“That’s not your—” But he stopped speaking.
Tatiana blinked out of her thoughts and stepped barefoot into a room three times the size of her own. In the center was a huge oak four poster bed. The King lay in the middle of it, eyes closed.
She gasped and backed up into Jacob’s body, ready to retreat when the King turned, his eyes locking on her.
“Hello?” he asked, his voice tired and weak.
Her hands shook, one for disturbing him and two for the sight of him. His skin, pale and weathered, hung loosely on his deteriorated muscles. He wasn’t reminiscent of the powerful king who’d just conducted her promising ceremony a few days ago.
“I’m sorry—my mistake, I didn’t mean to—I’ll leave.” She dipped into a quick curtsy.
“Tatiana? Is that you?” A smile spread on his face. Grunting, he pressed his hands downward and wiggled his hips to adjust himself upright. Tatiana could see there was nothing under the sheets below his hips—a creepy emptiness.
She hid her gasp, averting her eyes back to his, then to the floor. “Your Majesty, I know what you’re about to say and I sincerely apologize…”
“For what?” The King laughed. “Visiting the King? Please. Come talk with me. Do you have good news?”
She stood, stunned. He wanted to talk with her? The King? This couldn’t be the same man who’d just force-promised her and threatened her father; the one in charge of all of Natatoria.
“I—I,” she stuttered and gulped down her words of more apologies, her tongue stuck as if in peanut butter.
“Come.” He motioned to the chair next to him. “Sit with me and tell me all that’s happening in Natatoria. Are you and my son finally happy?”
Her chest heaved, her legs numb. Didn’t he hate her? Shouldn’t he? Or maybe this was a trap. A way to get her to spill what she knew.
“Yes, I’m happily promised to Azor,” Tatiana lied, trying hard to cheer up her face as she warily scanned the room for hidden Dradux guards. When no one sprung out to seize her, she moved to retrieve a chair. The King gasped behind her. Tatiana swiveled around, ready to spring for help. “What’s wrong? Are you ill? Should I get the healer?”
“No,” King Phaleon said, eyes wide as he composed himself. “I—it’s nothing.” He looked off to the large windows beyond her, his eyes losing focus. “I’ve been wondering how she—managed to—never mind. I’m rambling.” He cleared his throat, regaining his smile. “Why has Azor left his pretty mate wandering the halls of the palace anyway?”
“Uh-mmm.” Tatiana inhaled deeply, her heart pounding. She sat down and gripped the cushion under her thighs to stop them from quaking. Was this a test? How could he not know where Azor had been?
She closed her eyes and murmured, “He’s with the Queen.”
With a tilt of his head the King sighed and clasped his hands in front of him. “Yes, of course. Last I’d heard, he’d left for Tahoe. How’d that go?”
Her breath quickened at the confirmation. “I’m not sure.”
“Did he find your family?”
“Hopefully, no.”
“Yes, I’m sure the kingdom will breathe a collective sigh of relief if that were true—they do love Jack.” He shook his head, murmuring, “Foolish boy.”
Confusion continued to swirl about her. Foolish? Did he mean Jack, or Azor? The ultimate decision of her parents’ fate lay in the king’s hands after all, according to Azor.
“What will you do with them?” she asked with a hoarse throat, eyes low.
“Your parents?” The King chuckled. “If Azor actually manages to catch them, nothing, if I have any say.”
Nothing? She bit the inside of her cheek, unsure what he meant exactly. With the fight, then the explosion, and now his injuries, why was he so willing to let it all go?
King Phaleon sighed. “I’m dying, Tatiana, if you didn’t know. My voice no longer matters.”
Tatiana blinked in shock. “You—you don’t seem like you’re dying to me.”
“You and Queen Desiree are so optimistic.” The King laughed jovially, as if disbelieving her honesty. With a reddening face, he clenched his fists and cursed under his breath. “Little do you both know how quickly things can change on the eve of power.”
Tatiana pulled her head back sharply at his abrupt anger. She pressed her lips to stop herself from asking questions.
