Page 20 of Voice of the Ocean

“And then, instead of listening to your general, like you were told, you risked your life to rescue two humans, one of whom is the son of the man whokilled your grandmother.”

The words were a spear to the gut. Halia had only been a couple of cycles older than Shye was now when Queen Celeste had been killed. And even though Celeste had been but three when her namesake died, it was a day she couldn’t forget.

“And”—the anger in her mother’s voice waned—“and the council are considering your actions as treason against the kingdom.”

“I’m sorry,” Celeste repeated, her voice breaking.

Queen Halia, the strongest siren Celeste had ever known, crumpled to the floor. Her eyes shone with restrained tears as she grabbed her daughter’s hands. Celeste froze, watching with wide eyes. She had never seen her mother cry before. Not even the night of her grandmother’s death. Something inside Celeste shattered at the sight. She couldn’t handle seeing the pain she had caused her mother. Yet another wave of tears filled her own eyes, and she wished there was something, anything, she could do to ease her mother’s pain.

“Please listen,” Halia said, her hands shaking. “We don’t have much time. They have not yet reached their verdict. But there can only be one outcome: execution. If you stay here, I will not be able to stop it. But—” She paused, considering her next words carefully. “I have arranged for Helena to escort you safely out of the kingdom.”

Celeste nodded, hope rising in her chest. “So I am to be banished?”

“Not exactly.”

Unease crept down Celeste’s spine.

“I am still queen.” Halia lifted her chin. “The council and I work in tandem, but they are not the rulers of Staria. Before they announce their decision, I can send you on a mission. If you were to right the wrongs you have done?—”

“You mean I have to kill the prince?”

Halia nodded.

“I—I can’t do that,” Celeste said, the hope withering within her. “I couldn’t even sing the Song, let alonekillanything.”

The queen squeezed her daughter’s hands firmly. “Celeste, this is the only way I can think of. You made a grave mistake, and these are the consequences. If you are able to sing to the prince and return with his head, the council will have no choice but to reconsider their verdict.”

Celeste pulled her hands away. “There are many others better trained?—”

“It must be you, Celeste. You must prove to the council your loyalty is to the kingdom.”

“I—I don’t know if I can do this,” the princess stammered.

“I’m sorry, little star. But this is the only way.” Halia touched her hand to the place where Celeste had been stabbed, gently moving her thumb back and forth along the delicate new skin.

King Tidus appeared in the doorway.

“Helena is here,” he said.

Halia pulled her daughter into her arms and squeezed tight. The touch brought a fresh wave of tears to Celeste’s eyes. For it was the first time since she was a child that her mother had embraced her. “Please come home soon.”

“I—” Celeste paused, then softened. “I will, Mother.”

“Good,” Halia said, releasing her daughter and collecting herself.

King Tidus rested his hand on his daughter’s back and guided her gently down the hall and out of the dungeons, leaving the queen behind them.

“Good tides, Princess,” Helena said softly when she saw them approach.

“They’ve been better,” Celeste admitted with a watery smile. In her hands, Helena held Celeste’s beloved spear, which had been taken upon her capture. The sight of it warmed Celeste, just a little. The guard returned it to her, and Celeste’s father helped slide it back into place along her back. The siren king looked down at his daughter, dark circles lining his red-rimmed eyes.

“I’m sorry. I will return soon. I promise.”

He nodded and pulled her into his arms, cradling her close. Another piece of Celeste fractured inside her chest. She couldn’t recall being held by her father. She felt so small in his arms, and she wished desperately that she didn’t have to leave.

“I love you,” he told her.

“I love you too, Father,” she answered, her composure slipping.

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