Page 16 of Depths
Would this night never end?I’d had the servants stop serving me fermented drinks long ago and asked Sahar if someone down here knew about coffee or how to make it. She’d shook her head.
As I fought to keep my eyes open, I vowed that coffee beans from Lored would be one of the first trade negotiations I’d embark on.
At the same time, I felt guilty as I met the men toward the back of the line. Either my exhaustion was making me more tolerant of stupidity, or the men at the back were more intelligent and capable.
A handsome siren with golden skin and pale green-colored hair, one of at least seven sirens who—unfortunately—all looked the same to me, came forward and bowed and kissed my hand.
I briefly hoped that none of these men had diseases; otherwise, the others were likely to get them, kissing the same spot.
When the siren rose, his smile was softer than the others. His long aquiline nose was a bit sharper than most. His frame might have been a bit thinner. Actually, his skin was more bronze than gold up close. And his eyes looked intelligent. So, perhaps he was a little different from the others. “You look glorious tonight, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you.” I inclined my head. And while I knew a siren’s voice was intended to be seductive, I couldn’t help the blush that stole across my cheeks, hoping that he was sincere. “Your name?”
“Julian, Majesty.”
“You don’t have to be formal with each address. What is it you do for work, Julian?”
To my surprise, Julian blushed and ducked his head. “I’m … a scientist.”
I furrowed my brow. “I’m sorry. I’m not quite certain what you said.”
Julian’s light brown eyes met mine. “I search for solutions to problems without using any magic.” I leaned back, feeling a little blindsided. “What?”
Julian bit his lip. “Well, magical genes are diluted each generation they meld with human genes. More so on land than here, but it still happens here. Quite a few mermaids have to go on land to visit their children who cannot breathe underwater. My parents are only half sirens … if my dad had been human, I probably would not have had enough magic to even breathe underwater. As it is, I can’t change my hair like most sirens. But the point is, once the ratio of magic being to human dips below the threshold of one eighth magic being to human ratio … well, there simply is no magic. Magic is declining. We need solutions to the world’s problems that won’t involve magic.”
My head tilted to the side, watching as this shy siren became more animated. I studied his features. Like all sirens, he was a type of handsome that humans just couldn’t match. It was part of his predatory heritage. But that wasn’t the most attractive thing about him. Hearing him talk about this “science,” which was clearly his passion, made his entire face light up. I doubted he even realized it, but he radiated energy. His aura became a magnet, and I felt drawn to him.
“—as of late, many surgical procedures,” he concluded a sentence that I hadn’t heard the start of, as lost in admiration as I had been.
“That sounds fascinating.” I smiled up at him. “I’d love to learn more about it. Would you care to ride with me on the way to the first tournament in Reef City?”
Startled, he blinked a few times. “You mean it?”
“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t.”
“I … of course. This is better than I ever imagined this going.” He gestured between us. “Not many sea people are open to the discussion of science over magic. I’d hoped, but not really believed, that you might be an ally for the cause.”
There it was.
I felt like I’d been doused in ice water. The connection that I’d felt brewing between us, the interest and excitement, vaporized. Julian hadn’t come here interested in me. He wanted to use me. Just like every other mer, it seemed. Publicity was my greatest asset, the one they were all attracted to.
I wanted to sigh and lean on my arm, staring out a window in forlorn disappointment. Instead, I gave him a small encouraging smile and then signaled for Sahar to bring up the next candidate.
Another siren stepped closer. Unlike the others, who’d dressed all in bright blues and greens, which seemed to be the fashion, this man wore only black. All black, he even wore a shirt, though it was molded to his abs like a second skin. He was athletic looking and had that perfect balance of muscle, his waist tapering to narrow hips that strode forward with confidence. He walked toward me, which I appreciated. It made me feel a little more at ease, because I wasn’t used to people swimming right at me just yet.
The most alluring siren yet gave me a slow bow, his pale pink hair falling forward, his hazel eyes locked onto mine the entire time. “Good evening, Your Majesty. Worn out by the pageantry yet?”
I laughed lightly. “It’s what I signed up for, isn’t it?”
He stared at me a long moment, causing fire to lick up my spine. Eventually, he responded, “True. But I have yet to see you dance tonight. Would you do me the honor?”
Shite.
He’d immediately gone for the chink in my armor. I didn’t know all the undersea dances yet. And I definitely couldn’t swim proficiently enough to keep up with those around me.
“I still have others—” I gestured at the line behind him, but he simply took my outstretched hand in his and led me confidently down the steps. His grip on my hand was firm and warm, and completely in control. I couldn’t have slipped away if I’d wanted to.
“I took the liberty of learning one of the court dances from Evaness,” he said smoothly.