“I’m not faulting you for my injuries, so stop looking at me like I’m going to scalp you. I’m…” He dropped his head. “I owe you an apology, my child.”
Her eyes, as big as saucers, fell to her quivering hands now clenched in her lap. The fear to speak any further overcame her. This couldn’t be real. Was he sincerely apologizing?
“No, sire. Please, I beg of you—” She moved to the floor on her knees, clasping her hands. “I—we—what happened with your fin—so tragic.”
His hand reached out and touched her shoulder, cold but soft. “Please, stop groveling, and sit. I blame no one but myself.”
She blinked up at his genuine smile pressed into the wrinkled leather of his cheeks. Slowly, she returned to her chair.
“Tatiana, you’re such a sweet girl. I should have never allowed Azor to manipulate—” He stroked his beard and slowly closed his eyes. “Jack has always been the wise one, and I, the fool. And I betrayed our friendship over the lust of a woman, and then again to a thankless son. I thought your union would help mend things and bring our families together once again. But only now that I’m laid up here, do I see my ignorance. I wish I could tell Jack in person and convince Azor to… ah, Hades.”
Tatiana couldn’t believe her ears, that he’d actually accepted fault for the forced-promising and banishing her father over it. Was he saying he’d tell Azor to stop going after him. Had the accident given him brain damage?
“I—” Her mouth hung opened.
“And now I’ll pay—with my life, I imagine.”
Tatiana blinked, astounded. “What do you mean? You’ll return to the throne soon after you mend. A little sun, or fresh water perhaps.”
“Red Tide!” The King cursed and Tatiana slammed backward into her chair in fright. “My time is over! You will be queen soon, and you must listen!” He pounded his fist against a book engraved with his name in gold letters on his nightstand. “I would have never guessed, without knowing the look myself, that my son would betray me, even after I’ve given everything he’s asked for. So I’ve written down the truths in this book to show you the way you must raise your son. To teach him respect and the history of our people, mistakes and all. His heart must desire to serve the people. It’s my unborn grandson who’s the future of Natatoria’s salvation. I beg of you, please! Do you understand?”
Tatiana’s breath caught in her throat. What was he saying? That he disapproved of how Azor turned out? That he’d somehow betray the King? And what did he mean she’d be queen soon?
“But you’re fine,” Tatiana squeaked out.
The King harrumphed and flipped back the blankets revealing two stumps mid-thigh, scarred and bulbous. “As if I could rule like this—with these things. You’re too young to know the prejudices of our people.”
Tatiana’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, dear Poseidon.”
“Poseidon be damned; he had nothing to do with this.” He returned the silken covers to his non-existent legs. “This is my doing—or undoing. To think in all my eighteen years—” The King’s eyes met the ceiling before he pressed his lids shut. “That I’ve ruled that long and learned so little. That I’d betray my own father, not thinking my son would do the same—like all those before me. Knowing my son, you will need to be creative in your persuasion, and not as naive as the Queen and I have been.”
Tatiana fidgeted nervously in her seat. Had he no faith in Azor, or himself? He believed he wouldn’t return to rule. “Your Grace, pardon me, but I don’t know what to do with all of this.”
“I know. Just… accept my apologies and learn from my mistakes.” He he
ld out the book to her.
Tatiana’s lips pursed, accepting it. “Of course, my King.”
“And please bring me your beautiful son, so that I might see him and wish him great wisdom before I go.”
“Of course, my King.” Thinking of the future, she rubbed her stomach. Then tears pricked her eyes at the thought of her merling never knowing his grandfather.
His eyes lingered at her hand before his body went limp. He fell into the pillows behind him. “I wish I had more time.”
His voice was merely a whisper.
“Rest, sire. I can come back later.”
“Please, one more thing…” he whispered. “Come closer, child.”
Tatiana rose from her seat and approached. The King blinked slowly and his eyes looked off into the horizon, his mind not with her. Tatiana grew worried watching him, as if he’d expire right then.
“Lean closer.” He clasped her hand.
