Page 9 of Seas and Scepters

As the days passed, I began to understand the rhythms of Lydia's house.Wealthy men came and went at all hours, seeking the company of beautiful women who would never judge them for their weaknesses or betray their secrets.I watched from the shadows, learning to recognize the signs of power and privilege that marked the truly valuable clients.

Any one of them could be Prince Eirik.Any one of them could be the man whose life I needed to claim to reclaim my own.

But as I grew stronger, as my legs finally began to obey my will and my human facade became more convincing, I found myself troubled by unexpected thoughts.The women in this house were kind to me—Nell especially, but even the others who had treated me with sisterly affection.They had welcomed me without question, shared their knowledge freely, and asked for nothing in return but friendship.

They were not my people, but they had become something like family.

And yet, to complete my mission, I would have to betray everything they had taught me about trust and loyalty.I would have to use their lessons to seduce a man, gain his confidence, and then kill him with my own hands.

The irony was not lost on me.In learning to be human, I might have to abandon what little humanity I had left.

But what choice did I have?The alternative was exile forever, death as a mortal creature cut off from everything that had ever given my life meaning.I was a princess of the sea, heir to the throne of the depths.I could not—would not—let that legacy die simply because I had developed inconvenient feelings for surface dwellers.

On my fourth day in Lydia's house, she found me standing at my window, staring out at the distant harbor where ships came and went like scattered thoughts.

"Homesick?"she asked gently.

I nodded, not trusting my voice to remain steady.

"The feeling will pass," she assured me, moving to stand beside me."In time, this will become your home.These women will become your sisters.And the work..."She paused, choosing her words with care."The work becomes easier when you remember that you're providing a service.Comfort to men who have precious little of it in their lives."

"And the special client you mentioned?"I asked, my heart beating faster."When will he arrive?"

Lydia's smile was mysterious."Soon, I think.Very soon.And when he does, Selene, your new life will truly begin."

I turned back to the window, watching the ships on the horizon and wondering which one might carry my destiny.Somewhere out there was Prince Eirik, the man whose resistance to my song had cost me everything.Soon, he would come seeking comfort in the arms of a woman.

He would find me instead.

And this time, I would not fail.

Chapter Four

Eirik

The familiar weight of my hood settled around my shoulders as I made my way through the narrow streets toward Madam Lydia's establishment.Three days had passed since the wedding negotiations began—three days of enduring Princess Astrid's barely concealed revulsion and my father's cold calculations about political alliances.The nightmares had grown worse too, visions of my men walking into dark water while that ethereal voice called to them like a promise of paradise.

I needed escape.I needed to forget, if only for a few hours, what my life had become.

The brothel's burgundy door opened before I could knock, and the doorman ushered me inside with his usual discretion.The warmth hit me immediately—not just the physical heat from the fireplace, but the atmosphere of acceptance that made this place my only sanctuary.Here, at least, my coin was welcomed without judgment.

"Your Highness," Madam Lydia Rosecroft appeared almost instantly, her dark eyes bright with anticipation."How wonderful to see you again."

I pushed back my hood, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease slightly."Madam Lydia.I hope I'm not intruding."

"Never.Actually, your timing is perfect."Her smile held a note of triumph."Do you remember what I promised you?About the special girl I mentioned?"

My pulse quickened.After days of wedding negotiations and Astrid's barely concealed disgust, I had begun to think Lydia's promise had been mere kindness."She has arrived, then?"

"Indeed.And Your Highness..."Her voice dropped to a confidential whisper."She's everything I hoped she would be.Perhaps more."

I felt the weight on my heart lift slightly even as I knew it was only the false hope of a cursed man."Are you certain?I don't wish to—"

"Trust me," she interrupted gently, her hand resting on my arm."This girl is special.Very special.And I believe she's exactly what you need."

"Very well," I said quietly."Though I should warn you, I'm hardly fit company tonight."

"All the more reason to meet her."Lydia's smile held a knowing quality."Come."

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