by Erin Johnson
"I had to take all of you out—I didn't want to, but I had to protect my granddaughter… and now I've failed."
"Utterly," Delphine sneered. "Avalon, you are banished from this court, forever."
"Hang on." Winnie planted her hands on her hips. "I'm, like, the queen and that's something I say."
Delphine huffed. "Yes, but you just heard that this woman's grandmother was banned from court, and she was involved in drug smuggling. Do you really want an individual like that staining your court?"
“She wasn’t, just her girlfriend.” Winnie shrugged. "Besides, we're all a little stained." She held up a strand of her ink-splattered hair. "Get it?" She burst into giggles.
Hank flashed his eyes at me, and I laughed.
"But seriously—Valonzy, you can stay. Just no more hard drugs, 'kay? Like, just booze and stuff."
Valonzy pressed her hands to her heart. "Thank you, Winnie."
Delphine fumed. "I did not raise you to allow flotsam and jetsam into your court! I should never have stepped down from the throne. My court held up pillars of discretion, decorum, manners—"
"Yeah, well, my court might be kinda messed up, but at least we're not going around killing people." She threw a hand at Glaucus. "Your wrinkly boyfriend murdered my best friend.” She glared at him. “And since we don’t have merpeople prison, you’re going to the Water Kingdom’s—where you’ll have to live in a tiny cell, with legs!”
Glaucus gasped.
Were legs really that bad?
Valonzy sighed. “You may be a murderous old liar, but you are my grandpa. I’ll come visit you.”
The old merman’s face relaxed.
Winne glared at her grandma again. “And maybe our baggage is all out in the open, but at least it’s not caged up inside, in secret forever just waiting to, like, explode in an octopus attack."
"Well put," I muttered.
Hank snickered and turned it into a cough, bringing his fist to his mouth to hide his smile.
About that time Bon swam up, awkward with a merman tail and still trying to sport his police officer's coat and hat. He informed us he still hadn't identified the mysterious substance inside the brandy balls, and Hank had the sad task of informing him he was about a thousand steps behind everyone else and that we'd already apprehended the murderer.
The look on Bon's face might've been worth the whole ordeal.
25
The Wedding
In light of everything that'd happened, from Bubbles's death, to exposing the drugged-brandy ring, to one of the queen's top advisors being arrested after trying to murder all of us, Winnie and Chuck decided to call off their big formal wedding in lieu of something much more them.
Poor Amelia looked like her head would explode at all her hard work being scrapped, until they handed over the treasure chest as payment anyway.
Instead of a ceremony at the ancient stone temple, followed by a reception in the grand hall of the mermaid palace with visiting heads of state, they had the whole thing at the Cove. Royalty from around the seas and from the various magical kingdoms were politely notified that the affair had been reduced to friends and family only, and were sent home. All but Hank, of course, and us bakers, who at this point Winnie and Chuck considered friends.
Since the octopus had destroyed the wedding cake, Captain Chuck had the bartenders create a five-tiered display of shots to serve as the cake, and with nothing to set up or cater, we all got to enjoy a much-needed night off. Wiley, Yann, and Hank slid through the crowd, their arms high overhead, holding a few shots in each hand. They handed one out to each of us.
Hank passed me a lemon wedge. "The bartender said to chase it with this."
He sat beside me and kicked off his shoes, then rolled up his slacks and stuck his feet in the mermaid pool. Valonzy lounged across from us, while Winnie and Chuck sat on their thrones in the alcove behind.
Fowler lifted his glass and repeated his toast from the other night. "To soft skies above, salty seas below, and a smooth sailin' wind to carry me home.”
I leaned forward and clinked glasses with him, Maple, Hank, and all the other bakers.
Hank turned to Winnie and Chuck, tucked up on the stone steps above us. "And to the happy couple!" He shouted to be heard over the thumping music.
Winnie squealed and wrapped her arm around Chuck's to take their shots. I grinned at Hank and then swallowed mine as well. The sugary liquid burned my throat and I winced, sucking on the lemon. It actually did make it less stomach-turning.
