Chapter 29
T he Shingu River's various canals ran throughout the queendom, serving as a freeway to travel between towns. My exposure to Atlantis had been limited to the confines of the palace, Borike’n, and Cibao University. An anticipatory thrill ran through me at the chance to see more of Atlantis; more of my people.
The only underlying current that ultimately kept my elation at bay was the prospect of meeting Draevyn’s parents. I’d heard enough to know that I may not be welcome. Even the idea that we’d become intimate might alone be problematic. With all the drama happening at the palace, it was the last thing I wanted. I’d always been respectful of my friends’ parents. They generally tended to like me. But there was one loud and glaring reason Draevyn’s parents wouldn’t like me.
Because I was the future Queen.
Which would eventually make their son the King.
I vowed to be the Queen of Atlantis no matter what obstacles stood in my way. Besides honoring Mother, I didn’t go through the hours of training and the endless lessons just to give up now.
But there was one single, solitary thing that had grown on me: the idea of Draevyn Eliron being by my side. This fascinated me. He’d given my life something I didn’t even know I was missing. I was unsure if I could let him go. I simply hoped he felt the same.
From what I’d learned of the Fae, I understood that bondmates were forever. If his parents weren’t happy about it…well…forever is a long time to deal with their disappointment. I wouldn’t choose that for Draevyn. I refused to be the cause of any more disappointment from his parents—a disappointment I felt was vastly unwarranted given the success he’s had as a Guardian. I cared for him too deeply to cause him any more pain. There was no changing my destiny, but his destiny at my side was his choice. Aside from this all-consuming…passion that had grown between us, I wasn’t sure he understood what it meant to be my bondmate. And that scared me.
“ We’re almost there ,” Draevyn informed from where he swam a few yards ahead with the other Guardians who traveled with us—a tentative smile on his face. He paused and reached back, taking my hand in his. In the distance, a set of stone steps leading out of the water came into view. Bright-colored coral and sea-green plant life bracketed the bottom step. My heart began to kick in my chest as I gazed at the bright daylight above. Draevyn gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “ It’ll be okay, nanichi . ”
Why did those words not bring me any comfort?
Our speed slowed at the foot of the stairs. We began ascending the slick steps, and when my head breached the surface, a gasp escaped my lips. Various warehouses lined the shoreline, the port teeming with Water Fae entering and exiting as they milled about their day. The savory scent of food carried from a corner cart with a line of people waiting to purchase their meal. The heavy scent of spices assaulted my nose, and I breathed in every delectable scent. Workers entered and exited large canoas in well-practiced formations, loading and unloading various crates with proficiency. Tons of canoas were tied to every available dock. This was a whole other part of Atlantis I had yet to explore, and the sight warmed my heart. They were so similar to the humans in the Above World. It gave me hope that they could be saved by seeking refuge in a small town like Sabana.
The sound of hushed whispers began reaching my ears. A few of the workers had stopped to stare at our entourage. One by one, they froze. Some dropped their crates to get a better look over their shoulder. The heat rose in my cheeks.
“Draevyn!”
A beautiful female with long jet-black hair called out to him—a male with equally dark hair at her side. It was only when they reached us that I realized who they were. Their youthfulness threw me off, but the resemblance to Draevyn was undeniable.
The woman threw her slender arms around Draevyn, squeezing him tightly. “My guali . It is so good to have you home.”
“It hasn’t been that long, Bibi, ” Draevyn said with a chuckle, returning her affection with a strong embrace of his own.
She leaned back, her olive-skinned face beaming. “You look so handsome. Have you grown?”
The male next to her scowled. “Oh, stop fussing over him, liani . He’s been a grown Fae male for centuries now. He doesn’t need his mother fussing over him.” He shook his dark-haired head and held his hand out to Draevyn. “Hello, guali . Nice of you to come home again so soon.” I hadn’t missed the subtle dig, which Draevyn gracefully ignored.
Once Draevyn grasped his hand, his father yanked him into a hug and patted him firmly on his back. His father’s gaze widened when he realized Draevyn wasn’t alone. His sea-green eyes—so much like Draevyn’s—scanned the group behind him, myself included. “What’s all this?”
Draevyn backed away, clearing his throat. “ Bibi, Baba , I’d like to meet Asherah Delmar. Asherah, these are my parents, Samani and Zoriato Eliron.”
