Black Sea Bright Song

by Shelly Jarvis

  “I hope you didn’t get in trouble because of me,” Evan said.

  Poppy shook her head. “No more than I should’ve.”

  “What do you mean?” Evan asked.

  “Master Malcolm reminded me who pays my salary and takes care of me,” Poppy said. “He was very angry, but he was kind about it.”

  Evan frowned. Celia and Will seemed to be very close to Malcolm and both spoke well of him, but Evan was seeing a side of him for which she didn’t care. The Malcolm she was getting to know was quick to anger, harsh to those he claimed to care for, and attempted to hide these faults with a façade of compassion. Evan was starting to believe that the way he fiercely cared about people was a lot less to do with caring and a lot more to do with controlling.

  Evan nodded and let the girl pass without another word. She liked Poppy and didn’t want to be the cause of more trouble for her. Instead, she went upstairs to her room. On her bed was a long silver box tied with a blue velvet ribbon. Her heart hammered in her chest. Had Andrus been here?

  She untied the ribbon, her fingers trembling. Inside was a slip of paper like the invitation to Gideon’s party. She sighed with relief and uncurled the tissue paper to reveal a rich emerald dress. Evan walked to the mirror and held it up. Tiny emeralds glinted across the bodice as it caught the light.

  It was a beautiful dress, a wonderful gift, and Evan was saddened she wouldn’t be able to wear it tonight. With a sigh, she placed it on the bed and walked towards the bathroom. She ran herself a hot bath full of the strange suds that Celia had given her. She lay in the bubble bath until her fingers pruned and the water cooled.

  When she climbed from the tub and walked back into the bedroom, her eyes immediately fell to the dress. With a sigh, she picked it up again. She swirled around the room as if she were dancing, watching the light dance over the fabric. She should at least try it on.

  She let her towel fall to the floor as she pulled the dress over her head. The fabric was the softest thing her skin had ever touched. She brushed it down, letting it press smoothly against her body. As she stood in front of the mirror admiring it, she realized she couldn’t do the dress justice with her hair as it was.

  Evan dried and combed her hair. Once finished, she eyed it calculatingly. Though her hair was much shorter now and she couldn’t achieve the intricacies she had before, there was still much that could be done. After two fruitless attempts at an up-do, she finally settled for half her hair in a modest bun while the rest hung loose. The simplicity of it gave more attention to her face, specifically her eyes. Evan smiled as she realized this must’ve been the very reason the dress had been given to her; it matched her eyes perfectly.

  Without thinking about it, Evan found herself seated in front of the vanity in the corner of the room. She spent several minutes applying the makeup Celia had given her. Although she had makeup in Triton and used it regularly, the stuff Celia had bought her was different enough from what she had at home to cause her extra time to get it right. After finishing, she was happy with the transformation from girl-next-door to party-going-vixen.

  She took a lap around the room, trying to talk herself out of going. But she knew there was no stopping now. Evan stuck her head out her bedroom door and checked both ways. The coast was clear. At the top of the stairs she listened for any sign that someone may be near. She felt like she’d been standing there for hours, but still waited to make sure no one was coming. Once she was certain, she tiptoed to the study she’d been in yesterday.

  She peeked around the door to the study, happy to find the room empty. She went in and knelt by the trashcan, emptying the few contents on the floor. She ran her hands over the few papers on the ground, but the invitation was nowhere to be found.

  “Looking for this?”

  Evan jumped at the sound. She turned to see Poppy leaning against the doorframe, holding the delicate paper.

  “Poppy,” she said, letting out a sigh of relief. “You startled me.”

  Evan stood and reached for the invitation in Poppy’s hand, but Poppy pulled it back.

  “You aren’t supposed to leave the house,” Poppy said, her mouth set in a frown.

  “No, I’m not,” Evan agreed.

  “But you’re going anyway?”

  Evan nodded. “No one has to know you knew anything about it. Just give me the invitation and I’ll be on my way.”

