Mermaid Queen

by Anna Santos

  “The princess saved King Duncan. If they wanted our ruin, she would have let him drown when our ships were attacked two weeks ago,” Leonard points out.

  Sir Julian folds his arms. “I know, Commander Leonard. I was there and almost died because I wasn't as lucky.”

  Leonard clenches his jaw. “We sent ships to save you and the remaining survivors.”

  “Would you rather that I died than be saved?” I address Sir Julian.

  “Of course not.” Sir Julian bows in respect. “Your Majesty’s salvation was a blessing.”

  Sir Fulgor clears his throat and turns to look at me. “The point here is that we were never sure about their true existence. They were myths. Why show themselves to us now? A marriage between Your Majesty and one of the sea princesses would be advantageous. I won't deny this. Yet, have you thought about the implications that it brings to your rulership?”

  “I'm not following your reasoning, Sir Fulgor,” I admit as I lay back in my seat and spread my legs. Running my fingers through my hair, I add, “Our reputation is at stake if we aren't able to provide the transport of goods and labor hands between the mainland’s richest fortresses and trading cities. The Sea King promised us mermen to fight against the vampires. None of the other marriage proposals were as advantageous as this one.”

  Sir Fulgor folds his hands behind his back with a furrowed brow. “Why? What can we possibly give them that they don't have?”

  I smirk. “Mirella has my heart. I have hers. I understand that love might be a foreign concept in our world, but the fact is that we are in love. For the past year, the court has been pressuring me to get married. I'm doing what is expected of me. I would marry her even if she was a commoner.”

  “It would probably be best if she was a commoner. A human girl who could bear your children,” my interlocutor mutters.

  I sit straight as the other male members of my court whisper and talk among themselves.

  Getting up, I descend the few steps that lead to the throne and use my size to intimidate my counselor. “My future queen is every bit as much a woman as any of the human females I've bedded. I can assure you of that.”

  He holds his ground. “Yet, we have no idea if they can bear children.”

  I clench my teeth and notice him swallow. Sweat prickles at his forehead.

  Someone else speaks and diverts my attention from Sir Fulgor. “Your Majesty, an alliance with a mainland princess would suit our purposes better than with a sea princess.”

  I gaze at Sir Joly with a frowned expression. “How is that?”

  “Like Sir Fulgor mentioned, we don't know if she can conceive an heir. A marriage like this is...unheard of.”

  I ball my hands. “I've summoned you as a kind gesture to express my intention of marrying Princess Mirella of the Merfolk. I listened to your arguments. That said, I'll marry her with or without your approval. I'm the King. I have the final say and my heart belongs to Mirella. If I don't have offspring, my sister's eldest son will inherit the crown, thus calming down your fear of not having an heir.”

  Whispers echo inside the throne chamber as the court elders talk among themselves.

  Leonard speaks, “Let's not forget the unimaginable treasures the Sea King brought as a wedding gift. The money and the jewels alone are enough to hire a small army of mercenaries to fight the Vampire King and buy wood to build more ships. There will be no kingdom to rule if we are all dead.”

  I give him an assertive nod.

  Sir Fulgor speaks and quiets the audience. “When will the wedding ceremony take place?”

  “Tonight,” I reply.

  Sir Joly gesticulates effusively as he speaks, “We need time to prepare a feast and announce the event to our people. This is a huge event, and they will want to celebrate. We need to distribute wine and food to the villagers, create big bonfires, and celebrate a blessing ceremony.”

  He must be out of breath when he stops talking because his face is red and his eyes are almost bulging out.

  “We can't tell our people about the existence of mermaids. If the rumor spreads...others will come here to try to find mermaids and...sell them as exotic animals. We all know what humans are capable of doing with supernaturals like ourselves. Our ancestors were hunted, killed, and displayed in cages,” Sir Fulgor retorts.

  I clench my teeth at the uncomfortable truth. “I trust everyone inside this chamber. We'll hide Princess Mirella’s true nature and origin. I will agree to postpone the ceremony until tomorrow. My queen needs a dress, and I have important matters to talk about with her father. Sir Leonard de Ganis will take care of all the preparations for the ceremony and the party.”

