina just wanted to get this over with.

  “Where were you born?”

  “In a cabin on the other side of the wall.”

  “A cabin? Where?”

  “Deep in the forest. I could find it, but the village I lived near didn’t have a name as far as I know.”

  “If I may,” Arlen said, “the village she lived near is about a three day’s run north from the human city, Timble Town.”

  “If I may,” Lord Airin cut in, “I’ve brought someone with me who can confirm where she’s been and what happened with Lord Trazar.”

  Behind Farin, Dorn stiffened and said, “No.”

  Rina’s heart jumped to her throat as the two lords turned on Dorn, their aggravation grating against her nerves. Why is Dorn objecting? We agreed to this.

  “What do you mean, no?” Lord Airin asked.

  “Arlen didn’t tell you she had a seizure after Lord Trazar attacked her?” Farin asked, his tone soothing the edge to Dorn’s objection.

  “He did, but what does that have to do with letting a mind bender check her memories? The worst part of it should be healed by now,” Lord Airin said.

  “A life spent in her human form has slowed her healing ability, Wafren has warned us to be cautious.”

  “Then how are we supposed to be certain of anything other than her being Rye and Lyra’s daughter?”

  Rina looked between Dorn and the lords. They needed the help of these two to keep all of them safe. She couldn’t protect them on her own, but she could do this. “It’s all right. They can look.” What’s one more seizure anyway?

  “Rina,” Fen said.

  “I’ll be fine. Just make sure I don’t hit my head on anything. But if your mind bender can avoid … darker memories, that would be appreciated.”
>
  “What do you mean?” Lady Gea asked.

  Rina swallowed the unease turning her stomach. “The human, Jake, who raised my brother and me was not kind.”

  “Brother, you say?” Lord Airin studied her.

  “Yes, half human,” Rina said.

  “And where is he?”

  “He’s dead.” She felt Dorn move closer to her, but she didn’t need it. Not this time at least.

  “I think that’s enough questions about that,” Farin cut in, earning himself glares from the other two lords. “Are you sure you want to do this, Rina?”

  “No,” she admitted, “but if I have to so they’ll believe me, so be it.” She looked at Airin and Engar. Though they seemed conflicted about the choice, the resolve rolling off them was still strong.

  “I appreciate your willingness, and I am sorry I can’t just take you at your word,” Lord Airin said.

  “I understand. Arlen himself had a bit of convincing to do when we met.”

  “Before you do this,” Farin said, “I want you all to swear that you will not use anything you learn of her past against her. Trust needs to go both ways.”

  “Only if I can add that that will only be upheld if everything we’ve been told is true,” Airin said.

  “That leaves too many loopholes and you know it,” Farin said. “How about you just swear that you won’t hold her upbringing against her? Will that be satisfactory to you?”

  Airin pursed his lips. “Yes. What’s your full name, Rina?”

  Rina looked to Farin. She’d always been told to never share her true name.

  “Give it to him. He needs it for the oath to hold sway over him indefinitely. All the lords know each other’s full names.”

  “Radelia Varoris.” She hadn’t said her name aloud since she was little, yet it felt familiar on her tongue as a little thread of power tingled down her spine.

  “Named after your grandmother, I see,” Lady Gea said with a hint of smile on her lips.

  “I, Lord Aderon Airith of the Air Court, swear that I will not hold Radelia Varoris’s upbringing against her.”

  “As do I, Lord Enardor Enthara of the Earth Court, swear that I will not hold Radelia Varoris’s upbringing against her.”

  “And I, Gealorna Enthara, swear the same oath I did for your grandmother and our last queen in our early years. Radelia Varoris, your secrets are safe with me.”

  “You made an oath with the two of them? And never told me?” Lord Engar asked.

  “Why would it matter? I wouldn’t have been able to tell you why we made an oath. The only reason I can say anything about it now is because there was a clause for such an occasion.”

  “Gods help me,” Lord Engar sighed. “Are you going to explain or—”

  “I’ll explain when I’ve seen Rina’s powers for myself. I can’t say anything more until then.”

  Rina felt Ash’s amusement and scanned the edges of the room. She found the woman standing in a shadowy corner, her smirk saying that Lady Gea may have just become Ash’s favorite lady.

  “Then let’s get this over with before I change my mind.” Her voice was a little squeaky to her own ears. She tried and failed to swallow down her apprehension.

  Nodding, Lord Airin waved a man over from the corner opposite of Ash. “Has anyone explained mind bending to you before?”

  “Not really. All I know is that a mind bender had a hand in my Father’s death.”

  “It’s mind benders like those that give us all a bad name.”

  The man Lord Airin had waved over, stopped before her. The scent of salt and sea drifted around her. Unlike all the others in the room, he did not carry a single weapon. Or at least, not one she could see hidden amongst his blue and white cloths, the fabric loose and flowing.

  “I, Andari Vendari, swear not to alter Radelia Varoris’s mind. I shall only see the truth of her past.” He paused and searched her face. “It’s easier if you relax during it. You’ll see what I see. I will try to avoid violent situations where I can, but,” he let out a long breath, “this is not pleasant for anyone who has suffered abuse.”

