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Kaerius flicked the tip of his tongue out.I tasted him on both Brighton’s and Galbraith’s jackets.

“You could taste his touch?”

Kaerius nodded.

Marin frowned more deeply. “That’s not enough evidence to convict him, even if Brighton and I believe you.”

The Mer prince studied her face and wished he could comfort her.I will be glad to protect you from him this evening.

Marin said, “What sort of people do you come from to taste a person’s touch?” Her small, white teeth worried her lower lip, and she said hesitantly, “I suppose that’s related to why you licked me.”

Kaerius nodded.I am the prince of the Mer. I have risked much to show my love here on land, in your world. I do not desire your kingdom, but I do hope to earn your love.

“That was the sign for love again, wasn’t it?” Marin took a shaky breath.

Kaerius smiled, sweet and hopeful.Yes. I love you.

“I’m sorry,” Marin whispered.

Chapter 18

One of the guards escorted Kaerius back to his suite, where he was given another new outfit, this one of a green-blue fabric with pale gold trim on the cuffs. The white shirt was exquisitely soft against his skin, and it had a luster like pearls. He dressed carefully, tucking the shirt in neatly and smoothing the fabric down before he buttoned the trousers. He buckled the belt, which was embossed with designs of shells.

He combed his hair and examined himself in the mirror. The fabric might have been chosen especially to set off his eyes, and he smiled appreciatively. Perhaps he looked a little pale, but it might have only been the cool light coming through the window. He turned and looked over his shoulder to see what he looked like from behind, as well as he could. His hair looked especially bright against the fabric, nearly the same color as the embroidery at his cuffs, and it fell in soft waves against his collar.

He grinned fiercely. Perhaps Marin would let him kill Ralph tonight! He would save both Marin from a disastrous marriage and her country from miserable subjugation by a nation of horrible men just like Ralph.

At last, Lt. Sanders knocked on his door to escort him to the ballroom.

“You look sharp, Your Highness,” said Sanders, with a glint in his eye.

I do, don’t I?Kaerius grinned.How is Brighton?

“I don’t know what that means. But I heard you found the captain, and we all appreciate your aid to him.”

He is a good man.

At the door to the ballroom, Kaerius nodded at the servant who would announce him.

“His Royal Highness Prince Kai,” the man boomed.

Kaerius strode in, looking for Marin. But she wasn’t there yet, so he nodded to the various noblemen who bowed to him and to the tittering little groups of young ladies who blushed and smiled at him and to the guards stationed around the edges of the room.

Only a few moments later, the servant announced, “Her Royal Highness Princess Marin de Gracey.”

Marin swept in with gracious smiles for her friends and acquaintances.

“Oh! Prince Kai,” she said, for Kaerius was already there in front of her, bowing and offering her his hand.

Dance with me?

“The dancing music hasn’t started yet,” she said under her breath.

His smile deepened, and he caught her hand lightly, so that she could pull away if she wanted to. Then they were dancing in front of everyone, and the musicians in the corner belatedly changed their tune to something more energetic.

“Lord Hugh Ralph, of Boravia,” intoned the servant at the door.

Kaerius kept his eyes on Marin’s lovely face while he spun her twice more.