She unnerved me with how she kept staring at me like she knew a secret I didn’t. Then mentioning something I was thinking about . . . The girl was off somehow. We’d untied them both once we pushed off from shore, and I wondered if that was a mistake.
“The people back there are a waste of your energy. There are more important ones under the surface of the waves beneath this ship who should hold your thoughts.” She smiled at me and flicked her brows.
I shook my head, catching the smug look that passed between the two girls as I did. “What are your names?”
“I’m Mara, and this is Meri.”
“You need to keep quiet about those under the sea,” Goran said in answer to Mara’s comment. He was always making sure to say a blessing to the goddess Ran before we sailed so she wouldn’t drag us to the bottom in her net.
“Your goddess, Ran, isn’t who I’m speaking of. She’s formidable, true, but I’m talking of Isca,” Mara said.
“That’s enough,” Dag ordered.
Apparently, Goran wasn’t the only one concerned.
“I think we should discuss the different goddesses once we’re home.” I didn’t need her stirring up the men. It was late in the season, and we might still face a storm or two. Having them constantly worried that we’d sink could create a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Meri crossed her arms over her chest and pouted. She twisted so she could look out on the sea, but when a spray from the oars splashed over the railing, she nearly jumped into my lap to stay away from it.
I caught her and laughed. “Would you like to sit with me? I’ll protect you.”
Pushing off my chest, she returned to her seat.
“You’re right that you shouldn’t mock the sea queen, but you should also respect her.” Mara picked up her conversation, ignoring the angry glares of the crew.
They’d stopped rowing. Since the seas were too calm for the sail, we floated aimlessly.
“We do,” Goran said, stalking closer to Mara. “You need to stay silent. If you speak her name and provoke her, it will be bad for us. I’ll throw you overboard before I let that happen.”
“She hasn’t said anything disrespectful.” I moved myself between my friend and Mara. “Don’t worry about some thrall and her crazy mouth.”
“He doesn’t scare me. If Isca chooses this ship for her prize, that is her right.”
“Don’t you ever shut up?” I ran my hand through my hair. It wasn’t going to take much more for the men to toss her and Meri over the side. “They aren’t joking.”
“Neither am I. First, she’d call the rains and pelt all of you with the sting of each drop. Then would come the winds. Strong enough to spin this ship in circles until the waves built and brought you high in the air. You would either flip over backward or roll sideways. Either way, Isca would have new treasures for her trove.”
Goran lunged for Mara, and I threw myself in front of him.
He was at least a hand taller than me. Even though I was a good deal more than six feet, he also had me by twenty pounds. I raised my arms in a gesture for him to calm down, but he must have taken that as a sign I was about to throw a punch. The next thing I knew, I had to duck or have knuckles embedded in my jaw.
I barreled into Goran’s chest, and we flew into some crates sitting in the center of the ship.
From there, everything erupted into chaos.
Isca
They were so amusing. Mara had done a grand job working them up into a frenzy. What a precious girl.
Though I wasn’t convinced that Arild was defending me. It almost appeared as though he cared about Mara. I huffed at myself for the ridiculous thought.
The others were properly afraid of my power and making sure they stayed respectful. The more they grappled and tossed themselves about, the more likely it was that my prince might become hurt and unable to swim. I couldn’t have that.
I pushed a little wave from my fingers and allowed it to slam into the bottom of the boat. Those men were so wrapped up in fighting and knocking each other around, they didn’t even pay attention.
It’s going to take a bigger bump, I suppose.
Flicking my hand with more emphasis, the next wave bounced the end of the ship closest to me out of the water. A large body came overboard, flopping around under the waves, trying to figure out which end was up.
That should be enough to get their attention.
Sure enough, all motion on board stopped. I smiled and longed to rise above the surface and see the looks on their faces in person. But I’m a patient woman.
Another splash sounded, and a body sliced through the water, more graceful than those blasted dolphins.
