Oceanborn

by Amalie Howard

  “You’re right,” Jenna says. “And when you’re right, you’re right.”

  As if his ears have been burning, the object of our conversation wanders over and hugs Jenna around her middle. “What’s taking so long? What are you guys talking about?”

  “The hottest guy on the planet,” Jenna says with a wink.

  “Who? RPattz?”

  I snort into my tray. Unable to help myself, I nod with a deadpan expression. “Yeah, sure, we’re talking about Robert Pattinson.”

  “He has cool hair,” Sawyer says. As Jenna and I burst into laughter, he shakes his head, eyeing the two of us. “So, no on the hair?” We laugh even harder, so hard that my stomach hurts and tears are leaking from my eyes.

  “Give the guy a break, will you?” Lo says, sneaking up behind me, his dark eyes twinkling. “It’s not his fault he’s a Twi-boy.”

  “A Twi-what?” Sawyer says, and suddenly wises up to our teasing. “Asshats. That’s the last time RPattz and I save a table for you.”

  Still giggling, I grab my tray to follow them and see Cara sitting with her entourage at her usual table. She’s watching us with a strange, half-wistful look on her face and a smile on her lips, but when she sees me looking, she turns away. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it’s not like we have a ton of time to play happy families. And she’s a key part of what we’re trying to do. I head over to her table without a second thought.

  “Hey,” I say. “You got a sec?”

  “Marin, you lost again?” Lila—a self-absorbed, pampered friend of Cara’s—snickers. It’s obviously a mockery of what Cara had said to me the day before in class.

  “I’m talking to Cara, not you,” I say. “And lost would imply that I’m where your brain is, so no, not lost.”

  Lila’s face goes puce. “Did you just—”

  Jenna materializes at my elbow. “Yep, she totally just called you brainless. Can you handle it? Now scoot, let the big girls talk. Unless of course Cara needs her minions for fetching? Come to think of it, I feel like some dessert. Why don’t you be a dear and get us some?”

  Lila shoves her chair back. “You’re such a bitch, Jenna.”

  “And you’re such a sycophant, Lila,” Jenna mimics. “That’s a fancy word for minion, by the way. And you should try not to use such big words. You could hurt yourself.”

  “Jenna,” I warn under my breath. She’s on fire at the moment. The last thing I want to do is piss Cara off, but when I glance at her, I swear I see a shimmer of amusement in her eyes at the standoff, an emotion that she’s quick to mask. She’s probably wanted to see someone put Lila in her place for years. “Jenna, just give me a minute, okay? I’ll meet you back there.” With an odd, blank look, Jenna turns without a word and heads over to our table.

  Cara lounges back in her chair. “What do you want, Nerissa?”

  “We need to talk.” I ignore the collective gasp of the rest of the horde at her table hanging on to our every word.

  Cara runs a bored hand through her hair. “Just because we’re doing a charity event together doesn’t mean I want to spend every waking minute with you.”

  “Oh, snap,” a girl whispers.

  Despite a wave of irritation, I understand what she’s doing. She’s trying to save face with her friends, and while it doesn’t matter to me, I realize that it’s important to her. “Sure, just let me know when’s a good time.”

  “I’ll do that,” she says dismissively.

  Walking back to my own table where Sawyer and the others are gathered, Jenna studies me furiously over her tray, jabbing food around on her plate like she wants to murder it. “Explain to me why you didn’t give her a piece of your mind. Why’d you let her talk to you that way in front of everyone? For God’s sake, you’re a—”

  “Jenna,” I cut her off, but it’s too late as Sawyer catches on. Lo and Speio pause enough to stop shoveling food into their mouths, and Rian watches the unfolding drama with curious eyes as dead silence settles over the table.

  “She’s a what?” Sawyer asks.

  But Jenna can’t answer because I’ve grabbed her arm and steered her out of the cafeteria to the girls’ bathroom across the hall. After checking all the stalls, I bar the door with the garbage can and face off with Jenna. “What is with you? You were fine before in line and then you snapped at Lila like you were going to bite her head off.”

