A tight smile passed over Leo’s lips. “Yes, your nephew and I have had a few run-ins, one of which included dropping me to the bottom of the sea—accompanied by a pair of cement boots—after he falsely accused me at cheating him out of a poker game.”
Rita grunted a mixture of syllables that Leo could only guess were ogre curses. She apologized to him again, eyeing the direction in which Earl had retreated.
“This isn’t the first time he’s broken ogre decree,” she said. “He will be swiftly dealt with. In the meantime, I was told you requested specifically to meet with me.”
Leo glanced down at Eina. She met his eyes with a hopeful expression. He reached into his back pocket to pull out a thick roll of paper that had been folded several times and laid it across the desk.
“This is the treaty that my brother, King Viktor, and my grandfather before him have attempted to make with your people.” He pointed at the text on the pages. “I wish to see it through and obtain official peace and unity with your ogre tribe.”
Rita pursed her purple lips and leaned back in her chair. She eyed the treaty with suspicion, her dark eyebrows lowering.
“You’ve never bothered to meet with us in our village before now. Why exactly should we join your kingdom?” She threw her hand out in a half circle. “We’ve got everything we already need in these mountains. What can you offer us that we don’t already have?”
Leo felt his throat constrict and he tried to mouth some words. Even during the darkest of situations, he seemed to be able to keep his cool, but put him in front of a potential political ally and he was about as charming as the stone chair under his rear.
“Because you’re already a part of this nation.” Eina’s head snapped up and she leaned forward in her chair. Fire burned bright in her eyes. “Forgive me, Rita, for being so blunt, but you are already afforded the protection and benefits that come along with the Monstranian kingdom, despite the fact that they owe no allegiance to you. What they offer you now is an official place in their ranks.”
Rita’s eyes shone with interest. She leaned forward and rested her head on her massive fists. “Go on.”
“What you have right now is convenience,” Eina said, scooting to the edge of her seat until she was eye to eye with the ogre. “Which is nice in itself. But haven’t you ever desired a voice in the running of this country? If you sign an official treaty, you would not only guarantee safety for the ogre generations that come after you, but you would have a hand in shaping the country’s future. Doesn’t that appeal to you?”
A low-pitched hum reverberated through Rita’s skull and she narrowed her eyes, staring at the piece of paper in front of her. Leo held his breath, unable to curb his appreciation of the woman beside him. She’d been so worried about not having a voice, but she’d managed this meeting spectacularly. He was in awe of her strength and her courage. She fought her battles head on and tackled life with a fierce will to do good. He couldn’t relate to that passion, that fire.
She was everything he wasn’t. And even as he remembered the sweet taste of her kiss and the way every cell in his body cried out for her, he knew he couldn’t have her. She deserved so much better than a spoiled prince who coasted through life. His presence would only drag her down.
As soon as she got what she needed, he had to let her go.
“I’ll sign,” Rita announced suddenly, grabbing a pen from under the desk. In a flourish of movement and symbols Leo didn’t recognize, she wrote her name on the signature line. “You are very good at your job, young lady. This is because of you.”
Eina beamed at the ogre and then at Leo. He tried to return her smile, but it felt as if his cheeks were about to crack. Already, their time was drawing to a close. His undead heart was crumbling to pieces inside his chest.
At that moment, the woods around them broke into a frenzy. Helicopters descended from above and guardsmen pushed through the brush into the garden clearing. Rita clasped at the signed treaty as one the helicopters descended into a landing nearby and out popped the king of vampires with a fierce scowl.
“What’s the meaning of this?” she demanded in a deep voice. Her eyes darting around the clearing in alarm.
“It’s just my brother’s way of making an entrance,” Leo said, holding up a hand to placate her. “I’ll tell him to knock it off.”
Rita growled and nodded her head suspiciously, but returned to her seat. Leo jumped up and went to greet his brother, meeting him in a warm embrace.
“I thought you were dead,” Viktor growled in his ear, pulling him in tight. “You can’t disappear on me like that. You’re lucky Rodrigo isn’t very good at listening to your orders.”
