Chapter 13
The past two days have been bleak. The only bright spots have been the moments at night when I’m able to sneak away to be with my starfish.
Now that she’s figured out that breathing device, I often find her underwater, exploring.
She seems fascinated by the wildlife, and it makes me wish all the more that I could show her my home.
But there are guards circling her prison, making it impossible for her to get far.
The distance between us is like a dull ache in my bones. Despite seeing her last night, I already miss her. Especially right now.
“Stop slouching.” My mother jabs an elbow into my side, all while keeping a perfect smile on her face.
We’re just outside the city gates, waiting to receive Princess Farrasea.
I’ve never met her, though our betrothal was arranged when we were very young.
My dorsal fins hadn’t yet unfurled, and the concept of marriage seemed like such an impossible thing.
My older brother went to visit the city-state of Sirena two years ago and was extremely impressed.
He wouldn’t stop talking about it. Mostly, he expounded upon the strength and intelligence of the princess.
I believe they’ve even kept up correspondence since then.
Everyone describes the princess as a powerful alpha, like my mother, but Nerocaitan said she was also generous and gracious to him when he visited.
Perhaps I’ll have better luck pleading my case to her.
I imagine Princess Farrasea won’t like being bonded to people she didn’t choose.
Does she know humans exist, like my mother, or is she in the dark, like the elders and the rest of the people of Tythas?
“Smile, Caspian. I can see them.” My mother moves so close to me that her tail curves around mine, hemming me in. The gesture might look affectionate from the outside, but I know better. “You will not say a word about your bonding to the human. Do you understand?” Her voice hisses in my ear.
I bite my lips between my teeth, not wanting to make an agreement I don’t intend to keep. My stomach rolls with nausea, a side effect of the bonding sickness or maybe just from my mother’s threat.
“That wasn’t a suggestion.” Her hand lands on my shoulder with a bruising grip. “If you tell Farrasea about humans, the bond, or your hideous little pet, I’ll make sure you never see your pathetic, dirty little creature again.”
“W-what do you mean? What will you do?” My blood runs so cold I can barely form words.
She pats my cheek, a vicious grin splitting her lips. “Oh, come now, you’re a smart male. I’m sure you can figure it out.”
It’s not the first time she’s threatened to hurt Madi, but I didn’t think she’d risk it until after the wedding, not when the bonding sickness could hurt or even kill me before she gets what she wants. I thought I’d have more time to come up with a plan, but now I’m not so sure.
She slides away from me as my older brother rushes over, out of breath.
Nerocaitan is perfectly put together, as always.
In fact, he seems even more done up than normal.
Chains adorn his waist, similar to mine, but his are speckled with rare bazal gems that shift colors depending on the angle you look at them.
His long, blue hair—identical to mine—is half up, held back from his face in a golden clip that matches his waist adornments.
He’s even put on his warrior’s breastplate, matching spaulders, and an agual-scale gorget typically only worn when a show of strength is needed.
Or in my case, when the queen insists you wear them to cover your mate’s bite mark.
“Where’s Amalie?” I ask as Nero joins us.
He shrugs. “I thought she was with you.”
“That girl…” our mother mutters under her breath, shaking her head and swimming a few paces away.
She wants the whole family present to greet the princess.
Well, everyone except my second brother, Octavian, who’s currently visiting the city-state of Lekiri.
He’s not expected back before the wedding.
“There she is,” Nero nods toward the blue sea surrounding the city.
I have to squint to make out the bobbing lights heading toward us.
“Best behavior now,” our mother says. “We need this treaty.”
“Why?” I’ve never really given it any thought until now.
When the betrothal was first arranged by my father, it felt distant and abstract.
It was undoubtedly an advantageous match for both of us, but the way my mother has clung to that long ago agreement makes me think there’s more to it than the obvious strengthening of a peace treaty.
I didn’t worry about it as a merling, because it’s not uncommon for betrothals to change as the parties involved come of age, but my mother has never tolerated the hint of a suggestion that this arrangement be rethought.
