by Kelex
Dagr grimaced. “I fear you put too much faith in him and what he can do. I can’t wed him. Neither can you. Where would we keep him? He belongs to the sea, Ozzy. Not to us.”
Oz shook his head. “I sense he is the key to all this. We simply need him back.”
Dagr eyed him a moment. “And if we bring him back and we still can’t be together?”
Oz shook his head. “We refuse to think like that. We will figure out a way.”
Dagr sighed and took Oz into his arms. “I warned you not to get wrapped up in his fantasies.”
“His fantasies were real. He is a merman.”
“No, but the sense there was a happily ever after with him might’ve been an illusion,” Dagr whispered against his ear.
“I once asked you to suspend disbelief and open yourself to him. Do it again, Dag. For me. I need you with me on this… because letting him go means letting you go, too.” Oz gasped, struggling to share how strongly he felt. “I won’t let either of you go without a fight.”
Dagr brushed a hand through Oz’s hair and held his gaze. “Then we fight to find a way back to him. Together.”
13
Three weeks later…
Llyr paused impatiently by the door, awaiting the signal from Prawnsby. When the seahorse ultimately appeared, Llyr slipped from his bedroom and swam down the corridor to meet his caretaker. “Took you long enough.”
“I did my best, Your Highness. Your father prohibited your visit with Ryland. I could be inside a cell beside him for doing this,” Prawnsby mumbled as they swam deeper down the passageway.
“I’m sorry… I was unfair. But I’ve been anxious to see him.”
Prawnsby eyed him. “I always wondered if there was something between the two of you.”
“There is. Friendship,” Llyr said before catching the seahorse’s true meaning. “Oh no… not him.”
“He is what you omegas would call handsome, isn’t he?”
“Oh… I suppose he’s handsome enough,” Llyr said before contemplating Ryland’s face from memories. “I’d daresay some omegas would find him very handsome.”
“But you don’t?”
Llyr shook his head. “I’ve never thought of him in that way.”
“I think Ryland feels differently,” Prawnsby said. “You must be careful there.”
“He strongly doubt he sees me as anything more than a friend. And after this—I might not be able to call him that. I’m sure he’s angry at me. He deserves to be.”
“It wasn’t anger in his eyes when I told him you were coming tonight.”
Llyr glanced at Prawnsby, confused. Before he could question the seahorse, Prawnsby shushed him. They slowed as they neared the dungeons, trailing down into another part of the old labyrinth that had long ago been walled off to hold prisoners of the kingdom. At one time, the labyrinths had been an ancient kingdom, pre-dating their realm. The castle was built on those primeval foundations.
“Stay here,” Prawnsby whispered before swimming ahead into the dungeon’s main hall.
From his hiding spot, Llyr heard Prawnsby tell the guards, “The king wishes to speak to the prisoner—alone. Clear out.”
“That isn’t protocol. We cannot leave His Majesty alone with the prisoner and unprotected.”
“He will be protected. King Augustine has his trident and will have his own guard at the ready.”
“We should remain until they arrive,” one of the guards said.
“He sent me down himself to clear the way. Do you truly wish to countermand your king’s command?”
“Of course not,” one of the guards muttered.
A moment later, Llyr slipped further into the shadows as he hid from the passing guards. Seconds lapsed before he heard Prawnsby whisper his name. He swam from his hiding spot and saw Ryland hovering behind the bars of a nearby cell. Llyr rushed closer, stopping before the bars.
“I’m so sorry, Ryland. I never imagined this would happen.”
“I know you didn’t.”
Tears burned his eyes as he saw the tiny cell Ryland was kept in. It made his own complaints of a lavish prison laughable, at best. “I’ll find a way to free you. Somehow, someway… I’ll get you freed. I promise.”
Ryland reached for his hand, shaking his head. “I broke the rules. I understood what could come of it when I chose to let you escape.”