  “Master Malcolm will fire me,” Poppy said. “I can’t let you, Miss Evannia.”

  “Please. I have to go.”

  “Why?”

  Evan opened her mouth to answer, but was unsure about the truth of why she wanted to go. Yes, she wanted to see Gideon, and yes, she wanted out of the house without a hulking guard following behind her, but there was more to it than that. Being on land had suddenly shown her the freedom she’d been missing. She’d been locked in a castle, surrounded by guards, and for nineteen years that had been enough. But now that she’d seen what it meant to make your own choices and have opportunities to experience new things, her heart sank at the thought of being trapped by everyone else’s decisions.

  “It’s hard to explain,” Evan said.

  “I’m sorry, but that isn’t good enough. Master Malcolm said you’re in danger and he’s trying to keep you safe.”

  “Poppy—” Evannia began.

  Her protests were cut off as Poppy suddenly ripped the paper into quarters. Evannia dove towards her, wrestling the remaining pieces from her hands. By the time she pulled the paper from Poppy’s grasp, there was nothing left but indecipherable shreds.

  “I wish it didn’t have to be like this,” Poppy said. She left without another word.

  Evan leaned against the wall, her breath coming in short bursts as she tried to let go of her anger. Yet again she was ruled by someone else’s decisions for her. Of course she knew she shouldn’t go, and she’d promised Celia she wouldn’t, but there was still something terribly final knowing that she couldn’t go because someone took away the option.

  She stared out the window at a house along the cove. Lights flashed through the night, pulsating with music she couldn’t hear. It had to be his party. She took a deep breath, steeling her nerves. Evan had spent her whole life being ruled by the choices of others. It was time for her to change that.

  Twenty-One

  Evan opened the window. She didn’t see or hear any of the guards. She set her feet on the rough base of the landscaping. The tiny pieces of mulch bit into her feet, but she didn’t make a sound. She moved from the flowerbed to the patio and crouched down, her eyes searching the dark.

  At the edge of the property she saw a flashlight, but it wasn’t close. She headed for the beach. Twice more she saw traces of guards, but still she remained unseen. Although it made her happy they hadn’t caught her, it also made her a little nervous about what kind of protection she had. Then again, she saw how the Siren song affected Dave. They were foolish to think the humans could offer them any real protection if the Sirens found her here.

  Finally she was off the property and on the beach. She jogged up the beach, trying to find a balance between getting there quickly without arriving sweaty and out of breath. She reached the house and crept around the side to see people climbing out of flashy cars and long black sedans. They were dressed in sharp suits and shimmering dresses.

  Several people walked to the door to present invitations to a man holding a clipboard. He checked their names against a list before conducting them inside. Evan cursed, wondering how she would get in minus her shredded invitation. It was likely that her name was on the list, so perhaps she could get in without it. Or she’d be sent away.

  Evan slipped back to the side of the house as she debated whether or not to try the list or look for a different way in. She heard a soft rustling nearby and looked up to see a security guard walking towards her.

  “Miss, you can’t be out here,” he called.

  “Sorry,” Evan said. “I’m here to see Gideon.”

  Th
e man chuckled. “Like I told the other ones, I’m sure he’ll save you a dance if you play your cards right. Now come around where I can see you.”

  Other ones?

  As she stepped into the glow from his flashlight, the man looked her up and down, his head tilting to the side. After a few seconds, he stepped forward and took her arm. “You’re going to need to come with me.”

  Evan pulled against him, but his grip became firmer. She gritted her teeth and said, “Let me go. I’m supposed to be here.”

  “I know you’re supposed to be here, Lady Evannia. I’m not going to hurt you,” he said.

  “Then let go of my arm and let me walk on my own.”

  “Fair enough,” he said, letting go of her arm. “But don’t go running off. I have specific instructions to bring you to Master Gideon upon your arrival.”

  Evan sighed. “Why didn’t you just say so?”