Samani’s mouth gaped open. Zoriato’s lips tightened.
“Asherah,” Samani finally managed to say. “As in, the Princess of Atlantis?” She swatted Draevyn on the arm, causing him to wince. “You brought the Princess of Atlantis here without warning me first?”
“I did warn you. I told you I was bringing—”
“A few Guardians and a female to visit—the first female you’ve ever brought home, mind you. You didn’t mention she was the female the entire queendom has been talking about,” she said, scoffing. “He brings royalty to my home like it’s not the biggest deal in my lifetime. Typical male. There’s no contesting whose son you are.”
Both Draevyn and Zoriato managed to scoff in unison.
Samani strode forward, taking my hands. “It is such an honor to meet you, Your Highness.”
“Please. Call me Asherah.”
Samani’s warm smile put me at ease. “Asherah, then. It’s an honor to welcome you to Sabana and our home. I’m sure you’ve had quite a shock, yes?”
I looked down. “To say the least.”
She squeezed my hand. “Well then, you’ll be right at home while you're here. Zori and I want you to be comfortable.”
Glancing up at Zoriato, I wasn’t too sure about that. His expression was remarkably unreadable. I didn’t know what to make of it. Shifting my attention back to Samani, I replied, “Thank you for welcoming me.”
“Let’s get a move on,” Zoriato interrupted, taking note of all the Guardians. “I’m glad your mother always has the good sense to cook enough food to feed an entire outpost.”
Draevyn squeezed his father’s shoulder. “Don’t worry yourself, Baba . They’ll stay in the farming cottages, taking turns looking out.”
Zoriato’s forehead creased. “Look out for what?”
Draevyn sighed. “Long story.”
Zoriato opened his mouth, but Samani beat him to it. “Let’s all get home. We can discuss this over a nice meal and a few glasses of our signature wine.” She motioned us toward the awaiting canoa. Samani had a natural motherly aura about her that instantly squeezed my heart. Given the way Zoriato had greeted me—the completely unphased, unreadable expression—I desperately hoped I’d at least find an ally in her.
Well, we were about to find out, weren’t we?
The cool travertine tile met the warmth of my webbed feet as I stood in the foyer. The beautiful Eliron home could’ve easily passed for one in the Above World—the ceilings were made of rich mahogany; the layout was open and homely. The inside of the home was just as impressive as the outside—the two-story perfectly nestled on the land surrounding it. There wasn’t another home for miles on either side of the property. From what Samani had informed me as our canoa rolled through the charming streets of Sabana, the neighbors were kind and mostly kept to themselves. Where Borike’n was more events, celebrations, clubs, and chaos, Sabana was quiet, peaceful, and comforting.
Deep-brown plush leather couches sat in the center of the living room beyond the foyer, complimenting the cream-colored textured walls—the most beautiful paintings of farmland, countryside, and vineyards decorating them. Delicious, savory scents drifted throughout the room, and my stomach growled in anticipation.
Samani didn’t miss the sound, her full lips spreading into a knowing smile. “You must be starving.”
I grinned sheepishly. “Maybe just a little.”
“Not to worry. We have plenty of bits and pieces to nibble on while we wait for Zori and Drae to return. Do you like faery wine?”
“I love faery wine.”
“A woman after my own heart,” Samani said with a wink of her brandy-colored eye. “Follow me. Or rather, follow the smell. It’s the easiest way to find the kitchen in this house if you get lost.”
Samani’s long-black hair swayed across her back as I followed her through the home. We entered a kitchen that could only be described as a chef’s dream. A large island sat at its center—the bright, white quartz countertops with bold gold veining flowing throughout provided plenty of space for a few people to sit and prep a meal. Matching countertops lined the back and sides of the sizeable kitchen, complimenting the smokey green-colored cabinets throughout. Samani stirred the contents inside a pot on top of a massive stove fixed in the back.
I slowly turned, taking in every detail—the long, beautiful wooden table with vibrant natural colors before a double set of French doors leading out onto a large patio with outdoor seating and a fireplace with a roaring fire. I’d never been in a home so inviting. “You have the most gorgeous home.”
“Thank you,” Samani said as she approached with two glasses of faery wine in her hand. “Although I suppose the palace is far more luxurious than this,” she remarked.