  Rina nodded, not trusting herself to speak. She hoped she wouldn’t regret this decision and tried not to psych herself out. Tried not to make herself sick before they even started.

  “Close your eyes and just breathe.” Andari placed his cool fingers on her temples.

  She closed her eyes and was back in the glade with her mother, writing letters in the dirt. The image shifted to when Tomilin was born, their mother already distant and withdrawn. A flash and Rina was bottle feeding him goat’s milk, getting a goat and a bottle being the only good thing Rina could remember Jake doing for them. Scenes flashed faster now. She caught bits and pieces of Tomilin and woods, like Andari couldn’t find a memory to settle on. There was her first kill, the rabbit’s blood staining her hands and tears burning her eyes. Then there was a flash of Jake on Tomilin and her breath caught, the panic and rage of that day lancing through her chest.

  “Sorry,” Andari muttered as the memories shifted again like loose rocks under foot.

  She tried to make herself breathe as the memories spun around her. But each time an image flashed, her chest tightened. Then she was headed into the house, Jake yelling that they were worthless devil children that couldn’t do anything right. Tomilin let out a pleading whimper. Something thudded against the wall. She wouldn’t have known what day it was had her fingers not stung as trickles of blood ran down her fingers. Had she not had the knife in her hand. Tomilin was gasping, clawing at Jake’s fingers. Fear and rage, hot and sharp as a blade sliced through her. She was going to be sick, was going to explode. Was going to kill him. She’d done everything he wanted and yet he still took and took. There was nothing and no one but her and Tomilin, her baby brother suffering and dying under Jake’s hand. She couldn’t tell what way was up and down as the whole world narrowed down to that moment when something in her snapped.

  53

  Fen

  Rina’s fear and rage hit him like a punch to the gut. He lunged for her as a ripple of energy shot out from her. His teeth rattled. He wrapped his arms around her. He was vaguely aware of Andari and the others being thrown back as he eased her to the ground. Her body shook, her power shuttering out from her with the convulsions. Light, shadow, and heat burned all around him, but all he could feel was her seizing against him. Her name was a chant in his head as he struggled to remember what to do.

  “Fen, put a shield up around her!” His father’s yell broke through his fog of panic.

  “I’ve got you.” Fen drew a shield of light and darkness around them, his powers absorbing Rina’s. It was an explosion of light and energy, a battering ram against his senses. Her back arched and he rolled her to her side. Her eyelids twitched in time with her shaking arms, and a grimace scrunched her brow. He wiped the hair from her face as he kept her head from hitting the stone floor. He gave his shadows life and form, willed them to life and cushion her, to sooth.

  Eventually, Rina’s shaking eased to a quiver. Her powers quieted as she sucked in a ragged breath. Fen heaved a sigh of relief just as she jolted upright and scrambled away from him.

  “It’s just me—Fen.” Something in him frayed as she stared at him—through him. “Rina?” Recognition crossed her features and he pulled her back into his arms as her grief washed over him. He hated this, the constant battle for her to find calm and peace. He kept the shield around them as he held her, afraid she’d break beyond repair if she was pushed anymore.

  Beyond their cocoon of light and shadow, the others were getting back to their feet. Flames flickered and Fen tracked Dorn as he stalked a few paces toward the far end of the room. “What did you make her see?” Dorn growled.

  “Her brother’s death. I tried to break the connection, but I couldn’t. I didn’t know the loss was so recent … I would have avoided the last couple of weeks all together had I known.”

  “So everything we’ve been told is the truth?�
� Lord Airin asked.

  “Yes, though I did not see the event with Lord Trazar, but I’d advise that no one ever do that to her again.”

  Looking in her eyes, Fen brushed the loose tendrils of hair off her cheek, making sure she was okay. Although she tried to hide it, he could feel her pain, and he hated it. Hated what she had to do. “You can check my memories if you need to,” Fen said as he released his shield, his shadows and light seeping back into him. There was a distant look in Rina’s eyes and her hands were cold as he helped her to her feet, but her grief had calmed back to a dull roar.

  “Sorry if I hurt any of you,” Rina said.

  “No, I should be the one apologizing,” Andi said as he came back to join them in the middle of the room. There was a slight limp to his gait, but Fen still put himself between the male and Rina.

  “Thankfully, you haven’t fully come into your powers, or Andi may be singing a different toon,” Lady Gea said.

  “How did you do that?” Lord Engar asked him, but before Fen could respond, Lady Gea cut in.

  “You’re mates, aren’t you?”

  He looked at his father. “It hasn’t officially been verified, but yes.” He lifted his chin. “We were going to tell you when the topic came up.”

  “You all right, Andi?” Lord Airin asked the mindbender.

  “Nothing a day or two won’t heal... and a few strong drinks.”

  Lord Engar turned to his mate and stared at her. “All right, you’ve seen and felt her power. Can you tell us now?”

  “No. Not until you and everyone else here swears an oath of fealty to her. Nexi was very clear with her instructions on what I or Rina’s grandmother were to do in various situations.”

  Fen struggled to hide his smile as Lord Engar rolled his eyes and groaned. He hadn’t known that Lady Gea and Arlen’s mother had been close with Queen Nexi. And apparently, Lord Engar hadn’t realized just how close they had been either.