by Frost Kay
“Her name?”
“Lana,” Mer whispered, resituating both babe and mother more comfortably in her arms.
“That’s a good name,” her grandfather murmured, his musical voice sweet in her ears. He pulled away and both fell into silence as the morning sun broke the patchy clouds. “You know I cannot let this go without punishment.”
Mer’s lips thinned, and she nodded.
“Many Sirenidae lost their lives. There must be justice for those souls.” His heavy hand landed on her shoulder and squeezed. “I love you, but tough decisions will be made in the future. Ones that will hurt me as much as they will hurt you.”
Had that statement come from anyone else, she wouldn’t have believed them, but her grandfather loved her, and he meant what he said. Going against her grandfather’s wishes would ultimately lead to her banishment from the sea—from her parents—from her people. Her heart squeezed painfully, but she knew she’d done the right thing.
“I’m sorry I hurt you.” That much, she was very sorry for.
“I know, ma fille. As am I, as am I.”
The resignation in his tone caused her eyes to burn. He was telling her goodbye. The next time they met, he’d be exiling her.
“This is the Spymaster’s wife,” she said softly, changing the subject. “I cannot leave her alone. Would you please let him know where we are? He’s aboard the Dauntless.”
“It will be done.”
He leaned close and kissed her forehead. Mer closed her eyes, her tears trying to break free. This was their final moment before everything changed.
“I love you,” she croaked.
He pulled away and smiled tenderly at her. “I love you far more than you could ever know.” Then, he turned his back and disappeared silently into the water—ripples the only proof he’d ever been there.
Mer tipped her head back and peered up at the sky, just as soft morning light began to peek over the trees and cascade over the spring. Her heart hurt, but at least she knew she wouldn’t be alone. While Lilja was gone, she still had her uncle, Sam, and… her gaze dropped down to Jasmine and Lana.
A family. Even if part of hers was gone.
Ream had died and Lana was here.
One life extinguished, one lit.
In that moment, she let herself cry for everything lost, and for everything gained. A wobbly smile touched her lips as tears coursed down her cheeks, mouth, and chin. No matter where she was, she’d find family.
Fifty-Five
Sam
Sam pulled on the reins. His horse slowed to a stop and he swung his leg over his mount and landed on the ground with knees bent. He briskly strode through the foliage, not taking his normal care to silence his steps. All he cared about was getting to his wife.
His heart raced in his chest, and the air seemed to be thinner. After the hellish night before, he’d only expected more bad news when the Sirenidae king had appeared on his ship, morose and wet. When the king revealed the news about Jasmine, it was almost impossible to believe. Sam hadn’t given up looking for her; he just hadn’t expected the information of her whereabouts to drop into his lap.
It had taken him ten seconds to board a rowboat and head toward shore. As soon as his feet touched sand, he’d hit the ground running, grabbing the first mount he came across. Technically, he was a thief, but he’d pay the family handsomely and return the horse once he retrieved his wife.
And child.
Sam swallowed hard. The king hadn’t revealed much other than Jasmine had borne a child, and Mer was protecting her in the cove with the warm spring.
The babe had arrived early.
His anxiety ratcheted up and his strides lengthened. Was Jasmine all right? Was the babe healthy? He’d seen when infants were born before their time. They weren’t always whole. His lips thinned. Even if the child wasn’t what his world considered normal, he’d love the babe all the same.
The sound of water lapping at the shore reached his ears, as he pushed through the last vestiges of thick shrubbery and trees. Sunlight danced over the gently rippling water that kissed the white sandy edges. It was utter paradise. But that was not what stole his breath.
Mer sat waist-deep in the water, leaning against a log with her arms wrapped around Jasmine and the small bundle in her arms. Sam was rooted to the spot as he soaked in the sight of his sleeping wife. Her dark lashes rested against her cheeks, paler than normal. She was covered in bruises and scratches, but nothing serious-looking. His attention dropped to the infant nestled in her arms, cuddled against her bare chest, wrapped in Mer’s sealskin.
