With a sigh of relief, I watched as he pulled himself up over the ledge and onto the ground above. He crowed his pleasure and held his hands in the air above him. I was glad that he was no longer in that precarious condition, however now, I could only thing with dread of him climbing back down the way he had come.
With horror I watched as he took a few steps back from the ledge before taking a running leap off the edge and out into the open air. My stomach leapt to my throat in response as I watched him fall, screaming, his arms spinning wildly as he plummeted into the water below.
I leapt off my rock and was at his side, pulling his head up from under the surface of the water as quickly as I could manage. He beamed at me, shaking his head and sending droplets of water in every direction. I could hardly keep the distress from my voice.
“What in the seven seas were you thinking?” My voice lacked all of its usual melody as I nearly screeched.
“It’s alright.” He laughed. “I was just cliff jumping, I’ve done it before.” With a pat on my head, he turned to swim away and to my horror began climbing again.
As I watched his feet clinging to the sheer face of it, I couldn’t help but to dwell on the condition of that sea witch that Dylan had seen only a few days ago. She had been given legs as a punishment. A punishment! I know my parents would see it that way, but I wasn’t so sure.
I knew their thoughts because they had gotten a witch to spell me with legs for a day as a punishment when Dylan had first arrived. It had been uncomfortable, but brief. I had however enjoyed being able to walk around on land for the brief period. My parents were certain that it would make me more grateful for my fin, and it had. However, Dylan seemed to be capable of so much with his legs and feet.
I watched with a new sort of envy as he climbed easily up, only to leap out again.
Zoya
The day that Shea had arrived felt like a dream. I had been looking for so long and I had lost hope so many times, only to get my hopes up again, waiting for them to be dashed one more time. I hadn’t asked many questions, maybe I should have, but I was so glad to have him back. The familiar feel of his arms around me, strong and safe. He had a scruffy beard now that he hadn’t had before, and I liked it. I loved everything about him. For the first dew days we floated on a cloud, elated to be reunited. Recently I had noticed changes in him. Enough time had passed that I looked at him more closely. He didn’t argue with me over anything, he hardly even teased me, he seemed constantly trying to please me. Like he was afraid that he could say or do something that would separate us again. The change brought a tinge of sadness. How was I going to assure him of the steadiness that I felt? I supposed that time was the only solution.
Shea pressed his lips to my hair, and I reveled in the feeling. He was tall, most people I knew were taller than me, but he was taller. I loved how small I felt, how safe, next to him. We sat on a blanket, side by side, watching the sunset over the ocean on this secluded stretch of beach. I twined my fingers through his, giving them a squeeze, leaning my head against his chest. Wanting, as always, to be as close as possible. We had been separated for too long. He pulled his hand from mine, wrapping his arm around me.
My phone rang and I was hesitant to answer it, not wanting to move away from him. He smiled and pulled away from me, allowing me the room to get my phone.
“Hello?” I answered, surprised by the number on the screen. My mother hadn’t taken easily to the modern human technology, and she rarely ever called me.
“Zoya!” Her voice was light and enthusiastic. “I’m calling you!”
I laughed, “Yes, you are. Is everything alright?” I knew there couldn’t be any serious problem based on her tone, but she didn’t often call, and never without a purpose. Shea looked at me, his eyes curious, and I mouthed, “My mom.” He nodded and leaned in, listening with curiosity.
“Of course, of course! I was hoping that you could make a trip to visit Cainhorn Palace. Byron is planning an immense ball; he wants everyone there for his announcement. I could really use your help.”
My mother rarely asked for my help, and it had been years since I had been to see her, but she didn’t know that Shea was back. I had avoided her since he and I separated, I was so ashamed. I didn’t want her or anyone to see me in that state. And now, I was embarrassed about the whole thing. So much time wasted. I wasn’t sure that I was ready to explain things to her.
“I’m not sure. I have a lot going on right now.” I never could outright refuse her. I caught her sigh on the other end of the line.
