Page 118 of Mermaid's Song (Dark Sea Academy 1)

“I appreciate that, but you saved the king.”

“But I couldn’t have done it without you.” I sit taller. “Nobody could disagree with that. And if my dad does try to argue, I’ll threaten to leave the academy.”

Bash snickers. “Somehow, I can’t see your father giving into a threat.”

“You’ve never seen me when I really want something.”

He kisses my cheek. “I love that about you.”

I freeze in place. Did he just say what I think he did? The l-word?

Bash cups my chin, and I get lost in his eyes. He inches closer to my face. “Not only do I love that about you, but I love you. I know it seems quick, but—”

I press my lips on his and kiss him, tasting the wine. He pulls me close and runs his fingers through my hair.

Even if we never make it to the ball, this is already the perfect night.

The limo stops, and Bash pulls away.

I get lost in his eyes again and catch my breath. “I love you too. I don’t care how quickly anyone else thinks this is moving. It’s just right for us.”

He beams and brushes his lips across mine just as the door opens. Bash helps me out, and we follow a golden path to the main entrance of the castle. A servant bows low once we’re inside, and he takes us to the ballroom.

My parents are sitting on their royal throne. They embrace me and both thank Bash for his part in saving my dad’s life. We all talk for a few minutes before some of our relatives arrive in order of royalty rank. Then more of the royal class arrives, again by rank. Halen is one of the first to arrive, and she looks amazing in a sparkling yellow dress, arm-in-arm with one of our school’s upper-year boys. I race over to her and tell her how beautiful she is.

She grins. “Nowhere near as gorgeous as you. Would you two start dancing? You’re the guests of honor, so everyone else has to wait for you.”

“Oh, right. I’m not used to being the one honored at these.” I take Bash’s hand and lead him to the dance floor. We dance to the first song alone, then as soon as the second one begins, others flood the floor.

We spin around the floor and steal as many kisses as we can until the servants bring out the banquet. My parents sit first, then Bash and I join them, followed by close relatives. After we all begin dishing up, the other guests sit based on their ranks.

Bash endears my parents right away, speaking with them as if they were old friends. My mom squeezes my arm and whispers, “I wasn’t sure about him at first, but I can certainly see why you like him.”

I beam, thrilled to have their approval. If I didn’t, they could use their authority to make us break up. Not that I’d give in to their demands, but being able to date out in the open will make life so much easier.

Once the meal is over, Dad returns to his throne and announces a special surprise.

Bash lifts a brow. “What’s this about?”

I shrug. “No idea.”

My mom joins him, and he starts to tell us about the whole ordeal with Shane and Coral. He winds down the story by emphasizing Shane’s death and Coral’s life sentence in prison. Then he invites me up.

I turn to Bash. “Come with me.”

He shakes his head. “He called you up.”

I hate to go up alone, especially since I couldn’t have saved my dad without Bash, but I do anyway.

My mom pulls out a shimmery tiara and hands it to my dad, who places it on my head. “With this crown, you are officially the heir to the throne. Should anything happen to me, Marra will be your queen.”

“Long live Marra,” everyone speaks in unison, then bows.

My entire body shakes. The whole thing is surreal. And all I want is to return to Bash’s arms and dance the night away.

My parents both share stories about me, but I can barely focus. The gist is that they’re proud of me and know I’ll make an excellent leader someday. Then just as I think they’ll finally let me rejoin Bash, Dad gives an announcement that makes my blood run cold.

“Marra and Bash are going to sing us a song. I’ve heard that my daughter’s voice has grown richer in the years since her voice lessons. I can’t wait to listen for myself.”

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