  “I just don’t get it, the whole Cara thing.” She stares at me, confusion written all over her face, and something else, too. “Why does she have to be involved? Because of Cano? We can find him without her. We can do the event thing and he’ll be there, and it’ll be over....” She trails off, staring at the floor.

  I hold her shoulders and drag her chin up to face me. “Look at me, Jenna,” I say gently. When she does, the misery in her eyes is palpable. “What’s this all about?”

  “It’s nothing,” she says, avoiding my stare. “Just having a bad day.”

  “Don’t you lie to me, Jenna Pearce.”

  “How do you know I’m lying?”

  “Because I’m an Aquarathi queen who can sense every emotion running around in you, just from the way your heart pumps blood through your veins and the sounds the water in your body makes. What do you have to say to that?”

  “I’m not lying,” she insists, although with slightly less bravado.

  God, she’s stubborn. “Don’t make me mind-meld you,” I threaten with a smile, remembering how freaked out she’d gotten when I’d done a little brain manipulation with Principal Andrews.

  That gets her attention as her eyes snap to mine. “You wouldn’t dare.”

  “I’d dare a lot of things, Jenna. You know that more than anyone,” I say. “And if you’re not going to tell me what’s bugging you, then I’m going to go looking in your brain to find it, and I’m going to poke around and mess around with all your junk, and I’m not going to be responsible for what may happen, whether you suddenly start cross-dressing or talking with a funny accent.”

  “Okay, stop. I get it.” She shakes her head. “You have issues, I hope you know that.”

  “I do.”

  Jenna takes a deep breath, as if she wants to get it all out in one go. “I just don’t see the point of involving Cara. I mean, I know you needed her to find Cano’s house in Imperial Beach, but I can’t see why she’s still part of everything...with you.”

  “With me?” I say slowly, and then understanding dawns at Jenna’s wretched expression. She’s jealous. Of Cara. The unflappable, supremely confident Jenna Pearce is worried about Cara Andrews? I want to laugh because it’s crazy ridiculous that she could even think that, but I resort to words instead as the dejected look on her face intensifies. “Jenna, you have nothing to worry about with Cara. That girl has nothing on you, and how much you mean to me.”

  “She used to be your best friend,” she says in a small voice.

  “Used to be, those are the operative words. She’s not anymore. And the fact that she’s helping in a minute way to shake things up is so minimal that it’s not even worth talking about. So get it out of your head right now, do you hear me?”

  She sighs. “I’m sorry. It’s stupid, I know. I just...”

  “You have nothing to be sorry about, Jenna. You never have to hide anything from me, not anything like this. I’d be pretty messed up if your ex–best friend showed up out of the blue, too.” I pull her in for a hug. “You’re my best friend. Forever. You know things about me that no one—no human—will ever know. You know my secrets, my fears, my hopes...everything. You are the only one who knows it all. Do you understand that?”

  “Yes,” she sniffles. “I’m sorry I’m so lame.”

  “Would you stop with the apologizing? It’s making me uncomfortable.” I grin wickedly. “Almost like you’ve been mind-melded into this w
hiny, sniveling version of yourself.” I open my eyes wide, holding her at arm’s length to study her. “Seriously, were you mind-melded? Who are you and what have you done with Jenna Pearce?”

  “You’re so dumb.” Jenna shoves me away, smiling, and wipes her eyes. “And I don’t snivel.”

  “No, you don’t,” I agree. “So, we good?”

  “Yeah.”

  “You won’t throw Cara off a cliff when I’m not looking?”

  “I can’t promise miracles.”

  “I can roll with that,” I say. “Now let’s go finish lunch, because I’m starving, and I don’t want to have to eat anyone during English. Joking!” I add hastily at her appalled face. I grin. “I am a humanitarian. Get it? Like a vegetarian?”

  Jenna snorts, splashing some cold water on her face at the sink. “That’s lame, even for you.”

