Chapter 7 Astryd
ASTRYD
My steps slow on the gold vein marble.
Smoothing my seafoam colored dress, I can’t seem to keep my palms from sweating. With it snug inside Qurill’s strong grip, I must also be dampening his hand. I’d feel embarrassed for my errant perspiration if my nerves weren’t at an all-time high.
Glancing over to Qurill, my merman is the picture of perfect confidence.
Blue linen pants cling to his muscular thighs, while a matching shirt decorated with gold thread stretches across his upper body.
He is dressed nicer than I’ve seen him. Though, to be fair, in the five days since our reunion on the beach, we’ve scarcely worn any clothes.
His hunger for me is rivaled only by my hunger for him.
Every time he takes me, a deeper well of pleasure is unlocked.
Qurill has claimed all of me. We’ve fucked in every room—every corridor—of Sunshell Palace.
My screams of pleasure have scattered schools of fish. My body is an homage to his lovemaking.
Bruises in the shape of fingertips decorate my hips, while the imprint of his teeth adorns my neck and shoulders. I wear his marks proudly. They are a reminder of our love—that we’ve chosen each other. The endless days of solidarity are far behind us.
I’ll never regret my choice in staying with him.
Fear had stopped me from claiming what I truly wanted.
Qurill keeps me safe. He alleviates all my concerns.
Every time we come together, he tells me how much he adores me.
Each morning, we share words of love and end each day in the same manner. Our love is permanent and unwavering.
The rare times we are not reveling in each other’s embrace, we explore the surrounding sea. He shows me even more of his hidden coves and treasures lost to the water. My meals are succulent and shared with my lover. Still, my hunger is truly satisfied only once Qurill is inside me.
We are ravenous for each other, only refraining from taking each other out of necessity. And today is very much a necessity.
The Kraken of the Darksea’s palace is magnificent.
The polished marble floors pair with distinguished golden pillars.
Large statues of forgotten deities and sea creatures line the hallway, pointing towards the glass ceiling.
Like Sunshell Palace, all the water has been pumped out of the structure, making it suitable for a human to live here.
Not just any human—Qurill’s mother, the Queen of the Darksea, lives inside the towering structure. All the surrounding grandeur makes my feet slide to a halt on the floor. My heart pounds and my thoughts race.
Qurill pauses beside me. Dropping my hand, he tips my face up to meet his gaze. The tenderness swimming in his blue eyes makes my knees weak. A simple golden circlet is woven between his white strands of hair. It glints in the warm light streaming in from above.
“What is wrong?”
Biting my lip, I shake my head, gesturing towards the large marble doors at the end of the hallway.
“What if they don’t like me? Think I’m not suitable?” I say in a rush. “What if they think you’ve chosen poorly? What—”
“Astryd.”
“I mean, it’s not like I have much. I’m just a mediocre baker at best—no real skills, no family, no money. And you’re a prince. A prince. Surely they will—”
His lips swoop down to capture mine. The firm press sets my blood on fire. His hand strays to my hair, careful not to destroy the artful twist keeping the top half away from my face. I melt against him. My hands curl against his chest, pulling him closer to me.
He tastes like salt—he tastes like forever.
“Firstly, you’re not just anything,” he says, breaking our kiss. “You are mine. My Astryd. My brave, passionate, and beautiful Astryd. My parents will adore you and wonder what you’re doing with their irresponsible son.”
Humor glimmers in his eyes, and I can’t help but giggle.
“Irresponsible? What a cruel charge to lay against you.”
He flattens his hand against mine, bracketing his chest.
“Nothing wounds a child more than the cutting condemnation of a parent.”
I grin up at him, shaking my head. My breathing slows as calmness settles around the two of us. Qurill touches my cheek.
“They will love you—just as I do. Never doubt that.”
My heart glows, and the threads of our souls weave together. I nod, kissing him again for strength before taking his hand again. Together we walk down the hall. The large marble doors are carved with two golden starfish. They groan as they peel back, revealing the staggering throne room.
A breath stills in my lungs at the opulent sight. Sparkling marble floors sprawl outward. The dais is made of the same glowing stone. Golden veining runs along the walls and wraps around the imposing columns. Blue silk dangles from the atrium above.
The massive throne is composed of golden tentacles, frozen in different fluid positions. Light pours in from the large windows behind the dais. The farther Qurill and I walk, the more beautiful everything becomes. The scent of citrus and jasmine floats in the air.
My eyes are eager to take everything in, but they are transfixed on the two figures before us.
The Kraken of the Darksea reclines against his massive throne.
The blue hue of his skin matches that of his son’s.
Where Qurill is covered in delicate scales, the Kraken is all slick skin.
It glistens with a glittering secretion.