When she said it was indeed happening, and soon, I ran, fleeing to follow a myth.
Even now when I’m already bonded to others, she’s dead set on ensuring this marriage happens.
And I can’t understand why it’s so important to her that I marry Farrasea over any other princess.
Our people aren’t plentiful. From what I can tell, there are many more humans than merfolk. But there are at least two other mercities of equal or greater wealth in our region. Why Sirena?
My mother doesn’t answer. She swims forward, floating apart from my brother and me.
“You should be grateful,” my brother whispers. “Princess Farrasea is a catch.”
“A catch I didn’t hunt for, Nero,” I retort.
“No, instead she was handed to you on a platter. A feast of wealth, knowledge… and beauty.” My brother’s voice lowers on the last word.
“Mmm, brother. It seems like you’d like to indulge in that particular delicacy.” I glance at him and catch his pale cheeks darkening. Wait. I was only joking, but did my barb ring with truth?
Despite our lack of closeness, I genuinely think my brother hopes for my well-being.
Could he be an ally? I open my mouth to test my theory, but a jangling sound interrupts, and water crashes into us from behind.
Our younger sister, Amalie, dodges guards and elders at an unreasonable clip, only to careen to a halt between us.
It’s no surprise she’s late, nor that our mother did nothing more than grumble about her absence. Until Amalie presents, she is of no use in our mother’s scheming. Amalie is rarely guarded or expected to appear at court. She has more freedom than any of us.
Nero cants his head to look at her, his expression reprimanding yet amused. Unlike my brother, Ama is dressed more casually, a pretty textile that matches her lilac hair wrapped around her chest. Said locks flow behind her in wild disarray. She looks happy and free in a way I haven’t felt in years.
“Queen Namora,” a feminine voice intones. “So lovely to see you again.”
I turn away from my siblings to see my betrothed dip her head to my mother.
The princess is arresting, her coloring unique.
Jet black hair floats around her shoulders, matching her obsidian tail.
Her skin is pale, creating a striking juxtaposition that makes her look fierce.
Her alpha dominance is subtle, but powerful, her chin held high with well earned pride.
Nerocaitan is correct, she would make an excellent partner—just not for me.
“Allow me to present my son, third in line to the throne of Tythas, prince—”
“You can call me Caspian,” I cut in before my mother can go on with her pompous introduction. I don’t know why I give the princess the name I chose with Madi, but it soothes something in me. It’s a minor rebellion that makes me feel closer to my mate.
If eyes could shoot daggers, I’d be dead from the glare my mother gives me. But she laughs lightly, always one to keep up appearances.
“He’s going through a phase,” she says in explanation, her words tight. “Now, I’m sure you’re tired after your journey. Would you like to retire for a while before dinner?”
“I’m quite well, actually.” Princess Farrasea turns toward us, though her gaze flicks to Nero before it focuses on me. “I’d prefer to see the city. Prince Nerocaitan has had the luxury of visiting Sirena, and I feel at a disadvantage.”
“It would be my pleasure to show you around, princess,” Nero volunteers.
“Caspian will give you a tour.” My mother’s glare is directed at my brother this time.
“Prince Nerocaitan can come with us,” Princess Farrasea suggests. “I’m sure two guides are better than one.”
The smile my brother gives her could light a city.
He holds out his arm, and Farrasea wraps hers around it.
There’s nothing my mother can do to protest now, though she doesn’t look happy about the arrangement.
Personally, I’m thrilled I won’t have to be alone with my fiancée.
Perhaps I can sneak off at some point when they’re both distracted.
It doesn’t seem like that will be hard. They’re already headed toward the gates, my brother chattering away about the engineering feat of their construction.
My mother grabs my arm before I can join them, her nails dig into my skin hard enough to draw blood. There’s a gleam in her dark eyes that’s truly terrifying. “Remember what I said. Not a word.”