by Kelly Risser
“You do not rush perfection, my queen.”
She jumped when he spoke from behind her, and then her blood grew hot when she turned and saw him with his damp hair and dangerous smile.
“Is there any of that enticing beverage left for me?” He peered into her mug with interest. “I’m waking up by the smell alone.”
“There’s more,” she said. “Help yourself.”
It was hard not to jump up and get it for him. That was what the old Ula would’ve done, but now that she was queen, it would be improper. He didn’t seem to mind. Although after he fumbled around for a while, she finally took pity on him, found a clean mug, and handed it to him to fill. It seemed no matter the species, some men just couldn’t find their way in a kitchen.
“So… shopping.” Vesh said some time later when he was on his second cup. “What will this entail?”
“There’s an outdoor market.” She couldn’t keep the excitement from her voice. Uncle Angus took her to one many years ago. It was great fun. “There will be vendors selling foods and homemade wares, strolling musicians, a frozen pond to ice skate on, and beautiful decorations.”
Vesh wrinkled his nose. “And what is our mission?”
“I want to bring the holidays to Ronac for Meara. It will be a surprise.” She ran through her mental list. “We’ll need holly, mistletoe, candles, presents, cookies, candy…”
“Stop.” Vesh held up a hand. “I’ve got it. I’m tired already.”
“We’re going to need jackets.” The men looked at her in confusion. They were not used to living on land like her. In the depths of the ocean, the temperature did not fluctuate like it did in the air. She knew she could visualize her own winter gear, but the Blue Men did not have that particular power. The skill was a carryover from her days as a Selkie. Although she no longer had her Selkie skin, she maintained almost all of her previous powers. “I’ll go check and see if there are any around here that will fit the two of you.”
There was a closet in the hall on the way to the foyer. She found several jackets there in a variety of styles and called the guys over. Vesh picked a leather coat that reminded her of David’s Selkie skin, and Nuaim picked a brightly colored jacket with ski tags on the zipper. Ula visualized her favorite winter coat. It was a forest green quilted duster and very warm. As magical creatures, they weren’t usually affected by the cold. At least, not as much as humans, but considering they would be at the outside market all day, it was smart to dress warm.
The car keys were hanging by the door that led to the garage. “Who’s driving?” Ula asked.
Vesh plucked them from her hand. “I will.”
“Have you driven before?” Being in a car with an inexperienced driver made her nervous.
“Yes.” When she gave him a skeptical look, his face fell. “Well, no. But I’ve seen it on TV. It doesn’t look hard.”
His response was no better than hers from the night before. Behind them, Nuaim coughed to cover his laughter. Without any other options, she let Vesh have the key. She didn’t want to drive, and it didn’t seem like Nuaim was eager to volunteer either. They piled into the car and waited, while Vesh took in the various gears and controls. He looked from one side of the steering wheel to the other, and then held up the key. “Where does this go?”
Ula took it from him and looked closer. It was the most unusual key she had ever encountered. For one thing, it had no teeth. For another, it had three buttons on the back. One had a lock, another an open lock, and the third, an open trunk. “I don’t think this goes anywhere.”
“Place your foot on the brake pedal and press the start button,” Nuaim instructed from the backseat.
“How do you know that?” she asked.
He waved a thick booklet at her. “Owner’s manual. Perhaps Vesh should read this first.”
“We don’t have time for that,” Vesh said. “Just tell me what to do.”
Sighing loudly, Nuaim said, “Start the car first.”
Vesh did. Ula recalled hearing about humans dying in closed garages with running cars. “How do we open the garage door?”
Neither man seemed sure, but she noticed a button on a small box above Vesh’s head. She pushed it, hearing the click and groan as the large door slid up. At least he wouldn’t try to back out into the garage door now, and they wouldn’t be asphyxiated from the fumes. She wasn’t sure what gases the car produced or even if they were susceptible to them like humans, but there was no need to take stupid chances either.
“Now what?” Vesh asked.
