THE FORGOTTEN LUNA novel Chapter 91

ADESSA.

“Do you think I will just get my details from another’s mouth without any proof? Don’t you think I’m not capable of getting credible information?” The King asked, and his voice was back to being cold again.

“I’m not challenging your resources, Father, but I know my husband. I know what we went through and why we ended up here.”

“Do you really know your ex-husband, Adessa?”

I was confident when I started talking about Kael, but the way he was delivering his words made me question whether I really knew Kael. Was one year enough to know him?

But even if there was doubt in me, I did my best not to let it show. “Nothing anyone can say can make me see him in a different light.”

“You are blinded by what you feel about him.”

I swallowed hard, but I kept my gaze on him. I was torn between challenging him more and allowing him to speak his mind.

“Let’s move to my office. Your other brothers are waiting for us there.” He stood up from his chair, and I immediately moved to block his way.

“How about Danielle?” I asked.

“She is no longer your handmaid.”

“Father, please…”

“Do not make me bend my words.”

I walked up to him, and even though I was not used to doing this, I threw my arms around him and hugged him. The King was tall, so my face was exactly the same level as his torso. When he didn’t push me away, I rested my cheek against his chest. I could feel his heartbeat picking up its pace.

“Father, I grew up with nothing. Before Kael found me, I didn’t even get to choose my own clothes. I would take what they could give me. Kael gave me the freedom to choose and decide for myself. Please don’t take away my freedom again.”

When he didn’t say anything, I continued talking. “Punish us both if you must. I can go to sleep without lunch and dinner. I can also help clean whichever part of the castle you want us to.”

“Do you really think I would go to such lengths as to deprive you of food and order you to clean a corner?”

“I would rather you punish me that way than take away the handmaid that I am comfortable having around. Please consider this my first request. I promise I will behave.”

“I will think about it,” he said, and I heard him let go a breath.

“Can she stay as my handmaid while you’re thinking about it?” I asked in a soft voice. I tilted my head up to look at him and found him already looking at me.

“Stand up, Danielle. Go to Princess Adessa’s chamber and wait there until she returns.”

“Thank you, my King,” Danielle replied in almost a whisper.

A broad smile graced my lips, and I was not able to suppress my happiness. I hugged the King tightly, squeezing his body, until I realized what I was doing.

“I’m sorry.” I loosened my hold on him and let go, stepping backward as I felt my face burn in embarrassment.