Dance of a Burning Sea

by Mellow, E. J.

  A sizzle of hope ran through her. “Be with you?”

  “Yes.” He tipped her chin up so he could bend and brush his lips against hers. A tease of more to come. Niya’s toes curled in her boots as his magic caressed down her front. “The Crying Queen and the Mousai have common interests now: containing chaos for our king.” Alōs let his hand drop as he stood tall once more. Niya fought the urge to settle closer into his pulling power. “What do you think I’ve been busying myself about these past months?” he asked. “Did you think I was going to settle for a measly few sand falls with you every now and again?” Alōs shook his head. “As I have said once before, I can never have my fill of you, fire dancer.”

  Niya could only look up into his glowing gaze as the meaning of his words washed over her.

  What do you think I’ve been busying myself about these past months? I can never have my fill of you, fire dancer.

  “So?” asked Alōs in a husky rumble. “What shall be your answer? And let me remind you your king has given his blessing, so it would be a bit like undermining his authority to say no. In fact, he told me to give you this before we set sail. Though, I warn you, it appears like a rather useless trinket, given I can sense no magic within. It’s also quite worn down for your expensive taste,” he teased. “But who am I to question the Thief King and his reasons for doing anything.”

  Alōs pulled a pin from his pocket, the gold weavings flashing under the nearby streetlamp.

  Niya’s pulse thumped loudly in her head, nerves and anticipation building as she clasped the cool metal of her mother’s compass brooch between her fingers.

  She said when she touched it, it helped give her pause when she felt lost in her emotions. It allowed her to find her way.

  Her father was giving this to her? Such a cherished item of both her parents?

  So I can always find my way, she thought as she swallowed against the growing tightness in her throat, a well of emotion filling her chest.

  Her father was trusting her to go, to burn as bright as she needed, as hot as he knew she could, because in the end, she would always find her way—home.

  Niya blinked back the threat of tears as she pinned the compass brooch to her tunic, right over her heart.

  Her heart, which was also standing in front of her.

  “I suspect there’s more to that accessory than meets the eye, given your reaction,” said Alōs as he regarded her with an inquisitive stare.

  “Isn’t there always more than meets the eye?” she challenged. Like you, she thought.

  Alōs, the ruthless, coldhearted pirate, had changed all this for her? Changed the purpose of his beloved Crying Queen so he could stand beside her again, with his crew, with her sisters, a common goal growing? They were now properly on the same side, guardians against the wicked. No longer enemies but indeed allies.

  What shall be your answer?

  Niya smiled wide, flames erupting inside for her to throw her arms around Alōs and give him her answer to his earlier question the best way she knew how—with action.

  So she did just that. Niya tugged on his coat, pulling him close, and kissed him thoroughly. She kissed him as she had been aching to since the last time they’d been alone, drinking in his scent of sea air and midnight orchids.

  Alōs rumbled his pleasure as he wound strong arms around her waist, lifting her off the ground.

  She let out a laugh, holding him tight.

  As he settled her back on the ground, his blue gaze was brighter than a clear day at sea.

  “So can I take that as your willingness to help the Crying Queen on our next voyage?”

  “Yes,” she said, excitement soaring. “After all, I am in need of a little adventure.”

  “Oh, fire dancer”—Alōs smiled down at her—“don’t you know by now? You are the adventure.”

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  I come from a lineage of artists. My grandparents were artists, and my parents are artists. I was taught from a young age the importance of opening the mind, of watching and listening for inspiration, as it often can come from the most unlikely places. The Mousai Series is no exception. It started from two things: the echoing of a cane clicking down a long hallway as I sat in an office working late, and a painting my father did titled Muses, which was inspired by my sisters and me as well as an interpretation of Botticelli’s Primavera. Much like this tangling of inspiring seeds that would later grow into an epic world, many of the names and places in my books have been influenced by names and places in our world. Each was chosen for a reason: the feeling it evokes or its meaning or both. In the Mousai Series, every character’s and place’s name has been crafted or chosen with great care. This is the celebration of a diverse world. Below is an appendix of sorts, providing a background to my naming etymology.

  The Mousai: A neologism inspired by the plural word muses.

  Bassette: A surname. Inspired by the word bassett from Old French, which means “someone of humble origins.”

  Dolion Bassette (Count of Raveet of the second house of Jabari and also the Thief King): The father of Arabessa, Niya, and Larkyra. Husband of Johanna. Thief King and a member of the Jabari Council. Dolion is a neologism derived from the Greek verb dolioo, meaning “to lure, to deceive.” I chose this for the many masks he must wear and roles he must play, from Jabari to the Thief Kingdom, as well as his most important role: father.

  Raveet is influenced by the name Ravneet, which has a few known origins, but I was inspired by the Indian Sanskrit origin, which means “morality like the sun.”

  Johanna Bassette: The wife of Dolion and mother of the Mousai. Gifted with very ancient and powerful magic. The name Johanna is connected to many cultures: German, Swedish, Danish, and Hebrew, to name a few. The original meanings of its root names are said to be “gift of God” and “gracious,” much like Johanna’s character.

  Mousai + Bassette daughters: I purposefully sought to create names that had tempo and lyricism to them, to connect to their magical gifts of song, dance, and music.

  Arabessa Bassette: The eldest sister. Arabessa is a neologism created from the name Bessa, cited in some places to be of Albanian origin, meaning “loyalty.”

  Niya Bassette: The middle sister. Inspired by the name Nia (Celtic and Swahili origins), meaning “purpose,” “radiance,” “shine,” and “beauty.”

  Larkyra Bassette: The youngest sister. Larkyra is a neologism created from the base word lark, which is a songbird. It is also inspired by the verb lark, which means “to behave mischievously” and “to have fun.”

