A knock sounded on his door. “Come in.” He pulled his hands from his face and composed himself.
“Beg your pardon, My Lord, but Princess Adrastia from Havrik is here.”
Loch blinked rapidly, and his pale blond braid tumbled over his shoulder. He wracked his brain as to why Princess Adrastia would be here. “Have I forgotten something, Kai?” he questioned his manservant.
“Not at all, sir; she bears a conch from her father. I suspect it is rather important.”
Loch swam to his wardrobe, pulled out a kelp woven shirt and tugged it over his head. “I’ll be there shortly. Escort her to the north room.” His fingers tugged the braid from under his shirt. Typically, he wasn’t one to fuss about his appearance, but Adrastia had a way of unsettling him. They had met a few times before at mutual events and Father had even attempted to set a betrothal in place when they were but children; however, King Asvald had never been keen on the idea.
Did this mean the king had changed his mind? There was only one way to find out. Reaching for his crown, Loch settled it atop his head and eyed his appearance in the looking glass. This month seemed to have aged him. Loch saw it in his eyes, the fatigue creasing the corners. Still considered a youth, he didn’t have to worry about truly aging for centuries to come, but his father once told him age was naught in comparison to experience.
Sighing, he swam from the confines of his quarters and down the corridor toward the north room. His tail propelled him through the water with ease, and to his surprise, he did not see a familiar flash of red hair. Ruari was likely with the remainder of the coven, trying to pick up the pieces after the massacre that occurred just a few days ago.
As he rounded the corner towards the north room, his expression cleared and he knocked on the wall before swimming in. Adrastia perched on a lounge chair near the wide-open window, her gaze locked onto a colorful school of fish as they swam by.
“Princess Adrastia,” Loch addressed her properly and bowed his head.
Adrastia turned to him, her intelligent green eyes widening in surprise. Like Loch, her hair was such a fine color of blond that it was nearly white, but instead of flowing freely it was coiled on top of her head in a spiraling braid.
“Loch—pardon—Your Majesty,” Adrastia amended hastily and the tell-tale hue of embarrassment colored her cheeks.
Loch raised his hand and shook his head. “Loch is fine.” A smile replaced the hard lines that were etched on his face moments ago. The color of Adrastia’s tail was breathtaking, vivid pink, with stripes of black as well as white. Elaborate frills of the same color adorned her tail, and her dorsal fin swept around her like a veil.
“Then you must address me by Adrastia,” she teased softly, cocking her head to the side.
“Adrastia it shall be.”
As she offered her hand, he took it and brushed a kiss on her knuckles.
“My father is occupied, otherwise he’d be here, but he has a message for you.” She lifted the conch in the water and offered it to him.
Loch inspected the conch as he took it. He half expected a serpent to wind its way out and bite him. He shook the thought from his mind and spoke his name. The conch shell glimmered in his hand as the enchantment’s threads came undone and soon a voice emitted; a voice that only Loch could hear.
Adrastia clasped her hands in front of her vibrant tail, painting a fine picture of decorum—except her green eyes were full of mischief and playfulness.
“King Loch, I presume my youngest daughter has arrived safely and you’re treating her well. I send this conch to you not to fill your ears with frivolous words, but to bring a proposition to you. My daughter’s hand in exchange for one hundred of your scouts. A recent battle has stripped me bare—I’m not asking for your assistance—only that you send your scouts and you’ll receive my blessings.”
When the message finished Loch’s eyes remained transfixed on the shell. “I trust you know the contents of the message.”
Adrastia’s lips twisted into a broad smile and she nodded her head. “Of course I do. Do you think that I would come all this way none the wiser?”
A laugh escaped him unbidden. Memories of simpler times together flooded him. Loch remembered that laugh well, and the sound of it as they hid away from the overwhelming crowds. “I suppose not. I also didn’t think I’d ever see you here.”
Adrastia motioned around the room, opting to point toward a shelf in the back. It held various shells and even a few fossils. “I think it’s a lovely room. Why wouldn’t I come?” she began and threw a playful look over her shoulder.