  The man’s cheeks went red. “Sorry. I’m new to civilian work. Also, we weren’t expecting you to be sneaking around the side of the house.”

  He led her around the back of the house and onto a stone path that she had overlooked. The path led through tall hedges and into a wide, open area full of people. They pushed their way through the throng of guests, up the stairs, and into the house. There were more people inside, mingling, drinking, and laughing.

  The guard took Evan into the kitchen, where several chefs prepared appetizers and servants refilled the trays balanced on their arms. At the end of the kitchen was a small swinging door. They pushed through and came out in a small room with two chairs facing a window that took up an entire wall. Gideon was standing with his back to the door, staring out into the night.

  “Master Gideon,” the guard said, “I’ve brought the Lady Evannia.”

  “Thank you,” Gideon said.

  The guard nodded at Gideon’s back, then excused himself from the room. Evan stood just inside the door with her hands tangled in front of her, fiddling nervously.

  “You came alone?” Gideon asked, his voice sounding stony.

  “Yes,” she said.

  “Was that wise, all things considered?”

  Evan bit her lip. This was a mistake. Gideon had invited her as a courtesy, but hadn’t wanted her here. The guard had said there were other women here to see him. Of course there are. He’s just a nicer version of Calix, she thought. Good looks, power, wealth. Why should I be anything more than another in line, pining for him?

  She’d never felt more foolish.

  He turned to face her and the moonlight shining through the window bathed his features in pale light. For a second Evan swore his eyes flashed silver. She inhaled sharply, but when he took a step towards her the color was gone, leaving only the strange gray of a stormy sky.

  “I’m happy you’re here,” he said. “I was just worried after what happened yesterday. We didn’t get a chance to talk about why that man grabbed you.”

  At his words, Evan released the breath she was holding. Her heart fluttered so violently in her chest, she thought it might take flight. Maybe, just maybe, he did want her there.

  She shook her tongue loose from her mouth as she worked to think of a way to change the subject. “The others appreciated your invitation and were terribly upset they couldn’t make it. But I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.”

  “Opportunity?” he asked, a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth.

  “To see what sort of party you would throw,” she said. “It really says a lot about a person.”

  “Is that so?” he asked, taking another step towards her.

  Evan felt her breath catch in her throat. They were mere inches from one another and she could feel warmth radiating from him.

  “Perhaps,” he said, pushing a stray hair from her face, “we should make our way to the party. I wouldn’t want you to miss this glimpse into my psyche.”

  “We could always have our own private party,” she said.

  Gideon’s brows raised, surprised. “As tempting as that is, I have two hundred guests who might start to get annoyed if I keep them waiting. Perhaps we can revisit the private party idea after I mingle a bit?”

  Evan nodded, unable to speak as her mind raced through the scenarios that could play out once she had Gideon all to herself. He reached past her and opened the door, but his eyes never left hers. As he steered her from the room, she caught the faint scent of salt on his skin. It filled her with such an overwhelming longing for the ocean that she didn’t realize she was rushing outside towards the sea until Gideon grabbed her arm.

  “What are you doing?” he asked, fear marring his features.

  Evan blinked, trying to place where she was. She had no idea how she’d gone from the small room to outside the home, but the fact that she had was unnerving. She whispered, “I don’t know.”

  Gideon stared down at her, his brows furrowed. “Evannia, you’re scaring me.”

  Evan rubbed her hands over her face. “I’m okay. Truly. I’m not sure what happened, but it has passed.”

  Gideon frowned and said. “You’re sure?”

  She stared at the water behind the house. There was a strange tugging inside her, pulling her towards the water. She pushed the feeling down, trying to focus on Gideon. He waited for an explanation, but she didn’t have one to give. She’d felt the water’s pull before, but never like this. It was taking all she had not to run off towards the surf and dive in.

