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18

NERYS

Rowan opened his bedchamber door. He looked like a prince, or at least a high-ranking nobleman.

“You received my message, it seems?” I asked.

“I did.”

Since this afternoon, when Marek returned with us to the palace, we hadn’t yet spoken alone. Although they seemed initially at odds, Rowan and Marek had warmed to each other on the walk back. I’d remained mostly silent, exhausted, confused, and more than a little excited. I’d never been able to calm such a large portion of the sea before. Since sea-binding was my weakest skill, the idea that I truly may prove more skilled than Queen Lirael had taken root. The responsibility that went along with such a fact weighed heavily on me.

And yet, it wasn’t the possibility of becoming Thalassaria’s next queen that kept me so silent.

There was no doubt the kiss I’d shared with Rowan was not some simple lovers’ exchange that could be enjoyed and forgotten. Falling for a human? I’d never considered the possibility before. Now, however, I couldn’t think of anything other than how it felt to be in his arms. The ease with which we came together. If not for Marek, we may have not stopped. At least, I would not have been the one to stop us, certainly.

I hadn’t expected Marek to walk with us all the way back to Rowan’s chamber, but apparently, he wished to speak with me alone. Even after I attempted to explain my reasoning, why I’d decided to challenge the queen, he had continued to prod. Finally, I reminded Marek that his understanding of the situation was less important than the fact that I did, indeed, intend to follow through.

My parents would approve.

It was the last thought he’d left me with when Eoin found us, giving me the queen’s message. The presence of both myself and “the human emissary” were requested at this evening’s meal. Was it to finally reprimand me for ignoring her command? Or worse, had she somehow guessed my intentions? My training grove was well-hidden, but even so… being summoned was not a regular occurrence.

“That is a beautiful gown.”

If I were being honest, I’d have told him it was one of my favorites and that I’d worn it specifically for him. A deep teal along the hem lightened as it made its way upward, the neckline nearly white. A swirling pattern, reminiscent of waves, highlighted my breasts, its deep V cut almost approaching my waist. Although I normally disliked the formality of dining in the main hall, this eve was an exception. If it weren’t for the queen’s summons, I’d have thoroughly enjoyed a reason to wear this gown… to dine with Rowan… to have him look at me this way.

“Thank you. Aneri had it made for me many years ago, when I was first brought to the palace.”

Would he mention our kiss from earlier today?

“Nerys.” His jaw flexed, Rowan’s penetrating gaze knowing.

Though a part of me wanted to discuss it, I was suddenly feeling more shy than I had a right to be. I’d lived for many years and could navigate the after-effects of one simple kiss with a human man, could I not?

“We should go. I am rarely summoned by the queen, and the meal will begin soon.”

“Of course.”

Taking my hint, Rowan closed the door to his chamber and we made our way to the hall. When it was full, the palace hall could hold well over two hundred. But this eve, as most days, there were less than thirty in attendance.

When Rowan offered the crook of his arm, I took it as if striding through the tables together was something we’d always done. A warmth spread through me, as if I’d just jumped into a hot spring. None took note of it, the formality of Queen Lirael’s court one I’d never particularly appreciated until now.

“The tiles.” Rowan was looking at the far wall where schools of fish and coral reefs were depicted. “How is that achieved?”

It was a feature of the dining hall that I particularly adored.

“They are enchanted with bioluminescence, capturing the shifting light of the deep sea. Does it not look almost real?”

We’d reached the table where I sat most days.

“It does,” he said, pulling out my seat. “As if we are under the sea.”

Rowan sat across from me, and thankfully, our small table was thus far empty.

“Look up,” I told him, and he did. “The ceiling is meant to resemble the underside of a wave frozen in time. The seashell chandeliers, if you look carefully, are interspersed with pearls enchanted in the same way as the fish scales on the wall tiles.”

As Rowan continued to peer at the vaulted dining hall ceiling, I studied his expression. Seeing things through his eyes reminded me of my early days at the palace. I had been in awe of everything around me, often wishing I could have served here at the same time as my parents.

“Thank you,” I said as wine was served and Rowan turned his attention to me.