Chapter Twenty-Seven
THE SPY
Ididn’t know how much time I had before the dinner summons.
My water-projected self might be recognizable if one stopped to assess the glimmering outline of my body’s shape, but the constant undulation of the water blurred even that.
The exhilaration of having accomplished this feat of magic left me buoyant.
I cracked my door open and leaked out of the room. Though I surged confidently down the hallways, I was not arrogant enough to storm down the center and risk detection. I stayed pressed against walls and tapestries, stilling when Nereidians passed by.
Servants, guards, and members of the queen’s court flitted about. The throne room beckoned and I peered inside. The queen remained on her throne providing direction and idly speaking with those around her. I swam beyond it, intent in my search.
Recalling the other passages and guards from our initial journey through the palace, I turned down a hall with promise. It led to storage and kitchens and other service rooms. I backtracked, meandering along the corridors.
I spotted a warrior and tracked him. He followed a winding path that eventually opened into a large atrium.
I bit my cheek to stifle my surprise. Thousands of muscled, armored warriors filled the area.
A sigh of relief escaped me. Perhaps an accord between our realms would truly solidify our chances for success.
I stayed only briefly to observe what I could in regards to numbers, their division of organization, and general hierarchy.
The atrium was several hundred feet wide and twice as tall.
Levels were separated in ways I couldn’t understand, but there were five that I could count, stretching toward the ceiling, where warriors sparred, weapons were tested, and forms were practiced.
It was impressive and encouraging to witness.
I finally retreated, rushing back toward my room, acutely aware of the passing time.
My movements involuntarily slowed the closer I came to the entrance of the throne room.
Curiosity overcame me at the majesty of Queen Thaleia.
I entered her space wary and watchful, lingering in the corner, observing.
Everything about this realm captivated me—the colors, the movement, the beauty.
A creature of nightmares swam by, leashed and controlled by a handler. Its body ribboned through the water and its mouth featured long, protruding teeth—two on top and two on bottom. Several more followed behind the first. They innately horrified me. The queen clapped upon seeing them.
“The eels have arrived! It’s been too long since we shared our fun with foreign dignitaries. I do love a good surprise. Make sure they are well-fed.” The handlers maneuvered the beasts into cages. I noticed several other caged eels surrounded by a cloud of blood from the fish they consumed.
They exuded a violence that left me entranced. One of the eels completed its meal and was directed to sink its teeth into an empty container. The teeth oozed out a dark-purple liquid that collected at the bottom.
“They are magnificent, don’t you think?”
I froze. How had she seen me? So engrossed with the hideousness of the eels and what they were doing with them, I failed to notice the queen’s approach. Hells, this was bad.
Slowly, I turned to her, a sheepish smile on my face.
“These are vampire eels. They provide endless entertainment, as you will experience later this evening. Do you have a question for me? I much prefer direct confrontation over this sneaking around bit; though I commend you on your cleverness. I don’t recall the last water-wielder having such power, or at least using it so brazenly. ”
Queen Thaleia did not face me directly. In fact, she did not openly acknowledge her conversation with me at all. If she had, surely guards would have surrounded us. I swallowed down my phantom throat.
“I had hoped to learn more about your kingdom. I did not mean any disrespect. The general is unaware of my actions,” I mumbled.
“I am pleased to share about the Nereid Realm; we are a people who have fought valiantly for what is ours. Now is not the time to discuss this, though. Feel free to join the General and I when we meet tomorrow. For now, it would be best for you to return to your rooms.”
I curtsied and began my retreat.
“A warning to you, Water Wielder.” I paused at her address. “I can taste secrets. And yours are bitter on my tongue.”
Good to know my history preceded me. I raced back to my room where my body remained on the bed, lying in repose as though asleep.
My awareness merged back with my body, and I gasped as air filled my lungs. The small gills below my ears fluttered with the intake of water. I removed the kelp cuffs and left them floating listlessly above my bed. I couldn’t dwell on my embarrassment at the queen herself catching me.
Hells.
I entered the main living area where I’d breezed by Finn on my way in, hoping for a distraction.
Finn reclined on a velvet couch; Bowen sat on the other end reading a book from the coffee table. Finn threw out his flirty grin and patted the space next to him. “Take a seat, Rebby.”
I rolled my eyes as I nestled into a spot on the sofa, still catching my breath and grateful for the invitation. Bowen sat on my other side, seemingly annoyed at my intrusion. “I told you that you’d find a dagger in your back if you called me that,” I addressed Finn.
“I like to press my luck. How was that whirlpool portal for you? I thought my balls were going to explode.”
I chuckled, recalling the experience. “It was a very uncomfortable feeling. I feared we would all be separated right until it stopped.”
“I knew it! You would have missed me terribly.”
“No one would miss you that much, Finn.” Dom interrupted, his eyes dark in the ambient light. I avoided his gaze, feigning interest in Bowen’s book. He perked up at my attentions and began explaining what he was reading. I hardly listened.
Shadows pulsed around me, and I peered up at Dom. A muscle in his jaw ticked as he stared down the space between Bowen and me. I frowned at him. Why the hells would he care if I was interested in Bowen’s book?
Those shadows were as moody as its master.
