Orlson and Xander scanned the sea trying to make out any disturbance that would signal Bri’s return. The sun’s heat beat down on their necks, however, neither would move until they knew she was safe.
Xander had seen a look of gratitude from Briganti and now regretted his earlier sulk. It seemed pointless to hold a grudge against the princess, because it was clear it made little difference. Of course this was going to be difficult. They had barely met and already they were being thrust into a possible war.
'What if she prefers it down there?' Xander asked.
Orlson’s eyes briefly left the water to look at the prince. The jealousy felt towards him was strong, yet there was something deeply likeable about him. It was as though beneath all the nice clothes and pompous exterior he was actually a good guy.
'There is a possibility she could become enchanted. We just have to hope she’s strong enough to come back.'
A shout from Eyes made them look back out to the sea, just as Bri’s blond head pierced the water’s surface. They watched as the Second and Clues took the boat down to grab her from the sea. Xander stared in amazement as her body was lowered on to the deck.
The Third grabbed a blanket to cover her exposed breasts, which were pert and perfect, but it was the shimmer of the blue/green tail and the long gold spun hair that caught his eye. He had been exposed to fae charm before, but mer charm was something he was not prepared for. It felt like he was being pulled into somewhere warm and magical. All he knew was that he was resisting the urge to fall on his knees at her side and offer her anything she asked for.
Orlson saw the familiar look in Xander’s eyes and warned the First, who seemed to be the only person she did not effect, to take him inside. He and Clues grabbed her with the help of the Third and carried her into the safety of her cabin. Xander sighed as he watched her disappear and begrudgingly allowed the First to lead him away.
'Only true love or pure hate can resist mer charm,' the First muttered.
Xander frowned at him. 'So which is it for you?'
'My brothers are the only ones that pander to her every whim, for me she could die,' the First muttered before leaving Xander confused, and slightly unnerved at why Bri trusted her life to a crew member that one third would rather her dead.
They watched as the blond gave way to the red and the tail began to separate into two tanned legs. The three of them sighed loudly as they felt the magnetic pull ease as her transformation completed. The Third handed another blanket to Orlson and left the room.
'Bri?' Clues said.
'I'm fine Clues, where’s Orlson?' she asked breathlessly, her body ached and her legs felt like lead.
'I'm here. You changed pretty quickly. Are you alright?' Orlson asked helping her wrap the blanket around her legs.
Bri lifted the shell pendant from her neck. 'King Aquim gave me this. It helps balance my personalities.'
'What did he say about what’s happening?' Clues asked.
'He said that he believes that Dryad has something to do with it. He thinks he switched the plates of gold and silver. Which means Zilva is becoming the land of the sun, and vice versa,' Bri answered, self-consciously pulling the blankets tighter around her naked body.
'Well I suggest we go back the way we came,' Clues said, but Bri shook her head.
'No, Aquim said just to carry on going.'
'Bri, we are in the middle of the sea with no point of reference,' Clues said. 'If we go back the way we came, we will have somewhere to start from and at the end of the day we have only travelled a day and a half.'
Bri nodded and Clues got up to leave.
An awkward silence fell between Orlson and Bri. Neither knew what to say to the other and neither wanted to approach the subject of what had happened last time she had changed. Though she had transformed to her old self, Bri could still feel the remnants of Orlson’s power and the attraction for him was greater still.
'I'm proud of you,' Orlson said finally.
'Mother drilled it into me, duty first. I did what I had to.'
Celestia's Tales: The Lybiria Scales Page 12