“I should’ve known,” Leo replied with a sour chuckle. “But tell your guard to stand down. Monstrana now has an official treatise with the ogre tribes.”
Viktor’s amber eyes grew wide. He made a motion with his hand and the remaining helicopters veered off. The guards at the edge of the clearing stood at ease.
“You did this?” He grasped Leo’s shoulders. “You got them to sign?”
“Actually, Eina did.”
Leo turned to point at the mermaid who’d returned to staring at her feet across from the giant ogre. He smiled sadly at her, his heart breaking into pieces at the sight. Saying goodbye would be too painful. He had to let go of her now, or he’d never be able to bear it. A clean break. It would be better for them both. She’d forget him, soon enough.
“Do me a favor. Take her back to her people and we can discuss the rest of this at home.”
“Whatever you say, brother.” A proud smile canvassed Viktor’s face. He slapped Leo on the back. “I’m just happy to have you back.”
Chapter Thirteen
Eina paced the tunnels of her colony’s underwater labyrinth, her tail flipping anxiously and the fragile gills on her neck fluttering. She clutched the bottom of her shirt and listened hard to the debate going on inside the main gallery. There had been a few shouts, some angry words, and a lot of mentions of her name. Her sisters were debating her future in Aestus and right now, it didn’t sound very good.
When King Viktor had taken it upon himself to personally return her to her colony yesterday, the sisters couldn’t have been more surprised. He’d explained how Eina had personally negotiated a treaty with the ogres for him and that he was more than happy to discuss supporting Aestus as a fledgling kingdom of its own. It was everything they’d hoped for, but there was still one matter left to discuss.
Eina had committed treason.
By disobeying her leaders and stealing their hostage, she’d committed the ultimate crime against her mermaid sisters. That crime had to be paid for and there was no telling what the punishment would be. She’d know soon enough, though.
“Surely, they’ll forgive you,” Cascade said, drifting next to her and placing her tiny hand on Eina’s shoulder. “You did get them what they wanted－in the end.”
“Yes, but I still broke the law.” Eina swallowed hard and clenched her jaw. “I deserve to pay. Whatever they decide, it’ll be because of my own doing.”
Cascade did a flip. “But surely someone will stand up for you. What about Prince...?”
“Don’t say his name.” Eina’s eyes flashed with pain as she gave Cascade a stricken look. “Please don’t say it.”
It had been over twenty-four hours since she’d last seen Leo getting onto a helicopter at the ogre’s village－without so much as a goodbye. He’d stared at her through the window, his face a stony mask, until the helicopter took off and disappeared over the forest. His brother had been the one to thank her for her assistance and escort her onto her very own helicopter. He’d been so friendly, but lacked the comforting presence of his younger brother. Eina had choked back tears the whole way home, wondering what she’d done wrong.
By the time they’d landed on the little island that used to hold the prince hostage, she’d come to one major conclusion: he was the same vampire she’d first met in that
ballroom. A man used to getting what he wanted, when he wanted it, and discarding women like day-old seaweed. The whole thing had been an act. The caressing touches, the intimate conversations, the kiss. She’d fallen for it－hook, line, and sinker. The pain was almost too much to bear. So instead, she focused on the anger and it kept her afloat.
Cascade threw her hands up in surrender and swam a few feet away. “I won’t say his name, but I just want to say it’s pretty rotten that he didn’t even say goodbye.”
Eina sucked on her cheeks and blinked against the tears that burned in the corners of her eyes. “He’s not the kind to say goodbye, Cascade. And I never should’ve allowed myself to get so attached. That’s the moral of the story.”
“You care for him.”
The statement sent a shot of pain right through Eina’s heart. She unwillingly recalled the sweet taste of his soft lips and the way he’d pressed into her as if that kiss was his last. Her mind flashed through scenes of his dimpled grin, the times he’d teased her, and their time spent together over the last few days. She ached for that companionship. She’d never felt so at ease sitting next to someone. At the same time, his very touch could send her spiraling into a rambling, hot mess. He was an enigma of emotions too strong for her to consider at that moment.
