To Enchant a Mermaid

by S. L. Williams

  I rubbed a finger along the ridges of his hair.

  “You like my waves?” He raised an eyebrow. “They tend to make those who stare seasick.”

  I rolled my eyes and slapped his arm. “Don’t get a big head.”

  He rolled onto his side and met my gaze. “We don’t have to deal with my brother if you don’t want to. I can find another warlock.”

  He was thoughtful, but I wouldn’t make him go through the trouble of finding another. If his brother was capable and willing to help, I would look over his indiscretion.

  “Your brother’s help would be greatly appreciated,” I mouthed.

  “You say that now, but he did promise to be on his best behavior, which doesn’t mean much considering that it’s Kamryn we’re speaking of.”

  ∞∞∞

  Kamryn was lying on a green chaise in a blue room with a vine-covered ceiling. Large colorful birds lounged on the furniture, their long tails sweeping the gold-streaked floor.

  “I thought you were leaving,” he mumbled with his eyes closed.

  “You have to help me. Please.” Etan looked uncomfortable in his own skin.

  “You or her?” Kamryn’s eyes peeled open, and he turned to face me. His bored gaze landed on our joined hands. “Ah.”

  “I— You— We—” Etan stuttered and pulled his hand away.

  “If you say so, brother.” Kamryn swung his slender legs over the edge of his seat. “The last time I saw you, you were a loud little thing. Why won’t you speak?” he asked me.

  “Sarai was wearing a locket that had her under an enchantment. When it was removed, she lost her voice,” Etan answered for me.

  “Where is the locket?” Kamryn looked at my neck.

  “Lost. At the bottom of the sea.” Etan sighed and threw his head back.

  “Have you checked her for any marks?” Kamryn spoke as if I were a fish being sold at the market. “Has she been acting strange?”

  “No.” Etan shuffled uncomfortably.

  “Are you sure?” Kamryn looked at me and sneered. “Have you or your servant seen any strange markings on your body, besides the bruise on your neck?”

  “No.” I placed my fingertips at the base of my neck.

  “Does it hurt when you try to speak?” I shook my head. “Have you been having strange dreams?” I shook my head again. “It’s not a curse.” He looked at Etan. “Not one that I know of at least.”

  “How is it not?” Etan’s brow furrowed.

  “Whatever enchantment she was under was broken—it was just done incorrectly. Mental magic is tricky.” Kamryn yawned. “You’re lucky you didn’t break her mind.”

  “She needs her voice back,” Etan said firmly. “I know you know how to get it back.”

  “I never said I didn’t. Come here.” He patted the space beside him. “Let me take a look at you.”

  I sat on the chaise and looked around the room. I felt like a specimen that was being studied by two feuding scholars. Kamryn poked my ribs and dug through my braids as if the answer to the mystery would be written on my scalp.

  I slapped his hand away and rose to my feet. “I told you I have no marks,” I mouthed.

  “I had to make sure. I have one last thing I want to try.” He put his hand on the back of the chaise. “You’re going to want to sit back down.”

  “What are you going to do to her?” Etan came and stood by my side.

  “I’m just going to take a peek at what you’re working with.” Kamryn placed his hand on my head and closed his eyes. He took a deep breath through his mouth and slowly released it through his nose.

  Faint pressure built behind my eyes, and a strange tickling sensation spread across my scalp. It continued down my spine and legs. The pressure continued to build, and a loud buzzing filled my head. My thoughts became muddled, and it was difficult to breathe.

  Stop. I tried to speak, but my lips refused to form the words. Stop!

  “Ahh.” Kamryn pulled away and cradled his head in his hands. He dropped to his knees and began to shake. “Get out of my head. I see. I understand.” He slowly raised his head and looked me in the eyes. “Your voice is lost to you. There is nothing that can be done.”

  “What just happened?” Etan helped him to his feet.

  “I just returned from the sixth. My body is weak, that’s all.” He shook him off and fixed his robes. “Take her to the Sirensia and leave her with her mother’s people.” Kamryn's eyes grew as cold as the Northern waters. His lip curled, and his nostrils flared. “Or throw her back in the ocean to her father. She is useless to you.”

