Damarian (A Merman's Kiss Novel)

by Dee J. Stone

  Neren and Pelina seem to not pay attention to the beings surrounding them. It is as though the two of them are the only ones in here.

  I tear my eyes away, for an ache has taken residence in my chest.

  Zarya pushes her tail and propels her body upward so that she may see over all the tall heads. The twins follow her. This is the first mating ceremony they are attending. The mating ceremony of the princess—my ceremony—will be greatly different. It shall take place in the palace, and every single creature of the sea will be invited.

  Anxiety passes over me.

  Neren’s father raises his hand to silence everyone. Then he nods to his son. With a slightly nervous and exhilarated expression, Neren tightens his hold on Pelina and says, “I, Neren of the Sapphire clan, declare myself to you, Pelina of the Violet clan. For all eternity.”

  Pelina’s smile widens. I do not believe I have ever seen anyone look as happy as she does now. She straightens her shoulders. “I, Pelina of the Violet clan, declare myself to you, Neren of the Sapphire clan. For all eternity.”

  They wrap their tails around each other and float upward, far above everyone else. We all cheer and wish them many long moons filled with happiness and love.

  Violet and Sapphire children of the sea swim in with large flat stones carrying sea creatures of many species and colors. My eyes catch sight of a cluster of small octopi.

  Cassie Price’s face, yet again, enters my mind. I only spent a few hours with her, but so many things remind me of our time together. Will she forever reside inside me like this?

  Zarya dashes to me, a small, unfamiliar crab in her hand. “I have never tasted such a lovely delicacy,” she says. “Mating ceremonies are so wonderful. Will you not eat, Dammy?”

  Syd and Syndin join us. “You will have far greater delicacies at your ceremony, will you not?” Syd says.

  Syndin nods. “I cannot wait! And we will celebrate in the palace!”

  I do not want to remain here. I wish to go home, but I do not want to cause Neren and Pelina any pain. And I promised Mother and Father I would keep a careful eye on the little ones. They attended the ceremony for a short while before Father was needed at the palace and Mother left to visit some of the elderly Sapphires who have lost mates. She had previously committed her time to them and did not wish to cancel, for they spend their moons mostly in solitude and her visits brighten their days.

  “Dammy!” Zarya shoves the crab into my hand. “Why do you not respond to us?”

  “Forgive me.” I force a smile onto my lips.

  For the sake of Neren, Pelina, and the fry, I will attempt to enjoy myself. But deep within me, there is fear and gloom.

  Chapter Ten

  A Violet Guard and his shark escort me to Eteria. A few days have passed since the mating ceremony of Neren and Pelina, and I have not rested peacefully since then. The manner in which they gazed at each other. The manner in which they declared themselves to each other for all eternity…

  They are mated. They are bonded. They will remain together for all eternity. The love between them is so profound I am certain every single child of the sea felt it. And now as I am escorted to my future mate, my mind is again consumed with thoughts of our impending mating ceremony. It has been quite a few years since a member of the royal family has taken a mate, and since she is their sole fry, everyone will wish to witness it.

  As I watched Neren and Pelina share their first meal as bonded mates, all I thought about was my human. How absurd it is for her to constantly invade my mind. I am certain her thoughts do not include me. I am sure she will not forget me, for I am a creature thought to not exist in her world, but I am certain she has forgotten me. She does not replay the events that occurred between us constantly in her mind. She does not reflect on the sensations she felt when her body was so close to mine. When my lips rested against hers.

  I shake my head. No, I must put an end to these thoughts. I must.

  Neren and Pelina have decided to take residence in the Violet clan. Neren does not wish to cause his mate any discomfort by having her live in a clan she is not accustomed to. I will miss him, but the Violet colony is not such a far distance from my colony. And I know he and I will not spend many hours together as we had done in the past, for now he is mated and must care for her above everything else.

  “Sapphire,” the Violet Guard says.

  I did not realize we have reached the palace. The Violet has entered while I remain out here. I gather my bearings and follow him inside. He leads me to the room were the king, queen, and princess sit on their thrones.

  “I announce Damarian of the Sapphire clan,” the Violet says, bowing.

  I bow as well.

  “Thank you, Morteran,” King Palaemon says. “Please approach us, Damarian.”

  I move closer to them and bow again.

  “Welcome.” The queen smiles. “I trust your journey was well?”

  “Yes, thank you.” My gaze moves to Princess Flora. She presents me with a small smile. I do not understand the manner in which she studies me. It is not in the same manner Pelina gazes upon Neren, or the manner in which Mother gazes upon Father. It is not a look of love.

  “And you are well?” the king asks.

  “Yes. Forgive me for my lack of…for not being present these past few days. I was merely…”

  He waves his hand. “Do not fret. We understand.” He takes his mate’s hand. “Queen Lamara was quite tense before she took the throne.” He kisses the back of her hand. “But perhaps it is wise for you not to divulge this secret to the children of the sea.”

  “Yes,” I say. “Certainly.”

  “A king and queen may feel apprehensive many times,” he says. “But you must not show this to your subjects. It will only cause them to grow suspicious of your ability to lead.”