And she did.
13
: : :
Crazy
Tatiana’s screams sent Jacob charging into the King’s room; the knife normally hidden in his boot was unsheathed and pointed outward, leading his attack.
“Princess!” he yelled.
But Jacob wasn’t prepared for what he’d see. Within the King’s grasp was Tatiana’s neck, his lips dangerously close to touching hers.
“Stop! Phaleon!” she grunted, shrieking again, pressing with all her might against his chest. “STOP!”
“Don’t fight me,” he begged. “It’ll be quick—you must let me. You must!”
“No!” She clawed at his chest, but as a human she had no talons. “Jacob!”
Jacob sprinted to her and pried Tatiana out of the King’s hands. With a shove, he pushed the King aside. Pointing his knife at the King, he watched his body flip over, almost toppling off the other side to the floor. The King cursed, lying on his back, pawing to cover his torso with the sheet.
“Get back, soldier!” he bellowed. “Guards!”
Jacob’s hand froze. He couldn’t believe his eyes. The King’s legs were missing. Pity stopped his need to strike and end his life. He backed away, pushing Tatiana behind him, prepared to fight the Dradux who’d come to the King’s aid.
Jacob scanned the walls for another exit. But neither a Dradux, nor anyone for that matter, appeared. Why was he left unguarded?
King Phaleon recovered, panting. “This isn’t what it seems,” he said, his eyes wild.
“I know what I saw.” Jacob’s steely eyes scoured the King. He took Tatiana’s hand, leading her from the room.
“No!” the King yelled, “I need Tatiana—it’s for my grandchildren. You don’t understand. Please, Tatiana. Allow me one kiss.”
Without a single look back, Jacob shut the door, silencing the King. He scanned the hall before taking the Princess’s face in his hands. With great care, he studied her. Then he touched her arms and patted down her sides. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”
Large tears formed in her blue eyes.
She stared, unblinking. “H—he…”
“I know.” Jacob wiped away a tear with his thumb, sick at what the King almost accomplished. Her lips trembled and all Jacob wanted to do was quiet them with his own—smother them with loving kisses and promise her he’d never let that happen to her again—if they were together.
“I don’t understand,” she whimpered.
He dropped his hands as his conscience took over and closed his eyes to think. The worst was yet to come, and they didn’t have time to waste. He needed to take her far away from Natatoria—now.
“We only have one choice. We must leave,” Jacob took her hand and led her down the hall toward the northwest entrance.
Tatiana dragged her feet, stopping him. “No. I mu—must tell Azor first.”
Jacob swiveled around, facing her. At the mention of Azor’s name, anger flushed through his body. How could she still give this asinine family her allegiance?
“Azor?” He palmed his hair, exasperated. “Don’t you see? The King assaulted you. And once he tells someone I attempted to kill him, we’re dead—I’m dead. He’s sick—and he’s crazy. My fate is in his hands. They’ll lock me up and then I won’t be with you to stop that from happening again. I won’t allow it! Do you even know what I wanted to do to him when I saw his filthy hands on you?”
Tatiana’s face crinkled in worry. She pressed her lips and Jacob realized he’d said too much—she wasn’t his to be so possessive of. “I—I know, but Azor. He asked me to wait. We’ll be going home and…”
Jacob gritted his teeth, his heart pounding. “Tatiana. Stop letting your promise lead you and listen to yourself.”
“I know.” She pinched her eyes shut. “Maybe I am crazy. But from what the King said, I don’t think anyone is even listening to him anymore.”
Jacob’s features froze. “What did he say to you?”
She looked away, confusion crossing her face. “So many things about… about…the past kings and his disappointment in Azor.” She scanned the floor, searching for her words. “I can’t even make sense of it—it was all so jumbled, but he did apologize. To me and for what happened to my father. He doesn’t want to punish him for the shark attack, or the incident at the palace, or the explosion. He blames himself.”
“He what?” Jacob spouted a sardonic laugh.
“He does, for allowing Azor to convince him to force our promising, and then for betraying the friendship he had with my dad.”