Winnie cupped her hands to her mouth and called down to Hank. "Next wedding we'll be toasting will be yours." She winked. "We better get an invite."
She went back to dancing in place with her new husband, while a strange silence settled between Hank and me. He let out a heavy sigh, then lifted his deep blue eyes to mine. "Want to dance?"
I swallowed, nerves churning in my stomach… might've been that shot, too. Maple gave me an encouraging smile. As we'd gotten ready together earlier, before the wedding, we'd talked everything between me and Hank over, and I'd come to a decision. I took Hank's hand and stood. We moved onto the dance floor, still barefoot. I hesitated, eyeing all the sharp stiletto heels and stomping feet.
Hank lifted a brow and I stood on tiptoe to speak into his ear. "I'm afraid our toes will get smashed."
"Should we put on our shoes, then?"
I eyed my pumps and then my throbbing feet, and shook my head. "Getting my feet stepped on sounds less painful than putting those back on."
Hank grinned. "I have another idea then."
He took my hand and led me toward the edge of the dance floor. We skirted along the curving rock walls, then climbed the stone steps to the upper-level balcony that opened to the club on one side and the sea on the other.
A few couples snuggled together on couches in the shadowy candlelight, but we had most of the balcony to ourselves. Hank led me to the seaward side. I leaned against the metal fence, shaped like twisting sea weed, and took a deep breath of the fresh, salty air. Darkness stretched out before us, the sky blending into the sea. Waves crashed and roared against the rocks below, and a fine mist sprayed from the sea, all the way up to kiss my face.
Hank leaned against the railing beside me, his big hands gripping it. The music still pounded away behind us, but it was quieter up here—more intimate. We stayed that way for a while.
Hank turned to me and put a warm hand on my own chilled one. "I wanted to talk about the other day—on the island."
I licked my lips and turned, slowly, toward him, though I couldn't quite look him in the eye. I nodded for him to continue.
He let out a shaky breath. "I know it went wrong, in a lot of ways, and I know you worried about hurting me, but—"
I chanced a glance up at him. His eyes sparkled. "But it was the best moment of my life."
The world swayed, like when you stand up too quickly. Excitement tornadoed around my stomach. I laughed, but it came out as more of a gasp. "Really?"
He nodded, a grin spreading across his handsome face. "That kiss bowled me over… literally."
I rolled my eyes, but smiled, and he squeezed my hand.
"I just wanted you to know that. I—I spent my whole life sneaking into the bakery and wishing that could just be my life. That I could be a baker instead of a prince. But still—I always accepted my position. Even when I didn't want it, I accepted it. I knew that with the riches and luxury and importance, came obligation, rules, and sacrifices."
I nodded, unable to speak.
His eyes found mine and his nostrils flared as he gave me an imploring look. "When my father told me of his plans for an alliance with Shaday, I accepted it. I knew it would come, at some point. But something inside me rebelled. I needed an outlet, just one moment even, to do what I wanted, be who I wanted to be. I entered the baking competition and my life changed. I opened the door to that other life, the one I'd always dreamed of—I opened it just a crack, and what I experienced—it's changed
me."
I nodded, my throat tight.
He moved closer and dipped his face toward mine. He took both my hands in his and squeezed them gently. "Even that—I could've buried it, that taste of freedom. But I met you—and my feelings for you couldn't be buried."
I pressed my eyes closed to keep from swooning.
"I didn't realize at first. Maybe because it came on so subtly, or maybe because I've never felt this way about anyone before. During the competition, the thought of you going home to the human world, and never seeing you again, made me crazy. And then afterward, having you so close in the palace nearly drove me crazy. At first I told myself I was making up excuses to pop into the bakery, because it’s what I'd always done, sneaking down there."
