Page 67 of Pregnant With Their Babes

Llyr cringed, hating to see them in torment. He gave them each another kiss to the forehead and rose.

“Don’t… go,” Dagr growled. “Stay… with us.”

Both humans reached for him, but Llyr stepped back, knowing another touch would only make it that much harder to leave.

“You said I was dangerous and you were right, Dagr. All along,youwere right,” Llyr said. He took another step back toward his father, who waved his trident over Llyr, transforming him back into his merman form.

He looked down at the glimmering tail he’d missed so much. Yet he already missed his legs—understanding what their loss signified. Lifting his stare, he could clearly see the confusion, pain, and shock in their expressions.

“I love you both,” he whispered.

Both Dagr and Oz struggled to rise to their feet, but King Augustine waved his trident again. Llyr’s humans crashed back to the floor, roaring in pain.

“You promised you’d release them!” Llyr screamed.

“The spell will end when we’re gone!” his father cried, holding out his hand. “I give you my vow.”

Tears slipped down Llyr’s face. He took his father’s hand. “Take us home. Now… before they suffer a moment longer.”

His father lifted him from the floor and spun toward the open terrace facing the sea. The Draugar followed behind, scuffling and leaving a trail of gore and saltwater in their paths. His father stepped out onto the balcony, the sun high in the sky. He waved his trident and the hundreds of dead things turned and moved back into the water without a single word.

Except for one.

He stood on the beach, staring up at the castle and Llyr’s father.

That one appeared familiar and Llyr struggled to recall why… but more shocking was the fact the creature refused to follow his father’s silent commands.

“Whoisthat?” Llyr asked.

King Augustine waved his trident again—yet the lone Draugar stood stock still on the beach a few more moments before finally facing the water.

“Time to return home. I have hope that I can salvage the troth between you and Alphonse.”

“Please… no, father. He’s merely a boy.”

“We have been at odds with Atlantia your entire life. With one wedding, we can bind our two realms as one again. Stop being so selfish.”

Llyr lowered his head. One marriage could saveso many.

A sacrifice he wished he could refuse.

But would have to face.

He had no other choice now.

* * *

Dagr closed his eyes and reached deep before pushing against the sensation of burning chains wrapped around him. He sensed the spell break. Panting to catch his breath, he propelled himself out onto the balcony.

“Llyr! Stay!”

The Sea King spun, scowling. “How did you brea—” He smiled. “But of course. Yourmagic.”

Tears slid down Llyr’s face as he gazed down at Dagr.

“Llyr… please… don’t go.”

“We have no other choice,” Llyr muttered. “I’ll miss you both…”

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