Page 22 of Marked By the Sea

“It would look like it does now.” I could see the truth shining in his blue eyes. He believed that we could keep her chained up there for life. As if she would ever be happy with that.

“It would look like it does now,” Hexon repeated. His words sent vibrations reverberating around us.

“For once, would you think with your head? Not with your dick or your three hearts, but your head,” I hissed. Hexon grumbled.

“That’s not fair, Riftan. Hex has been thinking about this,” Rowan interjected.

“It didn’t sound like it!” I shook my head. Swimming back and forth in place, anxiety washed over me as I imagined it.

“He wanted more for her. We both did,” Rowan tried again.

“What would it mean if I broke my oath?” I yelled. Both remained silent, and I stopped pacing.

“We could—”

“The Kingdoms would be at war, and not just for me,” I said as I cut off Rowan.

I glared at my brother as he remained in his largest form. Rowan’s hands fell to his side. They both knew what would happen if I didn’t claim Prem. The North Seas would attack, the krakens would be in danger, and in doing so, I’d appear weak. My godfather could challenge my ability to rule and hold on to my seat longer. The North King was as vicious and ruthless as they came.

“We’d be putting our people at risk. And for what? A mere human?” I shook my head.

“She’s no mere human. She’s more. And you know it,” Rowan whispered.

“You were as stubborn as they come,” I snarled.

“And you were lying to yourself.” I’d never fought this much with my brothers, but right now, I couldn’t see how Rowan couldn’t understand.

“Rowan,” Hexon warned. His vibrations itched my gills.

“What?” Rowan snapped.

“Too far.” The tip of his tentacle tipped Rowan’s chin up.

“No, I don’t! Someone needed to tell him. He’s in denial!” Rowan’s voice was desperate now.

“And what was I in denial about, Row?”

Blue eyes turned to me, his gaze searching.

“You wouldn’t admit what she was—who she was.”

My brows furrowed as I looked between the two. My head went up and down as Hexon towered over us. A beard-tentacle dropped to Rowan’s shoulder, and the faerie jerked his head away.

Row. My love.

He’s not in denial.

He is!

He just won’t —

He hasn’t realized.

She’s our mate, Rift.

“You lie.” My laugh echoed, but Rowan’s concerned gaze made me stop.

“You know of the legend. It’s been done before. She can stay and—” Rowan tried.

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