He’s taken on a more humanoid form. Strong legs are braced on the marble floor.
Short tentacles cascade down from his face.
He is a fearsome sight, but my eyes can’t help but wander to the human woman draped in his lap.
Vibrant red hair curls down her back. Her thick strands are held back by a spectacular pearl crown.
A dark blue gown clings to her petite frame.
Freckled arms weave through her husband's short tentacles. Qurill has his mother’s expressive, blue eyes.
They shine with curiosity as she watches us approach. Her pink lips pull into a wide grin.
Gracefully, she slides from her husband’s lap.
One of his tentacles clings to her arm and tangles in her hair.
She looks barely older than I do, yet there is a practiced fluidity in her movements.
An ageless grace colors her features. She may look human, but she is just as otherworldly as her husband.
“My son,” she calls.
Descending the dais, she extends her arm. She is a few inches shorter than I am. Qurill stoops down to embrace his mother. She lets out a content maternal sigh as she rubs gentle circles on his back.
The Kraken is hot on her heels as he comes up behind his wife. This close to me, I can barely register just how tall he is. My eyes try to remain fixed on his, but are entranced by his wriggling tentacles that float on an invisible stream.
“You’ve been away too long.” The Kraken of the Darksea’s voice is commanding. “Your mother has been worried.”
The Kraken claps his son on the shoulder once his mother releases him. The Queen of the Darksea playfully swats at her husband while rolling her eyes.
“Oh, hush. He is here now.” Her blue eyes drift towards me, and I try my best not to cower. “And he’s brought someone.”
The full weight of both King and Queen’s stares makes a sweat break out along my neck. I try not to fidget and look confident. I straighten my spine. Reining in my breathing is no easy task, but I manage it.
Qurill’s hand finds my trembling one in the fall of my skirt. He interlocks our fingers and draws me into his side. I feel calm at once, his presence steadying me.
“Mother—father—this is Astryd.” His hand grips mine. “My mate.”
Both his parents gasp softly, their eyes going wide. They each exchange a subtle look before turning back towards me. I squeeze Qurill’s hand back, wanting more than anything to make a good impression. I smile softly, shoving my nerves away.
“It is very nice to meet you both.” I bow my head slightly before raising it again. “Your son saved my life—more than once. He is very brave, and I love him very much.”
I hold my breath as I watch my words wash over them. The King and Queen share another look, longer than the last. Both come away smiling. Qurill’s mother’s eyes are glossy. Her freckled cheeks stretch as she smiles at me.
“My dear,” she sighs, wrapping me in her arms. “Welcome home.”
Qurill drops my hand so that I may properly embrace his mother. Despite our height difference and our similar appearance in age, this hug is that of a mother. It makes my heart ache remembering my own mother. She would be happy for me—she was always a dreamer and a believer in true love.
Tears sting my eyes as I hold on tighter to the Queen.
“Thank you, your majesty,” I whisper, my voice near breaking.
The Queen laughs. Her slight shoulders shake as she pulls back. Squeezing my arms, her grin is infectious.
“Please, no formalities amongst family. You must call me, Melody.”
Family. The word clangs through me.
The Queen—Melody—finally releases me. She grips her husband's hand and pulls him up beside her.
“And this is Zalenyk.”
The Kraken offers me a warm smile. He squeezes my shoulder as he had his son before taking his wife in his arms. His tentacles play in her hair and suck lightly on her face. I find Qurill’s hand again and lock our fingers tight.
“We are so happy to finally meet you.” His eyes sparkle in amusement. “You are far too lovely for our reckless son.”
“Zalenyk!” Melody reprimands, elbowing him in the stomach.
“Thanks for that, Father.”
Qurill shakes his head, but he is grinning all the same. I can’t help but join in their amusement. Life is easy. They approve of me and have welcomed me into their home. Everything is just as it should be.
“We’ve had some food prepared. You must be hungry after your journey here.”
Zalenyk and Melody exit the throne room first. I turn to follow, but Qurill tugs my hand. His palms fall to my hips, turning me fully towards him.
“See, told you they’d love you.”
I grin up at him.
“Right as always.”
His lips brush mine in a featherlight touch. I groan, reaching for him again. Qurill chuckles against my lips, kissing me firmly once more before pulling back.
“I can’t wait until we’re alone,” he confesses.
“Me as well.”
His finger trails along my jaw.
“I’ve always dreamed of fucking my mate in my childhood bedroom.” The low, decadent whisper of his voice causes me to shiver. “It’s on the opposite side of the castle—no one will hear your screams of pleasure. Not unless I want them to.”
Smiling against his mouth, I shake my head.
“You are incorrigible,” I chastise.
“And you are mine.”
“Forever.”
“Forever,” he agrees, sealing our eternity with one bruising kiss.