“I never dreamed my father would take it this far.” Tears burned the backs of his eyes. “And to think you knew it could happen when you let me go…” He paused needing a moment to calm the rage of emotions he felt. Ryland had been willing to sacrifice his life for Llyr’s freedom. “I’ve been angry at you… ever since you took on the role of castle guard. I felt you had abandoned me…” He cringed. “I’m so sorry. Hearing you knew what could come and you still allowed me to pass.”
“Granted, I didn’t think King Augustus would take it as far as he has,” Ryland murmured. “I thought his affection for me would save my hide.”
“I refuse to stand back and watch you die for helping me. I won’t allow it to happen without a fight.” He squeezed Ryland’s hand before Prawnsby’s words slipped through his mind. He lifted his gaze and saw something warm and affectionate in Ryland’s eyes.
His stomach clenched. Had it been there all along? If so, how had he missed it?
It only made the current predicament all the worse. His heart belonged to two other men.
“How was it? Above the sea?” Ryland smiled. “I wish I’d traveled with you.”
“It was amazing,” he answered, unsure where to start.
“Tell me everything!” The light and excitement in Ryland’s eyes reminded him of their exploits outside the castle when they were boys. When everything was new and each time an adventure. His heart clenched, the memories faded but valued none the less.
“Well,” Llyr said on a sigh. “The Enchantress gave me a spell to give me human legs for seven days—and I nearly drowned when my gills disappeared before I reached the surface.”
“Oh no,” Ryland said. “How did you manage to survive?”
“A passing ship. They pulled me on deck and saved me. The captain gave me safe passage to a port town—where I drank ale and listened to sailors singing bawdy songs. The food was delicious—better than anything I’ve eaten here. And they have fire!”
Ryland grinned. “I heard a rumor that you found your mates while there. Two… humans?”
Llyr held Ryland’s gaze and saw no anger or malice. “I did.”
“How will that work? With them on land and you in the sea?”
“It won’t,” Llyr said, his heart breaking all over again.
Ryland frowned. “Why not?”
Llyr slid his hands away and swam back a bit, pain lancing him through the chest. “There’s a prophecy… that my children with those two men would destroy both our worlds. It’s the reason my father kept me prisoner inside the castle. And the reason I can never see them again.”
“Oh, Llyr… I’m so sorry.” He punched one of the bars. “Had I not let you out, I could’ve saved you this pain.”
He swam closer, placing a hand over Ryland’s gripping the bar. “It was my choice to leave. You only did what you thought was right—I put you in this cell and won’t have you punishing yourself for something that’s not your fault.”
“Is there no way back to them?”
“None that I’ve thought of yet—though I no idea where to begin trying. I’ve read the prophecy—and it fits. It all fits.” He shook his head, rubbing his stomach. “I can’t be the one to end our worlds. I have no choice but to stay.”
“I wish things could be different,” Ryland whispered. “You deserve happiness.”
“As do you.” He squeezed Ryland’s hand. “And I’ll do everything in my power to ensure you get a chance at it.”
“Don’t endanger yourself for me.”
Llyr frowned. “As you’re doing for me?”
Ryland looked past Llyr and to Prawns
by. “Promise me you won’t allow him to risk himself. Please.”
“Given the fact I failed in that task once, I doubt that I’m the best seahorse for the job,” Prawnsby said. “He escaped under my watch, as you recall.”
“I will fix this,” Llyr said. “One way or another. And the only one who needs to be worried is my father.”
Without another thought, Llyr raced to confront King Augustine. He left Prawnsby in his wake, storming through the castle. He didn’t stop until he hovered in the water before his father.
Who entertained King Claus of Atlantia. Alphonse’s father.
“I need to speak with you, Father.”
“Not now, Llyr. You can see I have company.”
King Claus nodded in greeting to Llyr.
“I will be heard,” Llyr said. “And I have no care who hears it. Why is Ryland in the dungeons?”
His father’s mouth twisted in anger. “Now is not the time.”
“No! You keep denying me answers! Why is Ryland in the dungeons?”