  I was trembling from the inside out. The sight of his sneering face twisted my stomach. I hated his pink hair, his purple eyes, and his conniving smile. I despised him, and it wasn’t because of his crude personality.

  I hated him because he was lying. I could see it in his calculating eyes.

  Etan seethed. “I thought you changed, but you are still the same self-serving bastard you have always been.”

  “I have been called worse by better.” Kamryn shrugged and brushed a wrinkle out of his cloak. “You asked for my help, and I gave my opinion. You’re playing a dangerous game, Etan. It won’t end well.”

  His eyes pinned me to the spot. They were black and filled with undisguised hostility. I felt weak for breaking eye contact first, and that made me hate him even more, but I couldn’t bring myself to stare into that endless abyss.

  He raised an eyebrow and sniffed before sweeping out of the room. If I never saw that walker again, it would be too soon. His presence was draining. The few minutes in his company had left me exhausted and ready for sleep.

  I tugged on Etan’s arm. “Why is he so hateful?” For the first time, I was glad I didn’t have a voice. I didn’t want him to hear how badly shaken I was. “I did nothing to him.”

  “It’s not you, it’s me. Ever since we learned of each other’s existence, he has treated me like trash, but this will be the last time I ask him for anything.”

  He walked me to my rooms without saying another word, bowed, and left me at the door.

  I was ready to leave this horrible palace. I would rather sleep on the cold ground beneath the stars than remain here with Kamryn and his attitude. I hoped everything he ate tasted of dirt and every sip of water turned to sand.

  “Stupid man,” I seethed. “I hope you choke on air.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Sarai

  The next morning, we left Irkalla before the sun had fully risen. I was glad to put some distance between us and Kamryn even if it meant waking early and going without breakfast.

  Our departure didn’t lighten Etan’s mood. In fact, it seemed to worsen the farther we rode. He ignored Rylo’s attempt to engage him in conversation and rode a good distance away from the carriage.

  I ended up falling asleep to the gentle creak of the wheels and the steady clip-clop of the horses’ hooves. When I woke, we stopped by a lake for a quick lunch of fruit and flattened bread with a savory sauce.

  Bright green lily pads grew on the lake’s still surface, and hundreds of little golden fish swam close to the shore. Their scales glimmered beneath the midday sun. I took a piece of bread, tore it into tiny pieces, and scattered it over the water. The fish went into a feeding frenzy.

  I silently giggled and clapped my hands in glee. “Greedy little things.” I dipped my fingers in the cool water.

  The hair on my neck rose, and bumps flourished on my arms. I froze and looked over my shoulder, but no one was there. Xiomara and Rylo were still eating by the carriage, happily engaged in conversation. Etan was feeding the horses some of the sweet grass.

  A flash of red caught my eye. It was brief, but I was sure I saw it disappear into the lake’s murky depths. I drew my hand back and stepped away from the edge. The calm lake now felt threatening. Something was watching us. I could feel it.

  I ran back to the group, tapped Xio's arm, and pointed at the lake. “I saw something.”

  “Hm
?” She raised an eyebrow and looked at the water. “I don’t see anything, Princess.”

  “What did you see?” Rylo walked to the water’s edge.

  “A woman,” I mouthed.

  “A woman? Are you sure?” Xio joined Rylo. “I don’t see anyone.”

  “This land belongs to the forest folk, and their king is not a forgiving man. We should go.” Rylo pulled her from the lake’s edge.

  “I’ve been ready.” Etan finished strapping up the horses. “Let’s go.”

  We quickly packed up our supplies and loaded them onto the carriage. As we began to move, I looked at the lake one last time and found a pair of bright green eyes staring back.

  A redheaded woman smiled a toothy smile and raised a webbed hand. With a wink and a splash, she disappeared beneath the surface.

  ∞∞∞

  “Amazing.” Xio gasped as she hung out the window. “Sarai,” she excitedly motioned with her hands, “come look.”