She bit back the bitter taste in her mouth and scowled. “Cared, Cascade. Past tense. He didn’t care a wink for me. I should’ve known better. He’s got the perfect poker face, after all. I thought I was his winning hand, but I was just another joker.”
The water sprite caressed Eina’s shoulder and gave a sad musical sigh. “You can’t help who you love, my friend.”
She glanced miserably at Cascade and dropped her gaze to the floor. There it was; the four-letter word she’d been avoiding the past day. She’d fallen in love with him and there was nothing to do about it anymore but move on with her life, wherever life took her now.
Loriella came swimming out of the gallery at that moment, her face a stoic mask. She beckoned for Eina to follow her into a smaller room at the end of the tunnel. Eina obeyed, waving briefly at Cascade, who watched her go with apprehension on her perfect little face.
“I’m not going to soften the news,” Loriella said, using her powerful red tail to turn in the water and face Eina. “There are many of your sisters who think you ought to be excommunicated for your crimes. We are building a country, Eina. We cannot tolerate disobedience.”
Eina lowered her head, her heart thumping loudly. She’d expected no less.
“I’ll pack my things and be gone right away,” she said, drifting toward the doorway.
“Wait!” Loriella’s barking voice stopped her in her slipstream. “You did not let me finish.”
Eina looked up at her questioningly. What other punishment did she deserve? She’d already had her heart torn from her chest and lost her family. Surely, there was nothing else they could do to her.
“Your sisters and I spent a long time discussing what you achieved for Aestus.” Loriella placed the tips of her slender fingers together in a steeple. She frowned, the lines in her forehead deepening. “We have come to the conclusion that what you accomplished was more than we could’ve ever hoped for. And for that, we owe you our thanks and gratitude. And our forgiveness.” She swam toward Eina and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Eina, you will always have a home here.”
Eina closed her eyes to the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. She’d expected the worst and come out on top. It was amazing to think that just days ago she’d been feeling voiceless and obsolete in her colony. And now, she was receiving thanks from their leader. It was a shock to the system.
“King Viktor has requested that we appoint an ambassador as soon as possible to live at the Monstranian castle and assist in the development of our new country.” Loriella squeezed Eina’s shoulder and smiled. “We have decided that no one could fill that position better than you, Eina. You have proven yourself in political dealings. We need a woman like you furthering our goals. Would you accept this prestigious position?”
Shock coursed through her veins. She’d come here expecting to be expelled from her colony and instead, she’d been offered the world. Still, a hollow feeling remained in the pit of her stomach. Not even this new role would fill it. The last few days had changed her. She couldn’t say if it was for the better, but it was confusing and overwhelming and altogether unsettling.
“Thank you, Loriella, but I must decline your generous offer.” She opened her eyes and fixed the mermaid with a sad smile. “I really appreciate all that the sisters have done for me. I truly do. But I still think I need to leave.”
Loriella blinked in surprise. “Whatever for?”
“To find myself.” She looked down at her hands and clasped them together. “I’ve done things in the last few days I never thought possible. Sure, I negotiated a treaty with an ogre and saved a drowning vampire. But I also used that vampire like a prop for my own means and then nearly got him killed. I’m not sure who I am anymore.”
Loriella’s lips pressed together in an understanding frown. “I see. Where will you go?”
“Atlantis seems like a good start.” She smiled through her tears at her elder. “The scrolls say it’s beautiful. I’ve always wanted to visit the very first kingdom of mermaids. Maybe, there will be a place for me there.”
“I’m sure there will be. They’d be lucky to have you.” Loriella placed her fist across her heart. “Eina, if you’re sure this is what you want, then you have our love and support wherever you choose to go.”
“Thank you, sister.” Eina choked back a sob. “Thank you for your understanding.”
