Chapter 7 Ezra
CHAPTER SEVEN
EZRA
Even I had to admit that kissing a mermaid was probably the most exhilarating thing I’d ever done in my life. It was strange to think that when I was last human, Princess Cressida might have wanted to kiss me. And that filled my stomach with dread.
I knew I shouldn’t think it, especially because Aulani had her own world and prince to return to, probably oceans away, but I secretly wondered what it would be like if she stayed.
Was it absolutely necessary that I marry the woman who was once betrothed to my brother?
My father said I was taking Tavo’s place, but did that include taking the woman he was meant to wed?
Did I really have to follow the guidance and advice of my father and the counselors?
Aulani grabbing my arm swiftly distracted me from my roiling stomach.
Her big brown eyes sparkled in the moonlight as she smiled up at me.
Sorry I keep grabbing you like a drunk sailor on a steady ship, she said to my mind.
Just when I think I get the hang of these legs, they keep swaying like kelp on a bad day.
The corner of my lip turned up. Every part of Aulani was bubbling and overflowing with joy.
It was becoming increasingly difficult to keep my composure around her.
I had given her my shirt a while back, which made me feel much too exposed with a naked upper body, but she didn’t seem to mind.
She even said that mermen never wore shirts or clothes, so it didn’t bother her.
It bothered me though. What was the mermaid’s life really like? Did she have a lover back in her kingdom? Or was she in love with that human prince she mentioned?
I shouldn’t care. So why did it nag at me?
On our walk through the forest, I told her everything that had happened to me: taking my brother’s place, the walk in the garden with Cressida, the fight against the invasive frogs, and trying to help the songbirds thrive again.
You’ve got a lot on your shoulders Ezra, she said after I finished. Honestly, I can see why you’re so stressed now.
Stressed?
She laughed. Yes. Ever since I met you, you’re tight and serious as a hungry stingray.
I glanced at her and she squeezed my arm. You’ll get it all sorted, Ezra. I know you will.
Her confidence in me was encouraging, especially when she didn’t even know me. I smiled to myself, but hoped she didn’t realize the effect she was having on me… especially in such a short span of time.
When we reached the village, I spoke softly. “It’s probably best if people don’t see us…”
Especially like this? She grinned and looked me up and down.
I became self conscious of my frame. I was never as big and bulky like Tavo, but I did try to take care of myself, and I knew I had a strong, toned physique.
My muscles still ached, something I hoped would go away as I stayed human for a while.
But, for some reason, I hoped she found me agreeable. From the light humming coming from her mind to mine, I figured I was agreeable to her.
I nodded. Yes. We can’t let anyone see us… Especially not like this. It’ll be the scandal of all time and I do not need more marks against me.
What do you mean? She clutched my arm as we wove through the empty streets, ducking into alleys and under windows. I liked the way she held me, her hands warm and smooth like coconut milk. But she really did walk like a drunk person.
I would never tell her that, of course. She’d been a mermaid her whole life, and, considering how long she’d been a human, she was doing pretty good.
My older brother was supposed to rule, but he died in foreign lands months ago, I said. I’ve since taken his place and it’s been… rough.
Oh I’m so sorry Ezra, she said, and the compassion in her voice nearly melted me. She really did wear her heart on her sleeve.
I’m expected to wed Princess Cressida of Windmere. We were going to discuss the betrothal on our walk through the gardens. I had just signed the papers that morning before meeting with her.
Aulani wrinkled her nose. That barnacle of a princess who abandoned you in the pool? Oh I’d have a word with her if I could talk!
I chuckled. Maybe you shouldn’t be calling people names, especially when you haven’t met them yet.
She deserves it for what she did to you. You said she looked right at you! How could she not know you were transformed into a frog? Was she blind?
No.
Exactly my point. Aulani’s grip tightened on my arm, as if to emphasize her thoughts. I’ve never met her, but I don’t trust her.
Our conversation was cut short.
“We’re here,” I said. I gently knocked on the door, looking around to make sure the streets were still empty. The homes here were plantation homes: boxy, simple structures made out of wood, jalousie windows, and tin roofs. Raindrops softly drummed the roof as a light rain began.
