THE FORGOTTEN LUNA novel Chapter 80

ADESSA.

“I’ve been looking for you for twenty years,” the King said, and it kept resonating in my ears.

I looked at him, and slowly, the words came out of my lips. “Looking for me? For twenty years? I’m not sure I understand.”

“Your mother’s name is Adelaine.”

It was the woman’s name he mentioned earlier when he first saw me.

“She was taller, but you look just like her. And even with that mask on, I could tell.”

“My King, you must be mistaken.” I forced a smile despite the loud beating of my heart and the sweat on my palms. “This is not my real hair. And they put too thick makeup on me. What you see…”

“I know what I felt.”

I swallowed hard as my stomach churned. King Essak turned away and headed for the window. He looked outside while I remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

“A King’s senses are heightened. My sense of hearing, reflexes, taste, everything. And I could feel a bond. I felt it for every one of my children that came into this world. I knew someone was born twenty years ago, and I felt that same connection when I saw you.”

I was just staring at him as more questions formed in my head.

“I didn’t know she bore a daughter. I was prophesied that I would only have sons but not a daughter.” He continued while I tried to keep up with everything he was saying.

The King has five sons, all of which are ruling their own territories. And one of these days, one of them would rise as the New Alpha King.

“What that foolish woman Miranda had said only backed my assumptions. A secret we never confirmed to anyone. All royals were born with a red mark on their hip bones. And they change in every stage of their life.” He then turned around to face me as goosebumps rose on my skin.

If he were lying, then he wouldn’t know about the changes in my birthmark. I thought it was a defect, but the people at the orphanage stated I was hallucinating when I told them I thought my mark had changed its form while I was growing up. So, I never opened the topic again.

“What form do you have on your back now?” He asked.

“It’s almost a heart. But not yet…”

“You’re ready, then.” He said with a poker expression.

“What do you mean, my King?”

“Call me Father, Adessa.”

“I’m not sure I understand what is going on. If you were my father, where is my mother? Why was I left alone in the orphanage?”

“I know you will have many questions. I will answer all of that when the right time comes.”

“Is my mother the queen?” I knew it was a stupid question because the deceased Queen’s name was not Adelaine. But I wanted to understand more.

“She’s not your mother.”

“All your sons…”

“Your brothers…” He cut me off.

“All your sons…” I repeated firmly. “...are children of your Queen. And they’re older than me. Am I an illegitimate child?”

“You’re my daughter.”

“You cheated on your Queen,” I mumbled as tears fell from my eyes. I had no idea where I got the courage to say that to him. But maybe his thought that I was his child gave me that confidence.

“I was not proud of that, but I couldn’t change a thing anymore. All I know is I am glad I finally found you.”

“We are not sure if I’m your daughter.”

“We will find out soon.”

“And what if I’m not?” I asked as I closed my eyes, waiting for the worst.