“It’s been so long, Zoya. Long enough. It would help me, and I think it would help you too. You could bring Isla’s kids with you. I would love to meet them.”
I hadn’t told her about spending time with Cora and Dylan, but I wasn’t surprised that she knew. The king had eyes everywhere. Fynn being only one set. Of course, she would know who I was spending time with. I should be surprised that she didn’t already know about Shea. I might as well be the one to do it.
“Shea’s back.” I said anxiously. For a moment I wished he wasn’t so close to me. I didn’t know how my mom would react to this news. There was a pause as she processed what I had said. “It’s a good thing.” I offered.
“Then you should bring him as well Zoya. He’s been away for a long time.” She offered generously and I smiled.
“I’ll think about it mama. You know how merpeople can be. I’m not sure that I’m ready for that again.”
“Fair enough. The ball will be held in a month. There isn’t a lot of time to dawdle. I really could use your help.”
“I’ll let you know soon.” And with that we said our goodbyes.
“A ball?” Shea asked. “What’s the announcement?”
“I could only guess, but Iolanthe made it sound like a big deal.”
“So, why don’t you want to go?” He asked. I leaned my head against his shoulder.
“I’m not ready to deal with the dirty looks and people like Blake and Ell and anyone else who doesn’t approve of my choice.”
Shea stiffened at the reminder. Giving up my immortality and mixing with humans wasn’t popular with a lot of mer. While Byron and my mother and were accepting, there were still plenty who weren’t. And those who were opposed were annoyingly vocal about their opinions.
With a deep breath Shea spoke. “I think you should,” he took my hand in his and squeezed, “we should. We’ve spent long enough in hiding. I think it would be good.” It was the first time he had so much as suggested anything contrary to my opinion since he’d returned, and I was heartened. He must care if it was important enough for him to speak up.
“Maybe.” I said, kissing the back of his hand.
Cora
The thunderstorm was perfectly made, and I was left with little doubt that it was for my benefit. It stayed a few miles off the shore, and I could sit comfortably dry on the beach while I watched the billowing clouds flash, lighting spreading like glowing veins throughout the roiling mass. The storm looked like it had a mind of its own, it was alive.
I had been here long enough to know that the weather wasn’t left to chance, if it was clear, it was because that’s what Oran wanted, and if it was stormy that was him as well. I stared intently out at the storm enjoying its beauty, but also acutely aware of eyes somewhere observing me. When I had walked out to the beach by myself that morning it had been a clear day without a cloud in the sky, but within minutes of setting my towel out on the white sand the swirling dark mass began to take shape.
I turned my face from the storm as another crack of thunder shook the sky, looking for my silent observer, wondering if I might catch a glimpse of him. He had been more enigmatic than ever, but also more attentive as well, if it were possible. Flashing between enthusiastic and stoic without warning. I could see no sign of him, but I was sure that he was somewhere within sight, perhaps looking out through one of the castle windows.
I turned my face back out to sea and storm. I raised one
arm motioning for him to come and patting the spot next to me on the sand. It would be a silly and wasted effort if I was wrong, if perhaps he wasn’t watching, but I was fairly sure he was. Within a few short minutes my suspicions were confirmed. Between claps of thunder there was the subtle sound of soft footfalls in sand. If I hadn’t been listening for them, I wouldn’t have heard him at all. I continued to stare straight ahead while he sat at my side. When had I become so confident as to summon him to my side in this manner? What was I even hoping to achieve? It was better this way at least, not wondering and feeling his gaze at my back.
“Thank you.” I smiled but still didn’t turn to face him.
“For what?” Oran’s voice was deep and smooth, but barely above a whisper. Now, turning to look at his face my confidence was tenuous. His green eyes were almost desperate, searching my face. He looked like a man on the edge. Desperate for… something. I didn’t know what.
