Page 111 of Mermaid on Heels

“I went to Pearltuna for your mother, but the guards attacked me—being under the enchantment. It was hard to get away from them. I lost all my hope then and came back here, deciding to live as a human servant because I could not think of going back down there. The sea no longer felt like home without the three of you and your mother.”

Papa squeezed her hand, his eyes glistening again.

Liriya squeezed back and nodded, tears filling her own eyes at his story. Oh, how she longed to tell him that they had tried to find their way back and failed too, that they thought he was out of their lives forever.

Papa turned his gaze to the Garbian royal family and thanked them for their kindness. Then he asked, “Would you mind if I ask, how come you are familiar with our races? And what did Her Majesty mean by having underwater heritage?”

Queen Waverly smiled, placing a hand atop her husband’s on the table before she revealed, “I am a siren-turned-human.”

Papa’s breath hitched. Queen Waverly smiled wider at his shock.

“I assure you, we are allies,” she continued. “Perhaps, we can even end the life-long enmity between Sirens and Merfolk and bring peace to our races? My people are at peace with Garbia, although of course, the Garbians still think we are a myth. Perhaps it is finally the time to change that and tell them the truth. That way we can bring peace between Humans, Sirens, and Merfolk. What do you say, King Magnus?”

Liriya stared at Papa in expectation; surely, he would agree. He looked hesitant, seemingly wondering if that would actually work out. The enmity between Sirens and Merfolk wasn’t something that could be solved easily after all. Liriya knew that. But what if theycould,with Queen Waverly’s help and moderation?

Papa met her gaze and Liriya bobbled her head at him, her eyes both eager and pleading. Papa smiled, and Liriya knew that smile very much. Her heart soared.

Papa turned to Queen Waverly and agreed for the chance at peace, but he did add that he couldn’t promise the same decision from the rest of the Tuna kingdoms other than trying to talk with them to consider it. Queen Waverly was aglow at those words and promised that they would immediately see to everything that should be done to bring peace.

“Although,” Papa added, “I could not bring peace while my merfolk are still under Faelina’s enchantment.”

“But I thought Sirens cannot enchant Merfolk, only humans.” King Titan turned to Queen Waverly.

“Yes, but a unique bloodline can,” she answered him. “Faelina is half-siren and half-mermaid, and that is why her songs can put Merfolk under her enchantment. But,” she added, glancing at Liriya and Papa, “There is no Siren enchantment that cannot be undone, including this unique one, even if the caster is unwilling to do it. It might require a unique way that I yet have to figure out, but we shall help you get back Pearltuna.”

“Thank you,” Papa said earnestly and Liriya nodded her thanks as well. Her eyes met Aeira’s across the table and she smiled.

Aeira smiled back. “Fret not, Liriya, we’re going to get back Luke from your evil imposter.”

* * *

Liriya lay on the bed in her new guestroom after a long bath and changing into a fresh gown. A knock sounded at the door. Liriya sat up and opened her mouth to call the person to enter. Then she realized she had no voice.

This is going to take a little time to get used to.She thought, climbing down from the bed and slipping into a pair of bedroom slippers. Though, she hoped she wouldn’t have to getusedto her muteness. If things would work out as they discussed, to break the enchantment, she could get back to her normal self. She prayed it would be soon. Theymustfind a way before the wedding this Sunday.

Liriya opened the door, expecting Papa or Aeira, but it was Prince Dyran. She gave him a surprised smile; he was the last person she expected at her door.

Prince Dyran offered her a friendly smile, hands behind him. “Glad to see you looking better, Princess Liriya. I must say, seeing you and my sister all damp in your nightgowns and robes, and exhausted… It gave me quite a scare. Are you well now?”

Liriya smiled back, appreciating him checking on her. She nodded and mouthed:Yes, thank you.

Prince Dyran had been silent during the conversation in the dining room, seeming rather lost in his thoughts. Therefore, Liriya didn’t expect him to ever be interested in talking with her or Papa, because they were related to the girl who had supposedly broken his heart. However, it seemed that the prince was merely under shock then.

“I’m so sorry about your muteness, Princess, about what your sister did to you. I cannot imagine your situation, or my sister’s, when she lost her voice. It must be terrible and frustrating.” Prince Dyran’s eyebrows furrowed in genuine concern, and his eyes filled with understanding. “Therefore, I brought you this.”

He revealed a notebook and a unique-looking quill from behind him.

“I heard Aeira say that you need a notebook that you can carry around until you get your voice back. However, carrying a notebook, a quill,andan inkwell won’t be all that easy. Therefore, I realized that you needed a quill that doesn’t need refilling.” Prince Dyran explained as Liriya accepted the gift from him. “The quill is enchanted, so the ink lasts—forever,I guess. It was a gift from an enchanter friend on my twentieth birthday a few years ago, but you need it more than I do.”

Liriya’s heart swelled at his thoughtfulness. But she couldn’t accept something that was gifted to him by a friend. She shook her head and held the quill back to him, mouthing:I cannot.

“No, no, no, I want you to keep it.” Prince Dyran refused and placed his hands behind his back, as though he thought Liriya would press it into his palms forcefully. “I shouldn’t have said it was a gift, but I can’t take back what I said.” He chuckled. “Please, keep it. Consider it my gift—a peace offering between a siren and a mermaid.”

He winked and Liriya laughed, feeling slightly light-hearted.Thank you,she mouthed.

“It is my pleasure, Princess.” Prince Dyran dipped his chin.

Aeira?Liriya mouthed and made a gesture of her hand to ask him where she was.

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