“Put the car into reverse.” Nuaim stretched his arm between the seats and pointed to the handle on a stick. It currently was set at P. “Keep your foot on the brake when you switch gears.”
“And the brake is which pedal again?” Vesh asked.
“Brake on the left, gas on the right,” Nuaim answered patiently.
“Maybe Nuaim should drive,” Ula suggested.
“Nu-uh.” Vesh grinned wickedly at her. “I got this.”
He switched the gear and stepped on the right pedal. They flew backwards out of the garage, and Ula noticed he almost clipped the mirror off on her side. He backed into an area meant for turning cars around. “Now do I switch to D for drive?”
“Exactly,” Nuaim answered. His voice squeaked a little.
“Try not to give the car so much gas,” Ula said. “It’s snowing, and the roads will be slippery. I’d like to arrive at the market in one piece.”
“Don’t worry,” Vesh said. “This is easy.”
“Well, how about you turn on the wipers and lights,” she said. “That would be a start.”
“Nuaim?” Vesh waited while the other man looked up the controls and read the instructions aloud.
To be safe, Ula pulled the seat belt over her and clicked it in place. This was going to be an interesting ride.
****
They arrived safely, and Vesh even managed to park the car in a spot between two other cars. He grinned with pride and spun the key ring on his finger as they walked. “I did good, right?”
“Sure,” Ula agreed. Nuaim didn’t say anything, but he was looking a little green and covering his mouth with his hand. They followed behind a group of people. When the crowd disbursed and she could see in front of them, Ula clapped with delight. “Oh! This is wonderful!”
Tents of all sizes and colors stood in festive rows. Most were decorated in glossy green holly or fragrant pine. The smells of spices, caramelized sugar, and roasted nuts filled the air. This was exactly what she was hoping it would be. They were sure to find everything they needed here.
At the same time, it was overwhelming. Where should they start? With the decorations? The gifts? She knew one thing—they wouldn’t start with the food. If they did, the guys might have most of it eaten before they returned to the house. Blue Men had voracious appetites.
The decision was made for her when she spotted a small booth on the right. A display of sea glass ornaments caught her eye when the muted blues, greens, and golden browns reflected the rays of the winter sun. They were lovely and exactly the right kind of gift for Meara. She bought two ornaments, and the shop owner wrapped them for her. One gift done, many to go.
The day passed quickly as they strolled through the aisles. At first, Vesh and Nuaim trailed behind her, but after a while, they were just an intrigued by the wares as her. Nuaim bought a lovely antique dagger. The shopkeeper sold it as a collector’s item, but Ula knew Nuaim would sharpen it and keep it as a weapon. He lovingly caressed the inlaid handle. Her men did love their weapons. She was grateful they were a peace-loving society once again, but it didn’t hurt for them to maintain their fighting skills. In the ocean, one never knew when another threat would arise.
They sampled many foods, selecting their favorites to bring back to her brother, Paddy. After striking up conversations with the vendors, Ula asked for some of their recipes. A few were unwilling to share, but most graciously provided them as long as she promised no
t to make and sell them. She assured them she had no ill intent, paying them well for the knowledge.
By the time the sun began to set, the car was loaded with packages, and they headed back to the house, tired but successful. The next step would be to check on the status of Ken’s boat. There was too much to transport to Ronac, especially since she was the only one with that ability. They were all strong swimmers, but most of their purchases would not survive the swim. No, they would navigate there by ship, and Ula hoped her former Selkie nature would allow her to find and pass Ronac’s wards. Selkie magic protected it from outsiders, preventing them from seeing or finding the island. Hopefully, she was not one of them now.
Ken’s yacht was in excellent condition. The following morning, they went out after breakfast and found it stored in a drive-in garage carved into the side of the cliff. The ship’s tank was even full of gas. Ula didn’t really know the man, she hated the destruction and death that he caused, but she was grateful for his preparedness. It saved them a lot of time and energy.
Now that they confirmed the transportation was ready, she spent the rest of the day clearing the smelly, dead vegetation from the house, rinsing out the vases, and generally cleaning up. She didn’t know when she’d be back, but someone might want to stay here at some point in the near future. She didn’t want to be known as a sloppy homeowner.