I backed myself out of immediate sight as I watched Arild rescue the flailing man. He grabbed an oar to steady himself as he hoisted the larger body into the waiting hands of those leaning over the edge of their ship.
As soon as Arild was alone, I moved closer. Circling around, I came into his view and his eyes popped open wide. He had time before he needed another breath. Until then, I’d let him enjoy the form I took underwater. The way my golden hair fanned out around my entire torso, and the iridescent black scales of my lower body glittered. Even in the low light, I was spectacular. My alabaster skin sparkled like moonlight in the dark, showing off my otherworldly beauty that would snare his senses.
He shook his head and kicked his legs with a giant heave. It was as if he wanted to go back to those mortals. Didn’t he know it was a privilege to see me in this form?
With an easy flip of my tail, I reached him in a heartbeat, and created a bubble around the two of us. Slowly, I allowed us to float with the waves until he realized he was safe to breathe.
“Where were you trying to go? Don’t you want to hear my offer?” I asked, moving slowly since he was so skittish.
With gentle fingers, I pulled his hand into mine. It was cold.
Poor dear.
“Who are you?” He gasped as he spoke, still distrusting the air I’d provided.
With a tilt of my head, I offered him a smile.
Arild
With a glance to the surface, I realized I was too far down to reach the boat. Whoever this woman was . . . she wasn’t a woman, but was she really what I thought she was? Mermaids were from stories told around the hearth after a few rounds of mead . . . weren’t they?
Have I died?
I could breathe, though. She’d surrounded us with some type of bubble, and it provided me the air I needed and allowed me to float without effort.
I gently ran my fingers along the inside of the springy surface. An uncomfortable silence lingered. I licked my salty lips before I asked again who she was.
“Who do you think I am?” she finally answered. Her voice crooned with a blend of sweet maiden and seductress. It was difficult to keep my wits.
“The goddess Ran controls the deep, but the stories I’ve heard of her don’t match your beauty.”
When in doubt, flattery was always a good option. At least, that was my experience above the surface.
“She has charge of some parts of the ocean, that’s true. But she is just one of many, all of whom answer to me. My dear boy, I am Isca, the Queen of the Deep, among other places.”
It was the worst thing she could have said.
The stories of the goddess of night and chaos had been the ones I couldn’t listen to as a young child. She was the opposite of her younger sister, Danú, the goddess of light and order.
For all the terror her stories created, her beauty was unparalleled. Such a conflict swirled within me, I didn’t know how to respond.
“Why have you spared me?” I blurted. Better to go with whatever came to mind first.
“Because I desire to make you my prince. You’ll be at my side when I’m here, and have more privileges than any other within the Dark Fortress. Any treasure you wish will be yours.”
That was unexpected and terrifying, yet oddly appealing. A light tingling rolled through me. An overwhe
lming urge compelled me closer. If I had to die, it would be worth it.
“You’ll have to answer me, and agree to be my prince. I can’t have you changing your mind later, that would be so disappointing,” she cooed and floated closer.
Mesmerized, I stared into her eyes. They were as clear blue as the Mediterranean—until I caught my reflection in her pupils. My hair, dark in the water, floated around my face and my brown eyes in such a contrast to hers.
With a heaving sigh, I slammed my lids shut and shook my head to clear my thoughts. When I opened them again, Isca’s expression had turned cold.
How could I have wanted to be with her?
With my wits returned, I searched for an escape.
“I’m afraid that I’ll have to decline your generous offer, my beautiful Queen. There is still so much of the world I need to explore. Perhaps, when the folly of my youth has passed, I can join you.”
I was confident this wasn’t a negotiable situation. However, her words niggled at my mind. She’d needed me to agree. What would happen now that I hadn’t?
I glanced at the surface again.
“That is not a wise choice.” Her body grew larger, crowding the space in our bubble.