  “I'm your commander, not your valet,” Leonard protests.

  I smirk. “I happen to know that you know the servants quite well. Besides, Sir Fulgor will help you with the preparations.”

  Without waiting for Leonard’s snarky reply, I exit the room and stride up the stairs as my heart longs to reunite with my soon-to-be wife. Being apart from her is excruciating.

  PLACING THE GLASS OF wine on the table, I look at the Sea King. “My father died one year ago, fighting on the mainland against the human invaders from the south. We managed to push them back but at the cost of many lives.” I try to sound detached from my narration. A king can't show weakness. Still, King Tritan wants to know my story.

  I focus on Mirella and her kind expression. I long to reach for her and take her in my arms.

  “And your mother?”

  My head turns to Sybil, the oldest of them all. “She died many years ago, giving birth to my younger sister.”

  “So, you do have a family,” the king professes.

  I nod. “She is spending some time with her husband in our uncle's fortress in the northern sea.”

  Apart from the king and his daughters, only Leonard and the priest sit at my table. The next day, I'll be introducing my bride to my people. Tonight, I must get to know my new family and please my future father-in-law, so he understands that I'm worthy of his daughter.

  I frown at Leonard who seems too keen to gape at the other princesses. Yes, they are stunning. Mirella is the most beautiful one for me. But I can't deny that Sybil is a stunning woman and Dana has luxurious blonde hair and sea-blue eyes. It must have something to do with them being descendants of the gods.

  Leonard relaxes against his chair and taps his fingers on the table. “What's taking so long for the food to arrive?”

  The king indulges him a reply, “We brought our own food and servants to prepare it. You'll need to know Mirella's diet. They'll teach your cooks. She's not accustomed to your food.”

  I nod. “All I wish is for her to be happy. I'll take good care of her and all her needs.”

  Looking at my goddess, her silver eyes are aimed at me. My lips curl up into a smile as my muscles tense, eager to be left alone with her.

  The king clears his throat and Dana giggles, covering her mouth as she looks at Mirella. Pink covers my mate’s cheeks as she pushes her sister aside.

  “Manners,” the Sea King orders.

  A servant opens the door, steps in, and announces, “Dinner will be served.”

  An army of servants wearing white tunics come in with an array of plates. The smell of raw fish enters my nostrils, and I frown at the display of small slices of different fish that are decorating the table.

  Leonard takes the words out of my mouth. “Where's the red meat?”

  “Underwater, we don't have animals or fire. We eat all raw,” the king says.

  “It's great, you'll love the salmon and the oysters,” my soon-to-be wife adds.

  Her lips are red and plump. The last time I touched them, she smelled of sea and tasted of salt. It wasn't unpleasant. The earthy and musky smells were what I was used to. The exalting happiness I feel when I touch her is enough to ignore the pungent scent of the sea. Her tongue feels soft and tastes sweet. I have time to find out what else tastes sweet on our wedding night.

  W
hen I wake up from my thoughts, the servants are serving the food and pouring the wine.

  As much as raw fish doesn't appeal to me, I make an effort to swallow a few tranches. The wine cleans my palate as I realize that the merfolk don't touch their drinks. I wonder if they drink anything other than salty water.

  “Do you wish anything else to drink?” I ask the Sea King.

  The king raises his eyes to me. “We don't drink. Our bodies are surrounded by water on a daily basis and our skin absorbs what it needs. But that brings me to the fact that Mirella will need to be constantly hydrated to survive on dry land. Her tail will only appear with salty water. Like werewolves only turn with the full moon. Spring water won't reveal her true nature.”

  “That's good to know,” I say, grateful as I drink more wine and smile at the warm sensation in the pit of my stomach.

  “She's half human,” the king adds. “Not like the rest of my daughters. Mirella's mother was a powerful sorceress who requested a child from me in exchange for her help to heal one of my daughters.”

  “What happened to her?” I ask. Mirella never talks about her mother.

