One by one, the royal cabinet took turns bowing before Aqua and swearing an oath of loyalty to their new queen. She’d been crowned yesterday. We both had. And we’d been married the day before that, an underwater celebration like nothing I’d ever seen on land. Sea creatures had come up from the depths to witness our vows. Aqua had rode in on a damned seahorse.
The whole thing felt like a damn dream, but the weight of the jewel-encrusted crown on my head proved it was very real. Not to mention the entire legion of water fae soldiers now obeying my orders.
Some days, it was my life on land that felt like a dream. How long had it been since The Monster Ball had changed everything? One month? Two? Time worked differently in the depths.
Water shifted as Monroe swam up behind me.
“Your highness, the scouts from the eastern wall have returned.”
Monroe’s voice was low enough to not draw attention from the others, but my head snapped up, my muscles tensing. This was the update I’d been waiting for.
“Any sign?”
When he shook his head, I wasn’t surprised. Only disappointed.
“There’s no trace of Priscilla. We called in the oracle like you suggested, and she used her gifts to search out even a faint signature of the sea witch. No sign of Priscilla’s magic remains. She’s gone.”
Damn.
I’d wanted her out of our lives, but not like this. Not without paying for what she’d done.
“And the evidence?” I asked.
“We’ve cleared everything from her home under the reef and locked it into the royal vault.”
“Including the forged letters we found, ordering the hit on the royal family?”
“Yes, your highness. It’s all being preserved.”
“Good. If and when she returns, she’ll stand trial for the murders of Aqua’s parents and brother.”
Monroe looked like he couldn’t agree more with the idea.
“Would you like me to continue the search?” Monroe asked.
“No. Set an alarm along the border to detect her magic. If she returns, we’ll be ready.”
“Of course.” Monroe slipped away, and I turned back to watch the remaining council members swear their fealty.
When it was over, the crowd cheered, and Aqua flashed them a regal smile.
“Long live the queen,” the crowd chanted.
“And her people,” Aqua called back.
The council applauded, and the trumpets sounded, marking the end of the ceremony. The crowd began to disperse, and Aqua scanned the room. Her eyes landed on me, and her smile deepened. I watched as she broke away from her advisors and swam over to where I waited.
“How’d I do?” she asked softly.
“Meh. It was no royal wedding, but it’ll do.”
She laughed, but it ended too quickly. “And Monroe?”
I gave her the update on Priscilla, and she sighed. “Well, at least she’s gone.” But I could hear the disappointment in her voice. “I just wish she’d been around to face the consequences of her crimes.”
“The alarms will let us know if she returns.” I leaned down and kissed the tip of her nose. “Until then, I refuse to let that sea hag ruin anything.”
“I’m sorry we can’t take a honeymoon, but we can’t leave the throne vulnerable.”
“As far as I’m concerned, we had the honeymoon at the Ball. Besides, this place is more than exotic enough for me. It’s like a never-ending beach vacation.”
I wiggled my tail until bubbles rose between us. Aqua laughed when they tickled her sea-skin.
“Learning new tricks?” she asked.
I winked. “They don’t call me an old dog for nothing.”
She groaned. “Werewolf humor already? I thought it would be too soon.”
“Nah, that life is the rearview.” I slid in close, wrapping my arm around her waist and pulling her in until we were pressed together.
Aqua’s blue eyes sparkled with a happiness I could feel all the way to the tip of my scaly tail.
“And this life?” she asked. “Is it everything you ever wanted?”
“More than,” I assured her. “I got this amazing girl to marry me, and I’m part fish, which means all the sushi I could ever eat. What more could a guy want?”
She smirked, but her gaze flicked to something over my shoulder. “There’s one more thing,” she said.
“What’s that?”
“Your family.”
“Aqua, you are my family.”
She softened. “Thank you for saying so. But I’m not the only one you have left.”
I followed the direction of her gaze and spotted a woman watching us. Her features were so like my mother’s that it took my breath away.
I glanced back at Aqua, unsure but hopeful.
“Her name is Coral,” Aqua explained. “She’s your mother’s sister, and she lives here in the capital.”
I blinked, speechless as I studied the woman closer. My aunt Coral.
For years, I’d made it my mission to find my mother’s people, and now, after all this time, I’d finally done it. Or Aqua had.
“You should go over there,” Aqua insisted, shoving me when I still didn’t move. “Meet her. Get to know her.”
“Aren’t you coming?” I asked.
“Eventually. I wanted to give you time together alone first. I’m sure there’s a lot to say.”
“Aqua.” I blew out a breath. “Thank you. For everything.”
She kissed my cheek. “You owe me nothing. Well, except your undying love and devotion.”
My mouth curved. “Oh, I’ll show you devotion, darling. Just wait until tonight.”
She laughed, shoving me away. “Go.”
I started to swim toward the woman then doubled back. “Quick question. If you’re a mermaid, then what am I? Don’t say merman. That just sounds weird.”
Aqua’s brows lifted in amusement. I could see laughter beginning to rise in her and already regretted my question.
“I would never,” she said with mock seriousness. “Besides, I call it like I see it. You’re obviously mersexy.”
Yep. Definitely regretted the question.
With a groan, I swam to meet Coral and welcome her as ruler of Nerida, the kingdom under the sea. My home.
The End.
_____________
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