Page 153 of Of Rime and Ruin
“You’re their king.” She presses a kiss to my hair but doesn’t push the matter. I squeeze her fingers in gratitude.
“Is this what you want, Nahla? Where you want to be? We can make it work. I could spend part of the year in the Brine, return here when duty calls. It’ll be difficult, but I’d make it work. For you.”
She chuckles and rests her chin on my shoulder. “You? In the Brine? I’m not sure the traditional garb would suit you.”
My ears grow warm. “And why not?”
She trails her fingers across my chest, circling my nipples through my shirt. “How do you feel about starfish, clinging right about here?” She lays her hands flat and laughs.
“I’m more of a fur cloak kind of guy,” I grumble. “But I like them on you.”
She ducks close, sneaking a kiss on my cheek. “Aethan, you’d be miserable in the Brine. Besides, I like it here. With Deirdre and Perrin and”—she taps my nose—“my grumpy Frost King. I think I could make a difference. Use my powers for good. I can help people.”
I relax at her words. She’s right. She will make a difference here, and under her leadership, the Frost Kingdom will thrive. We’re lucky to have her.
I’mlucky to have her. “You won’t get homesick? We can visit often.”
“You are my home,” she whispers.
My heart swells until I can hardly speak. We watch the sight-pool together in silence for a moment.
Soon enough, the water stirs, welcoming two newcomers to the festivities. I adjust the view, panning out to watch as Deirdre and my mother dive in. Deirdre shifts into her tail-form, a vision in midnight-blue scales and unpinned silver tresses. As my mother transforms, her claws lengthen and her horns twist out. She grows in height, filling out her intimidating form.
The onlookers pause their activities, staring. A few parents hide their guppies beneath their hair.
My mother grasps the tip of her tail, wringing it between her hands. But Deirdre reaches out, smiles, and takes my mother’s hand. Together, they enter the fray, as newly named Duchess and former Frost Queen.
It will take time for my kingdom to rebuild their trust in me and my mother. To undo years of terror at the sight of a clawbeast. But with Nahla, I no longer fear their rejection. With her at my side, we can heal this kingdom, turn it into something magical, the way it should have always been.
“What is that?” she says, peering over my shoulder to point at a shadow on the edge.
I adjust the spell, panning out. She gasps and grips my arm, leaning closer to see the image better.
There, at the entrance to the Rime, treads the largest creature I’ve ever seen. Its shoulders are too broad to fit between the gap in the mountains. Giant paddle-fins stir the water, keeping its mammoth form afloat. Through the sight-pool, I glimpse an armored underbelly and a large snap-jaw mouth.
Fear tingles along my scalp. Whatisthat thing?
Several merfolk tread the water around the creature, their scales brightly colored, their skin shades of deep bronze. One is female, resembling a taller, sharper version of Nahla with a pale green tail. Her companions include an older male siren and several well-adorned guards. Each one of them looks cold and out of place.
Fuck. More uninvited guests.
“Winona!” Nahla exclaims. “Keen!”
She squeals in my ear and bounces on her heels. I turn to face her, grinning despite myself. She’s beautiful when she’s happy. Her face radiates joy, infectious, and I can’t help the warmth that spreads through my chest.
Nahla launches into my arms, encircling my neck. “Ramona got my message!”
If these visitors are her family, I suppose I can welcome them warmly. Deirdre will enjoy the bustle of a full house, and it’ll be good to chase out the dust once and for all. If Nahla wants them here, then that’s all I need.
She’s happy. Who am I to ruin it?
Slowly, her words sink in. “Your message?”
Her cheeks stain a delightful pink. “I summoned them, when I was thinking of running away.”
My smile falls. She notices my expression and her brows pucker with worry. Fuck. How long will this be a sore spot for us?
My gut twists as a new thought crosses my mind. She could still intend to leave me. Her family’s sudden appearance could mean more than an unexpected visit—what if she departs with them, when they go? What if she asked them here to take her home?
