Page 19 of Tide of Waves and Secrets

“When the time comes, and King Galfrid is positioned once again to reopen the Gate, I will escort you myself to it so that you may be present for the Gate’s reopening. It will pass through no hands other than your own and, briefly with you as witness, the Aetherian king’s.”

Her eyes narrowed shrewdly. “Even if I were to agree, Galfrid will never have use of the Stone of Mor’Vallis.”

“The return of King Galfrid’s daughter has changed things. The Gyorian prince is now pledged to him. When the time comes, if the Tidal Pearl is the only artifact remaining needed to open the Gate, will you answer King Galfrid’s call?”

She hesitated. And would deny me again. So instead, I asked for something less than her pledge.

“Will you consider my request?”

I would point out to her that denying it would not endear her to Aetheria, but the queen knew as much already. Waiting, I thought of Nerys. I wondered why she became so upset. I expected her shock; the information she learned today was known only to a handful across Elydor. But why did news of the Tidal Pearl’s theft by King Balthor send her from the throne room?

“You may stay until the Festival of Tides. I will render my decision then, and it will be final. Since your escort has abandoned us, a guard will take you to your chamber.”

It was the best I could hope for. Bowing, I thanked her as Queen Lirael lifted a coral staff beside her, banging it twice against the floor. Immediately, the doors opened behind me.

“Thank you, your majesty.”

With a final frosty stare, Queen Lirael lifted her chin. It was the last thing I saw before retreating.

“Escort him to his chamber,” she called as I passed from the throne room into the corridor.

“I will take him.” Caelum must have been standing close by, waiting. Neither guard objected, but neither did Caelum allow them the opportunity to do so. “Come with me.”

He said nothing while we walked through the watery corridors of the palace. There was something to look at around every corner, but my concern was not with the beauty of this place at the moment.

“Do you know where she is?” I asked, certain Caelum knew that, and more.

“I am taking you to her.”

It was only when we reached the lower floor and had left the palace that Caelum spoke again.

“Word spread quickly of her retreat from the throne room. I can guess her whereabouts but thought to fetch you first.”

“Why?”

We walked along the shore, the palace on our left, sand and surf to our right. I could easily become accustomed to this place.

“I served with her father in diplomatic circles. He was a good man, but too protective of her. By the time he and her mother perished, Nerys should have received a position at court, but he shielded her for much too long. I’d have taken her into my home if Aneri hadn’t done so, and Nerys benefited from her training as a healer. I was not surprised she was eventually chosen to perform the Stormcaller’s Rite, nor when she was brought to the palace.”

“Why were you not surprised?”

Caelum hesitated.

“She is… extremely powerful.”

“Why do you tell me all this?” I asked.

“Because I know Nerys well and can easily see the trust she so quickly placed in you. I would not be surprised if she has told you much of this already.”

I did not deny it. Evidently, he did know Nerys well. My first instinct, that he was somewhat of a father figure to her, had been accurate, it seemed.

“Nerys has long believed, as her parents before her, and as I do, that Thalassari’s future lies in strengthening ties with our northern neighbors, including humans.”

I stopped walking. Caelum did the same.

I’d been trained as a spy. Trained to understand what wasn’t said. To see what wasn’t visible. And that’s how I knew Caelum’s escort was more than it seemed. His revelations, not knowing for certain Nerys had opened up to me already, were not just unusual for a Thalassarian. They were unheard of.

“What are you not telling me?”

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