  “Yes. I understand, my king.”

  He nods. “That is all my queen and I wish to discuss with you.” He looks at the princess. “My daughter?”

  Princess Flora rises off her throne, and I bow. “If you would be so kind and join me in the room next door.”

  “Yes, Your Highness.”

  I once again bow before the king and queen and follow the princess into the adjacent room. Fish and other delicacies are spread out on a table made of sapphire crystals. Creatures I have not laid eyes upon.

  “The Scouts have searched the waters to locate food for the mating ceremony. Please sample a few and inform me if they are to your liking.”

  My stomach coils. “Thank you, my princess, but I trust your tastes and am certain I will be pleased with whatever you choose.”

  She nods and sits on one of the crystal chairs, then looks at me expectantly. I lower myself into the seat next to her. She studies me and I study her. After a little while, she says, “I apologize for my behavior the other day. I behaved in an inappropriate manner.”

  “It is all right.”

  “The king and queen…my parents.” She shakes her head, then casts her eyes downward. “Being part of the ruling family is quite stressful at times. At all times, rather. I suppose I craved fun. Though, I am not certain what actually constitutes as fun.” Her eyes lift to mine. “Perhaps you can show me one day.”

  “Yes, I will be pleased to.”

  She smiles, and for the first time, I see true excitement in her eyes. And at this moment, I realize something profound. I am not the only one in this predicament. This has been forced upon her, just as it has been forced upon me. No, her entire life has been forced upon her. She did not ask to be born the princess and future queen.

  “Your Highness, why is it required for you to mate with me?”

  She gapes at me, her eyes and mouth slightly wide. I am aware my question is direct, but I needed to ask. She and her parents do not care that I am the true heir. I am certain they do not wish to lose the crown to another clan.

  “It is imperative that we unite the clans. We must become one unit.”

  “There is not such a dispari
ty between the clans.”

  “There is indeed. You are not aware of it, for you do not hear of the incidents, but there is a lot of prejudice amongst the clans. Some do not even enter a colony that is not theirs.” She motions to a Violet stationed outside the room. “The members of the Guard are all Violets, save for one. As are Father and Mother’s advisors.”

  “My father is a Sapphire.”

  “Yes, but he is only one, and a Sapphire. Have you seen a child who is not a Violet or a Sapphire swimming in the palace? Father, Mother, and I cannot sit by and watch as our subjects quarrel amongst themselves. It is similar to watching your fry not get along. When you are king, you will understand how it feels. I wish for there to be changes when we rule. I want it to be a whole new world.”

  That is certainly admirable. I did not know the princess felt this way. “You shall be a fine queen, my princess,” I say.

  She inclines her head. “Thank you. And you shall be a fine king.”

  “Do you love me?”

  She gapes at me in the same manner as before, but her mouth is so wide I am certain two large fish can fit inside. “Love?”

  “Yes.”

  She continues to stare at me. Then her eyes move to my lips. “I love…” She moves over and touches my lips with her fingers. “I love your lips.” She touches my face. “I love your face.”

  I place my hand over hers. “No. Do you love me?”

  She stares into my eyes, and for the first time since I can remember, she seems bewildered. “I am afraid I do not understand to what you are referring.”

  “You have seen the love between your parents, have you not? Is it not your wish that you experience the same?”

  She liberates her hand from mine and lifts herself off the chair. “Love? What nonsense do you speak of? You and I cannot love.”

  I rise off my chair and move next to her. “Why?”

  “It does not exist for you and me. For we…for we…”

  I take her hands in mine. “I have not experienced it, but I know it is the most wonderful feeling in the world. I wish to experience that. I wish for you to experience that.”

  “I…” She tears her eyes and hands from me. “We will not have time for silly notions. Love.” She laughs. “It is the most absurd thing I have heard in all my moons.”

  I slowly swim backward toward the entryway, the only images in my mind of my human Cassie Price. The manner in which I felt when she and I were in the same room, how I have been battling the sensations in my body ever since that day. “No, my princess. It is not absurd. It is the most wonderful gift you can receive.”

  I turn around and swim away.

  “Damarian!” she calls.

  I do not heed her calls. I swim out of the palace and out of Eteria, but I do not head to the Sapphire colony. I head to the exit of the entire colony of the children of the sea.

  Damarian! To where do you travel?

  I do not slow down for Fiske. I have been apart from Cassie for a week and have not forgotten her. I attempted to feel the way I felt about her with Princess Flora, but I did not. I do not think I ever could. The life of a king is not the life for me. She may be willing to forgo love and mate for the good of her subjects, but I cannot. Perhaps that proves me selfish, but I would rather be selfish than miserable. A miserable king would only be detrimental to the entire sea.

  Cassie Price. My human Cassie Price. I wish to see her lovely face again. There is no need to battle these sensations in my body any longer. For they are not something to be ashamed of, but beautiful. Beautiful and correct.

  Damarian. Fiske is in my path.

  I travel to land, Fiske. You cannot stop me.

  His eyes look into mine, the most intense I have ever seen them. I will not stop you. I will join you.

  I do not understand.