“You can come closer,” Mer’s melodious voice whispered.
Sam jerked out of his stupor and yanked his boots and socks off before wading into the warm water. He was careful to move slowly so as not to create more ripples in the spring. Heat pressed at the back of his eyes when he caught sight of the tiny babe sleeping in his wife’s arms. He’d never forget this moment. Ever.
“Come meet your daughter, Sam.”
A daughter.
He sank to his knees, white sand mixing with the water around them. Sam reached out and hesitated only a moment before running one fingertip across the dark fuzzy hair that covered the infant’s head. So soft.
A tantalizing scent caught his attention, but he ignored it the best he could. Just the Lure. “How did you find them?” Mer didn’t answer. He pulled his attention from his family and studied Mer’s profile. She gazed blankly ahead. “Mer?”
“I found her floundering in the waves with the Leviathan circling her.” Although the words were softly spoken, they struck fear into his heart. “It was a lucky thing that I came upon her when I did.”
His gaze dropped back to his daughter and wife. He had been so close to losing them, and he hadn’t even known. “How did you know where to look?” he rasped. “Or did you come upon them in your patrol?”
“A Scythian survivor pleaded with me to find her. I knew it was Jasmine as soon as he spoke about her pregnancy.”
While her words rang true, Sam couldn’t help but feel like there was something she left out. “The warrior?”
“Probably being picked up by one of the patrols now.”
His lip curled. Probably one of her abductors. “They will regret—” His growled words disturbed his daughter. The babe squirmed and released a small squall.
Jasmine roused and cuddled the infant closer, crooning softly, “It’s okay, precious.” Her stormy gaze wandered to his, and his heart began to race once again. Stars, she was stunning. “Are you really here?” Her voice was scratchy, like she’d screamed herself hoarse.
Sam’s lips trembled as he smiled at her. “I am, Jas.”
One tear coursed down her cheek as she stared at him with huge, tired eyes. Sam leaned forward and cupped her wet cheek. She sighed and pressed her face into his palm.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” she cried, bottom lip wobbling. “You found me. You finally found me.”
Sam swallowed the lump in his throat. “We made a deal, remember? We stick together.”
“The twins?” she asked.
“Missing you, but healthy and safe.”
More tears coursed down his wife’s face faster than he could wipe them away. Jasmine adjusted his daughter in her arms, water rippling around them. The babe blinked her tiny eyes, revealing blue orbs just like her mum.
“She’s stunning, love,” Sam whispered in awe, and a lone tear escaped the corner of his eye as the babe’s gaze latched onto his own. It was as if she knew who he was. Extraordinary. He gently ran his thumb over his daughter’s tiny ear. She was so small and perfect.
“I know we hadn’t settled on a name,” Jasmine said softly. She glanced over her shoulder at Mer and then back to Sam. “But it seems fitting to give her a sea name because of how she was born. What do you think of Lana?”
“Lana,” Sam whispered. “What does it mean?”
“Calm as still waters.”
His daught
er still hadn’t looked away from him, placid as a lake. “I think it suits her.” He touched her little fingers. “Hello, Lana. I’m your papa. I’m sorry I wasn’t here to welcome you into the world, but I promise to be here every moment from now on.”
“Sam,” Mer said.
He forced himself to break his stare off with his daughter, and for the first time noticed how haggard and broken his friend looked. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Mer tried to smile, but it didn’t fool him. “We need to get Jasmine and Lana back to the castle. She needs to see a proper healer. If you take Lana, I can carry Jas.”
Jasmine held out the bundle, and he gingerly took Lana from her arms. She was even littler in his arms. Mer stood and helped Jasmine to her feet, water dripping down their bodies. His friend swept Jas into her arms, and Sam shook his head. He always forgot how strong the Sirenidae were.
“You have a cloak?” Mer asked, flowing toward the opposite shore.
