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“What is the sign for Brighton’s name?” she asked.

The name was not used under the water, but Kaerius signedBright Man, which would suffice. He looked at Brighton to see that the guard was watching intently.

“You ought to be able to ask for food and water,” Brighton said quietly. “He hasn’t eaten this morning, other than a taste of soap, and he’s probably thirsty. Let’s use these for food and drink, since they’ll be more easily understood by the servants if I’m not around.” He pantomimed eating with a utensil and drinking from a cup.

Kaerius frowned in confusion, for these signs made very little sense to him. He had drunk water from a cup the previous night, so he figured that one out with a moment of thought, but he had eaten with his fingers. Nevertheless, he would remember the signs; he had a quick mind and was eager to communicate with these people.

And dancing? I know how we dance in the water, but I cannot imagine what you do here.

The princess bit her lip. “I don’t know what you mean,” she said apologetically. “What else will he need to know, Brighton?”

It irked Kaerius that the princess spoke so easily to the guard, as if they had been friends for many years.Hewanted to be spoken to as if they had been friends for many years.Hewanted to be a trusted confidant.

“How to dance,” said the guard. “Table manners. He learned how to bow just now. Being foreign will help smooth over any minor blunders, I should hope.”

“Thank you for your support, Brighton.” The princess smiled at him, and Kaerius wished that smile were for him. Then she turned the same sweet smile to him, and his heart pounded like waves in a storm. “You might as well sit down. You’re probably still tired after your ordeal.” She ascended to the top step and sat, gesturing for him to sit near her.

Brighton’s eyes widened, but he didn’t protest.

Kaerius settled one step below her and a little to her left, then turned and leaned back on his hands with his legs stretched out. The posture was one he had seen humans assume on the beaches in the summer months, and it seemed a fitting gesture to indicate that he thought her bright and lovely and warm like the sun. Besides, he was also quite tired, and his legs felt strange and gangly. Gravity was so very bothersome here in the air, pulling him down with such inexorable heaviness. He did not like feeling constrained to horizontal movement alone.

Brighton eyed him disapprovingly and said, “Sit up straight. You’re being disrespectful.”

The prince blinked and looked at Marin. The princess looked vaguely confused, though not exactly offended, and pressed her lips together in an expression Kaerius could not read. He straightened and put one foot on the step below him so he could turn and see her more easily. How much easier things would be if they knew he really was a prince! But he could not tell them, and if he conveyed it through pantomime, they would probably not understand or believe him. Still, he was a royal suitor, not a common sham suitor. Nevertheless, while his station was the equal of hers, he had no wish to insult or disrespect her, and these human customs were foreign.I meant only to show my admiration for you, Your Highness. Please forgive any discourtesy; it was entirely unintentional.

He smiled up at her, admiring how the light caught her dark hair and the smooth curve of her cheek. She wore a fine gold band on her head, and it glittered with tiny clear stones cut to catch the light.

Marin smoothed her dress over her legs and frowned thoughtfully. “You haven’t eaten breakfast?”

Kaerius shook his head and gave an elegant half-shrug. No prince of the Mer, no warrior, would complain about missing a meal. Courage was practiced in small moments as well asgreat conflicts, and he had a great deal of courage, if not much humility to go along with it.

“Brighton, if you would be so kind? It’s nearly time for tea anyway. Please do join us.” She smiled at the guard again.

Kaerius let the feeling of jealousy give a sharp edge to his smile.

Brighton strode away, apparently no longer concerned about the princess’s physical safety with him. At the door, he spoke to a servant for a moment and then returned.

Kaerius took the opportunity to signWho is he to you?For it was now reasonably clear to him that Marin did not intend to marry Brighton, however much affection and trust might be between them.

“What?” she asked. “What about Brighton?”

He indicated the two of them in a questioning way.

“He’s the head of my personal guard detail and a good friend.” Marin smiled. “He’s also a cousin on my mother’s side. He came to serve here in the palace when I was only a child, and he was not much older. I trust him implicitly, and I have never been disappointed.”

The guard’s features softened at these affectionate words. “Her Royal Highness also introduced me to my wife some years ago, so not only do I love her for her own character, I owe her a great debt for my current happiness.”

Kaerius stared at the man.You’re married?The Merfolk wore a tiny gold ring in their left ear when they were married, and Brighton had no such earring. How did humans indicate their eligibility or commitment?

At this moment, the door at the other end of the room opened. A servant bowed and then strode forward carrying a small table, followed by another servant carrying a heavily laden tray.

The princess waited in silence until the servants exited the room and closed the door behind them again.

She said, “Brighton, if I might prevail upon your generosity and that of your wife, perhaps you two might teach him the dances he needs for tomorrow.”

Brighton nodded and handed the princess a little cup of fragrant brown liquid and then a plate with a selection of unfamiliar things on it. The dishes were also new to Kaerius, and he studied the remaining plates and cups on the tray with interest.

“Have you ever had tea before?” Marin asked.