“Of course.” Loriella’s solemn expression melted into a caring one. “Take care, little fish. May the current bring you back to us someday.”
Eina turned toward the hall, too burdened by emotions to say anything more. If she was going to leave her home, she had to do it now. Before she changed her mind. Maybe, in Atlantis, she’d discover who she really was.
And forget what she’d left behind.
Chapter Fourteen
Leo fingered his drink as a lithe figure shot through the air above him in a fantastic display of smoke and glitter and grasped a swinging bar. The people around him oohed and awed at the sight, clapping for the daring acrobats that performed in the heights above their heads.
The prince’s gaze roamed over the crowded arena, an unimpressed frown stapled to his face. So many of his old friends were in attendance. Poker buddies, partiers, and good-time pals. This was an annual get-together for them, something that Leo usually looked forward to for months. But today, he just couldn’t get his act together.
Instead, he scowled at the performances, every little thing reminding him of the privilege and wealth that went to waste in this very space. Eina would’ve felt the same. She would’ve called him out on it, too, spouting off about how this money could’ve helped one cause or another. And she was right. It was frivolous.
He just couldn’t seem to get her out of his head.
“The French vampires are requesting you join them at their poker table, sire.” Rodrigo leapt into a chair next to the prince and began to lick his paw. “They wanted me to assure you that they’re playing for land titles.”
Leo choked back a disgusted grunt. The last thing he wanted to do was play another hand of poker. In fact, if all the decks in the world disappeared by magic at that very moment, he wouldn’t care. The game had lost its appeal to him.
“Tell them they can take their land titles and walk into the sun without their rings, for all I care.” He took a sip of his drink and frowned. “I’m not playing.”
Rodrigo hissed and arched his back, the fur standing on end. “Someone’s in a mood tonight. Care to talk about it?”
He turned away and pressed his lips into a thin line. “Don’t goad me tonight, Rod. I really don’t want to talk.”
Rodrigo sat and eyed the prince. He rubbed a paw over his ear, sighing. �
��I don’t suppose your sour attitude has anything to do with a certain woman with glistening black hair and eyes only for you?”
Leo let out a moan. She just wouldn’t leave him alone. Not in his thoughts, his dreams, or daily conversation. How long was he expected to endure this agony?
“Please, Rodrigo, just let me be.” He set the goblet on the nearest table and walked toward the exit.
“Are you leaving?” Rodrigo ran beside him, his ears perked at attention. “So soon? You haven’t even glanced at the roulette tables. And there are more than a few ladies waiting to dance with you.”
He grunted and continued walking until they burst out the doors and into the brisk evening air. His motorcycle rested in the parking lot of the arena, a shiny reminder of the life he used to live. Leo threw it a sour look and began to hoof it home. A long walk back to the castle might be exactly the thing he needed to clear his head. But then again, everywhere he went, the air smelled of sweet salt water. And salt water reminded him of one person in particular.
He just couldn’t win.
“Rod, where can we go where I never have to see or smell the sea again?” He clutched his hands into tight fists at his side. “There’s got to be a place.”
Rodrigo blinked his large green eyes. “I hear Kansas in the US is particularly chilly this time of year. No salt water in sight.”
“Then, Kansas it is.” Leo picked up the pace, rounding the corner to a busy street filled with bars, shops, and a crazy little yellow wedding chapel with blue doors. “I hope they at least have a decent selection of nightclubs. That might take my mind off things.”
The cat raised his furry eyebrows, but didn’t say a thing.
“You know, Rod, maybe it is time we get out of this place.” Leo stuffed his hands in his pocket and glanced in at the nearest bar. It was teeming with supernatural life. Witches with their favorite brews. Vampires sipping on red cocktails. Werewolves ripping up the dance floor. “It’s the same old, same old. Maybe we should go on that mission Viktor had planned. You know, the one in northern Europe? I thought he was trying to connect with a tribe of centaurs out there.”
Something Fishy About Love: Vampire & Mermaid Romance (A Monstrana Paranormal Romance Book 3) Page 8
