Page 75 of Pregnant With Their Babes

One born of a dark, magical father.

The other father born of both earth and water.

The next line or so was too faded to read—he skipped to the next section he could read clearly.

…grow into men and they will destroy both land and sea—together.

Llyr spoke it aloud the next time, to assure his translation was right. When Prawnsby never corrected him at any point, his stomach turned. He allowed his gaze to wash over it another time, sure he had to find something…anything… that would change the course of their destiny.

It was undeniable. The divination matched at every line. He was the third son of a monarch. Born omega. He had a seashell-shaped birthmark—which could bethe stain of a shell. One born of a dark, magical father—Dagr. The other father born of both earth and water—Oz. He closed his eyes, his hand instinctively going to his stomach.

Already, it might be too late.

Llyr might usher death to the whole world if he gave them life.

Tears burned his eyes, clouding his vision. “How can Father be sure what it says when there are parts missing?”

“We can’t,” Prawnsby said, his voice low. “We can only use what we see to defend our world. Youhaveto understand now… youcannotbe with these two humans. Your father did all he could to save you from ever meeting them and having to suffer their loss. Had you not escaped…”

“Perhaps had he not treated me like a prisoner, I would never have felt the need to escape!”

Prawnsby sighed. “No matter what he did, it would’ve been wrong. Had he let you go as you wished, you might’ve found your way to them, too. He did his best to protect usall.”

Llyr read over the prophecy one last time, committing it to memory. “There are no other copies?”

“None have ever been found,” Prawnsby whispered. “And trust me, Your Highness. We have searched. Your father has sent clerics to every corner of the ocean to seek the full prophecy. Even your brothers have traveled with them, hunting leads.”

“They did?”

“Yes,” Prawnsby said. “They did.No onewishes to see you suffer.”

Llyr rolled up the scroll and handed it back to Prawnsby.

He took it in his curling tail and returned it to the chest before ushering Llyr out and locking the door behind them.

“What of the anglerfish?”

“The spell will wear off him in a little while,” Prawnsby said, before tucking the key and amulet back in place behind a loose stone. He swam toward the door.

Before leaving, Llyr wedged the stone out and grabbed the amulet. Quickly, he slid the stone back in.

“Prince Llyr? Are you coming?”

Llyr swam toward the door. “Sorry… it’s so overwhelming.”

Prawnsby sighed. “I realize, but now you grasp the truth. Hopefully it brings you some peace.”

Llyr forced a smile and a nod. No, it had brought him no peace. It had made him sicker. They swam back toward his room when a thought occurred. He paused in his swimming once they were a few metres away. “I doubt my father wished me to see that. Why did you show me?”

Prawnsby faced Llyr. “Though you do not think I do, I care for you, Prince Llyr. How could I not have some affection for the merchild I’ve practically raised?”

Llyr’s throat tightened. There was nothing he could say.

“I am aware you call me your father’s spy—but I cannot ignore my duty to my king. I’ve worked very hard to walk the thin line between informant and enabler. It has not always been easy, especially with all your midnight trips with Ryland in your youth.”

Llyr’s eyes widened. “You knew?”

“Of course I knew. The first time… I trailed behind you to see where it was that boy was leading you. And then I saw it was just outside the city… playing in the old shipwreck… and I heard you laugh. I think it was the first time I truly heard you laugh—and I was unable to bring myself to force your return. From then on, I always trailed a safe distance away to be sure you avoided too much danger—and trust me, there were times the pair of you nearly gave me apoplexy.” Prawnsby cleared his throat. “I should’ve put my tail down, but I never wanted you to feel as if you were a captive here. I thought those little moments of freedom were good for you—and as long as the king was unaware—then all was well.”

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