  I looked out the window and felt my jaw drop. It was as if the city itself was growing from the side of the mountain. Thousands of houses were interconnected by steep staircases that had been carved from the rock. All of them were painted in various shades of brown, green, and gray. They blended in so well that, from a distance, you could hardly tell they were homes.

  “Welcome to Nueva Vida,” Etan happily exclaimed. “It’s good to be home.”

  “Where the land and the sky kiss.” Xiomara sighed. “He didn’t lie.”

  “Ah. It is good to be back.” Rylo smiled widely.

  “The city looks better than ever.” Etan stopped the carriage. “We will ride in on the horses.”

  He hopped down and helped us out. His fingertips brushed my hip, and I stiffened in response. “Sorry.” He stepped back and looked away.

  I wrapped my fingers in between his. “I was startled. No harm done.”

  He smiled a sad smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I really don’t deserve you.”

  He gracefully mounted his speckled stallion, pulled me onto his lap, and whispered in my ear, “You have been brave. You’re a strong mermaiden. You make me see the world differently. You make me wish that I was a better man, and I will be.”

  I could feel the steady beat of his heart against my back. I jumped when he placed a hand on my thigh and gently trailed his fingers back and forth along my arm. I lost all sense of thought. All I could think of was the feel of his lips against my ear and those hands.

  “Stop.” I shrugged his hand off my arm.

  “Sarai?” He squeezed my side. “What’s wrong?”

  I shook my head and turned to look up at him. His eyes were guarded. My face grew hot. “I need time. I have a lot going through my mind.”

  And it wasn’t a lie. I longed for my sisters and my home. I missed the cool caress of the saltwater on my skin, and I longed for my voice. I wasn’t in the mood for that type of attention. Flirting was the last thing I felt like doing.

  “I understand.” He clicked his tongue, and we were off.

  Faster than the wind, we rode the stallion to the foot of the mountains where an immense castle stood proudly. It was an old thing made of stone and black glass that stretched high into the sky. Tall guard towers loomed at each of its corners, their golden domes connected by flag-lined walkways. Vines crept up the walls and curled around the towers, making them look as if they also sprouted from the ground. Hundreds of windows were lined with boxes that overflowed with white and red flowers.

  “It’s magnificent,” Xio’s voice rang out behind us. “The simplicity of the structure makes it charming. It’s so quiet and peaceful.”

  The city was nice, but it wasn’t like Rotan or Irkalla. This city lacked color and life. It was a beautiful day. The sky was clear, and a gentle breeze chased away the sting from the sun’s heat. You would think everyone would be out enjoying the weather.

  Rylo looked around. “I have never seen the road so bare. Where is everyone?”

  We didn’t see anyone until we were halfway to the mountain. The first walkers we came across were two little girls with bouncing blond curls and dark brown freckles on their noses. Each held a basket full of flowers. They stopped and stared at us with wide eyes and open mouths.

  My hands began to sweat. Why were they staring at us without speaking? Could they tell I wasn’t like them? Did they see through the clothes?

  “Hello, little ones. Are you enjoying this beautiful day as much as me and my companions?” Etan smiled and bent down to pick a flower from one of their baskets.

  “The prince!” The one on the left gasped and bowed. The second followed suit.

  “Prince Etan! Prince Etan!” their joyful cries split the air. “He’s home. He’s home!” They took off running down the road.

  We followed the girls all the way to the base of the mountain where the world erupted with sound. Walkers hung out of windows and threw flower petals over our heads while music filled the air.

  Etan raised his hand in the air and laughed. The crowd grew louder. Their blessings and well-wishes echoed around us. It was obvious they loved their prince, and he loved his subjects. By the time we made it to the palace gates, a crowd of thousands trailed behind. They filled the courtyard and watched as we dismounted in silence.

  Steep stairs led up to the entrance where a group of finely dressed walkers waited patiently. They watched us with different expressions on their faces.

