“So, you choose him?”
“Do I have to choose, Dad? Is that what you’re saying?”
He said nothing.
“Fine.” I stood up, placing my mug down on a mat on the coffee table. “Then I choose Drake because his love is unconditional.”
I turned to look at my mum, but she just stared at the floor.
“Okay, so that’s how it’s going to be. At least I know now.” Tears threatened my eyes. I swallowed to keep them at bay and then in the doorway I turned back to them both.
“I will always love you both because my own love is unconditional. Should you ever want to see me again you only have to call me, write, anything. But I won’t return here again.”
And with that I walked out of my childhood home, closed the door firmly behind me and I never looked back.
Shelley came to the hallway when I walked back into the farmhouse. I just shook my head at her and headed for the stairs. I didn’t want to discuss it with her right now. All I wanted was Drake.
I told him everything that had happened. He wrapped his arms around me and held me close.
“I wanted to sleep." He told me. "I tried to sleep so that maybe my mum would talk to me in my dreams, but my mind is too cluttered with thoughts to let me rest.”
I stroked his cheek. “Let’s just forget everyone else right now, Drake, but us. Let’s focus on each other and block the world out." I reached closer and put my mouth on his, and that’s exactly what we did.
Polly
I opened my eyes, realised what day it was, and a feeling of dread hit my stomach so bad that nausea burned through me. I raced out of bed to the bathroom where I heaved and wretched. Drake followed me, holding back my hair.
“Are you okay?”
Standing slowly, I walked to the sink and rinsed my mouth.
“I’m okay. Did you dream anything?” I searched his face trying to read his response before he even opened his mouth.
He shook his head. “Nothing.”
“It’s Friday. Tonight, we see your father. What are we going to do?”
“I shall just refuse to join in with his plans. We’re together and he’s just going to have to accept that.”
Sucking on my top lip, my eyes closed for a moment as I found the courage to say what needed to be said.
“Drake. If your father banishes you from the sea. You’ll have no life. Look how uncomfortable you’ve been just these few days out of water. I love you, and I want us to be together, but I also love you enough that I’d rather you lived a healthy life in the sea, than a miserable one on land.” I held my hand up as he was about to protest. “Drake. We have to face facts. We fight to the end but if we can’t win, then you’ll have to do as your father asks.”
“I’m not going to speak of this anymore today. We’re going to enjoy our day and not worry about tonight or tomorrow.” Drake answered.
But we both knew we would.
As we walked into the kitchen, Shelley’s face showed me that things weren’t about to get any better.
“What’s wrong?”
“Take a seat both of you. I need to talk to you.”
I had no appetite anyway, so I sat down at the table and Drake sat beside me. He grabbed hold of my hand.
“Go on.” He said.
“I’ve spoken with my father. I asked him if he would be willing to take over the position of Duke. He turned me down. For one reason he said—and I completely understand—that he wants to live a free life with my mum after being in captivity all those years. But… he also sat me down and explained to me just how good at his job your dad is. How the decisions he’s made over the last almost thirty years have kept peace below the water. As a sister I want to skin him alive and demand he let you two be together, but as Queen, my hands are tied as regards keeping peace. Hornsea is currently volatile. My father met with the Duke yesterday on my behalf. Your union with Keto is one way of bringing them under control. I protested the use of using Drake, but my father explained that business under the sea is very different, and very much a case of marrying for duty, rather than love. If your marriage to Keto would save lives threatened by Duke Gill, then I can’t be seen to take a stand against it as Queen.”
“So, you’re going to do nothing? That’s it? Brishon wins?” I slammed my fist into the table.
“No. I can’t do anything as Queen. But Lucy hopefully can. I spoke to her earlier as she had told me she was looking at ways to help you. I felt she was your last hope. She has the strangest, wackiest plan I’ve ever heard, but it’s the only chance you have. I can’t tell you what it is, but just know she’s fighting your corner. She will meet us under the sea but can’t say when. Tonight, we travel back, and I advise you follow the Duke’s plans until we see Lucy.”
“And if we don’t?”
“Then I can’t tell you both what to do, but you have to face facts that Drake may have to marry Keto.”
I sat with my head in my hands. The fact was I knew nothing about the sea and its rules and laws—nothing.
Today was going to be one of the slowest, most agonizing days of my life and tomorrow looked like being that plus torture as I faced losing the man I loved.
Shelley
“What’s up with you? Didn’t get any last night?”
I blew out a breath over my lips. “I can’t do anything to help my sister. She can barely look me in the eyes, Kim.”
“You’re her sister, not a frikking miracle worker, babe. Sometimes life is shit and you don’t get what you want. Especially if that is a twelve pack of Quavers and your husband refuses to go to the supermarket to fetch them because it’s three am and you’ve already had a grab pack of Monster Munch.”
“This time being the Queen of Wyvern Sea meant I had to put the place before my family.”
“Whoa there now, Shelley. She’s been going out with this guy six months. I get she’s in love, but you’re not a matchmaker.”
I glared at her.
“Oh yeah, actually you are, but she hasn’t paid us, she’s not a dating agency customer, and also our unions don’t always work out due to extenuating circumstances. And this is a big one.”
