The Kraken’s Queen (Grym Hollow #3)

14. Erin

Chapter 14

Erin

I don’t remember going to bed or lying down. I definitely don’t remember sleeping the day away. I do remember pouring my heart out to Allarick and him accepting all my baggage involving James. I thought I would regret sharing with him, but I’m actually relieved. Someone else finally knows my story.

When I finally come to, I’m back in my room. Only this time, I’m not alone. Stuffed into a small chair is Allarick’s sleeping form. His large frame is contorted into what cannot be a comfortable position. Meanwhile, I have a large bed all to myself, but Allarick didn’t join me. He respected my space.

I melt a little bit.

I shift in bed, causing it to creak. Allarick is alerted immediately, and his eyes snap open as he takes me in. When he sees I’m fine, his tense posture relaxes a fraction. “Hey, how are you feeling?” His rich baritone voice is raspy with sleep.

“I don’t feel any different than I did yesterday. Did it not work?” What would it mean if I can’t go down to Tetria with Allarick? Does that make me useless to his cause?

Before I can spiral any more, Allarick sits up. “It worked. You aren’t supposed to feel different until we are in the water. I just wanted to make sure you didn’t have a bad reaction to the serum. It’s rare, but I didn’t want to take the chance.”

That explains why he’s in here. “You watched me while I slept?”

“Yeah.” Allarick’s chin dips down, averting his gaze. “I’m sorry I didn’t ask. You were asleep, and I thought risking your anger was better than risking your life.”

“I’m not angry,” I quickly reassure. “Though you didn’t have to sleep in the chair. I’m a big girl. I could have handled you sleeping on the other side of the bed.” Even as I say the words, I wonder how true they are. I don’t know how I would have reacted if I saw Allarick in bed with me. In theory, it sounds nice, appealing even, but the shock might have triggered a reaction I’d rather keep hidden.

“We should get going, Erin,” Allarick says after a moment of silence. “Atina has left clothes for you that are better suited to the ocean. When you’re done, meet me outside.”

The sun is out by the time I make it outside. The black spandex pants Atina left me make it almost hot outside. The top is simple, similar to a bikini top. It covers what it needs to cover but little else. I’ve never been a prude when it comes to showing off skin, but the fabric is almost translucent. My nipples are on full display for anyone who looks hard enough.

“You look good, land dweller,” Atina says once I reach her. She’s in the same outfit from yesterday but without her tricorn. Her long, beaded braids are pulled back into a high ponytail. This woman is not only fierce but beautiful too. She radiates confidence and elegance. Everything I wish I had. I would be lying if I said I don’t have a slight girl crush on her.

“You don’t think the top is a little revealing?”

Atina just laughs. “Be thankful you have a top. Not everyone will down below.”

Well, okay then.

“Come, Allarick is at the docks waiting for you. Are you ready, Erin? If you aren’t comfortable going down to Tetria, let me know now. I would never send a woman into a situation she doesn’t want to be in.” Her intensity stuns me, plus the implication she would go against her brother if I asked. She’s known me for all of a day but is already looking out for me.

I give her a reassuring smile. “Thank you. Truly. But I’m here to help Allarick save his kingdom. I know what I signed up for. I’m ready to see my new home.”

Atina considers my words but must find them acceptable because she nods. “Let’s go then. Allarick is already in the water.”

Hearing that Allarick is in the water, probably in kraken form, sends a certain thrill through me. I have only seen him like that once, but I didn't get to properly enjoy him since I was too busy coming down from my panic attack. This time I’m going to take in my fill.

“Will you be joining us?” I ask Atina. Her legs are longer than mine, and I have to jog to keep up with her. But at my question, she slows down, laughing.

“Absolutely not. I don’t go below the water. My place is above on my ship.” She stares fondly out to where I see a black ship bobbing in the distance. “That’s the Stone Heart up there. My ship since I’ve been sailing. She’s served me and my crew well over these years.”

“You seem really fond of her.”

“Aye. She’s my home. My crew is my family. We all have the heart of an explorer. Maybe someday I’ll tell you about our adventures.”

“I would love that,” I say honestly, wondering what type of life Atina leads. It’s easy to see how much like Allarick she is. Both are passionate for the ocean, just in different ways. I hope to capture an essence of their love for the ocean when I live there. Seeing the ocean through Allarick’s eyes will be memorable.