He gave a shy grin. "But it was for you, Imogen. I had to see you. And now I've nearly lost you, too many times, and—and I know I have no right to say any of this to you. I'm engaged, and if I were to break it off…." He shook his head. "It would affect the peace between our kingdoms, and—"
Hank clenched his jaw before speaking again. "There'd be other consequences. But none of those issues are your problem, and you deserve full, undivided love and every happiness you want and—" He stopped and cleared his throat. He blinked rapidly, then looked at me with glassy eyes. "I know I don't deserve to say this to you, but I selfishly couldn't take it anymore. It would kill me if I never told you." He moved even closer, until I had to look up into his face, our toes touching. "I think you're the most beautiful, funny, brave person I've ever met."
My heart thrummed in my chest.
"I love you."
I rose on my tiptoes and kissed him. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me tight against him as the waves crashed below and the wind tousled our hair with sea mist. I could've kissed him all night, but there was something I needed to say. I pulled away and wrapped my hands around his thick forearms. His throat bobbed as he swallowed. He pressed his lips together, his eyes large and worried.
I licked my lips and glanced at his chest, before looking back up at him. "I-I love you, too."
His eyes sparkled, but he kept silent, listening intently.
"But I know that you'll still marry Shaday, for political reasons. And even if you didn't marry her, you're a prince and I'm a—well, not a princess." I shrugged. "We can never have the normal things that couples have together."
His face fell, though he kept his eyes glued to my face. He nodded, slightly. "I understand."
I grinned a little. "Hold your horses."
He looked around. "My horses?"
I laughed and squeezed his arms. "Just listen, okay?"
He nodded.
"I know all that, but… well, so what if it's unconventional? I just found out I'm a witch. That's a pretty unconventional lifestyle, as far as I'm concerned. After experiencing the insanity of the mermaid court, with its intrigue and murders—I guess I just feel like, two people who are into each other, giving it a shot, isn't the craziest thing in the world. Right?"
He gave me a tight-lipped smile, though his eyes danced.
"And, I didn't tell you before, but Shaday talked to me and is okay with it. I think she has someone back home that she's with. So, if we're not lying or hurting anyone, maybe we can try?"
Hank bit his lip, a huge grin spreading across his face. "She said the same thing to me."
"What?" I leaned back. "Why didn't you say anything before?"
He tilted his head to the side. "It seemed… presumptuous. And weird. Like, hey, I'm not sure if you want to be with me, but my arranged fiancée said it's okay if you do."
I chuckled. "Point taken."
Hank pulled me closer.
I held up a finger. "I mean, I don't know if I'll always feel this way. Maybe, someday, it won't be enough, but for right now—life is short, you know?" I held my palm up. "And I'd hate to miss out on something wonderful with you, just because I never even gave it a chance." I grinned, giddy butterflies careening around my stomach. "So… let's give it a chance?"
Hank scooped me up by the waist and lifted me up. He kissed me, deeply and passionately, and then set me down gently. He sighed, a dopey smile on his face.
We stayed up on the balcony for a while longer, just the two of us, before rejoining our friends below. We danced and drank and talked all night—and snuck off for some more kissing. I was happy to see Maple and Wiley standing beside each other and joking together again. Maple and I had talked that over before the wedding, too.
I pulled Maple aside. "How did it go with Wiley?"
She tilted her head side to side. "All right." She gave me a sad smile, her brows lifted in the center. "I told him what I'd practiced with you. That I liked him, but wanted to keep things professional."
I nodded. "Do you feel okay with that?"
She sighed. "Yes. No. I think so." She glanced around me to look at Wiley, who'd jumped into the pool, clothes on, to dance with a couple of mermaids. "I think it's for the best, but....”
"But you still have feelings for him."
She nodded, her eyes downcast. "Yeah. But I'm just learning to be head baker, and I don't want anyone in the bakery feeling awkward around us." She shrugged. "And he does have a lot of growing up to do."
I put an arm around her shoulders. "It doesn't have to be a no forever… just a pause, maybe?"
"I like that."
She and I danced for a while and then, in the wee hours of the morning, as people slept where they lay on the dance floor and the DJ played slow songs, we said our goodbyes. Sam hugged the glass of the eel aquarium and promised his new friend to come back again. As I hugged Winnie and Valonzy goodbye, Winnie bit her lip.