“Because he committed treason allowing you to escape!” his father bellowed.
“He allowed nothing. I knocked him out.”
His father chuckled. “As if an omega could truly harm an alpha of his size and strength,” his father paused, his gaze searching. “I know he let you pass.”
“I came home as you wished. Give me this. Free him.”
His father was thoughtful a moment before turning to glance at the visiting king. Llyr’s father then focused on him, the scrutiny uncomfortable. “First, I already allowed your humans to live. Secondly, Ryland broke the rules of my realm and my trust. He committed treason and will face his punishment like a merman.”
“He doesn’t deserve death… he was only attempting to help me.”
One of his father’s brows arched. “So you admit his guilt!”
Llyr hissed in anger, realizing he’d said too much.
“Had I not intervened, his help might’ve caused the world to end,” his father cried.
“As if he had any idea? Was he aware I was the omega of this prophecy?”
“No. Few did,” his father answered.
Llyr growled in anger. “Free him. Please.” He shook his head, tears welling in his eyes. “I’ll marry Alphonse.”
“You already used that promise for your humans.”
“I’ll marry Alphonse and I will accept the troth without causing more trouble.”
His father cast a look at King Claus, who appeared less than pleased. Llyr frowned inwardly, curious why the man didn’t look happier. From what he’d been told, Claus had pushed for the troth. The Atlantean king was desperate for peace—or so his father had said.
“If you vow to accept this troth without a fuss—I will release Ryland. He will no longer be a castle guard, but he will be free.”
“Acceptable,” Llyr said, sensing the noose tightening around his neck. But he would accept it if it meant Ryland would be freed. “How soon will you free him?”
“Soon.”
“Now,” Llyr said. “I want to know it’s done.”
His father eyed him a moment before sighing. “Fine. Now,” his father said before calling for his captain of his guard to come into the private castle cavern. “Free the traitor, Ryland. Take him to the edge of the realm and release him. Make sure he is aware he can never return.”
“You didn’t say you would exile him!” Llyr cried.
The captain of the guard nodded and went to do the king’s bidding—ignoring Llyr’s protest.
“I didn’t say I wouldn’t exile him, either. As a citizen of my realm, I have every right to send him away—especially considering the ill he might have caused our entire world. He will be free,” King Augustine said. “Under my terms.”
“Without being able to see his family or friends again.”
“But he will be alive,” his father said. “As promised.”
Llyr clenched his fists, needing to slam them into his father’s face. But another thought came to mind instead. If my father can twist his side of the agreement, so can I.
He faced King Claus and smiled. “Did my father tell you, I only just arrived back after a few days on the surface…”
“Llyr…” his father warned.
“Where I met my mates—I hope your son won’t be too upset over receiving spoiled goods.”
King Claus’ face became bright red, and he rose from the stone he rested upon. “Spoiled goods?”
“Llyr,” his father said, grasping his upper arm. “It’s time you went back to your rooms.”
Ignoring the fact his father was dragging him away, Llyr continued, “Well, I did go into heat… but no worries about me being pregnant. They’re human. Well, then one is a half merman, so perhaps there’s a chance I could be pregnant already.”
King Claus rushed forward, pulling Llyr from his father’s arms. “Did you say a half merman?”
“He has no idea what he’s talking about,” Llyr’s father said.
“I did,” Llyr said. “His mother was a mermaid who knew my father. I believe he called her Deandra.”
King Claus shoved Llyr away. He flew across the cavern, his back hitting the stone wall. Across the room, a battle between two kings commenced. Claus punched Augustine before pinning his father against the door. “You’ve realized where she was all along, haven’t you? You bastard!”
Llyr’s father got in a punch, sending Claus sailing across the room. Before the pair could clash again, both sets of king’s guards rushed in and stood between the two kings, tridents drawn at one another.
“Who is she to you, King Claus?” Llyr asked, unwilling to let the truth fade.
“Take Prince Llyr to his rooms,” his father shouted.
“Do not let them take the prince!” King Claus screamed at his guard.