I lifted a shoulder in a shrug as I gratefully took my glass. “Yes, the palace is. But that’s not a home—at least not to me.”
She gave a slight wince. “Yes, of course. Anyone would feel that way in such a big place.” She gestured toward the patio. “Why don’t you make yourself comfortable and warm by the fire? I’ll get us something to nibble on.”
“I can help,” I volunteered.
She fluttered a hand. “No, no. It’s no worry. Sit, relax,” Samani said with a comforting smile before she drifted back into the kitchen. I proceeded through the French doors and placed my glass of wine on the low outdoor table. The comfy burnt orange cushions engulfed me as I plopped down on them—the heat from the fire in the weathered brick fireplace trailing over my scales. The crackling of the fire put me at ease as the distant sounds of Samani preparing a platter reached my ears. My shoulders sagged of their own volition.
Perfect rows of grapevines stretched for endless acres into the shadows of the dying day beyond the patio. Various questions rattled through my brain. What elementals were involved in the upkeep of the crops? What kinds of crops did they have? I noted all of them and would ask when Draevyn and Zoriato returned from getting the Guardians settled in and fed.
Samani strode outdoors on graceful steps. She flicked a delicate wrist, and a wooden cutting board appeared on the table with large red grapes, mustard yellow cheeses, and sesame seed-flecked crackers scattered upon it. I withheld my amazement at the sudden appearance of food on the table and would have to remember to ask Draevyn to teach me that one. Wasting no time indulging, I reached forward and grabbed a little bit of everything.
Samani slid into the seat directly across from me with a sigh. Her anticipatory gaze swept over me as she sipped on her wine. “So, tell me of your home in the Above World. I’m guessing it was much like this, yes?”
I nodded as I swallowed. “I miss it very much. It’s the only home I’ve ever known. Not that I’m complaining about being in a palace. I hope that doesn’t sound ungrateful. I just would’ve never imagined my life as it is right now. A Princess,” I commented with a light huff. “All I wanted was to become a marine biologist.”
Her silky hair shifted as she shook her head. “I can’t imagine. What a shock it must have been to find out all the fairy tales in the Above World held some truth.”
“To say the least.”
Samani regarded me thoughtfully over the rim of her glass before asking, “You truly had no idea you were the Heir?”
I shook my head. “I wasn’t even aware I was Fae. Now that I’ve had time to process everything, I understand it was a difficult decision for my parents to make.”
Samani stared off into the fire, the flames flickering in her gaze. “Yes, I must admit, when I first heard of your arrival to Atlantis, I could hardly believe it. I wondered what I would’ve done if I were in their scales. The Above World is a whole other world. Its rules, belief systems, and societal challenges differ slightly from the realms. I’ve rarely ventured up there. We have no reason to.” She gave a shudder. “To have to wear clothes.”
I chuckled. “I’m sure it would be a change. But, it’s nice to express oneself through fashion.”
Samani waved a hand. “Too much trouble, in my opinion. Scales are the way to go. Less hassle, and they’re fashionable enough.”
I’d never admit it to her, but every now and then, I’d slip on my favorite All I Do is Beach and Wine pajama t-shirt just for the comforting feel it brought me.
“You must really miss your mother,” Samani said in an empathetic tone. “I’m very sorry she passed. We all are.”
“Thank you. I miss her a lot.” I tilted my head in thought. “Well, when she was alive, I also missed her a lot. Most of the time, it was just me and my dad. Mom was always away on business trips. Now I know those business trips were either trips to Atlantis or meetings with the human delegation in the Above World.”
“That must have been very trying on you and your father,” she mused.
“I won’t lie. At times, it was frustrating. She missed a lot, but now that I understand why she was gone, I can’t help but admire her. When she was home, she was a great mother. Sometimes, it would just be the two of us. We’d go to dinner or shop. Those are the times I miss the most. Not being able to hear her voice again. That does something to me.” I shook my head. “What I wouldn’t give to hear her, to ask her all the questions about how to be an Atlantian Queen and deal with all the politics.” My eyes snapped up to Samani’s gaze, full of a certain sadness. “I’m so sorry for rambling. It’s not the happiest of topics.”
“No need to apologize, Asherah. You’re permitted to grieve and talk to someone about how you’re feeling. Even if we don’t know each other well, I’m always happy to be that person.”
My chest tightened. “Thank you…so much. That means a lot.”