“The light show.” I turned away, unsure how to answer the look on his face. He didn’t answer and we sat with only the sound of the distant rain and rumbling thunder. “You know I love a good storm.”
“I do.” He sat so still I couldn’t help but to turn and face him. His blonde hair blew gently around his face, he was as beautiful as ever. I wondered if he had whipped up that little breeze around his hair for my benefit. It seemed like something he might do. But his usual beauty was lacking as his confidence seemed all but shattered now while he sat hunched next to me.
“What’s wrong, Oran?” A smile turned up at the corner of his lips.
“I hardly know, Cora, except that I haven’t felt like myself in sometime. I’m anxious and worried and all I can think about is you. All day I watch out for you, every possible moment, and then at night…” He trailed off and I didn’t know if I wanted the end of that sentence. “I have to know. It’s driving me mad. Do you ever dream of me, Cora?”
This was not at all what I was expecting.
“Only once,” I answered honestly, “a long time ago.” His eyes fell and to my great surprise I saw his eyes begin to well.
“I see.” He breathed out the words in a whisper. He seemed to curl up into himself, across the water the storm seemed to pound with a new ferocity. “And Fynn. Do you dream of him?”
He sounded like he might break with my answer, but I wouldn’t lie, not even to spare him. It was right that he should know. It wouldn’t help anyone for him to think I felt differently than I did.
“Often.” I said it as gently as I could. His body became stiff and I wondered if he had stopped breathing. And then he chuckled to himself his breath coming out in one huff.
“Right.” He rubbed his hands over his face wiping the lone tear I had seen escape. “I guess this is my punishment. So many wasted years ensnaring the love of others without any feeling for them, and now this.” I could see his eyes shine with the new tears that threatened to pour over. My heart hurt for him and his obvious pain. I couldn’t restrain my natural desire to comfort someone in such distress. Without rising from my spot, I shifted enough to warp my arm around him. The beach was cool with the storm clouds blocking the rising sun, but Oran was warm.
My mind wandered and I remembered that one dream. I hadn’t actually seen Oran in it, I had only been looking for him, curious to see him when Fynn had pulled me aside. Fynn had been there with me since the beginning. Spell or no, Oran never had much of a chance. I wondered if things might have been different, but I remembered how Oran had been when I first arrived, toying with me and trying to ensnare me. He would have gladly added my name to his list if his song hadn’t somehow backfired. Yet, while I knew he had brought this on himself I couldn’t help but to feel for him.
He leaned into my hug resting his head against my shoulder and wrapping his arms around my waist. In a smooth motion he raised his cheek next to mine and without turning away brushed his lips across my cheek briefly.
“Thank you, Cora. For your honesty.” He returned his face to my shoulder. “I’m pretty sure I would have loved you anyway. Eventually.” He took a deep breath. “Cora, this hurts.”
Almost involuntarily, I squeezed him as he spoke those words. I knew all about heartache. I knew about loneliness and I knew that for me in those times, all I wanted was to be held. Whether or not I sought out that comfort for myself was immaterial. Right now, I could be that comfort. Maybe. After a moment he pulled back from me and I let him. He didn’t release me entirely, allowing his hands to slide down my arms and hold my hands in his. He looked me in the eyes and smiled, some of his previous confidence almost restored.
“Cora, I don’t want to make it go away. As much as it hurts. I don’t want to move on. I hope it doesn’t bother you, but I don’t think I’m ready to give up. I’m not interested in loving anyone but you.”
I froze. How could I respond to him? I liked seeing him happier and I didn’t want to crush him. And in many ways, I had appreciated his care for me. I couldn’t find the words to encourage or discourage him, so I said nothing.
“Cora.” I started at the sound of Fynn’s voice so close behind me. How long had he been there? I saw Oran heave a deep sigh, but he didn’t release my hands. “King Byron wants to meet you.” Here, Oran gripped my hands more tightly.