The guards inched closer to one another, the situation growing tenser by the moment. One of Claus’ guards—a bronze-skinned mermaid—stared at Llyr closely. Llyr met her gaze, curious.
King Claus focused on Llyr a moment. “My sister, Princess Deandra of Atlantia,” he spat before eyeing King Augustine and roaring. “Where is she?”
Llyr’s heart clenched. “I’m so very sorry… I didn’t know she was your sister.”
“I order you to silence!” his father cried.
Llyr ignored him, unable to remain silent to the Atlantean king’s obvious pain. “She’s no longer alive. She died when Oz was young.”
King Claus captured his gaze. “Oz?”
“Her son,” Llyr answered. He paused a moment before adding. “And my mate.”
“Llyr!” his father screamed. “You vowed you would cause no more trouble. If you broke that vow, I can break mine! I will have your humans flayed alive and Ryland ripped asunder!”
“No!” Llyr screamed.
“If you touch my sister’s son, I will destroy everything you hold dear,” King Claus threatened Llyr’s father. “You’ve taken enough from me already… I refuse to let you destroy the last piece of her.”
The two kings snarled at one another.
King Claus focused on Llyr. “Take me to this Oz.”
“I forbid it!” King Augustine commanded, blocking the door. “Llyr remains here. With me.”
“You denied knowing what happened to Deandra all these years, and I’ve always sensed you did!”
“Of course I knew,” Llyr’s father spat, appearing to drop any pretenses.
“All the fights along the border… the provocations… the threats of war… it was all because I knew you knew. Forty years, Augustine.” King Claus chuckled.
“I offered you my son’s hand in marriage to atone for that loss. To unify our realms once more. Is that not enough?”
“Of course it isn’t enough! That son can help me find closure—and meet her son. You speak in terms of reunification. That you seek to find peace, yet you still deny me the one thing you know I need most. Answers.”
His father glared at Llyr, gr
owling. Turning to fully face his father, Llyr truly saw the anger in the man’s eyes. “You sought to use me as a pawn to assuage an old evil you committed—and you have the nerve to be angry at me for this? You exiled Deandra. You stole her tail—keeping her from returning to the sea and her family. You started a years-long conflict between our nations, killing thousands of our people—and must atone for it. Not me.”
“You exiled her?” King Claus asked. The even tone to his voice belied the thread of violence Llyr thought he heard. “You stole her tail… preventing her from ever going home. Thwarting our witches and my Draugar from finding her.” His jaw clenched. “You had no right to do that, Augustine. She was not your citizen to condemn.”
“As if your father would have?” Llyr’s father asked, his eyes wild. “No… he likely would’ve let her wed the human she’d fallen in love with. He could never tell your sister no—even if it meant breaking mer law to do it. I refused to let that happen. It was bad enough she scorned me. To see her wed to a human? That I could not allow.”
“So you took the law into your own hands,” Claus said, shaking his head. “The council will hear about this.”
“First—you must make it out of my realm before you can tell them anything,” Llyr’s father murmured, an evil smile spreading across his face. A wild light glittered in his eyes, one Llyr had never seen before.
Fear gripped him. Would his father murder the King of Atlantia? An all-ocean war could be the only result.
Thousands would die…
King Augustine chuckled. “Kill them,” he instructed his guards.
Llyr’s father’s guards lunged forward, but the lone mermaid in the room—one of Claus’ guards—lifted a hand, and a vortex immediately opened up beside it.
She was no guard. She’s a sorceress!
Llyr swam into the nearest corner, curling up behind a boulder and protecting the pups inside him. Peeking around the edge, he saw the maelstrom grew as large as the witch. Llyr’s father’s guards backed off, screaming for reinforcements.
Before they could arrive, the Enchantress soon appeared at the center of the vortex, with Llyr’s brothers and Prawnsby at her side. Llyr frowned, confused as to their appearance. The water spout closed once they stepped out. Llyr swam higher, getting a better look.