“I mean—”
“I quite know what you mean, Loch.” She swam over to him and gently took his free hand. “The scouts are for show. I expect Father wants to see how committed you are to forming a stronger alliance with Havrik. There was a battle and it did take some of our scouts, but we don’t need more if you cannot spare them. My suggestion is to not dispose of your scouts unless you’re that willing to please him. My father was more up in arms about me declaring that I made a choice.”
“You made a choice?” He hated the way his voice sounded so weak, cracking halfway through his words.
“Out of all the suitors that have sought me out, I kept thinking of you. I used to dream we’d be tied in a union when we were children, and now my father’s stubborn daughter has a choice in the matter. So, I made my choice. If you would have me, I’d like nothing more than to be your wife.”
Loch felt like a fool; his mouth hung open and he stared blankly at Adrastia. Words failed him—was she truly proposing to him? Although, truth be told, he shouldn’t have been so surprised.
Adrastia swam up to him and put her finger beneath his chin, gently closing his mouth. “A gaping guppy, who would have thought?” She laughed.
Arching a blond brow, Loch peered down into her green eyes. “If you are certain…”
“Of course I am. I would not have come if I wasn’t.”
“Then it will be so,” he said breathlessly. “Kai!” he called out, half turning to glance at the door.
The merman swam into view, bowing. “Yes, sir?”
“Take this conch and prepare a room for Princess Adrastia. Notify the captain of the guard that one hundred of my scouts are to leave for Havrik tomorrow—indefinitely.” He took up Adrastia’s hands and bowed his head to kiss them tenderly. “There will be a wedding soon.”
Despite the impending battle, Loch felt elated and a weight that had been on his shoulders lifted. Now, the Kraken would have to be dealt with for the last time.
At supper, Ruari made his presence known. Loch followed his movements and didn’t miss the furrow of his brow when he took note of Adrastia. In turn, she smiled in his direction but it was Loch who she let her gaze linger on.
“Am I to congratulate you two?” Ruari said once seated at the table. He picked up his fork. Unceremoniously he began to eat the open clams before him.
“Actually, yes.” Loch’s mouth remained open, but Adrastia interrupted him.
“I proposed to him, it was actually quite the scene. He was flustered!” Adrastia winked at Ruari and took up her fork.
Ruari lifted his brows and pressed his lips together. “And I missed this. What a shame. I do so love seeing my brother out of sorts.” He laughed and peered over at Adrastia.
It soothed a part of Loch to see his brother in a playful mood. As of late he hadn’t been himself—not since the quarrel. “It’s rather refreshing to be around one from Havrik. I had nearly forgotten they mince no words.” Loch’s blue eyes flicked toward the blonde mermaid.
Adrastia locked eyes with him. “No, we don’t. We say what we mean; extra words are wasted words.”
“Imagine that.” Ruari waved his fork. “Saying what you mean and not caring what others thought.” He eyed Loch pointedly. “I assume that you’ve discussed our impending battle then.”
There it was. Ruari had to bring it up. Loch didn’t have the time to discuss the battle ah
ead, but he suspected she wouldn’t fear war. Not when her mother was one of the best warriors in Havrik’s army.
“She has only just arrived, Ruari.”
“Ah, so she doesn’t know. And she still opted to marry you. She’s a keeper.”
Adrastia’s gaze shifted between the two brothers. “What are you two talking about?” She paused for a moment, then lowered her fork. “Is–is it true then? There were whispers of Selith’s beast rising again.” Her eyes widened as she leaned closer to Loch’s elbow. “Tell me, please.”
Loch felt his stomach lurch with anxiety. “It’s true.” He closed his eyes briefly, avoiding Ruari’s gaze. “We are gathering our resources. This time he won’t survive the battle.” His skin felt overly hot, but no color rushed into his cheeks. Perhaps it was guilt that threatened to erupt inside of him. Guilt that magic was now banned, and it was magic they’d fall back on to protect their kind. Even he saw the hypocrisy of it.