  “Got you to smile, didn’t I?” I say, handing her a paper towel. “And, Jenna?” She looks up, her face still splotchy and reddened from crying. “You’re so much more than a friend to me—I hope you know that. You’re not even my best friend.”

  “I’m not?”

  “You’re my family,” I say quietly. “In this world, they say that blood is thicker than water, and that may be true, but in my world, water is king. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. You’re an Aquarathi at heart, and no one, not even Cara, can ever take that away from you.”

  Jenna manages a teary smile. “Will you teach me to mind-meld?”

  “Baby steps, youngling. Baby steps.”

  20

  A Queen’s Word

  Things couldn’t be more perfect timing-wise on land. The planning for the Save the Dolphins and Turtles event has been moving along at a great pace. The combination of Rian’s posters and great marketing skills with Cara’s impressive social network has made the fundraiser go viral. We’ve had thousands of donations from all kinds of local organizations, as well as a couple of global ones. Kevin at the Marine Center said he hasn’t seen this kind of activity, not since the attention surrounding Speio’s green-jellyfish harem earlier in the year. Not that Kevin’s complaining—the heightened awareness for marine-animal conservancy is phenomenal. He’ll be able to do tremendous amounts with the raised funds.

  Despite that being the only bit of color in an otherwise dismal landscape, my Queen’s Guard have been working around the clock to beef up my security. They’ve been observing all of Cano’s known residences, although there hasn’t been any sign of him since Lo and I saw him at the beach. There’s no movement at the Imperial Beach house, which means that he’s either gone underground or moved his base of operations to yet another secret location. Either way, I can’t shake the feeling of impending disaster, especially now that Cano is...no longer Cano.

  According to sparse reports from Echlios’s men, down in the ocean depths, it’s an entirely different story. With rumors of Lo’s return, the political climate in Waterfell has degenerated into a creature with an ugly life of its own. From the get-go it seems, Ehmora’s old court—the Ruby Court led by Keil—has done everything possible to destabilize my position as their queen, and one by one, the other courts have shifted to their side. Speio was right. There’s a culture of fear brewing, and not even ruling by strength—or by blood—can break it. I have no choice but to go back to address the internal threats in Waterfell before we take on Cano.

  “Earth to Nerissa,” Jenna says, poking me in the ribs.

  “What, sorry?”

  “I said, how long are you going to be gone for? Back to Waterfell?”

  “A few days,” I answer distractedly.

  Jenna purses her lips, frowning. “So, can this other king, Kyle or whatever, do what he’s doing? Destabilize your rule, I mean? I thought you told me that only the true heir can claim the High Court throne, and if there isn’t one, then you can have a challenge from the royals of any of the lower courts. Is that right?”

  “Yes,” I say. “That’s correct. And technically, Keil can’t challenge me according to our succession laws.”

  “So he’s undermining you to get what he wants.”

  “Pretty much.” Keil is a mastermind, no doubt about that. I’m positive he manipulated Castia into somehow taking the fall for him, so it’s no surprise that he is the one at the heart of the insurrection. I shrug and fall back into a Papasan chair tucked in a corner of my room, staring at my replica Waterfell ceiling. “Maybe he’s right. I mean, look at me. I’ve been a queen for six months, and every decision I’ve made has been wrong. None of them trust me.”

  “Being a leader isn’t about being popular. It’s about leading, even if that makes you unpopular,” Jenna says. “Martin Luther King once said that a genuine leader doesn’t search for consensus. He shapes consensus.” She pauses, staring at me. “You were born to lead, Nerissa. It’s in your blood. It’s in everything you do—down there, up here, out on the hockey field, at the Marine Center, everywhere. You’re a leader. You’re a queen. You’ve come too far to doubt yourself now.”

  “How did I get so lucky to have a friend like you?” I say with a wry smile.

  To which Jenna shakes her head firmly. “You say that’s about luck. It isn’t. You draw people to you. You always have, Riss. We’re the lucky ones.”

  Flushing at her quiet praise, I duck my head. “I don’t know what I’m doing half the time.”