  An ebony-skinned woman with burning yellow eyes and a pair of alabaster wings eyed the party with a disgusted look on her pointed face. Her fists were clenched at her side, and a vein throbbed at her temple. She reminded me of the dragons that protected Drogon Mountain.

  Etan led me up the stairs. My foot had barely touched the first step when the golden-eyed woman was upon us—on Etan, actually.

  She clung to his neck and sobbed softly. “I knew you would come back.” She hiccupped. “I missed you so much.”

  “I’m back now, and everything will be fine.” He tugged on one of her loose braids. “I missed you, Phadrah.”

  Etan turned his back on us and greeted the others. I forced myself to smile at the woman and instantly regretted the decision. Phadrah spat over her shoulder, rolled her eyes, and turned her back to me.

  I looked at Xio, who was shooting daggers at the woman’s back, then at Rylo, who frowned and shook his head. I didn’t understand where the animosity stemmed from, and I honestly didn’t care.

  Xiomara pulled me back before I could grab her by her meticulous bun. “Calm, Princess. They all watch.”

  I stopped and turned to face the courtyard where all the walkers were watching. I adjusted my clothing and did my best to smile and look friendly.

  Etan faced the crowd and raised his hand in the air. Silence fell across the courtyard. It was as if the wind itself was listening to his announcement. “I have returned with the missing princess of Sirensia,” he claimed. “Together our kingdoms will be unstoppable. Our people will prosper!”

  The crowd went wild. Mothers held their children against their chests and wept. Men raised their fists in the air and cheered. People of all ages celebrated in the streets.

  With a pleased smile, Etan pulled me through the immense doors that led into the palace. If the exterior had been intimidating, the interior was awe-inspiring. Plush furniture was tucked into corners, polished chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and long heavy curtains blocked any light from filtering into the hall. Beautiful walkers walked around in spotless white clothes.

  “Prince Etan,” a man called. “I am happy that you have returned safe and whole!”

  They clasped hands and smiled at each other. Etan let him go and stepped back. “You have no idea how I missed home. Nothing has changed,” he said as he studied the hall.

  “Nothing at all.” Phadrah bumped my shoulder and looked at me from the corners of her eyes. “Excuse you.”

  I leaned into Etan’s side and fluttered my lashes like the prissy maidens used to when the
soldiers swam by. “Careful,” I mouthed. “Don’t hurt yourself.”

  “Sarai, you must be hungry, and I am sure you would like a proper bath and clothing.” Etan placed his arms around my shoulders.

  I nodded and smiled. “Yes, please.” I looked over at Phadrah and smirked. I wanted to shake Etan off and put some space between us, but the rage in Phadrah’s eyes was worth it. “I’m exhausted from our journey.”

  “Phadrah,” he called. “Show Sarai to her rooms.”

  Horror filled the woman’s eyes. “I am not a servant,” she growled through clenched teeth.

  “The servants are busy preparing for tonight’s festivities. You are familiar with the tower. Take them to the Rose Rooms and make sure you show them the baths.”

  “The Rose Rooms?” If a look could kill, I would be nothing but dust. “But—”

  Etan put his foot down. “I didn’t stutter.”

  Phadrah stiffly turned on her heel and stomped toward a glass staircase.

  “Thank you.” I shook off his arm.

  “I will see you later.” He placed his hand over his chest, bowed, and turned back to his group of courtiers.

  I held my head high and followed the fastidious woman up the stairs and to my new rooms. After climbing six flights, we arrived at the top. Phadrah pointed toward the end of a long hall and took off without another word.

  I placed my hand on the wooden door and took a steadying breath. It took everything in me to walk inside instead of turning around and begging to be taken home.

  I convinced myself that coming here would be exciting, that any life that wasn’t tied to Sitario would do, but this wasn’t what I’d imagined.

  I was in a strange land where I felt like I didn’t belong, surrounded by strangers, and hated by a woman I’d never spoken two words to. I had no family to turn to or magic to rely on. I was princess of nothing, in a world where I was no one. I missed my voice, and I longed to sing. Without either, I wasn’t valuable and never would be.