Page 32 of Tide of Waves and Secrets

“As for the sea serpents,” I said, returning to my story. “This early king not only considered them a favorite bit of magic, but he recounted how the spell was performed. It took much practice, I will admit, and has little practical purpose.”

“You’ve not used it to stop a wielding battle at The Moonlit Current before?”

“Nay, I have not.”

We walked in silence for some time, lights falling away as the cliffs to our right rose higher and higher. I closed my eyes, breathing in the air that gave my clan life. When I opened them, Rowan was watching me.

“You hold as many mysteries as the sea.”

“Not as many, but…” I could tell he wished to say something to me but struggled to do so.

“Tell me.”

“My grandfather… died last eve.”

We stopped talking. The pain on his face was real.

“I cannot tell you how I know, but the knowledge does not put you or Thalassaria in danger.”

A telepathic link of some sort, not unheard of among humans. Yet most had only one skill and Rowan had revealed his already. More importantly…

“I am so sorry, Rowan.”

“I’d have told you earlier but was uncertain if I could, or should. I know you have many questions?—”

“None of which matter.”

It was odd to not see him smiling. I went to him, without thought, and found myself, for the second time, in Rowan’s arms. Like before, neither of us spoke. What was this bond between us? I simply could not stay away, nor did I wish to. Closing my eyes, cradled into his chest with his arms around me… it should not have felt as right or natural as it did. But instead of questioning it, I welcomed the comfort, even though my intention was to comfort him.

“He was the best of men. He had my father’s patient nature, but a sense of humor too. I have not known a wiser man alive and will miss him dearly.”

I opened my eyes and watched the waves beside us that carried my tears from so many years ago but also sustained me and my people.

“The tides carry away what we love, but they always leave behind the memory of their touch. Your grief is the ebb, Rowan. In time, the flow will return, and with it, the strength to honor him.”

“You cannot know,” he said quietly, “what that means to me.”

Rowan pulled back slightly, looking down at me. I thought he might kiss me. Instead, he had that same expression as he did in the market.

“Rowan?”

He blinked. Something was wrong. Very wrong.

“Rowan, please tell me what is happening.”

“I…” He took another step back and then turned away. “I wish I could.”

And just like that, the moment was gone. Just like that, we went back to being strangers.

“I’m fine,” he said, and began to walk once again. “It has been a long day.”

He was not fine. But whether the news of his grandfather, however it had been received, or something else, bothered him, I could not know. Because Rowan would not fully let me into his world.

“You will attend your first Festival of Tides, then?” I asked, stepping back, changing topics. It was all anyone spoke of; the twice-yearly festival was an exciting time for Thalassarians.

“It seems so. Will you tell me more about it?”

As we walked, I shared past festivals and our traditions, explaining to Rowan what he could expect. One thing I did not tell him was how badly those close to me wished for me to challenge the queen. The truth was, as brave as I pretended to be, inside, I was afraid.

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