  From the moment you rescued her, I knew you would pursue her. That is the reason I was so worried. But I wish for you to be happy, Damarian.

  I rest my head against the top of his. You are a wonderful companion. You need not swim by my side. I am not certain when I shall return to the sea.

  I understand. But I will accompany you until you are on land, and I will accompany you when you wish to return.

  I press my lips on his rough skin. Thank you.

  Chapter Eleven

  Fiske and I remain in a cave close to land as we wait for nighttime. I cannot return to the shore in the day, for there are many humans about. I sit on a large stone while Fiske guards outside. I am not certain whether the princess has told her parents or mine about what occurred between us, and whether she has sent her Guards to search for me. It is my hope that nighttime will fall soon, for I very much wish to return to land. To Cassie.

  When the time finally arrives, Fiske and I swim toward the shore. I listen for human voices to ascertain that the beach is clear. I do not hear anything.

  I will move closer to determine that the area is safe, Fiske says.

  No. If there is a human, I worry they may try to harm you. Please, Fiske, you have done me a great service thus far. But I will complete my journey alone now.

  Fiske buries his nose into the side of my body. Be careful. And I hope you find what you desperately seek.

  Thank you. Is it all right if I ask you to tell my family that I am well and safe?

  Certainly. And I will watch over them.

  Many thanks, Fiske. Please return to the colony and continue your training as a Sentinel.

  You come first, Damarian. You will always come first.

  I take his fin and squeeze it tightly before swimming to the shore. I cannot go to the location with the many rocks, for I will be unable to pull myself up there. I near the sand and search around for humans. Once I see that there are none, I heave my body onto the sand. When I glance back at Fiske, I find him watching me.

  Farewell, Fiske.

  Farewell. His body dips below the surface.

  Thus begins my wait. A portion of me worries I will be unable to shift, unable to see Cassie. But after a few minutes, I feel the excruciating pain in my tail. I fall down on the sand and hear the cries escape my lips. When it has ended, I am so exhausted I cannot lift my head. But I must. I must stand on these human legs and find Cassie. I cannot remain here where humans may discover me.

  My body has so much weight that I cannot lift myself. I drag it on the sand, though it seems that is only causing me to grow wearier. I catch sight of a pink-colored item buried in the sand a few tails away. When I reach it, I realize they are garments that are worn on the lower half of the body. I am certain this garment belongs to a female, but she is a large size because it fits me. Once I have placed it upon me, I fall down on my back.

  I am much too exhausted.

  ***

  I am hot. It is not something I have felt before, for I have always been in the cool temperature of the sea. But I know it is heat. The warmth I felt when I was on land the first time was uncomfortable, but this is nearly unbearable.

  My eyes open. And then they quickly shut. The sun, it is quite bright. It has touched my skin quite a few times when I swam to the surface, but I have never felt it in such a manner. I was not aware how strong it is.

  “Dad! Dad, look. This guy is just lying here.”

  A male fry stands before me. He wears nothing but garments on the lower half of his body. An adult male joins him not three seconds later. They both stare down at me. “You okay, son?” the male asks.

  Unease captures me, and I quickly look down at my legs. Yes, they are still here. But I am not certain how long I have been on land. What if I grow ill?

  I sit up and try to stand, but I fall over.

  “Easy there.” The male takes hold of my arm and helps me place myself on my legs. “There you go. All right now?”

  “Yes, I…thank you.”

  “Need help getting home?” He stares at my bare chest and then the garment on my body.

  “I am all right. Thank you.” I hurry away from him and t
he fry who stare at me as I try to rush away on these unstable legs. I examine the beach. Where is Cassie’s house located?

  As I continue to examine my surroundings, I recognize the entryway Cassie and I entered when she helped me return to the sea. I walk there and once again scan the location. For a second, I am confused and do not know which direction to embark on. Then I remember the path to Cassie’s house.

  Many humans stare at me as I pass. I suppose it is due to the female garment. Many point. Some laugh. I pay no attention to them and focus on locating Cassie’s house.

  I am starting to recognize more of the area. Yes, I am certain I am in the correct vicinity. And then I see it in the distance. A large smile overtakes my mouth. I run on these legs and stand before the door. I remember the noise I heard when Cassie’s friend, Leah, came to visit. I hit my palm on the door, but that does not create the desired effect. I turn my hand around and hit the door with my knuckles. That is the correct result.

  Cassie does not come to the door. Perhaps she has not heard me? Humans do not have as acute hearing as children of the sea. In this state, I notice how disadvantaging that is. I slam the back of my hand harder on the door, which produces extremely loud noises. But perhaps it is still not loud enough? I glance at my hand, then curl it into a fist. I bang it on the door. Yes, that is a much profound sound.

  “What do you want?” She yells from behind the door.

  My entire body grows rigid. “C-Cassie?”

  There is no answer. After a few moments, I hear the sound of the golden handle being turned. My heart beats wildly as I watch it turn. I feel wetness on my forehead, and I do not think it is from when I was in the sea.

  The door opens a little violently, and Cassie’s face appears. She stares at me, then lowers her gaze to the garment on my body. “It was all I could find,” I say.