“I do,” he mumbled, preoccupied with taking slow, cautious steps so as not to jostle his daughter.
They moved back to the stolen horse, and Mer sat Jasmine gently on the ground before wrapping his cloak around his shivering wife. Jas looked one second from passing out. Mer held her hands out, and he reluctantly released his daughter into her care. He bent down and smiled at Jasmine, quickly stealing a kiss.
“You’re amazing,” he breathed as he lifted her onto the horse. She groaned. “Are you okay?”
Jasmine winced. “I have to be.”
He frowned and wished he had a coach or something. Sam mounted behind her and gazed down at Mer, who was singing softly to Lana.
“Be good for your mum, ma fille. I’ll see you soon.” The Sirenidae carefully handed Lana up to Jasmine. His wife tucked Lana inside of the cloak, crooning softly at the fussing infant.
“Thank you,” Sam murmured. The words were too plain for what he felt. If Mer hadn’t found his wife, Jasmine and Lana wouldn’t be here. “I owe you more than I can express. Whatever you need, if it is within my power, I will give it.”
Mer nodded, her expression grave. “I may need a place to sleep in the future.”
“Done,” he said. “You will always have a place with us.”
She smiled. “Goodbye.”
Sam guided the horse around and set a gentle pace toward Sanee.
“Are we going home?” Jas rasped.
“Yes, we’re going home.”
Where they belonged. Together.
Fifty-Six
Sage
Blair stood to Sage’s left, and Tehl to her right.
It had taken only two days to secure the rest of the Scythian army.
Now, Blair’s men brought three chained Scythian commanders before them and forced the warriors to their knees. She stared at their handsome faces, unaffected. Beauty often hid the ugliest qualities of a person.
From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of mud-caked boots. Sage forced herself not to look in his direction. The warlord’s body was a garish sight after the rebels had gotten ahold of him.
Blair stepped forward. “Jacobi, Demdai, and Phenrir. Your warlord has fallen, and Scythia is now under the command of Aermia.”
“You traitor,” Phenrir spat. “I always said the way you treated your gift was unnatural. You would sacrifice your kingdom for a half-blood wife and her spawn?”
The commander didn’t react to the taunt, even though Sage wanted to slap him across the face for such a remark. She glanced down the line to where Dor stood, her dragon a hulking, silent threat. Sage wouldn’t be insulting a woman with a dragon if she was him. Illya was looking at Phenrir like he’d be a great snack.
She focused back on the Scythian commanders kneeling in the dark slush.
“Are we to be executed?” Jacobi asked mildly.
His tone surprised Sage. Almost every Scythian she’d met, who supported the warlord, wore an air of superiority. This man, however, did not. Interesting.
“This is not an execution,” Blair said sternly. “We are not without mercy. Living under the warlord and his laws was not an easy life. That being said, you can fall into line or go to prison for the crimes you’ve committed against your people as well as the kingdoms of Aermia, Methia, Sirenidae, and Nagali.”
It was still bizarre to hear the name Nagali. It boggled her mind that the warlord had been able to keep a remnant of the Nagali people hidden for hundreds of years. While she was thankful, it also broke her heart for what they must have suffered.
“While I appreciate your words, it’s not you I would like to hear them from.” Jacobi turned his coffee-colored gaze on Sage. “With the warlord dead, you are now our ruler. What are your orders?”
Sage blinked slowly. “I am married to the crown prince of Aermia.”
Jacobi nodded. “That being said, the warlord declared you his consort, and in the event of his death or his inability to rule, leadership of our kingdom shifts to you.”
That couldn’t be true. She looked to Blair, who winced. Sage smoothed her expression as her mind scrambled.
“You expect me to bow down to the warlord’s Aermian consort?” Demdai finally spoke up. “She’s a foreigner. I could tolerate him tumbling her, but ruling our kingdom? She’ll be killed before the week is over.”
“Is that a threat?” Tehl murmured.