  She pulled her roving eyes to Gideon. His expression showed concern, but he didn’t push for an answer. This seemed to be yet another aspect of his character that made Evan grateful. She forced a smile and said, “Let’s get to the party. You have some mingling to do.”

  Gideon took her hand and led her through a side door. They walked through several rooms as Gideon smiled and waved at his guests, shaking hands with others. All the while he held firmly to her hand. She felt the eyes of the other guests scanning her, unsure who she was or what her relationship was with Gideon. Thankfully, no one asked. She didn’t have the answer.

  As they said goodbye to an elegantly dressed older woman and her much younger date, they turned down one of the hallways and Evan felt a rumbling sensation in the ground below her. As they moved closer to the end of the hall, the bass got stronger and Evan could feel the pulsing music in her body. There were strobe lights and flashes of color pouring over the bodies writhing together in the room ahead. She felt her smile grow larger as she watched something purely human. The Mer would consider this improper and would never allow such dancing. It was mesmerizing.

  Just before they stepped into the room, a servant caught Gideon by the arm and whispered something to him. He grimaced. He leaned and whispered into Evan’s ear, “I need to check on something. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  Evan nodded, but Gideon was still worried after what had happened only a few minutes before. He said, “Promise that you’ll be here when I get back.”

  “I promise,” Evan said, flashing what she hoped was a reassuring smile.

  Gideon nodded and followed the servant down the hall. Evan entered the dance room and was immersed in a tangle of bodies. As she moved towards the center of the room, she felt her body responding to the music of its own free will. She swayed and spun, letting herself get caught up in the strange, primal movements.

  She wasn’t sure how long she’d been dancing when the music suddenly stopped. With the rumbling bass gone, all she could hear was a high-pitched ringing until her ears adjusted to the silence. Everyone was looking around, trying to figure out what had happened to the music.

  As they stood there in the absence of sound, someone began to sing. It was a sweet sound, the woman’s rich alto voice lending itself to the cadence of the song. Evannia turned to face the stage, searching for the source of the music. There was a girl at the front of the stage, her hands outstretched towards the people who inched their way towards her, completely enraptured by her voice.

  She was a pretty girl, beautiful even. Her
thick, golden hair framed her face in shiny waves, drawing attention to blue eyes. Her lips were a vibrant red, and it was all Evannia could do not to stare at her.

  Evan bucked against the sound. It pulled at her, though not with the fullness that Andrus’ song had captured her. It was a subtle sound drawing her in, soft as a breeze, sweet as a baby.

  Evan took a step towards the stage. A hand pressed into her shoulder. Gideon looked down at her and said, “Don’t let her pull you in.”

  She shook her head, breaking herself from the girl’s entrancing voice. The song had changed now. The sweetness was too sharp, the honey tones sickening. Evan’s eyes passed over the enchanted crowd and all at once she felt like someone had punched her in the gut.

  “I know her,” Evan said, as memories from the Protean palace flooded her mind.

  Evan watched the crowd swaying back and forth, Juno Lostone’s voice washing over them like a wave. She was right about Jove and Juno. She whispered, “Siren.”

  Gideon nodded. “We have to do something.”

  “What can we do against her?” she asked.

  She turned to Gideon. His stormy gray eyes were staring down into hers, but there was a sadness there she couldn’t place. He took her hands and said, “You are a daughter of Poseidon. Where is your spirit?”

  Evannia jolted. “You? You’re the stranger who danced with me.”

  Gideon nodded.

  “You should’ve told me.”

  “I wanted to,” he said. “But I wanted to get to know you, to see if there was more to this, to us. I didn’t just want to be the guy in the mask who tested your fight. I wanted to be the one you knew you could trust, no matter what.”

  Evan placed her hand on his cheek. She knew why he couldn’t tell her, of course. She was royalty. Clearly he wasn’t a nobleman, or he wouldn’t have run from the guards that night. His kiss at the ball was tantamount to treason as far as her mother was concerned. How could he tell her who he really was without fear?