Page 167 of The Doll and The Domination

“I’ve been waiting a very long time to tell a family secret. I think now might be a better time than any.” His voice is rusted over with old age and possibly smoking too many cigarettes.

“What is it?” Dessin’s voice makes me twitch in his direction. Of course he’s been watching me. He catches everything.

“I…” What am I supposed to say? Would she even believe me? Would she be willing to listen?

“What?” he asks again.

I’m torn whether to speak up or not. Dessin knows the truth, but Ruth is withdrawn so deeply into her own mind, she’ll likely tune me out completely.

“Ask her if she still adds two raspberries to her tea,” the old man requests.

I blink at him. Now everyone but Ruth is staring at me. I pull my lips behind my teeth, drumming my fingers against my thigh.

“Ruth? Do you still add two raspberries to your tea?” I ask.

To my surprise, her head shifts against Warrose’s thigh, she blinks twice as tears soak the pant leg under her face. Everyone else seems to stiffen, too.

“Tell her Grandpa Monroe thought that was very sweet of her.” He’s watching Ruth now with a knowing smile. A warmth that can only be described as a grandparent’s fondness for their grandchild.

I repeat his words carefully.

“Did you see that in the void?” Her voice is raw and beaten, yet she still doesn’t make an effort to look at me.

“No,” I reply quietly. A heavy pause impregnates my hesitation. “I’ve broken through the veil of the living and dead. He’s been waiting a long time to tell you a family secret.”

Warrose, Marilynn, and Niles shoot their startled eyes to Dessin for answers. But he only crosses his arms and smirks in response, pride rooted deep in his soul at the sight of me.

Ruth turns her head, moaning loudly at the sharp pains that small motion caused her. Those long lashes flutter before her swollen gaze meets mine.

Please, please let this be good. I can’t bear to disappoint her.

“Oh, it is,” Grandpa Monroe says. “Tell my granddaughter that there’s a reason we’ve taught our lineage Old Alkadonian despite strict Demechnef laws.”

“There’s a reason your family taught their lineage Old Alkadonian despite strict Demechnef laws,” I repeat slowly, watching the old man with my own questions hanging in the air.

Ruth’s brow furrows. And even that causes her to wince.

I listen to his next words with anticipation gathering in my belly.

“His mother went through great lengths to keep your family small and unnoticeable. But even she knew that one day the significance of your real last name would defy the hierarchy,” I announce, although my tone changes to question at the end. Where is he going with this?

Niles stirs in his seat, searching my eyes for answers the same way I search the old man’s.

Grandpa Monroe clears his throat. “Tell my granddaughter she’s made for greatness no matter her current situation. She will heal nations and change hearts.”

I say his words, feeling itchy with a need to understand.

“Come on!” Niles exclaims impatiently.

“I am the bastard child of Malcolm Mazonist. My mother smuggled her pregnant belly away to the shrill society of Demechnef before anyone could notice. My granddaughter’s true name is Ruth Mazonist, the heir to the Vexamen throne.”

42. One Heart

Skylenna

I crumple to my knees with a choked sob.

“What?!”

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