The creaking sound of the front door opening on weathered hinges reached our ears; Zoriato and Draevyn appeared on the patio a moment later—a gleam of happiness on Draevyn’s face as his gaze traveled between us.
“Looks like the Guardians are all settled,” Zoriato remarked.
“They send their gratitude,” Draevyn said to his mother. “The food was nearly gone by the time we left.”
“Well, with the size of those males, that doesn’t surprise me. It’s a good thing we live on a farm.” We all shared a laugh at that. Samani rose from her seat. “Okay, we’ve kept the Princess starving long enough. Why don’t we migrate to the dining table and eat? Shall we?”
Draevyn snaked an arm around my waist as we made our way inside and leaned into my ear. “Everything okay?”
“Absolutely. Your family home is wonderful, Drae,” I complimented as my hand instinctively wrapped around his back.
A look of pride crested across his features. “I’m glad you like it.”
We paused in front of the doorway, holding each other’s gaze a little too long to be appropriate between Commander and Princess. When I finally remembered where we were, I turned to find Zoriato’s face with an expression that could only be described as mild shock. Samani and I hadn’t spoken about my relationship with Draevyn. It was apparent that Draevyn hadn’t breached that subject either based on his father’s reaction. The heat instantly rose to my cheeks as I dropped my hand from Draevyn’s back. I ducked my head and took a seat at the massive wooden dining table.
Zoriato kept his gaze on the both of us as he and Samani sat across the table—Draevyn sliding into his seat with an amused grin. With a flick of Samani’s wrist, heaps of food appeared on the table: crisp romaine lettuce, crumbled chunks of feta, and shaved carrots in a large wooden salad bowl, accompanied by a mountain of lightly seared ahi tuna on a large porcelain plate. Steam rose from freshly sautéed peas and mushrooms, the hints of pepper drifting on a tendril. Samani dipped her head. “Our thanks to the goddess who blesses our meal this eve.” The table was a mess of plates exchanging hands and glass filling to a brim. I speared a piece of tuna, taking my first bite, and had to stifle a moan, opting to close my eyes instead.
“It’s good, right?” Draevyn beamed.
All I could do was nod and roll my eyes in ecstasy, which seemed to please his mother based on her satisfying smile. We ate peacefully in each other’s company. They asked questions—mostly his mother—about Draevyn’s training. Zoriato huffed around his food a few times, indicating that he may still have difficulty accepting Draevyn’s elemental calling.
“Asherah was an excellent surfer in the Above World,” Draevyn said proudly.
“The sport with the board and the waves?” Samani inquired, her free hand mimicking a wave.
“Yes, that one. She’s won a ton of competitions.”
“That must have been very time-consuming,” Zoriato remarked flatly.
“It was. I only stopped competing when I had to focus on my studies.”
Zoriato’s forehead wrinkled. “But isn’t being a Water Fae an unfair advantage? Surely, you manipulated the water in your favor?”
I patted my mouth with a napkin. “Um. No, not exactly. My parents bound my powers, so they were of no use.”
Zoriato’s fork dropped on his plate with a clang. “I beg your pardon?”
I cleared my throat. “Well, they bound my powers and glamoured me. It was the only way they could raise me in the Above World in secret.”
“That’s blasphemous.”
“ Baba ,” Draevyn hissed.
Zoriato threw him an admonishing look. “I’ll speak freely in my own house. That’s just terrible not to grow up with one’s powers. And without the protection of scales. It’s completely reckless.”
“Well,” Samani calmly interjected, “there’s little that can be done now. It is what it is. We’re just happy she returned to her true home.” She gathered a heap of vegetables on her fork. “So, Asherah, I’m sure you’re happy to escape the drama at the capital, am I right?”
A huff of a laugh escaped my lips. “Yes, I’ve had quite a bit of drama, some I’d rather do without.”
Draevyn casually touched my arm, drawing my attention. “And you’ve done remarkably well, nanichi .”
Another fork dropped on a plate, startling me. “ Nanichi ?!” Samani exclaimed. Draevyn’s parents went utterly still, Samani’s mouth hanging open and Zoriato’s mouth held in a thin line.
A scarlet blush spread across Draevyn’s face. I would’ve laughed had the tone of the room not dropped into awkward territory. My nails lightly dug into his palm under the table as Draevyn cleared his throat. “Yes. Nanichi .”