  Zimri D’Enieu: Zimri is a Hebrew name meaning “my praise” or “my music.” D’Enieu is a neologism I created after being inspired by French surnames.

  Achak: A Native American (Algonquin) name meaning “spirit.” When I learned of this name and meaning, I instantly fell in love and knew it embodied everything Achak was, from their history to how their spirit has lived on in many forms in many realms.

  Charlotte: The Bassette sisters’ lady’s maid and loyal caregiver. I wanted to choose a C name for her, connecting her to my mother, Cynthia.

  Alōs Ezra: Pronounced Al-ohs, this is a neologism, but without the macron accent of the ō, Alos is cited in some sources to mean “God’s wealth” and is of Yoruba origin. It’s also said to mean “charismatic.” Ezra is a Hebrew name meaning “help” or “helper.” I enjoyed this idea of a charismatic helper for Alōs combined with all his various roles.

  Ariōn: Pronounced Air-ee-ohn, without the macron accent of the ō, this name is inspired by the Greek poet Arion, who was claimed by the islanders of Lesbos as their son. Arion also is mainly remembered for the fantastic myth of him being kidnapped by pirates.

  Ixō: Pronounced Icks-oh, this is a neologism inspired by the Roman numeral IX, meaning “nine.” The number nine is connected to spiritual enlightenment, service to humanity, and faith, all perfect for Ixō and his role as part of Esrom’s holy order and his loyalty to Ariōn.

  Kintra: A neolo
gism inspired by the word kin, meaning “of one’s family.” Kintra very much acts as a surrogate family member to Alōs after he is banished from Esrom.

  Saffi: Of Greek origin, meaning “wisdom.”

  Therza: A neologism inspired by the name Thirza, which is of Greek origin and means “delightful.” Therza was very much a delight to write and, I can imagine, was a delightful crew member to have on board.

  Aadilor: The realm where everything exists. Aadilor is a neologism inspired by the word “lore,” which means “a body of traditions and knowledge passed from person to person by word of mouth.”

  Obasi Sea: The only sea in Aadilor. The language of origin for Obasi is Igbo and is said to mean “in honor of the supreme god” or “in honor of God.” I loved this meaning and how Obasi flows off the tongue like water. I saw this sea being named this in honor of the lost gods gifting their people such beauty to sail upon.

  Jabari: Aadilor’s capital city. The Swahili name Jabari, meaning “brave [one],” is derived from the Arabic word jabbār, meaning “ruler.”

  Esrom: An underwater sanctuary kingdom that can only be located by those who were born there. The name can be traced back to biblical times and in some texts is said to mean “dart of joy.”

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Getting down Niya’s story was one of the toughest writing challenges I have yet faced. There is so much in Niya that burns to be free, to act on impulse and explore without thought or consequence. You can see how I, as the writer meant to stitch her adventures together, found such a temperamental character challenging to bring into focus. Adding in our dear brooding Alōs, a ship full of pirates, a heist, and a tumultuous burning attraction makes for a very tricky recipe to cook up indeed. Which is why this story would not have been completed without the helping minds and support of a few extraordinary crew members.

  To my husband, Christopher, who has endlessly understood every weekend, early morning, or late night that I had to disappear into my writing cave for this story: I appreciate all you do to keep me fed, washed, and somewhat functional during these times I slip into another realm. I have been able to climb mountains knowing you have been beside me every step of the way. My love for you expands realms.

  To my agent, Aimee Ashcraft at Brower Literary: You are more than an agent; you’re a friend. Your dedication in helping me reach each milestone, along with your constant optimism, has truly been the biggest guiding light. Thank you for pushing me when I’ve wanted to stop and always being an understanding text and call away.

  To Lauren Plude, my warrior-editor extraordinaire: With each book, you have taught me so much, have championed these sisters with a passion that matches my own, and have been one of my biggest advocates in ensuring my words get heard. I am thankful for more than what can be written in these acknowledgments, but know you are a goddess among the gods.

  To everyone on the Montlake team who has helped this series shine so beautifully and brightly, especially Kris Beecroft, Lauren Grange, Jessica Preeg, and Elena Stokes: Thank you, thank you, thank you. Our dearest Bassette sisters would not have reached so many hands without your care and devotion.

  To Micaela Alcaino, the genius artist behind the covers in the Mousai Series: Your vision and creativity know no bounds. I am continuously in awe that you are part of our team.

  To my parents and sisters: It is the honest truth that this series would not exist if it weren’t for each and every one of you. As I grew up, you inspired and advocated for wild imaginings, and every day since you have helped a young girl’s fantasy to become a reality.

  To my son, who will be born by the time this book releases: I wrote the majority of this story while you were kicking inside me. You were my constant companion through every round of rewrites and the tireless nights of edits, and you kept my head in the game while also helping me know when I needed to rest. You are my heart, and I cannot wait to one day write a story for you.

  Staci Hart, a name synonymous with powerhouse and devotion, you were here before there was a “here” and have helped with every road I have dared to go down. Every person, every writer, should be so lucky as to have a friend like you by their side.

  To my reader group, the Mellow Misfits, and every book blogger, reviewer, and reader who has supported, promoted, and shared their love for my books and this series: I humbly bow to you. I quite literally could not continue telling these stories without your support and devotion. You are the flame that moves my fingers across my keyboard and the pulse that keeps my heart beating to write.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Photo © 2020 Jacob Glazer

  E. J. Mellow is an award-winning author of six novels. Dance of a Burning Sea is the second stand-alone romantic fantasy in her Mousai Series. She is also the cofounder of She Is Booked, a literary-themed fundraising organization that supports women’s charities. With a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, Mellow splits her time between her two loves—visual design and writing.