Ember of Hope
Chapter 67

Valiance knew where he would replace her. But instead of immediately flying to the Kings’ gate; which was exactly what she had done judging by the still fresh scent of her dragon in the air around him, he walked; trying to gather his thoughts about how he was going to console his mate. He knew she was hurting for so many reasons. And he was hurting more for her. She had lost so much and to now know that it wasn’t even half of what she had actually lost.

Valiance stopped in the kitchens on his way out and gathered some food for Raegan. Chef had made one of her favorites luckily and he happily packed the lemon and honey glazed chicken along with slices of some chocolate cake for them. When he reached his destination; Valiance found her sitting at the foot of her father’s statue. Her head was bowed and arms wrapped around her knees. Silently he put the basket down and went to sit with her. She didn’t look at him but put her head on his shoulder and he wrapped an arm around her. They sat there silently for a long while; giving each other comfort of their presence.

“How could she? How can a mother be so cruel Val?” she asked in a weak voice.

“I don’t know sweetheart but maybe we should listen to the whole story first. We don’t know what happened”. Valiance himself didn’t want to even acknowledge the fact that Katherine was Raegan’s mother but he knew in his heart that knowing the whole truth was what his mate needed. So he’d be there for her every step of the way.

“I don’t hate him, you know” she was talking about her father, “he didn’t do anything wrong. Do you think he would’ve loved me if given the chance?”

“I know he would’ve cherished you and every moment with you. He would’ve been a great father to you. Sadly both of you were robbed of that time but you have found each other and that’s the best thing Raegan. You’ll have all the time you want with him. Just talk to him whenever you’re ready; he’ll be waiting for that.”

“How can you be so sure?” the uncertainty in her eyes broke his heart. That cursed woman had put this doubt in his beautiful mate’s heart – she thought she wasn’t worthy of love if her own mother had given her up. And he’d move mountains to show her how very worthy of all the love she was. She deserved the world.

“When we were little; Damien and I, he would always take some time out of his day to play with us. Even though he was the king; to us he was just a friend, a fun uncle. He would play with us, take us flying, and sneak us treats when father wasn’t looking. He taught us how to fight. He was always attentive to every one’s needs. That’s how I know he would’ve loved his own daughter like he’d loved nothing else”.

There was a little smile blooming on her lips and it was so beautiful he couldn’t stop himself from leaning forward and capturing it with his lips… just a little press of his lips on hers and he had it etched in his memory for forever. “Come on, let’s eat. Chef has sent you your favorite”. Her eyes lit up as he opened the basket and she inhaled the aroma of food.

“I swear to God, I haven’t eaten such good food my whole life. He has magic in his hands”. She mumbled around a bite of chicken and moaned.

For the moment she was happy. And that’s all he could ask amidst all the happenings around them.

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She raised her hand to knock on the library door where she was told she’d replace the king and hesitated. Val’s words echoed inside her head, I know he would’ve cherished you and every moment with you, and gave her the courage she needed to knock. “Come in” sounded from somewhere inside and her heart started to hammer. She cracked open the door and peeked inside. Her father stood with a book in his hands; leaning against an aisle. When his eyes found her lurking in the doorway; they widened a bit and then a smile bloomed on his face. She smiled back tentatively and entered the library; one of her favorite rooms in the fortress.

She looked left and right at the aisles and books like she hadn’t spent half of her time in that very room every day since she came to Evreux. Most days she would fall asleep on one of the sofas amidst piles of books. But now she looked at everything with so much interest; anything to avoid looking at the man standing still; looking at her. She knew because in her periphery she could see his attention.

“We don’t have to do this now if you’re not ready” he said calmly. Did he not want to talk about the fact that she was indeed his daughter?

“I would give anything to have you forgive me and let me tell you all that happened. But I don’t want you to feel any pressure. You can take your time. I can imagine how hard this must be for you”. He said, as if he’d read her thoughts.

“I don’t have anything against you. You’re not to blame so you have nothing to apologize for”. She looked at him directly for the first time since she’d entered the room.

“I’d like to believe that too”, he motioned towards the sitting area and sat in a sofa with his arms on his knees and his finger intertwined. “But she was my mate. I knew what a witch can be capable off and still; I trusted her. I should’ve known better”.

“As you said she was your mate. The one person in the whole world whom you could trust blindly. She betrayed you and you’re not guilty. I don’t blame you so you shouldn’t either”. He raised his head and looked at her. She saw a war waging in his eyes. He wanted to believe her but he couldn’t let go of his guilt. So she started telling him her story. “My parents were the best people a kid could’ve asked for as parents. I always knew I was adopted but I never felt it. I had a brother too and he was like any other annoying younger brother. I loved them and they loved me. And in a way I’m glad that I got to spend my life with such amazing people. I think I have Katherine to thank for that at least.” She rubbed at her chest to bear the pain that seared her heart at the memory of her family.

“I’m glad to know that. Do they know about everything? I’d like to meet them if you’re okay with that”.

“I would’ve liked that but…” Raegan couldn’t get the words out. She closed her eyes against the pressure building up behind her lids. “They had an accident and they didn’t make it”. She finished with her eyes closed.

“Oh honey I’m so sorry”. Her father got up from his seat and pulled her up in his arms. He kept rubbing her back soothingly and for the first time in a long while she felt the love of a parent for her. The tears started streaming down her face and still her father held her and let her sort out her emotions while providing silent support. “I can’t replace them but I’m here now sweetheart whenever you need me.” He stroked her hair tenderly like she was a small child.

She pulled her head back and he wiped her tears; smiling down at her. She smiled back, “You’re my father and I’ll always need you”. Standing up on her tiptoes; she planted a kiss on his cheek and then laughed at his shell shocked expression. “We’ll take it one day at a time and we’ll be okay, I promise”.

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