Come on, Kalei… Just when I started worrying that Kalei wasn’t home, the door opened. My cousin stood there, as short as the mermaid princess beside me. Her dark, wavy hair was pulled back into a loose bun and her dark eyes narrowed as she took us in.
I could sense her burning questions, but she relaxed and smiled. “Hurry, come inside. Both of you.” And with that, she shut the door behind us. Kalei rushed to close the curtains. Someone was already in the small living space, and when he stood, he was as tall as myself.
Relief flooded me. “Ho‘ohuli.” We hugged and he seemed to hold me extra tight.
“We all thought you were dead,” he said. This man was my father’s first counselor and my own mentor. Sometimes Sir Anani Ho‘ohuli felt more like a father to me than my own father.
“There’s so much to tell you,” he said.
“But first let’s get them bathed and properly dressed,” Kalei said, holding a bundle of towels in her hands. “She smells like the sea and you smell like a musty old frog.”
Aulani laughed at that and Kalei smiled at her. “I’m Kalei Kanahele,” she said, holding out her hand, adding, “Ezra’s crazy cousin.”
“You’re not crazy.”
“You hesitated.” Kalei’s eyes narrowed at me.
Aulani laughed again, though she was mute as ever, and it hurt my heart that they wouldn’t get to hear her beautiful voice.
At least I get to hear her voice.
I heard that. The mermaid princess glanced at me and smiled, which made my heart race faster than a rushing waterfall.
“Ho‘ohuli brought some clothes for you, Ezra. You can bathe outside in the back and I’ll help Aulani in my own washroom.”
Are you going to be alright? I asked and Aulani nodded enthusiastically.
I like your cousin already, Ezra!
Just call me if you need anything.
Her expression softened. You too.
So she went with Kalei while I went out back, using a bucket to dump cold freshwater on myself from Kalei’s catchment tank. Rain gutters from the rooftop went into this large catchment tank made of lava rock and cement.
The sound of coqui frogs broke the silence, and I glared into the dark forest behind her home.
Wretched frogs. I wished it was the sound of birds I heard, not the invasive species.
When I finished, I stepped into the house, towel wrapped around my waist.
“Here you are,” Ho‘ohuli said, handing me the clothes and I changed in the kitchen. I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the jalousie window and insecurity passed through me.
How much time had passed since I’d been a frog? Was father going to be disappointed with me?
It doesn’t matter, I told myself. The main thing right now was that Aulani had to get back to the sea, so she could find her kingdom again and get home.
So she can marry Prince Ryker. Ryker? I didn’t even like the sound of his name. I helped myself to the food Kalei brought out, most likely for us. The soft bread with lilikoi jam never tasted so good, and the kalua pig and rice was the most satisfying thing I’d ever eaten in my life.
I massaged the back of my neck as I closed my eyes, savoring the taste of real food.
Not bugs.
And then relief panged my heart. I was fine. I no longer had to keep checking my surroundings. There was no longer a need to constantly be on the lookout for frog catchers, or other bigger frogs.
No more survival.
I was safe here in Kalei’s home.
It was disorienting, and I jumped when I heard her voice.
“Missed real food?” Kalei stepped into the kitchen and began placing everything onto trays to take to the dining space.
“Yes… a lot. This is delicious, Kalei. Thanks for having us… on such late notice and at this hour–”
“Keoki.” She always called me by my island name. “You know I’d do anything for you.” Kalei paused in her work and put her hands on my arms, water pooling in her eyes. “I’m just so glad you’re alive.” Then we hugged. That was when Aulani walked in.
Excuse me… She quickly turned around, probably feeling awkward at interrupting us. I sensed a fleeting flash of jealousy rip through her coral walls but she grabbed it back and smiled.
Can I help?
“Sure.” I handed her a tray and then paused.
You look… She was all dressed now, with a white wrap around blouse, the long sleeves loose and hanging effortlessly. Wrapped around her waist was a flowing blue skirt, which only accentuated her petite frame.
Human? She grinned.
Beautiful.
Aulani’s eyes sparkled. Thank you, Ezra. And you clean up nicely too. Then she skipped off to the dining room, where Ho‘ohuli showed her how to set the table.
“Oof.” Kalei looked from the mermaid to me. “I can’t even hear what you guys are saying to each other in your minds, but whatever is going on between you is making this room warm.”
“Kalei!”