"I've got a surprise for you."
Oh no. "Oh yeah?" I tried to look excited.
Valonzy nodded. "We remembered how when we were out tanning that one time, you were hinting around that you wanted a nickname."
I frowned and tried to remember. I shook my head and lifted a hand. "Oh no, I just thought that maybe Geoffrey had one because you guys all call each oth—"
Winnie lifted a hand, her nails white and shimmering. "It's okay—we already came up with one for you."
"This is going to be good," Iggy snickered.
I braced myself.
They spoke at the same time. "Lizard Mucogen!"
Hank choked on the beer he was drinking and spit half of it out. Yann slapped him on the back, hard. Iggy dissolved into hysterics.
"I'm sorry—what?"
Valonzy rolled her hand. "You know, cause you solved the mystery of the lizard mucus and we just mushed that together with your name, Imogen, so—Lizard Mucogen."
Chuck, sitting beside Winnie, mouthed, "Sorry. Told them it was awful."
I grinned. "Wow, ladies. I'm not sure what to say."
Valonzy scowled. "You hate it."
"I…."
"Oh my goddess, she totally hates it." Winnie pouted. Then she perked up. "Ooh! I have a way better one."
Iggy cackled. "I can't wait."
Winnie held up her hands, and opened her eyes wide. "Okay. How about… Red Balls?"
Iggy laughed so hard he cried, the tears sizzling as they hit the logs below him. Wiley turned away, burying his face in the crook of his arm. Even Maple struggled to keep a straight face. She pressed her lips tightly together, but her shoulders shook as she laughed through her nose.
"Why?" My arms hung limply at my sides.
Winnie giggled. "Your hair's red and the pirates say you make the best brandy balls. Red Balls—duh!"
"To Red Balls!" Captain Chuck lifted his cup and all around the club, pirates and mermaids, half dead, limply lifted their mugs and glasses and mumbled, "Red Balls." Chuck winked at me.
Great.
"You ready to go—Red Balls?" Wiley clapped me on the shoulder.
Annie shook her head. "Sorry, dear. He's never going to forget this." She shrugged. "Then again, neither will I."
Iggy still laughed so hard he couldn't speak.
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Hank nodded at Chuck. "We'll be in touch." He then smiled at Winnie. "I look forward to our kingdoms working together more in the future."
"As long as we never have to bake for them again," Annie muttered.
"I don't know, I kinda had fun." K'ree grinned.
I smiled up at Hank. He gazed down at me, his expression full of hope and humor. If it hadn't been for this trip to the mermaid kingdom where we could be alone together outside the palace and let loose a little, I don't know how much longer it would've taken us to get to this point—if we ever would have. So, despite nearly being drowned and being given an awful nickname I'd never live down, the mermaid kingdom would always have a soft spot in my heart.
26
Back at the Palace
Late the next afternoon, I stood with Hank in the cozy library alcove that had become our spot. My blue feathered quill hovered an inch above my lifted palm. I grinned up at him. "Easy-peasy."
He smiled back. "Really? Because a week ago, you thought it was nearly impossible."
I shrugged. "A lot can change in a week."
He brushed a strand of hair back from my face and tucked it behind my ear. His eyes focused on my lips. "Yes, it can."
Heat flushed through my body and a roaring fire sprung to life in the fireplace. We both froze and watched the flames crackle. "Did I…?"
He chuckled. "I think so."
I buried my face in my hands. "So embarrassing." I growled. "And just when I thought I was getting the hang of this."
He sat on the table and pulled me forward until I stood between his legs. "You are. I mean, you could've lit the curtains on fire, for instance."
I sighed, but grinned. "Or your hair."
"Or my hair. Thanks, by the way, for not doing that." He squeezed my hands. "But truly—it's coming so much easier and quicker to you now."
I nodded. "It does feel smoother, more like second nature, to access magic." I leaned my head toward the fire. "Obviously, controlling it is another story."
"It'll come." He grinned. "In the meantime, just pretend like you meant to do it."