Adrastia extended her hand and rested it on top of Loch’s arm. “Then you were wise sending the scouts to my father. We will aid you in your time of need. I will make certain of it.” She turned her head to look at Ruari, and said, “I’m glad to see you haven’t changed overly much, especially in trying times.” Adrastia slid the pile of empty clams away from her and took up more of them. “I’ll be staying until the wedding, so you’ll have to endure my company starting now.”
“How dreadful.” Ruari moaned dramatically but offered a good-natured wink.
“Children,” Loch muttered as he began to eat as well.
Adrastia turned to Loch and appraised him, her shrewd green eyes narrowing. “I know I have no say in your kingdom—yet—but considering Havritians are well versed in battle, may I offer some input?”
Loch found himself amused, not because he didn’t think her worthy or that she didn’t understand the logic behind battle tactics, but because she was already insinuating herself into the politics of the kingdom. He would consider this as a friend’s offering—not an ally’s thoughts, not a future wife’s, but advice from a friend.
“Go on.” Loch nodded.
“I will send a conch to our local coven, but rather than send all of your troops into the battle, call for aid from others. Judging by the way things happened last time… it wouldn’t be wise to have all your troops treading water and waiting for the proverbial net to ensnare them. Rely on your witches; this will make waves but also smooth things over. I’m afraid the witches are your best bet no matter what. What are swords against magic?”
Loch’s lips pursed, one brow rising in question. “How did you hear about the witches so quickly?”
“A member of our coven has kin here, and she alerted her family member who in turn spread the news. That is neither here nor there at this time.”
“She has a point, Loch. Kriegen doesn’t fight with swords—he has tentacles. More than that, he uses magic and could turn a sword to sand. News traveling aside, we must assemble.”
Loch swept his plate aside as his appetite disappeared. The vision of his father’s body being obliterated in one sweeping blow haunted him. “Magic it is, and… are you certain Havritians will join the fight, Adrastia?”
She nodded her head. “I am. We are always willing to fight for a good cause, but more than that they are loyal and will be more than happy to fight for one of their own.”
“Then it is settled.” Loch sat against his chair and ran his fingers along his chin, opting to let the others chat while he mulled over tomorrow’s tasks.
In the hallway after supper, Adrastia tugged on Loch’s hand and stroked along the inside of his wrist. “I meant it. I will do what I can to offer you aid.”
Lifting her hand, his lips brushed a soft kiss to each finger. “I appreciate it. There is a chance that—”
“We don’t speak about what could happen; we’re not children, Loch. I know full well the repercussions of war.” Her green eyes filled with sadness and understanding.
Adrastia’s mother had fallen in battle whilst leading against an invasion. She had died honorably and the kingdom mourned for her, but to the Havritians it was the most honorable way to pass.
“Send your conch home, and tomorrow I’ll send scouts to Havrik. We must be prepared on all fronts.”
Adrastia nodded her head and flicked her tail so she could reach his cheek. Her lips pressed a tender kiss there. “Goodnight, Loch, I’ll see you in the morning.”
Loch’s eyes widened and he watched as she swam away. “Good night, Adrastia.”
By morning Loch still hadn’t slept, and was in a dreadful mood. His hair floated around his form as he lay curled up on his side, and his gaze trained on a cluster of coral in the corner of his room.
To a good portion of his citizens, he was a villain for wrongfully banning magic, but it wasn’t that he thought it was evil to begin with. Magic widely practiced invited ill intentions, and he knew that it wouldn’t only be his brother who continued to practice. With one decision Selith’s most reputable sea witches would become criminals by choosing to practice a god-given right. Magic was as much a part of the merfolk as was their tail or hair.
Scowling, Loch threw the kelp blanket from his form and swam toward the looking glass against the wall. His hair framed his face wildly and to be honest, he looked wretched. Worn down and tired, it would only continue to worsen, too.
“If they need someone to loathe, then so be it,” he murmured. “As long as they remember that I strive to do right by them.” This was madness—talking to himself, and yet here he was.