Demdai glared at Tehl. “Not a threat but a fact.”
“Enough,” Blair said softly. He held his hand out to Sage, his gaze steady, seemingly asking her to trust him. “Consort.”
She prided herself on the fact that her expression didn’t change and that her fingers didn’t tremble when she took his hand. “Commander.”
“Today, you are charged with the care of the Scythian people.”
“Mark my words, the people will rebel. I’ll rebel,” Phenrir snarled.
Sage glared at the insolent warrior, putting on her best scary face. These men had only ever known fear and manipulation. Maybe it was the only thing they understood.
“You don’t have much of a choice,” she hissed. Sage pointed a finger at the warlord’s body. “I’m sure death doesn’t scare a big warrior like you.” She smiled. “But what if your family lost all its wealth, and your sons were taken into Aermian captivity indefinitely?”
The man paled slightly even as he glared daggers at her. Not her best negotiation, but it got him in line.
“Your camp will be disbanded, and anyone hostile will be taken prisoner or killed.” She straightened and stared at them. “This week, a treaty will be drafted, which I will sign, and then I will appoint a capable regent.” Sage paused, making sure she had the attention of all three warriors. “If you think to take advantage of my generosity by not executing you on the spot, or you get it into your head to rebel or break the treaty, the power of the united kingdoms will invade Scythia, and you’ll never recover. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, my lady,” the men muttered.
She nodded and turned her back on them, barely able to stand. What had just happened?
“Long live the lady warlord!” shouted Jacobi.
Sage snarled. By the time she was done, there would be no warlords left.
Fifty-Seven
Hayjen
He couldn’t take his eyes off her for one moment.
Hayjen held her warm hand between his own, and tried to imprint every detail of her face into his mind. In the time since he believed her dead, his memory had distorted her face slightly. Nothing too serious, but enough to surprise him for such a short time.
Lilja sighed and opened her eyes, revealing the magenta orbs that had struck him speechless the first time he’d seen her. She smiled at him, her whole expression lighting up, robbing him of his breath. Tears gathered in the corners of his eyes, and her expression softened.
“Hey, handsome,” she crooned. Lilja cupped his left cheek with her other hand, her own eyes filling with tears. “I missed you.”
He slid from his stool, landin
g on his knees, and scooped her body against his, burying his face in her silver hair. “I thought you were gone,” he choked out. His shoulders began to shake with silent sobs, his tears wetting her hair. Lilja stroked a hand through his hair, murmuring lyrical nonsense.
What had he done to get so lucky? They’d received a second chance. “Don’t ever leave me again. I can’t bear it.”
“Never,” she whispered. “Never again.”
“Where you go, I go.” He lifted his head, wiped his face with the back of his arm, and stared down into her beautiful face. “Promise me.”
She studied him, her own face damp. “Where you go, I go. That’s the way it’s always been, yeah?”
“Always.”
“Is it really over? Is he gone?” Lilja asked.
“He’s gone,” Hayjen said gruffly, not wanting to spare a moment of thought for the demon that had taken his wife from him.
She closed her eyes. “He can’t hurt anyone else.”
“That’s right, love.”
“We’ve been fighting so long to rid him from the world, it’s almost surreal.” Lilja sucked in a deep breath. “You’re sure he’s gone?”
A dark emotion that he didn’t want to acknowledge slid through his chest at the remembrance of putting three arrows into the warlord’s back. “He’s gone. We left his body to rot on the battlefield. Soldiers have been guarding the corpse to make sure no one tries to give him a proper burial, that the monster doesn’t deserve.”
“May I enter?” a deep voice called from outside.
Hayjen turned toward the entrance as Blair pushed into the tent. His attention zeroed in on Lilja, and he grinned, love clear on his face. At one time, Hayjen had been jealous of Blair and Lilja’s relationship. It took several years for him to understand the depth of their connection. While they loved each other deeply, they were never in love with each other. Their experiences had bonded them.