  “Once she understood that Mirella needed to be with her kind to survive, she gave her to me. Humans don't understand magic.”

  “My mother was killed because of her powers,” Mirella explains. “I've never met her.”

  I watch her popping pieces of fish into her mouth and swallowing after chewing.

  Her father grabs my attention. “You don't remember her, my child. Yet your mother raised you until you were three years old.”

  “Is Mirella different because she's half human?” I ask.

  “Are you different because your mother wasn't a Lycan?” the king retorts.

  “No.”

  “Mirella is a demi-goddess. She's the granddaughter of Neptune and one of my strongest daughters. Her ability to manipulate water almost matches my own.”

  “Yet, she's willing to give up all of that to stay with you,” Sybil adds.

  Her words feel like an accusation. I don't offer a reply.

  The king's hand rests on his daughter's. “What matters is that he's willing to accept her for what she is and protect her with his life if he must. Or I'll flood his entire kingdom and erase it from existence.”

  I clench my teeth while the priest gasps. Leonard, on the other hand, rolls his glass on his hand and chuckles.

  Clearing my throat, I clarify, “We live in peace and trade for a living. My ships transport food and goods. We have no wish to fight. Yet, if war arrives at our front door, I'll end it and defend my family. My queen will have my full attention and affection. I'll die before I'll let anything bad happen to her.”

  With a stern face, the Sea King speaks, “I'll make sure you are true to your word.”

  Chapter 12—Marriage

  THE COLLAR OF MY SHIRT is suffocating me. Still, I need to wear the field commander uniform with large rosettes of white satin on my shoulders and maintain the rigid posture. It’s my wedding day. The bell has struck midday, and everybody who was anybody in my kingdom is in the church, waiting for my bride. My loyal subjects are on the streets, eager to see their new queen. My marriage reassures them that I’m on the right path to secure them an heir. My wife’s dowry will allow us to reconstruct our fleet of merchant ships and continue to prosper. All of that is a necessity, yet I would marry Mirella even if she were a peasant.

  Church bells peal forth when my mermaid queen crosses the door. My breath comes to a halt. She’s wearing a blue, fitted dress and a veil covers her face and trails down her back. I’ve never seen anything as beautiful in my whole life. The red flowers decorating the church and the bouquet of white roses in her hands pale in comparison to her beauty. Happiness makes my heartbeat accelerate as I force my feet to be still and wait for her to come to me.

  Her two sisters are her bridesmaids. After arranging her train, they walk to the altar where they wait. The Sea King takes my bride’s hand and walks with her. He gives me her hand, and she steps to my left, leaving a place for the minister to proceed with the ceremony.

  All of it happens fast, and I barely have time to savor the moment. When we leave the church as husband and wife, a rain of bird seeds falls over our heads—a sign of fertility to my people. We run to the wedding carriage drawn by four white horses. The streets are filled with my subjects, eager to see their new queen. Mirella waves and smiles graciously. My right arm circles her waist. I still have to endure the party before being able to touch her. I need to play nice until we retire to our quarters.

  Upon arriving at my castle, I take my bride in my arms and enter our home. The servants have done a good job at adorning balustrades, doorways, windows, and fireplaces. We’ll have a feast that will last for days. Still, I need to go to my office and take my vows before the Sea King, taking her as my wife according to their customs. Only then, Mirella will be truly mine.

  With our hands entwined and our wrists bound together with seaweed, Mirella and I stand before her father as he blesses our union. Happiness flows from her to me and vice versa.

  Protocol demands that we sit and receive the guests. I have to introduce my queen to the members of my court. After, there will be dancing.

  MY FEET HURT AS I FOLLOW the maids to my quarters. They are going to prepare me a bath, so I can get ready to receive my husband for my wedding night. As much as the party was entertaining and I danced and laughed, I’m ready to be alone with Duncan.

  A warm bath waits for me, and I welcome the sensation of the water caressing my skin and relieving the tension in my muscles. Closing my eyes, I dream of Duncan’s lips kissing my skin and his hands on my thighs. I choke a moan and fist my hands on the borders of the bathtub. Waiting for him is torture.