I turned my body to look back at Fynn, gently extricating my hands from Oran’s. Fynn didn’t look angry, but the concern on his face made me sure that he had heard at least some of Oran’s speech. I realized for the first time that the storm must have dissipated as I saw the sun shining on Fynn’s untidy hair and tanned skin. I opened my mouth to speak, but Oran spoke first.
“Why? What does he even know of her?”
“He knows enough to want her brought to him immediately.”
“And how would he know about her?” Oran’s jaw clenched as he spoke, but Fynn remained calm.
“You know very well she couldn’t be kept a secret from him.” He looked at me, a weary smile on his lips.
“And what was your role in that? Do you really think it would be in her best interest to be brought forward like that?”
“Her introduction isn’t meant to be public. I’ll be sure to keep her from any unwanted scrutiny. You’re not the only one concerned for her well-being. It will be better this way.”
“Better for who?” Oran scoffed.
Fynn extended his hand out to me. I took it only long enough to help me stand upright. I didn’t want to be the source of any unnecessary tension.
“Soon?” My first question since they had been carrying on as if I wasn’t present. Although really, I didn’t have much to add. This didn’t make much sense to me.
“As soon as possible.” Fynn answered and began walking.
“I’m coming too.” Oran rose and began to walk at my other side.
“You know you belong here Oran.”
“I rule this island, I’m not a hostage to it.”
“And do you think that he will be pleased with you tagging along? If anything, your presence with Cora will only draw more attention to her. People will wonder about the human girl you’re keeping company with. And you couldn’t find a more interested audience than at Cainhorn Palace.”
Oran had no response to this, but he continued to keep pace with us. I watched him out of the edge of my vision as we walked, wondering if he would respond. He seemed lost in thought. At the castle entrance, Fynn turned to me to speak.
“I have a few more things to arrange. We’ll head out in an hour. Pack some things, we’ll be gone for a few days. Meet me here, when you’re ready.” He smiled, but it didn’t feel sincere, more like he was trying to keep me calm. Which only worried me. Was there something I should be stressing about? He turned to walk one way, and I turned another. Oran stayed close by my side and when I arrived at my room, Oran followed me in without hesitation.
“It would probably be better in the long run if I stay behind, but if you want me there, I’ll go with you. I won’t leave your side. If you don’t want me to.” He
stood close to me, his warm hands on both of my shoulders. I tilted my head back to be able to look up into his face.
“I don’t really understand what’s happening, but I do trust Fynn. And even you said it would be better if you stayed.” Oran’s open expression withdrew at my mention of Fynn’s name.
“What don’t you understand?” He asked gently.
“Who exactly am I going to see? Where? Why?” I had kept my mouth closed up until now, not knowing what to add as they argued about things I didn’t understand, but questions, I had plenty.
“Why, I can only guess. I’ve tried my best to keep you out of his notice. Where…” He sighed, “Ellinghead Isle, it’s the main center of our kingdom. Here, Muria Castle and Iredaea, are merely a small corner Glieyen that is mine to rule. Cainhorn Palace is the seat of my father. And that’s the ‘who’. You’re going to see my father, Cora, the King of Glieyen.
He spoke with such a serious tone that I assumed my reaction to Fynn’s not-so-comforting smile was correct, this was something I ought to be worried about, but I still wasn’t sure why.
“Is he dangerous?”
“Not to you.” Oran was doing it now, putting on a comforting smile.
“But you think I should be worried?”
“I can stay with you if you are concerned. I know there’s a lot here that is still foreign to you. And no matter how safe you might appear, I will always worry when you’re out of my sight.” His smile seemed more genuine and I gently pulled myself away to go and pack. I began pulling clothes from drawers and throwing them haphazardly into my bag. Oran began to pick up the pieces and fold them one by one and place them back in the duffel as I continued.
“Why would it be better for you to stay away?” I began digging through drawers for toiletries and tried placing them with a little more thought than the clothing that Oran was still reorganizing for me.
Then We Fly Page 10
