Page 20 of Marked By the Sea

“I’m a monster, Gem. I won’t love you.”

My vision blurred, but I didn’t allow the tears to fall. He left as soon as his knot deflated, without another word.

Chapter 14

Riftan

Three days had passed before I could taste her again. The moment I could slip out, I did, and the first thing I did was return to her. Now that I’d had my fill of her, I was content. The swim back shouldn’t have taken as long as it did, but with her taste still on my lips, I took my time. Everything seemed brighter, and maybe that was due to me gliding just beneath the surface or the little succubus I couldn’t stay away from. The moon bathed me in light, reflecting off my scales as the stars twinkled brightly. Yet nothing could touch my gems. The corners of my lips pulled up of their volition. The high she gave me was like nothing I’d experienced before. With one last glance behind me, I dove deep, welcoming the darkness, glad to feel giddy without the chance of onlookers.

Eventually, I glided down the hall toward my chamber when I noted a tanned merman with a red glimmering tail wearing the armor of the North Seas stationed outside. I had a guest. My mood instantly soured. Twice now I’d returned, only to have those who thought they had rights to what was mine in my space. I caught her scent before I saw her and rolled my neck, cracking it in irritation. The guilt of having another female in here was something I’d never felt before, but now that I had, it was unwelcome. Everything good in the world melted away, and the reality and severity of our situation bled in.

This is my mate’s cave.

She doesn’t belong here.

My instincts screamed she was not supposed to be here, and that I needed to kill the intruder, but I ignored them. Heading through the first room, I slid into my bedchamber. Her back was to me, but long white hair floated around her with a tail to match. She had enough sense not to be in my bed. Hearing me, she turned. Light blue horns curved upward, her chin high, her shoulders back. Her hands came together, and her fingers interlocked.

“Riftan.” Prem lowered her gaze before eyes that matched her blue horns locked on me—they were void of pupils. No gems twinkled back at me. Mirroring her, I greeted her.

“Prem. What are you doing here?” It was customary for us to kiss upon meeting, but neither of us moved.

I don’t want my lips anywhere near hers.

“The King requested I come as soon as possible. My father was eager to agree. I arrived a few days ago.” She clenched her jaw, but other than that, there were no signs of her displeasure.

“Of course.” I’d been busy. Visiting her hadn’t been a priority. There was nothing for us to discuss. We were both aware of our betrothal. It had always been the way of our kind. Duty came before wants. We floated there, staring at each other.

“The King told me you were aware of my arrival.” Her nose didn’t wrinkle. Her lips didn’t draw my attention. And I didn’t feel the urge to touch her. She didn’t have the same effect on me as…her.

“I was.”

“Am I to assume you didn’t want to see me until our joining?” There was no bitterness in her tone. She took no offense to the idea of me not wanting to see her until then. Why would she? Prem held no feelings for me.

“Correct. I’d be chained to you for the rest of my life. I had no wish to relinquish my last few days of freedom.”

“Wonderful.”

Again, we stared at each other in silence. I could hear the noises of the kingdom outside. Yet all I could think about was that she didn’t have any freckles.

“I…” Prem trailed off, then shook her head.

“You came here for a reason. Or did you want to get started early on what was required of us?” It was rude, but I wanted her out. My words didn’t surprise her. If they did, she showed no reaction. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath before looking at me again. Something was building between us, and there was no doubt something plagued her.

“Is this what you wanted?” Her question caught me off guard. No one had ever asked me what I wanted. Drifting closer, I leaned on the coral and looked out at the kingdom. I could feel her eyes on the side of my face.

“Is this a trick question?” I chuckled. She sighed.

“You’re… something to look at. Anyone would be lucky to have you. But did you not wonder if there was more out there?” She was being sincere. Facing her, I let my eyes roam down her body. She was beautiful, pure, and supposed to be mine in a few days’ time. But I felt nothing. My cock didn’t twitch. Not even a little.

“I’m flattered you’d enjoy riding me, but were you questioning our agreement, princess?”

“Answer the question, Riftan.” She was irritated. Finally. Crossing her arms in front of her chest, her royal mask slipped.

“I’ve already seen what’s out there.”And I love it.

“I have more of a chance of hearing the coral answer my questions. Forget I mentioned anything.” She jerked her head angrily, and with a swish of her tail, she turned her back on me.

“Prem.” Stopping, she turned to face me.

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