After the house was cleaned and secured, and the holiday items were packed, they climbed into the boat to sail for Ronac. Well, Hayon stayed behind again. The man stubbornly insisted the house needed guarding. Ula decided he probably had a case of extreme shyness, and she let him be. As they started on their way, Ula knew David would not be expecting them this early. She would alert him if she could, but she had no way to communicate with him. It didn’t matter as long as she could get past the wards that protected the island. Once there, she would transport ahead and let David know they had arrived, and then go back for her men.
Vesh steered the ship, and Nuaim acted as co-pilot. They didn’t need Ula’s help to head in the general direction, but once they were in close proximity, she would join Vesh and help him navigate through the invisible barrier. In the meantime, she stood on the deck, letting the wind blow her hair and breathing in the salty air. She loved the ocean, but she had missed land. Once things were settled in Azuria, she planned to work with the Blue Men and have them venture out more. There was no reason to hide beneath the waves when they could easily disguise themselves and move amongst the humans. There was much they could learn, from humans and Selkies. In her opinion, they had been sheltered too long.
A pale glow in the distance caught her eye, and instinct told her it was the island’s wards. She hurried to the captain’s cabin to tell Vesh. “Do you see it?”
“See what?” he asked. “All I see is water.”
“Ten degrees to the northwest.” She pointed over his shoulder to show him. “I can see the shield. Adjust our direction and we’ll head right into it.”
He didn’t even question her, which she loved. From the beginning, Vesh accepted her decisions and rulings. It was a refreshing change from her last relationship. Kieran questioned everything she said and did. She was heartbroken when he ended their betrothal, but looking back on it now, it was the right decision. They were not compatible, and he was the perfect match for Meara.
It was silly, but she braced herself when the bow of the ship met the magical shield that was emitting a faint blue light. Of course, nothing happened. The ship passed through smoothly. Ronac loomed in front of them, as majestic as always. Ula felt a pang of homesickness, but as quick as it came, it faded.
Nuaim breathed in sharply. “It just appeared.”
Ula smiled. “It was always there. We just couldn’t see it until we passed through the magic. Selkies have strong wards.”
“Where am I going with this thing?” Vesh asked. “I don’t suppose David has a dock?”
“No.” Frowning, Ula considered the island. “There’s an inlet on the back side. I think it’s wide enough for the boat to go through.”
“You think?” Vesh gave her a worried glance. “I’d rather not destroy our ship.”
Motioning with her hand, Ula said, “Just go there. We’ll decide once we take a look.”
She was right. The inlet was actually quite large, and the boat fit through with no issues. The small cove was almost like a natural boat garage. She held the boat by a rope while Vesh and Nuaim piled rocks. Once they had a good pile, they tied the rope around it. It seemed rather secure, and Vesh, at least, was pleased.
“Wait here. I’ll be back to get you in a short while.” Once they nodded their agreement, she transported to the fortress. No one was at the entrance, but that didn’t surprise her. Selkies didn’t guard their keep. They really didn’t need to. For the most part, no one knew the fortress was there. She crossed through the hall and into the kitchen, calling, “Hello?”
Strong arms wrapped around her and picked her up, making her squeak in surprise. She spun around to face her brother, Padraic. “You scared me!”
He laughed, and his eyes crinkled. “As if I could scare the big, bad queen of the Blue Men.”
“Now you’re calling me fat?” She slapped his arm playfully. “Honestly, Paddy.”
Leaning against the counter, he took her in. “You look good. The ocean water suits you.”
“Thank you.”
“If you’re here for the party, however…” His lips quivered as he held back a grin. “You’re almost two weeks early.”
Leave it to Paddy to point out the obvious. She rolled her eyes. “I know that, but we’re going to throw a Christmas feast for Meara.”
Her brother’s eyes grew wide. “We are?”
“We are, well, you are actually. You’re in charge of food. I’ll take care of the decorations and everything else.”