“I know. But she’s my sister.”
“Who has only started making an effort with you since she needed your help.” Kim raised her eyebrows.
“She’s not like that. She’s nice.”
“She may well be. But she’s a grown woman. Let her get on with her own problems. This is not a problem for the Queen of Withernsea and it’s not a problem for a sister either. It’s Polly’s problem. Full stop.”
“But-”
“Full stop.”
I put my hands up in surrender. “Okay, okay. I get it.”
Kim rubbed her belly, stretching out on her chair.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m getting those Braxton Hicks thingies. These little shits will be out soon.”
I gasped. “You can’t call them that.”
“I’m sure I’ll call them worse when they’re on the outside if they prove to be anything like their father.”
“You know Darius is an amazing husband.”
“Who wouldn’t go out to the supermarket for his pregnant wife.” She pouted.
Lucy walked in. “Just seen your hubby downstairs in the coffee shop. Told Jax he needed an extra shot because apparently you sent him out for food four times between eleven pm and two am.”
“God, you’re such an annoying bitch.”
My chin dropped. “Kim! You made it sound like he was being mean.”
“It was mean. I really wanted some Quavers. Like really, really badly.”
“You should see the coffee shop. It’s packed, and everyone is apologising like crazy to Jax, telling her the waffle place’s coffee wasn’t a patch on hers. She’s put the price up and not a single one of them has complained.”
“Good for her. It serves them right, cheapskates.”
“How was your sister this morning?
” Lucy asked.
“Not good, especially once I told her I couldn’t really help. I explained you might be able to do something, but I think she’s given up.”
“She needs some balls other than Drake’s, that one.”
“She did go and see our mum and dad last night. I’ve not had chance to ask her how it went, but by her face it wasn’t anything good.”
“Well, let’s focus on one thing at a time. Firstly, tonight and the potential wedding tomorrow, and then let’s consider the Linleys'.”
“Who made Lucy Wonder Woman? She’s all ‘I’m gonna kick ass’. I want to help.”
We both looked at our friend who could barely stand from her chair.
“I saw that look! It’s discrimination against pregnant women. I protest. I need a role in this rescue mission.”
“Who you gonna protest to? The only royalty you’re going near is Burger King.”
I snorted.
“Oh yeah, let’s all laugh at the pregnant lady. That’s nice. Now if you’d excuse me and go to your own offices, I have work to do.”
That brought out an eruption of giggle-snorts.
“See, you do have a role to play.” Lucy said. “Keeping Shelley’s spirits up by amusing her.”
Lucy followed me into my own office. “I need you to read out these words Frankie wrote on this paper please?” She handed me a piece of scrap paper.
“I hereby declare that Lucy Love may bring any guest she likes to the waters of Withernsea this Friday and Saturday.” I read. “Is that it?”
“Perfect.” She said, staring at me.
“What?”
She shrugged her shoulders. “Nothing.”
I held the paper up again wondering if there was a hidden trick. “Hang on a minute? Lucy Love? Your name’s Lucy Fir.”
She smirked. “It was until we got married on our travels two months ago, up in Lake Como.”
“Lucy! How could you keep that to yourself?” I grabbed her hand. “You’re still only wearing your engagement ring.”
“Yeah, I’m having a wedding ring made by the mystics of Marseille. It takes a while for all the magic and good wishes to be bestowed upon it.”
“But why haven’t you told anyone?”
“Because Ebony got married, and we didn’t want to steal her thunder, so we thought we’d wait a while and then throw a wedding reception. Then after what happened at hers with your adoptive parentals, we’ve kind of lost the motivation to party. We figured we’d announce it when my wedding ring arrived, which should be any day soon.”
“Well, congratulations.” I threw my arms around her.
“Just don’t tell anyone. Especially blabber-jabba.” She pointed to Kim’s office. “Let’s just concentrate on your sister for now.”
“I’ll see you under the sea.” I told her, and we went to our respective offices.
Friday evening rolled around, and we made our way back to the beach where Daniel picked us up once more. He knew that he may have to collect Lucy and guest at any point during the weekend and promised my father he’d be on standby.
The Duke greeted us all outside his home and invited us in, where we were shown to our guest rooms. My sister looked pale and asked if she could speak to me alone.
“Thank you for being here. I completely understand your situation. I made Drake tell me all about life under the water today. I’d presumed it was the same as things on land, but it isn’t at all. If I did ever live here I would have a lot to learn.”
“Yes, I think here also has a lot to learn. How they treat people is like the dark ages.” I hugged her. “Polly, I hope Lucy manages to save the day, or Drake’s mother comes through for you. I really do. All I can offer is that we know there really is Fate, and whatever she has decided is what is going to happen.”
“I can’t think about Drake marrying another woman.” Polly broke down and sobbed and all I could do was hold her tight.
But the evening passed and there was no Lucy. We sat in Brishon’s dining room like we were at the last supper. Eventually Brishon broke the silence.