  “You don’t have to know where you’re going every step of the way, or even your destination. Trust in yourself to do what’s right and what’s needed. You did that last year, didn’t you? You fought off a rival queen. You defended your throne. You safeguarded your father’s legacy. You made sure humans were safe. You did all of that.”

  I swallow hard. “I had a lot of help.”

  Jenna crouches down beside me. “That’s because we all believe in you, Riss. I believe in you. Don’t let a bunch of power-hungry idiots make you think otherwise. That’s the thing with power, right? Someone less worthy always wants it or thinks they can wield it better.”

  “This is impossible.” Frustrated, I fling myself back into the soft cushion of the chair. “A part of me wants to defend my birthright with everything I have and force them to accept Lo, and the other just wants to let someone more worthy lead the people of Waterfell.”

  “You’ll figure it out.” Jenna squeezes my hand sympathetically. “Wish I could come with you.”

  “Me, too.”

  Jenna glances at her watch. “Well, call me as soon as you get back. I’m going to go meet Rian at the center to finalize some details for next week. You’ll be back in time for that, right? I mean, it’ll be moot without you.”

  “You mean as the bait?” I joke.

  “No, dummy,” she says. “This is your event. It wouldn’t have happened without you, and even if Cano shows up, it’s not going to stop something amazing from happening...namely the kind of awareness you’re raising for the ocean. The support has been incredible,” she says, eyes brightening. “We’ve raised nearly three hundred and fifty thousand dollars in less than a week, and we’re not even done yet. It’s as if people were all just waiting to do something. Isn’t this what you told me part of your charter here is? To make sure we humans do our part to protect the oceans?”

  “Yes.”

  “See? This is your doing. Even when you don’t mean to, you make amazing things happen.” She leans over and pulls me in for a heartfelt hug. “Go take care of your business and come back. Whatever you do will be the right choice.”

  “What if I’m wrong?” I whisper over her shoulder, hugging her back.

  She pulls away to look at me, grasping my shoulders and staring me straight in the eye. “There’s no right and wrong here, Riss. Don’t you get it? It’s about choices—meaning one choice determines a specific path, and the other, something different. Neither of them
is wrong or right. Just choose, and believe in your choice. Whatever you choose will be worthy.”

  I force a grin, overwhelmed by Jenna’s complete trust in me. “You know, just because I’m a superior alien species doesn’t mean I enjoy trippy existential discussions.”

  “Superior, schmooperior,” she snorts, chucking me on the shoulder. “Okay, I really have to go, and so do you. Love you. Be safe, promise?”

  “Promise. Love you, too, Jenna.”

  * * *

  The courts of Waterfell are wild and uncontained, a violent cacophony of voices echoing along the walls of the gigantic throne room combined with a tornado of impassioned color. We’ve been here less than a day and already more than half the courts are divided in their allegiance.

  All the courts along with the High Council have been convened at my command. It is my duty as queen to hear what the insurgents have to say, and to see that they are given a fair chance to represent their concerns. Fueled largely by venom from the Emerald Court, especially after Queen Castia’s imprisonment, those who oppose my rule are vehement in their defiance, and their animosity. They eye me with barely veiled distaste, and Lo with unconcealed rancor. How could I have ever thought they’d accept him just because I do? I flinch at the ugly accusations being thrown my way, and even with Lo standing strong at my side, I’m still vulnerable to their hostile words.

  “She brings dishonor to her father’s legacy... She will lead us all to nothing but death... Her friendship with the humans is a disgrace... She’s bonded to an abomination... She is not fit to lead. She never was...”

  The unending vitriol makes me feel like running for cover. Echlios steps forward, his voice booming above all the others. “Enough!” he roars. “You may say your piece, but any such remarks will be considered an act of treason against your queen.”

  “She is not my queen,” an old Ruby Court noble says, sneering.

  “Then you are free to leave Waterfell,” I say, finding a shaky voice and noticing that Keil does nothing to curb the tongues of his court. “The arms of the Pacific Ocean are far-reaching. Exile is a choice open to all.”