Page 51 of Cinder's Trial

16

I blinked in astonishment when Levi appeared, emerging from the water like an angry sea god wearing only black briefs and a glower. Oh my. Bad timing, but I’d never been so turned on. To those who might question my sanity, given my situation and initial trepidation, I’d relaxed somewhat as the Nixie proved herself to not be a murderous water sprite. It helped she’d not tried to kill me. On the contrary, she’d turned into an attentive hostess who had some giant crabs set up a table and chairs for us as well as a meal. While I wouldn’t usually be the type to eat raw fish, the sushi she offered proved tasty.

However, I forgot about the food in my pleasure at seeing my dark Knight. He’d come for me!

“Of course, I came. Are you injured?” he demanded.

I shook my head. “I was a tad chilly upon my arrival, but Nicola was kind enough to provide me with a mantle to cut the cold.” Woven of seaweed, she’d drawn the moisture from it. Once I wrapped it around my shoulders, it did much to reduce my shivering.

“Did you just call her kind?” He bit out the word. “She shouldn’t have taken you in the first place.” His glare should have incinerated the Nixie on the spot.

“I had every right to want to meet the woman who captured your interest. Son.”

The appellation still startled because I knew she wasn’t his mother, and yet Levi didn’t correct her. “Have you completely forgotten our discussion about not meddling in my life?”

“Maybe I wouldn’t have to if someone kept in touch,” Nicola riposted.

“I’ve been busy.”

“Too busy to visit. Too busy to hop into a pond or a lake to send me a message.” Nicola sniffed. “Children today are so ungrateful.”

Levi raked his fingers through his damp hair as he gritted through a tight jaw, “We spoke just last week.”

“Briefly and I don’t recall a mention of your lady friend.” Nicola waved a delicate hand in my direction.

“Because there was nothing to tell.”

“Ha. Lying to your mother. Did you think I wouldn’t notice your mark on her?”

“What are you talking about?” he growled.

“The moment she hit the water, I sensed your claim, and so I decided to meet the woman who’d ensnared my son.”

Wait, what claim? The conversation implied things that had me curious.

“You kidnapped her!” he barked.

“I wouldn’t call it kidnapping, more like extending an invitation she couldn’t refuse,” Nicola declared.

“You had no right.”

“I had every right.” Nicola didn’t raise her voice, and yet her words held an icy edge. “You are my son. The babe I raised. Cared for. Loved. And now you are entangled with a woman whom I’ve never met. A woman who is meant for another.”

I felt a need to interject. “If you’re talking about the Little Ash curse, then I’d like to say I have no intention of marrying the prince.”

“As if you have a choice.” Nicola waved a hand. “We are all part of a story, playing our roles to their conclusions. And yours doesn’t include my son. As Levi’s mother, it is up to me to protect him.”

“I don’t need your protection,” he grumbled.

“You can’t make me stop caring,” Nicola huffed.

“Care all you want but leave Cinder out of it. You will release her at once.” He crossed his arms and offered his most fierce expression.

“I will release Cinder but on one condition.” Nicola tilted her head to face me. “She must swear to never break your heart.”

“Mother…” Levi injected a warning tone.

“Don’t you mother me.” Nicola’s sharp retort held a firm edge. “You deserve happiness, and I will not let anyone, especially not this slip of a girl, hurt you in any way.”

---