Perhaps if he’d been born with a speck of magic things would have been vastly different, but Loch was born with nothing, like his father before him. Mother had possessed a great deal of it running through her veins, which was where Ruari obtained it.
Swimming from the room, Loch wound his way through the hallways, focused on his task in the barracks. He wasn’t about to send the scouts away without a word.
From the corner of his eye, he saw someone swimming up to him. “Not now, unless it is dire. I’m on my way to the barracks; can it wait?” He cut a look toward Kai, who immediately nodded.
“Yes, sir, of course.”
Grunting, Loch ventured outside and toward the barracks. Above him a school of colorful fish swam by, their scales creating a mesmerizing image that was enough to drive anyone to distraction—anyone but Loch.
Once inside the barracks, Loch took note of the mermen readying to leave, their gear on and packs ready to be attached to their hippocampus. “Good morning. I want to thank you all. I know it cannot be easy having to make this change, but you will be heavily compensated by the crown and by King Asvald.”
“Is it true he sent his others to die? And we are to find the same fate?” the nearest scout inquired.
Loch schooled his features before shock filtered through. “No, King Asvald would never—Havritians are warriors, groomed to fight since they are young. You are all impeccable scouts and warriors in your own right. I have no doubt you will make me proud.”
Did they all think so harshly of him, that he’d voluntarily send them to a watery grave? Loch motioned for them to continue. He spun out of the way, watching the men head to their awaiting mounts. Just as he began to make his way out of the barracks he was confronted by Adrastia, her eyes wide with surprise.
“Fancy seeing you out here this early,” she teased.
Adrastia’s hair wasn’t in the tidy arrangement it had been yesterday; today it was pulled back in several small, but strategic braids. The sharp angles of her face were on display and she looked the part of a warrior that she had grown up to be.
“As if I wouldn’t see them off.” His brows lifted in question.
“I know, I was teasing. I sent the conch already, and I saw Ruari in the hallway. He’s dealing with the collecting of covens. I came out to see if any of your men would care to spar. I’d hate to grow rusty.”
“Spar?…” Loch winced as soon as the question left h
im. It wasn’t an uncommon thing for Adrastia to spar with men, but Selith was traditional in every sense. Women did not fight with men and were not welcomed amongst their rankings. He would be lying if he said he disagreed with that notion.
Quick as ever, Adrastia shot him an icy green glare. “I didn’t stutter. I will spar, I won’t discontinue my daily routines.”
His brows furrowed at her expression. “Of course not—I didn’t expect you to.” That was the truth.
“Feel free to come and watch, Your Highness.”
Loch sighed and ran a hand down his face. If Ruari was dealing with the witches, then perhaps he could spare a moment to watch his future wife spar. Especially if the rowdy warriors were about to give her a hard time—he didn’t doubt that for a moment.
Behind the barracks, the soldiers milled around in the yard, training. The sound of bone swords clashing against tridents filled the immediate area, as did grunts and curses.
As Loch came into view, everyone paused and bowed at their waist, saluting with their fingers simultaneously. Adrastia swam up beside him, her gaze sweeping over the few mermen. It was Loch’s thought that the men were about to do something fairly foolish—which was laugh at Adrastia.
“Good morning, Your Highness–”
“Good morning. My guest Princess Adrastia has come to watch you spar.” His lips fought back the grin that threatened to spread as she glared at him. He knew what that meant—she was displeased.
“As you were.” Adrastia motioned with her hand. “I’d like to watch as your prince said.” Folding her arms, Adrastia turned her gaze on the armed mermen.
It came as no surprise to Loch when the soldiers puffed their bare chests out and proceeded to put on a show of their abilities—it was over the top and unnecessary. He almost felt embarrassed for them, because he knew Adrastia was assessing them with a critical eye. She was allowed to see their flaws without being in the heat of battle and was able to dissect their flaws, too. Every once in a while Loch glanced over at her, and he could nearly see it in her eyes when she calculated each move, and what her counteraction would be.
Secrets of Galathea Volume 1 Page 12