Page 86 of Lore of the Tides

Chapter 29

Aknock came at the door, and Cuan flew through it before either of them could call out,Please don’t come in, or better yet,Leave us alone for once, thank you!

“Come on, you two. Everyone is waiting for our guests of honor!”

“Cuan, tell me honestly, is this a big thing or a medium thing that the queen has planned for us?”

“It’s amandatorything, is what it is,” Cuan supplied with a wink. “Don’t worry, it won’t be too painful. The queen is usually adept at weighing what is ‘too much’ for people,” Cuan said as they nudged Lore and Finndryl out the door.

“See, I don’t like that they saidusually,” Finndryl muttered as the three of them left the guest wing.

“If it’s terrible, I’ll distract everyone with my charm and wit, just long enough for you to hide from whatever is waiting for us in there,” Lore said as she studied a tree that swayed in the courtyard. She could’ve sworn this same tree was dead the last time she saw it, and here it was—its odd, white branches blooming with life. Small fish darted in and out of its blossoms. The fish resembled honeybees, drunk on nectar, as they drowsily flitted from flower to flower.

With the pearl restored, this place was already flourishing backto life; she could only imagine what another day, a week, a year would do to restore the beauty of Lapis Deep.

They’d done this. They had helped an entire kingdom of people.

Next, it would be her own.

Finndryl brought her back to the present. “I’m shocked you would think that I would leave you to fend for yourself.”

Lore laughed, squeezing his arm. “Your honor is not questioned, my good sir; just letting you know that I will sacrifice myself for you when it comes to social situations.”

He bowed his head, mocking the nobility filtering into the courtyard all around them. “Your offer is most generous, but I think we must both admit that you are secretly looking forward to a party in your honor.”

“How dare you? I am clearly dreading the very thought of it.”

“Why does your step hurry across the courtyard, then?”

“Don’t call me out like this! Just accept the offer of—ohgods.”

The doors of the hall were thrust open to reveal a party in full swing despite the early hour. Apparently the sirens could celebrate at any time, day or night.

Finndryl and Lore were ushered inside by servants dressed in frilly outfits. An orchestra was in full swing on a stage. Tables had been set up all around. A buffet along one edge of the room held a feast, and there, dancing in the center of the room, were the queen and her prince consort.

Lore, wide-eyed, could not quite make up her mind where to look first, as servants ushered them toward the dance floor to greet the queen; there weren’t just people, tables, and decor spread all around her but above as well. There was anotherlayerof siren dancing, swimming, lilting, eating above them and even a few tables and chairs suspended with ropes, to keep them from falling or shifting, above her head.

“I thought I was going to have to send my royal guard to drag you here,” Queen Naia exclaimed as she pulled Lore into a fierce hug.She was surprisingly strong for her advanced age, and Loreoomphed as a stream of bubbles escaped her lips.

“We didn’t mean to be late; my apologies.”

“Hush, no apologies permitted on this day when it is you that we are celebrating.” The queen moved to give a squeeze to Finn, who dwarfed her completely. “And you, don’t think we have forgotten your part in this.” Lore grinned to see Finn blush, his expression warring between pride and humility. He gave Queen Naia a twirl; her long tail and hair swirled out behind her as she threw her head back, her laughter easily cascading over the sound of the band.

Lore couldn’t believe the difference between the world now and a few days ago. This was a happy ending for the queen and her people. Their way of life, safety, and homeland were restored. Queen Naia would not have to succumb to failure, to her people being scattered to the seas.

Lore’s chest felt full with joy that she had achieved this for the sirens, but goddess knew she wanted this for her own people too. She wanted to gather them together in a beautiful ballroom and celebrate each and every one of them. She wanted them to dance and eat till their bellies would be near bursting. She wanted their laughter to ring through the room, and she wanted them to feel safe when they went to bed at night. Safe, and warm, and at home where they lived.

Lore had a long way to go before that could happen, and being here was delaying the inevitable. But she couldn’t leave just yet. Lore still had that favor to ask.

The morning passed with lots of food and many heartfelt thank-yous from the inhabitants of Lapis Deep. Lore was gifted with a few seashells from siren children who shyly pressed them into her hands, precious tokens of thanks.

There were a few speeches; thankfully, Lore wasn’t expected to make any. When the last speech finished and the music resumed,Lore made her excuses and reconvened with the queen, who was busy sampling the dessert table.

“Queen Naia, might we speak in private?”

“Of course, here.” She pressed a small plate of yellow dessert into Lore’s hands. “Take a slice of coconut custard—and, yes, some guava will pair nicely...” Lore grabbed the outstretched plate. “I’ll acquire the spoons—we can enjoy our dessert in the east garden.”

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