“You see? That is part of the problem,” I told her. “I’m always making foolish choices. You don’t want that in your prince . . . It’s better if I gain some more experience.”
The water, which she’d warmed for me, grew cold once more.
Isca
This boy was stronger than I thought, to withstand my presence. It confirmed that he was definitely the right choice.
Perhaps he needed a little convincing in a manner he’d understand.
With a blink of my eye, I transformed into a whiny, human maiden. The long, black gown flowed over my useless legs, and only showed the delicate feet those human males appreciated.
Pathetic.
I twisted slightly to enhance the curves I’d augmented, trying to catch his attention while seeming helpless. After all, what was better than body language?
As I predicted, he lunged forward to rescue me. I allowed him to pull me into an embrace, using the opportunity to stare into his eyes. The boy was handsome. A catch fit for a queen. If I could convince him to kiss me, that would seal the deal as much as a signature.
“You’re such a gentleman,” I cooed, pushing an extra sparkle into my cerulean blues. His beard was cut closer than most of those other raiders’. A nice dark color that the waves had turned black. Just right.
He leaned closer. I smiled. Then he let go of me and lurched away.
“No, I’m sorry, but no. My place is on the surface. I’m human,” he said, shaking his head.
This wouldn’t work at all.
“You stupid boy. Don’t you know what I’m offering you? A chance at riches and power—far more than all those trinkets in your silly little boat will give you.”
“It is with great respect that I decline. You are a fine lady. So beautiful that I’m sure I’m the biggest fool ever to draw breath. But my life is not finished. There is too much for me to see and do yet. I need more time.”
How could he still deny me? Some of my anger seeped out before I could stop it, and I returned to my beautiful, queenly form—only much larger. The bubble couldn’t hold me, and I let it pop.
He was right in his self-assessment, that was sure. Maybe he wasn’t as intelligent as I first thought.
Reigning in my senses, I settled into a more human size. Arild flailed around, trying to get his bearings, since my waters had surrounded him once more. I took hold of his chin between my thumb and fingers to make sure he paid attention.
“If you want to go, then leave. But know this . . . The sea is not my only home. Wherever you go, I’ll be nearby.” Ha! That ought to make him shiver like a goby until he comes to his senses.
His eyes grew wide as he fought to hold his breath. I waved my hands, and a current tossed him back to those humans he needed so much more than me.
Mara and Meri were still up there. My poor girls, staying put and keeping their restricted shapes until I called them home. That was true loyalty.
I should have learned by now not to trust humans. It was going to take a much bigger demonstration to break their hold on my prince.
Arild
A freezing current sent me tumbling toward the underside of the ship. I fought to right myself and make it to the surface.
Something hard slammed against my back. Bubbles restricted my vision. My lungs burned. Salty seawater filled my nose. My arms and legs slowed, no longer in a rush to get me anywhere.
Something dark swam near. I swiped my hand to keep it away, but it bit me.
No, it was too hard to be a creature.
Forcing myself to stay coherent, I peered again at what kept coming close. It was an oar. My men were trying to help.
I grabbed hold, and felt the water rush around me. Fresh air chilled my face as I gasped my first, sweet breath. Seconds later, the wooden hull dug into my side before I landed in a heap on the ship’s floor.
“Arild, say something.” Dag’s voice sounded muffled through the water clinging to the inside of my ears.
I sputtered and vomited, but I managed to crawl to my knees. Hardy hands slammed against my back until I waved them away.
“Thanks,” I croaked, rolling to sit on a coil of rope, I leaned against the side of the ship.
“I thought Ran’s net had you for sure,” Goran said, kneeling next to me. “Now that you’re safe, you’ll bring us good luck for the rest of the journey home.” Squeezing my shoulder, he rose to his feet.
“He’s going to need warmed up, ladies. Maybe you can make him some room.” Dag laughed, and the others joined him.
“I’m fine where I am. Let’s just get the sail up and make speed.”
