Page 112 of Mermaid on Heels

“Where is Aeira, you mean?”

Liriya bobbled her head. Oh, she had never realized the value of her voice when she had it. Now she did. Every ability the Creator had given each being or race was more valuable than one would realize when they still had access to it.

“Oh. She’s with her…” He paused uncertainly before asking, “Has she told you about Terrance?”

Liriya bobbled her head again, feeling like a little child. So, she mouthed along ayes.

“I sent for him from his father’s house where he’d been staying since she—I mean Felic-Faelinabroke his heart as Aeira.” Liriya noticed the tightness in his eyes when he said Faelina’s name. “So, they’re soothing things out now. It was really a shock when I first heard about the break up.”

Liriya gave him a solemn smile and a nod.

Prince Dyran smiled back, shifting on his feet. “I’ll leave you to your rest, Princess Liriya.” He turned to leave but paused, as if remembering something, and pivoted back to her. “One more thing; are you sure we shouldn’t let Luke know that the girl at his castle is the duplicate of you? My father is only about to compose his response, if you want to write, you can do it now.”

Liriya shook her head. She opened the notebook, supported it on her left arm, and began scribbling on the first page.

Faelina is cleverer than I will give her credit for. If Luke realizes what is going on but pretends to be normal around her, Faelina will still see through his mask. I do not doubt it. And if he let his suspicion slip, she will convince him that she is me, because she had me under her observation all those days we were together, and will provide him any proof he might need to assure him she is for real. Worse, I fear she will hurt him or my sisters. I can risk neither.

Liriya turned the book to Prince Dyran. He nodded after reading it and met her gaze. “That sounds logical, given that Felic—Faelinawould do anything if she wanted something.”

The young prince pursed his lips tight and Liriya’s face softened. She began scribbling again.

I know you were in love with her. Aeira told me.

Prince Dyran’s eyes widened a fraction, but he composed himself and shrugged. “I wasinfatuated, yes. However, I do think I hoped too high.” He looked away with a faraway look in his eyes. “I was a fool. I didn’t realize she was the exact opposite of what she looked like outside. I still don’t want to believe it, but I have no other choice. It was my sister she played with, after all.”

Maybe the hope is still there. I believe she can be redeemed. As much as I loathe her right now, somehow, I cannot bring myself to hate her. Perhaps, all she needs is love.

The prince’s eyes met hers. “And you think that is possible with someone as tough as her?”

Liriya smiled and scribbled.

She is the toughest person I know, yes, but love conquers all; I have learned it the best way. Faelina’s mother died at her birth and my papa did not know about her until she came for the artifact. She has never known love and none of us knows what her life had been all those years that made her like this. What she needs is someone to melt her with love and bring her around.

Prince Dyran read, but stayed silent, as if processing the words. So Liriya added.

It could be you, if you love her.

Prince Dyran shook his head and met Liriya’s gaze. “I don’t think I can love her after what she did to my sister, let alone forgive her. Every time I tried to reach her, she pushed me away. She will do that again.” He dipped his head in a respectful bow. “I shall leave you to rest, Princess Liriya. I have high hopes to end your sister’s madness and bring peace between all our three races.”

He turned on his heels and left, leaving Liriya standing in the hallway, staring at where he had disappeared. Had she upset him?

Liriya inhaled deeply.

She would never blame anyone who held a grudge against Faelina; the siren had given them all the rights to do so. Liriya would find Prince Dyran later and apologize to him if she had upset him; she had only meant well. He was a good person. Who else would give a complete stranger—his sister’s savior or not—something special to him that was gifted by a friend?

Liriya closed the door behind her and walked to her bed to place the gifts away when there was another knock. She hurried to answer it and saw it was Papa. Liriya smiled, seeing he had changed from his servant outfit into regal attire, his hair neatly combed.

She fell into his arms.

“Ah, my Liriya, do you not look lovely in that dress?” Papa teased as he hugged her back. “Never have I ever thought I would ever see you like this. I must say, it is not bad.”

Liriya laughed and pulled away to look at him, her eyes twinkling. She pulled him inside and closed the door before walking to her bed and taking out Prince Dyran’s gifts. She began scribbling that Prince Dyran had given them to her just a moment ago and explained about the enchanted quill.

“That is so kind of him.” Papa smiled sadly. “But I truly miss hearing your voice, my little fish. It kills me to see you like this.”

I know.She mouthed expressively.It will be alright.

Papa nodded solemnly and held her to his side as they sat on her bed. “I did not know Faelina was working here as Princess Aeira’s lady’s maid. How come I did not see her?” he murmured, resting his chin on the top of her head.

---