  My stomach hurts. I hadn't eaten much because my nerves were getting the best of me.

  Duncan enters the room, wearing his royal clothes. I'm seated on the bed, hugging my stomach and chewing my lower lip. His eyes light up when he sees me and my heart flutters out of control.

  “How are you feeling?” His voice is hoarse. Striding to my side, he squats in front of me and holds my cold hands. “You are freezing!”

  “I'm nervous. I'm happy, but my stomach keeps twisting and turning. What took you so long?”

  “I was saying goodbye to some of the guests. You were bathing, and your feet were sore. How are you feeling now?”

  “My feet are less sore...”

  His hands reach for my feet as he kneels and rubs them.

  I gulp. “That feels nice.”

  His fingers press against the sole of my foot. He leans down and kisses my ankle. “You are gorgeous, my love. Don't be nervous. I'll be gentle.”

  My breathing halts as a tingling sensation spreads from my stomach to my core. “You are always gentle.” I somehow manage to speak. Leaning down, I cup his chin. “Come closer. I need to kiss you.”

  Grinning, he reaches up and our mouths meet. His lips are soft and create havoc on my self-control. Snaking my arms around his neck, I slip off the bed and fall in his lap. His arms entwine around my waist as his lips respond with passion. Our bodies, up close, feel like perfection. I can hardly breathe with the idea of undressing him and exploring every inch of his tanned skin.

  His hands rub my back. His muscles flex under my touch as the warm temperature of his body makes mine shiver and burn.

  “I can't believe we are married,” I say. “It's a dream come true.”

  He smiles against my lips. “You are my dream come true.” As if I weigh no more than a feather, Duncan gathers me in his arms and stands. “There's nothing that can stop us from being together now, my queen.”

  Utterly in love, I stroke his face and nod. My breath leaves my lungs when he lays me down on the bed and unties the lace of my nightgown. Exploring my face with kisses, his hands cup my breasts and rub my nipples. I squirm with pleasure as my feet press against the mattress. Duncan's lips explore my neck, shoulder blades, and exposed
breasts. His hands grip my hips and slide down my stomach, creating a wave of heat that pools in my lower stomach and makes me pant. I don't know if I can survive so much pleasure and need.

  My husband leans back and removes his coat and tie. Our gazes meet, and I see the passion in his eyes. Leaning between my legs, he caresses my inner thighs.

  I gasp and sit up. “You are so gorgeous!”

  He smiles and kisses my lips. “Undress me, sweetheart. I want to feel your hands on my body.”

  I obey, starting by removing his shirt and caressing the muscles in his chest and stomach. He's breathtaking and muscular. My lips dare to trail kisses on his chest, and my tongue rolls around his nipple. Gripping his hips, I continue to explore his torso until I kiss his face and see his closed eyes and a blissful expression.

  His skin feels smooth and firm. It's almost hypnotic to touch and kiss him. I leave small bites across his neck as my hands descend to his pants and free him from the buttons. The protuberance against the fabric pulsates and jolts to the closeness of my hand. I look down, and his shaft pops free and sticks out.

  His hand rubs it as his other hand cups my chin. “Do you want to hold it?”

  My throat feels dry, but I nod.

  “Place your hand over mine, and I'll show you what to do.” I swallow hard but obey. His brows knit together as he guides my hand. “Like that. Hold it tighter. Yes...”

  I kiss his chin and pump his shaft harder.

  “Almighty... I... Mi-re-lla...” His hand stops mine and his arm circles my waist and lowers me down on the bed. “I'll take it from here.”

  Falling back, I don't understand what he means. My nightgown slips up my body, and Duncan's head nestles between my legs as his tongue sinks into my core. Shivering with the pleasure, my fingers dig into his scalp and tousle his hair. My hips move back and forth, and my breasts dance with the rhythm of his tongue against my soft spot and inner folds. Moaning, I call his name and tense with the need for release even if I don’t want the pleasure to stop. Before I lose my mind, he stops the sucking and trails kisses up my stomach until he circles his tongue around my nipples.