I reminded myself of the bargain I initiated.
Once it was fulfilled, we could leave this realm and I could connect Evander with Dom.
Then, I was leaving. The sting of my nails in my palm grounded me.
This couldn’t be over with sooner. I really needed to spend less time around Dom so I could keep my emotions in check.
I flexed my fingers to ease the tension.
Dom noticed the movement as he pulled his shadows back toward himself. His voice flowed firm, if slightly detached. “I will make sure we get an audience with Queen Thaleia tomorrow. Tonight, let’s just glean whatever we can about her and her kingdom and try to rest.”
I wondered if I should tell him about my spying attempt, and the vampire eels, but caution kept me silent. Dom shifted to stare pointedly at Finn. “And eat whatever food they serve us, even if you have to pretend to like it. Don’t insult them.” His tone mirrored a mother chiding her son.
Finn appeared affronted at the remark. “How was I supposed to know that awful stew was Lord Fallon’s dead wife’s favorite meal?” He leaned toward me conspiratorially, pulling me closer than necessary. “I swear it looked like pig brain floating.”
Dom clenched his jaw as the room appeared to darken. I smothered a smile, putting some space between us. “I’m sure we can all stomach whatever is served. We might even be gone by tomorrow. One night of foreign cuisine won’t hurt us.”
A knock interrupted us. A servant appeared to let us know they would lead us to the dining room when we were presentable. I peered down at my scaled leathers and softly sighed, not excited about changing into one of the provided gowns.
A young mermaid with mint-colored hair followed me to my room. “Will you need help dressing?” she asked.
“I suppose I might.” She floated to the closet and emerged with a lavender dress, tiny shells sewn into the hem to help weigh it down. The material was soft and thin, and almost entirely see-through. I held it up, swallowing my future embarrassment.
The servant pretended not to notice. The girl opened a jar, and tiny flecks of glowing lights swam out, burrowing into the material.
She softly smiled. “These are microjellies. They won’t sting you, but their tentacles, which you can hardly see, cast a silver glow.
Living glitter. They are used in our finest gowns.
” She held it up, the dress now sparkling with the twinkling lights of a thousand jellies, nodding in approval.
I removed my leathers and searched for Gemma’s swim suit.
The little scraps of cloth barely covered my most intimate parts.
The gracious mermaid averted her eyes until I beckoned for her, and then she pulled the dress over my head, affixing it securely to my body.
The sheer fabric shimmered with a sweetheart neckline and fitted bodice.
The gossamer grazed my hips before flowing delicately to my ankles. Even staying still, it glistened.
“If you intend to wear this stringed underthing, I would recommend only the bottom. The top detracts from the beauty of the dress. Our culture believes that the forms we inhabit are to be celebrated. I could rearrange the microjellies to cover more of your chest if that helps.” I gulped, nodding.
The young mermaid beamed as she worked her magic with the dress, repositioning many of the jellies to at least cover my nipples.
I would not allow this mortification to affect our mission.
In and out. I did my part to get us safely into this realm.
We could secure the queen’s support and be done.
If this dress brought me success, and a way to fulfill my end of the bargain, then so be it.
The knot in my throat didn’t agree. Hells, I did not sign up for this.
The mermaid gently combed my hair, which thankfully continued to maintain its whitened color. She created a coronet braid with half of my hair, affixed with a simple shell. The rest of my hair, including the small braids behind my ears, flowed in a curtain of silver behind me.
The servant searched through a drawer until she found some tiered earrings to compliment my gown. She offered them to me as she appraised my outfit, “Now you are most presentable for the Queen. Let’s meet the others and I will lead you to dinner.”
Reminding myself I was a highly trained murderous assassin did not help my humiliation. I entered the living area to face the group of very male rebels with my chin held high.
Everyone stopped talking, the proverbial air sucked out of the room.
I took in their outfits as they took in mine—the fabric of their shirts clung to their chests emphasizing every ripple of muscle.
I noticed them all, but my gaze glued to Dom.
The shirts lacked buttons on the top half revealing everything from his throat to his chest. His pants billowed with the current, intermittently adhering to his powerful thighs.
Bowen elbowed Finn and they immediately busied themselves with their hands.
Dom stilled, a muscle in his jaw feathered as his eyes affixed to mine.
Slowly, they raked down my body, then carefully back up.
Warmth spread from my core, and the knowing heat of flushed cheeks radiated, but I refused to balk.
“I hope I don’t have to kill anyone this evening. Might ruin the mission.” His words cascaded over me, glass sharp and tempest black.
Swallowing hard, I flashed a coy smile. “Are we ready to eat or are we going to stare at each other all night?”
He took a step forward, meeting my challenge. “Perhaps I’m not hungry for food.”
I didn’t move, still unable to peel my eyes off of him. His pupils overpowered his golden irises, darkening his powerful features. His voice came out hard, gravelly. “I’ll escort you. Take my hand. Please.”
I had no desire to disobey.
“Good girl,” he murmured.
My breath caught. His arm tensed beneath mine as he sensed my reaction.
“Good to know,” he muttered.
“I could eat something,” Finn suggestively responded, waggling his eyebrows, effectively throwing ice water on the heated moment.
I swear I heard Dom growl.