“Ah, there he is. Show-off.” Atina rolls her eyes, though a slight smile tugs at her lips. I follow her gaze and spot Allarick lounging by the dock. He’s shirtless, and for the first time, I notice markings on his chest I missed before. A large triton takes up his left pectoral, encased in waves. His locs flow freely around him, and small gold rings adorn his strands, flickering in the sun.

Below the waist is what catches my attention next. Eight dark red tentacles move underneath the water. Each tentacle is thick, like the size of a boa constrictor. They look like weapons that could easily harm or kill an enemy.

But I’ve felt the softness of them too. The gentle hold and caress on my body while they chase away my inner demons.

Allarick sees me staring and grins. Heat rushes to my cheeks at being caught staring at my soon-to-be husband. He laughs like a male who knows he’s attractive. Which he is. Very much so.

“Erin, you look beautiful,” Allarick says, taking his time to study me. I have the urge to cover my nipples, but I fight it. His gaze doesn’t linger on my chest for long, because he’s proven already he’s a gentleman. Still, I don’t think I would have minded him staring at my chest for a little longer.

“She’s ready to go below. I’ll wait here until I know everything has gone okay,” Atina says.

Allarick moves closer to the pier. “Aw, worried about me, Guppy?”

“I don’t give a shit about you, Brother. I’m here in case Erin can’t stand your annoying ass,” Atina says with no real anger behind her words. I think their relationship is throwing insults to show their love. Not having a sibling myself, I can’t say if this is normal. From shows and movies I’ve seen, though, I think it is.

“Are you ready to go, my queen?” Allarick asks, and the same warm, fuzzy feeling fills my chest at the sound of his new nickname for me.

Before I go to him, I turn to Atina. I have the strange urge to hug her, so I do. Atina tenses before awkwardly bringing her hand up to pat my back. “ Thank you,” I say, though I’m not sure what I’m thanking her for.

The clothes.

Making me feel better.

Agreeing I should go with Allarick.

Allowing us to take over her house.

“Erm, you’re welcome,” she says as I pull back. “Now, let's get you into the water.”

Atina moves her hand to the center of my back, giving me a gentle push forward. My legs are slow to move, but soon I’m walking to the edge of the pier. Allarick waits below, hands outstretched. Two tentacles also snake out, providing me with extra support if I need it.

I lower myself on the pier, letting my legs dangle over. Allarick swims closer, a kind smile on his features. “You ready, my queen?” He reaches for me, and I flinch.

Allarick catches this and immediately pulls back, a stricken look on his face.

“Sorry,” I murmur, hating that I made him feel bad. Again. “No hands. But maybe your tentacles?” I ask, looking at the powerful appendages surrounding him. How funny that I’m scared of the gentlest part of him while feeling comforted by the deadliest part of him.

“Good idea.” Two red tentacles reach out toward me. I let them wrap gently around my waist, feeling like a silky caress. Absentmindedly, I reach out to stroke the tentacle, mesmerized by the silky feeling. I swear I hear Allarick groan, and then Atina coughs.

“Yeah, want to keep the heavy petting to yourself?” she asks, and I jerk my hand away .

My face flames. “Did I do something wrong?”

“Yes.”

“No.”

Atina and Allarick speak at the same time. Allarick shoots his sister a glare. Atina rolls her eyes, placing a hand on her hip. “Listen, as your sister, I want to gouge my eyes out before I watch…that.”

“Watch what? Please tell me what I did wrong.” Since clearly Allarick isn’t going to.

“Touching his tentacle like this is the equivalent of stroking his co?—”

“It’s not!” Allarick growls, pulling me into the water. I shiver at the sudden rush of cold. Or maybe at the fact I was getting handsy with my almost-husband and didn’t even realize it.

The terror on my face softens Allarick. “It can mean that,” he admits but quickly goes on, “Typically, touching another’s tail or tentacles is an intimate act reserved for partners. It’s not inherently sexual unless we were…engaging in sexual acts.”

Oh.

Oh.

“Right, now that's out of the way, you should go. I’ll keep searching for more information about the mysterious singing. We’ll check in soon.” Atina tilts her head down in a goodbye gesture. “Enjoy Tetria, Your Majesties.”

“Wait, how am I supposed to breathe underwater? I know you gave me the potion, but I don’t feel any different,” I say to the siblings.

“Your gills will form as soon as I take you under water,” Allarick answers like I’m supposed to know what that means.

“My…gills?”

Allarick doesn’t respond this time. His hold around me tightens, and he says goodbye to his sister. Without any further warning, he plunges us into the water.