“I’ve never made roast goose or turkey or whatever humans eat. How will I know what to do?” Paddy’s usual confidence wavered.
“You’ll be fine. I brought you the ingredients you’ll need, plus recipes.”
“Where?” He glanced around her as if she somehow had the items on her person. She held back a snicker.
“They’re still on the yacht.”
“Yacht?” Paddy’s mouth fell open in bewilderment.
Ula didn’t want to explain the story twice, so she asked, “Where’s David?”
“Right here.” Her oldest brother’s deep baritone came from behind and startled her. Had they gotten sneakier or was she just out of practice? Everyone seemed to be making her jump lately. He leaned in and kissed her cheek. He was the more serious of the two. Paddy was perpetually teasing, and David was constantly protecting and guiding. “What brings you here so early, Ula? Did Drust get the dates wrong? Not that we aren’t happy to have you.”
“As I just told Paddy, I want to throw Meara a Christmas celebration. It is her first Christmas without her mom. I know the holidays were special to them.” She shrugged. “I thought it might help.”
David nodded and rubbed his chin. “I have the box of their ornaments and decorations in my room.” His expression turned sheepish. “It was one of the things I transported back. I like to look at them. Meara made a lot of them in school.”
“I’m sure they’re adorable.” This came from their sister Brigid, who waltzed into the kitchen and grabbed an apple, rolling her violet eyes in the process. “You’re all just so sweet. This is like a family reunion.” She paused and gave Ula a sharp smile. “Where’s your entourage, sis?”
“Only two men came with me, Vesh and Nuaim. I told them to wait until after I spoke to David.”
“Where are they?” he asked.
“We brought a boat and pulled into the cove.” They were all giving her strange looks, so she sighed and said, “Sit, please. I’ll explain this once, and then I’m going to go and get the guys.”
“She’s gotten a bit bossy, hasn’t she?” Brigid murmured, but she sat anyway and looked at Ula
expectantly.
“We stopped in Aberdeen to check on the house and buy the holiday trimmings. Since we couldn’t very well subject the items to ocean water and have them arrive in one piece, we decided to use Ken’s yacht.”
“Well, he’s certainly not using it.” Brigid laughed at her own joke.
Ula chose to ignore her. Instead, she crossed her arms and asked, “Will you help me surprise Meara?”
“Yes,” her brothers said.
At the same time, Brigid mumbled, “I suppose.”
“Thank you.” Ula turned to leave.
“Where are you going?” Paddy asked.
“To get Vesh and Nuaim.”
“One moment.” Paddy went to the back of the kitchen and returned with three Selkies. “We’ll come and help you unload everything. I imagine the food is perishable?”
“Some of it.” Ula was grateful for the help.
“We’ll come too,” David said, grabbing a reluctant Brigid by the arm.
****
Vesh and Nuaim managed to unload the packages and had them stacked on the rocky shore. There were enough helping hands that they each took a manageable number of boxes so no one struggled. David had them store the non-perishables in a small room off the main hall, while Paddy took the food items into the kitchen. After that, he disappeared to peruse the recipes Ula had given him, an excited gleam in his eye.
“Where would you like us to stay?” Ula asked David. She hoped he would let her have her old room, but she didn’t want to presume.
“You are welcome to your old room. Your things are still there. Vesh and Nuaim, if you’ll come with me, I’ll show you to your rooms.”
Ula and Brigid stared at one another for a moment before Brigid rolled her eyes and grinned. “Go. I know you’re dying to know where David places that hot man of yours.”
“Thanks.” Ula hurried out, not bothering to ask Brigid how she knew. Her older sister had a way of knowing things that others didn’t.
The guys were turning the corner when she caught up to them. David put Vesh in the room that had been Kieran’s and Nuaim in the one right next to him. That meant they were just down the hall from her. Before David noticed her, she turned and went to her old room. Her eyes watered as she studied the beanbag chairs and bright colors. With every change came some sadness. Her life had taken a major turn. Being in her room brought back memories.