Samani’s mouth rounded in an ‘o’.
Zoriato motioned between the two of us with his fork. “I take it, given how her scent is all over you, that this isn’t some sort of diplomatic mission or assignment?”
“Asherah is still my assignment. She’s still mine to look after.” He glanced at me and smirked timidly. “During Asherah’s training, she and I became close and,” he paused, inhaling deeply before shifting his attention to his parents, “we plan to attend Guake’te.”
“No,” Zori said instantly.
Samani smacked him on the shoulder. “Zori, what’s wrong with you? Your guali —”
Zoriato slammed his hands on the table, the plates and silverware clattering. “Yes, my guali ! My only guali . It’s bad enough that he isn’t a farming elemental safely within the confines of Sabana, where he should be. Getting accustomed to having a Guardian elemental in the family was hard enough. Now, he plans to bond with the future Queen of Atlantis?” Zoriato rubbed his hands down his face, his reaction building the rage within me. “What an honorable future,” Zoriato continued, “to sit at the Queen’s side as a permanent fixture. A figurehead with nothing to do.”
“My father sat at my mother’s side,” I interrupted, all the calm I possessed fused into my tone. “My father is not a figurehead. He is a great man who honored my mother with everything he had to the day she died.”
Zoriato’s fearsome gaze sliced into my soul. “Your father—while an honorable man he may be—has done nothing but your mother’s bidding even after her death. Despite the Guardian elemental mark, he does not fight with the other Guardians. His mark means absolutely nothing.”
“ Baba , that’s enough,” Draevyn sneered. “I’ll not have you speak ill of Cathan. Not in front of Asherah, and certainly not in front of me. We can debate the merits of being King consort. Those are welcome, but I’ll not have you disrespecting Asherah or Cathan, a male I’ve always respected as my King and have grown even more to respect since my assignment. I can only hope to follow his example one day.”
Zoriato scoffed. “You’d rather follow his example than your own father’s, eh?” Zoriato threw his napkin down on the table and rose from his seat. “I need some air.”
An uncomfortable silence followed his departure. I’d expected some resistance to our union but not hostility.
Draevyn’s chair screeched across the tile as he stood, his face solemn. “I’ll go speak with him.”
I watched him as he disappeared beyond the patio through the rows of vines and into the darkness. Twisted back to the table, I kept my eyes on a stray pea in the middle of my plate, unable to look at Samani. A deep feeling of rejection settled in the pit of my stomach as I swallowed past the lump that had formed in my throat and murmured, “I’m so sorry.”
Samani swiftly rose from her chair, saying, “No, no. Don’t do that.” She slid into Draevyn’s vacant seat and took my hand in hers. “Do not apologize, Asherah. I want you to understand something. Zoriato is a complex male, burdened by generations of family farming weighing heavily on his shoulders. I’m not excusing his behavior. Quite the opposite, but Draevyn is his only guali , whom he loves immensely.
“We’d waited so long to have a faeling. There are no words to describe the joy we felt when we discovered I was with child. And when Draevyn received his elemental mark, Zori was beside himself with worry. Being a Guardian is such a dangerous elemental calling, even in the best of times. Now, with the state of things in the Above World and the Akani gaining traction within the realms…” she shook her head. “It’s not just a small group of Fae and humans who support their cause now. The talk of joining the Akani has become normalized, especially in the outskirts of Atlantis.”
A cold feeling of shock crept up my spine. “Are you…do you all…do you support their cause?”
Samani reared back. “No, no. That’s not what I’m saying. Zoriato and I believe very much in Atabey’s calling—may the goddess continue to bless us.” Samani smiled brightly. “And she has blessed us. What an extraordinary gift. Zori can be upset all he wants. He can scream about it all he wants and take all the time he needs to let it sink in. Me, on the other hand? I’m absolutely elated!” She shook her head. “My guali . King consort. And—more importantly—happy,” she beamed. “That’s all a mother wants for her child, is to be happy.”
My heart warmed as I beheld this female who was quickly growing on me, but the warmth was dampened by the conversation happening between Draevyn and his father. I couldn’t stand for Draevyn to bear more of Zoriato’s disappointment. I cared for him too much.
More than care.
In my heart, I knew exactly what that meant about how I felt for Draevyn Eliron.