Jacob stood, dumbfounded. “Well, now I’ve heard everything.” He tisked and shook his head. “A little convenient when all he wanted to do was kiss you, don’t you think? I know the King and he’s never repentant. Was there no one in his room attending to him?”
“No,” she said, sadly. “It was as if they’d stuck him there to die.”
Jacob pressed his palms into his temples. Damn promise! Why couldn’t she see reason? This wouldn’t be the only incident—many more would come and he couldn’t handle it if anyone succeeded in harming her.
“I still think we should leave,” he said evenly in one last-ditch effort.
She looked up at him, imploring. “I’m sorry, Jacob. I won’t leave without Azor.”
Jacob clenched his jaw. “Won’t or can’t?”
She pinched her eyes shut and sighed. “Just go, Jacob,” she said, with sadness in her voice. “I’ll be fine.”
“Like just now? I told you this place wasn’t safe and if I wasn’t with you—” Jacob bowed his head, regaining composure. She’d be the death of him.
She stared at her hands, silent.
He couldn’t believe he was about to let her stubbornness win. He had no choice. She’d only leave kicking and screaming, and that wasn’t really an option.
“No, Princess. Where you go, I go.”
“Thank you,” she said softly.
14
: : :
Vacation
Jacob said nothing further the entire walk to her room. Alone, she lay on her bed and stared at the ceiling, too numb to cry. The bruises on her neck had vanished under the quick healing of her mer blood, but the aftermath of what happened hadn’t yet. Hours had passed since Azor left with his mother and the assault kept replaying in her mind. With what the King said, she had so many questions, none of which she felt comfortable asking Azor.
“Tatiana?”
She snapped into the present and turned toward Azor’s silhouette in the doorway, curbing her desire to run to him. She clenched her jaw instead. After everything, he’d need to earn her affection first.
“You’re finished?” she asked, her voice drenched in sarcasm. “Nice of you to stop by.”
“You’re not happy to see me?”
As he entered her room, she tried her hardest to still her shaking limbs and stay mad. His soft, dark hair fell gently to his shoulders and all she wanted was for him to shut-up, kiss her, and tell her he was taking her far away from Natatoria.
“Did you fi
nd my parents in Tahoe?” she asked instead.
His face fell. “No.”
Relief filled her, but she hid that from her expression. “Did they leave?”
“As far as I know, yes.”
He walked closer and her heart pounded. He took her hands into his and abruptly yanked her to her feet. “Let’s not talk about the trip, okay?”
With a rush of rough movements, he encircled her in his arms and pressed his body against hers. She remained ridged, determined not to give in. Though her soul celebrated with his touch, she managed to subdue its all-encompassing power. She wouldn’t reward his niceness after he’d lied multiple times and abandoned her. Not to mention the other atrocities inflicted on her from his mother and father.
“You left me out,” she said, her tone biting.
“I know.” He traced a circle on her cheek with his finger, through the wet trail that ran to her chin. “I’m sorry.”
She gulped, her strength wavering, and turned her face to the side. “And you told your mother I had the ick.”
“What? No, I didn’t.” He laughed into her hair. His other hand slid down over her waist, cupping her backside. “Where were we the other day?”
Her breath caught unexpectedly and she closed her eyes. “You cannot leave without telling me where you’re going or when you’ll be back.”
“I said I was sorry.” His whiskers brushed her skin as his lips traced her jaw to her neck. Goose flesh broke out along her skin, her breath quickening.
“I don’t forgive you,” she whispered.
“Hmmm…” he said, nipping at her neck. “That’s too bad, considering you smell so enchanting.”
Her head swirled with his own musk mixed with the evergreens and water of Tahoe. Home.
“You can’t leave me, then expect one simple apology to make everything okay.”
“You’re right.” He tugged on her earlobe with his teeth. “I was only checking on your parents for you, to calm your nerves, but they’d left and I’m not entirely sure where. Maybe you’d know.”
Everlost (Mer Tales, Book 3) Page 10