“I have had time to think about my behaviour toward you, Polly, and I apologise for it appearing disrespectful. However, I hope you can appreciate that I am the Duke and I have to do what is best for Wyvern sea. I’ve been Duke for many, many years and I realise that perhaps I’ve become hardened off to emotions. It has been a long time since I loved.”
“Does that mean you’ve reconsidered, Father?” Drake said hopefully.
Brishon shook his head. “I’m sorry, son. Tomorrow, for the sake of the seas and those we rule and protect, you must marry Keto.”
Shelley
The ceremony was to take place at the Court of Wyvern. Despite it being a business deal, Keto was determined to wear a white dress and had insisted Drake be suited and booted for the occasion. I insisted we were all present. Just in case I thought of something I could do in the eleventh hour. Polly insisted on being there for closure, her and Drake having said their goodbyes last night. She could barely see out of her eyes they were so red and puffy. My heart bled for her.
We took our seats. In a sea ceremony the bride waited at the front for her groom. Keto slowly walked down the aisle to the front of the room. The spell had worn off so that she appeared her beautiful self, but her ugliness shone through as she gloated at us as she sauntered down.
“Do not acknowledge her.” I hissed to Polly. I squeezed her hand, entwined with my own. Charlie sat at her other side. I’d really had to chat to Charlie about the present circumstances because my hot-headed teen just wanted to try out every one of her powers on Brishon and Keto.
And then Drake appeared with his father at his side. His gaze went straight to Polly’s and his expression said it all.
I’m sorry.
Please forgive me.
What else could I do?
Polly looked away from him and sat up straighter. I squeezed her hand again. With great reluctance, Drake walked to the front, towards Keto and the officiate.
And the ceremony began…
“Should anyone know why these persons should not be joined together in holy matrimony?”
“We do.” Three women dashed into the ceremony, with a man walking behind them. It was like Charlie’s Angels come to Wyvern sea.
Lucy winked at Polly. “I got your back, babe.”
Samara leapt to the front armed with her bow and arrow.
“I’m here to match-make the most ideal love-match ever.” She shot an arrow straight into Keto’s heart. Then she shot another in exactly the same place.
Samara shrugged her shoulders at me. “Who does she love more than anyone? Herself.”
Duke Gill roared. “You’ve shot my daughter.” Then he looked back at Keto. “Where have the arrows gone? I saw them. I saw you shoot her.”
“You wanna go have a lie down, dude. You’re seeing things.” Samara winked. “Anyway, Keto. We have another guy for you to meet.” She pointed to the man Lucy had brought with her.
“Oh my god.” Keto shrieked. "It’s Simon Cowell. Simon Cowell is actually here.”
Indeed. Mr Cowell was in the building. Now Lucy’s addiction to his show made a lot more sense.
“He’s heard your voice, Keto.” Lucy explained. “And he wants to offer you a slot on the next series. He reckons you could win.”
“Seriously?” Keto said.
“Yeah, the only thing is that obviously you’d need to be single because otherwise no men are going to vote for you. With how pretty you are they’re going to be falling over themselves to watch you on the show. So… it’s either marriage to Drake or your singing career.”
Keto took less than a second to reply. “Well singing of course. I don’t love Drake, I love singing.”
“What about the union between Wyvern sea and Horn sea?” Her father bellowed. “What about your duty?”
“You marry him if you’re that bothered.” Keto said, throwing off her veil. “I have other plans now.
” She took Simon’s arm. “Let’s go. I have much to discuss with you about how I see my role on your show. I will win you see. Also, I need to discuss with you how I can keep returning to the water as part of my contract. It’s a nuisance but we all know the importance of good hydration.”
And with that Keto left the room.
“This is a disgrace.” Gill fumed. “There will be no peace treaty between Wyvern sea and Horn sea now.”
Samara jumped in front of him with her bow. “Really? Because your daughter just gave me the most brilliant idea. Oh, by the way, let me introduce myself. I’m Samara and I’m a cupid. I do indeed shoot arrows, but only to create love. Now should you and Duke Brishon fall in love with each other due to my cupid arrows, well, then we would indeed have the most beautiful partnership.”
Drake snorted. “Yes, I completely agree. A same sex union, a marriage for business and love. It would be so forward thinking for Wyvern sea and Horn sea and a perfect way forward. Lead by example, hey, Dad?”
“Oh my god, no.”
“Hell, no.”
Both Brishon and Gill looked panicked. “Now steady on, Samara. I’m sure we can come to some agreement.”
“Well, I’m shooting these two arrows somewhere, so it’s your choice, both of you. You two.” She moved the crossbow to point to Brishon and then Gill, who both shook and looked like they were about to vomit. “Or, Drake and Polly, who are already in love; but would thereby receive your blessing for their union.”
“Well, I can see we might have been a bit hasty, Brishon, to force the kids together. We could just sit down and write out an official treaty and stay as mates, yeah?”
“And change the laws of the sea that people choose who they want to marry for love, regardless of species or gender.” Samara added.
“Of course. Of course.” Gill nodded his head with gusto. “Well, yes to that in Horn sea. I can’t speak for Wyvern.”
Didn't Sea it Coming Page 11
