Page 15 of Sea's Secret

He shook his head and climbed into the boat.

“Row,” I said, crossing my arms and leaning back, looking at the night sky and the stars. “You should also know the code.”

“What code?”

“The pirate code. What happens aboard the ship is not spoken of on land. What happens at sea, stays at sea–or it sinks below the depths.”

“So, you are pirates?”

“Will you keep to the code?”

“I am surprised that there is a code amongst pirates.”

“Aye, even we need order, at times.”

“I agree. So, is Prince Dominick a pirate, or does he just travel with them?” he asked as he began to row.

“Yes,” I said.

“Is he already on board?”

I shifted closer to make sure he could see my face in the moonlight.

“Seeing as you agreed to the code, I can inform you,” I said with a pause for dramatic effect as I sat up taller. “I am Dominick, but call me ‘Nick’ while aboard the ship.”

“You are the Prince?”

“Aye, but I am also a pirate. It would do you good to remember that much. No one cares about royalty on board the ship, only how fast you are with a blade. Keep to the code, and don’t tell a soul.”

“I can defeat anyone.”

“Aye, possible, which is why you are allowed to board. Now, do shut up and row.”

Chapter Six

Meria

“Why are you moping?” I opened my eyes to see Finn, hovering beside my bed, his silver tail swishing up and down. “Edmar is spreading it far and wide that he is betrothed to the youngest Princess of Marren.” Finn continued to tread water beside my bed as he looked at me with confusion. Even though Rina had helped me feel a little better about Edmar with her words, the worries I still had caused me to believe that Edmar was not who I thought he was.

“I think I made a mistake,” I said, pulling up my woven kelp blanket to cover my face.

He pulled it back down.

“What mistake?” Finn asked, his light hair moving around as he turned his head to the side.

“Edmar only wants one or two children.”

“Really?” he asked, surprised. Finn knew how much I adored my nieces and nephews, and children in general.

“Yes, and it has me wondering; how did I not know this before now? Maybe I do not truly know him.”

“Your father chose him for you. I told you that you don't really know him.”

“But my father knows me better than anyone, and he understands what’s right for Marren.”

“He doesn’t know your heart; only you know that.”

“My heart, my soul’s melody, is traitorous; you know that, Finn.”

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