Mara snorted and stared out at the horizon. “You’re a fool if you think you can deny her.”
“Don’t speak like that. The goddess can snare her treasures someplace else today,” Dag answered.
Mara stared directly at me.
How did she know what just happened?
I wanted to convince myself that it had all been a dream. That I must have hit my head when I helped my friend back aboard, but her serious expression said otherwise. Combined with the glare Meri aimed at me, it seemed they knew all too well what I’d been through.
“Ran isn’t who you should worry about.” Mara turned her gaze to Dag. “Queen Isca rules all the gods of the sea.”
All the men stopped working on the sail and stared at her.
“That’s enough, or we’ll toss you over to see for yourself the dangers that live below the waves.”
I meant it as a threat, but Meri nodded her head with such vigor, she gave me pause.
Mara touched her leg, and Meri dropped her gaze to her lap. “My sister doesn’t understand things sometimes.” She shrugged. “I’m sorry for the offense.”
“Is there something wrong with her that she can’t talk?” Dag asked.
Meri tilted her chin to gaze at my friend and smiled. An answering grin split his face, but I saw the glint in her eye. There was far more to those two girls than anyone knew.
“She’s mute,” Mara answered. “She bragged once that she could sing better than anyone. The queen demands that no one has skills greater than her own. So she removed Meri’s voice and keeps it in a shell she wears as a necklace.
Meri sighed and nodded slowly in agreement.
Silence weighted the air. The rough fibers of the ropes dug into my palms as I clenched them until my knuckles were white. I’d seen that shell around Isca’s neck.
Goran let out a huge belly laugh. Dag chuckled after him, and then the rest of the men joined in. My shoulders released some of their tension, but only until I met Mara’s gaze.
She leaned nearer to me. “If you cared about your men, you would have accepted her offer.” Settling her back once more against the crates, she arched a brow at me.
&
nbsp; I turned my focus to Meri, who wiggled her fingers at Dag, causing the big man to offer a foolish grin.
What he mistook as flirtation, I saw as a farewell.
Isca
No one had ever rejected me. Well, no one still alive. It grated on me that I’d let Arild go back to his ship. What did that say? One little slip like that, and I’d have all the other sea gods thinking they could take my place.
No. It wouldn’t do. I’d heard those puny humans aboard Arild’s ship ask about Ran. Did no one remember me, the Queen of the Abyss, Ruler of the Fomorians, Mistress of Shadows—Goddess of Night and Chaos?
The seas obeyed my commands and never failed me. That’s how I restored my nerves and stayed so tolerant. Arild thought he could control his own destiny, but I’d make him beg for my forgiveness.
As my anger rose, so did the wind, bringing the waves to soaring heights. I rolled my neck as the power rippled from me. Such a relief it gave. I let my body grow, though I stayed below the surface. It was better to let the anticipation build. The screams and fear of the warriors above sang almost as sweetly as the voices of my maidens.
The raiders were adept at keeping their ship afloat. Convincing Arild to join me was going to take more effort than I thought. I allowed a smile to bloom. Creating storms was one of my specialties, and the stronger the better to release my energies.
I raised my arms and spun, as if in a dance. The air, black as midnight, crackled with lightning. The wind roared with wicked pleasure. The waves tossed the ship about as if it were a toy. It was—mine.
When the ship managed to ride a wave three times its size and stay upright, I knew I needed to try a different approach. Perhaps these men deserved some recognition. I plucked new servants off ships all the time whenever I needed them. These pirates seemed to be stuck like an octopus in its cave.
I inhaled and let myself relax a touch, then sent a current directly to the underside of the ship. From out of nowhere, and unlike the pattern of the other waves, so the humans wouldn’t have time to adapt.
Two bodies splashed into the water.
That’s better.
Neither was Arild, though. That was expected—my prince was better than the rest. If he had fallen after such a trivial push, I’d have had to rethink his position.
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