Page 32 of Coral Prince Conundrum
“We will walk down the stairs,” I say.
“Do you have stairs in America?” Priya asks.
“Priya, stairs have existed for hundreds of years,” Oroy counters. “So not ill of you.”
“Well, I do not know how developed his life is!” Priya says.
I chuckle as my siblings saunter off. My heart warms at the fact that they do not resent me for being aloof for most of their lives. With them gone, I gently lead Daryl down the marble staircase, taking his hand and squeezing it more than needed.
The tidal pools are each ten feet in diameter and about five feet deep. The two areas resemble blue circles attached to the lowest floor of this, the most guarded estate on the surface. It’s a warm, sunny afternoon, and the sounds of the ocean waves are our only accompaniment to this perfect scene. I grin at the idea of sharing even more of my life with my fiancé?I mean, friend. And fake fiancé.
Daryl lets out a small gasp when he sees the water. “You made your own tidal environments?” He grins like a child with a new toy, and kneels, gazing closer at one round pool. This must be a dream for his marine biologist brain.
“No, actually. We picked this spot generations ago because of these tidal pools.” I kneel next to him. The reflection of the clouds shimmer in the pool, but we can see the urchins, mollusks, and sea snails living in the shallow water. “We needed a place that kept up with surface world technology, all while being connected to the most vulnerable marine wildlife.”
“Those that live in shallow tidal zones,” he says, grinning at the water.
I beam at his reflection. “Exactly.”
“It’s beautiful. So much of your kingdom is gorgeous.” He stares out to where the tidal pool reaches the overflow gate. “And that connects to the ocean?”
“Indeed, it does. Nearly everything here in Port City connects us to the sea, hence the public transit gondola system. This is the biggest surface-level city in our kingdom, and the royal family needed representation here, hence the house. But we requiredour own private outlet to the sea.” I make my way to the edge of the overflow gate. “Just in case I need to, for example, call Drakey at a moment’s notice. In fact, I need to show you something.”
He stands up to follow me. “That sounds?woah!” Daryl flinches when a pelican flies down near him and lands on my shoulder.
“Oh, this is Pelly. She frequents this area.” I whistle to her, informing her of her duties for our new guest. She lands on Daryl’s head, and he freezes. Then, she squawks and flies off, and I chuckle.
“What…just happened?”
“I informed Pelly that you are a most cherished guest, and in turn, she will protect you. She sees everything on the land and can report back to me.”
“And you understand her?” He looks up to the sky.
I shrug. “Sometimes.”
Daryl snickers. “Wow. All sea creatures fall for your fairytale princess routine, huh?”
“My what?”
“Never mind, I’ll explain later.” He crouches by the tidal pool again. “Is that what you wanted to show me? Your bird friend?”
“Yes, but also, there is another I need to call.” I take off my green shirt and slip off my shoes. As I wade into the tidal pool, I don’t miss the way Daryl eyes my body. I know he’s attracted to me on at least a physical level, but I still find his aroused stare so flattering. His attention is complimentary; I’m only human, after all.
I submerge and open the underwater gate, allowing the tidal pool to reach the outlet. Next, I whistle, harkening the one creature I need. In moments, it slowly floats to me, like it was ready and waiting for my call. I smile and walk out of the pool, holding it in my arms.
“Hey, what is?ah!” Daryl recoils at the creature in my hands, and I smile.
“This is my amphibious jellyfish. I nicknamed him Jojo. Well, he is not mine, but he has been around this tidal pool for several years. Is he not beautiful?”
I hold up the purple blob the same size as my knapsack. His tendrils squirm about, shaking off seawater. Daryl, meanwhile, seems uncomfortable. “He’s something alright. I didn’t know jellyfish could live on land. He looks like a sack of gelatin.”
I snigger. “He cannot live on land. However, he can hold his breath briefly when I bring him up here.” I hold Jojo closer to Daryl, who simply grimaces. “This species exists only in our small corner of the ocean. Generations ago, our scientists discovered his unique ability.”
“Is it the ability to make me lose my lunch?” he mutters.
I laugh softly. “He can store oxygen and regulate atmospheric pressures even deep within the ocean.” I hold him up further, and Daryl gags. “He is going to be your friend.”
Daryl shakes his head. “Jellyfish kind of creep me out, even in the water. Out here he seems…extra bizarre.” He shivers. “As long as I don’t need to like…kiss him or anything.” He laughs, but I do not react.
