She was not afraid of me, and she agreed to meet me tomorrow. I cannot deny that this pleases me greatly, for I wish to spend more time with her. I follow under the water to make sure she reaches the shore safely. Though she is strong, there are creatures in the ocean that are dangerous even to my kind.
As soon as she drags herself onto the beach, I swim back out to the rock, concealing myself as I observe her.
I now know that the tall man I saw with her earlier is her brother, Gerold. I’ve heard much about him. He is strong in his own right. In the days following the attack, I witnessed him organizing his people to begin cleaning and rebuilding the city.
As soon as they disappear around the rocks toward their castle, I head back home. The sun is already low on the water, and I’m sure Father is wondering where I’ve been.
I must conjure a good excuse before I arrive. If I must make one up on the spot, he’ll easily detect the lie. Father has always been skilled at reading people.
As I make my way back to the city, images of Halla flash through my mind. Her eyes are even bluer than the sea and her hair is the color of flame. A strange yet lovely contrast of fire and water.
Several of my people swim past me when I enter the city. A few of the females cast appraising glances my way, but I note that none of them are as lovely as Halla. She is the most beautiful female I have ever seen. I wish that she was Mer or that I were human. If only…
By the time I reach the castle, it is late. The golden glow of the L’sair crystals illuminates the structure, lending an ethereal appearance to the palace and the city that surrounds it.
Many kingdoms lie beneath the sea—Toren and I have accompanied Father to almost all of them—but none rival the beauty and majesty of Atena and its castle.
Tall towers of white and black pearl spiral toward the surface. They sparkle against the glowing lights like shining beacons amidst the blue water. The many surrounding buildings are made of pearl, as well, intricately carved with beautiful patterns. Groves of seaweed sway gently back and forth in the calm waters as Mer children zip between them, playing games.
As soon as I enter the palace, Toren swims to me, a grim look on his face as he speaks through the mind link. “Father is angry. He’s been searching for you all day.”
“What did you tell him?”
“Nothing. I said I could not find you.”
“Why was he searching for me? He normally does not care what I do.”
Toren shrugs. “I do not know. He merely said it was important.”
“Errik!” Father’s voice rings in my mind. He probably picked up on my presence through our family bond since I am nearby.
“Coming, Father,” I reply dutifully.
Toren follows me toward the throne room. Sentries float on either side of the great doors. They dip their chins in salute as Toren and I enter.
Father is seated on this throne at the far end of the hall, a thunderous expression on his face. “Where have you been?”
“I was hunting,” I lie, the best I could come up with on short notice. “Toren says you’ve been searching for me most of the day. Is something wrong?”
He narrows his eyes, most likely recognizing my lie for what it is, but he doesn’t challenge my words. He swims toward me and places a hand on my shoulder. “My son, I must speak with you about something important.”
“What is it?”
“I have found you a mate.”
My head jerks back. “A mate? Why?”
His brows pinch together as if my question were absurd. “You are of age—twenty-five years old—and the heir to Atena. That is why. I have negotiated a betrothal between you and Princess Luriel of the kingdom of Itlana. Your bonding will ensure peace between us, especially once you produce an heir.”
“An heir?” I ask incredulously. “Father, you cannot be serious. You cannot possibly think I’ll bond with a stranger.”
“She is a good match for you, Errik,” he states firmly. “You will bond with her to unite our kingdoms.”
“No, Father. I will not. Besides, our kingdoms are already united with a peace treaty, are they not?”
His nostrils flare as he glares at me. “You know as well as I that treaties are not as strong as blood bondings.” I start to protest, but he waves his hand dismissively. “Go. Do not speak anymore unless it is to tell me that you are not selfish and will put the needs of your kingdom above your own.”
His words are like a blade in my heart. I know that I have rebelled somewhat in the past, but I have never done anything serious. In truth, I have tried my best to be a worthy, dutiful son. I have only ever wanted his approval.
Dorin—Father’s advisor and my mentor—purses his lips disapprovingly. “Think on it, Errik. This betrothal would be good for you and our kingdom. Who knows? When you meet Luriel, your fate markings may appear.”
He is right. There is always a chance I could find my fated mate; perhaps it may even be Luriel. I lower my eyes to the floor. “I will consider it, Dorin.”
