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NERYS

“In their roles as diplomats, my parents traveled more often to Estmere than any other region of Elydor. They would often say that humans were special. While it is true you may not have elemental magic, or immortality, your intuitive gifts and intimate knowledge of another realm, according to my father especially, reshaped Elydor in ways we could not.”

“And your mother?”

I swept away the heaviness that always came from thinking too deeply about the work my mother never finished. “She thought humans were the missing piece of something greater. All know King Galfrid opened the Gate because he was obsessed with the human realm. But my mother believed that it was meant to happen. That the human presence would someday bring us together in a way we’ve not seen since the clans were formed.”

“Do you believe that?”

“I believe that working together can only make us stronger, so yes. I do. I also believe strongly, after today, you are special to…” I hesitated. “To Elydor.”

And to me.

Rowan waited. When I said no more, he stared into the pools, alive with Elydor’s magic. I watched as he reached into a pouch at his side. Then turning to me, Rowan opened his hand.

In the center of his palm lay the aquamarine pearl I’d spotted at the market. I stared at it for a moment until he extended his hand toward me.

“For you.”

It was a beautiful pearl, the color my favorite. “How?” I asked, unsure if I should take it even though he offered it to me. “I was with you the entire time.”

“I worked quickly,” he said, not taking his eyes from me. “Please accept it as a gift for all you’ve done for me.”

I picked up the pearl, allowing my fingers to brush along his palm, wanting to touch him again even if that touch was brief.

“I’ve done little?—”

“That is not true,” he said as I swirled the pearl around in my hand. “You accepted me from the start, shown me more of Thalassarian culture than I’ve ever known… offered a path forward for my people even when your queen refuses to do so. That pearl is but a small token.”

“It is beautiful.” I closed it within my hand.

“Fitting, as its owner is too.”

My shoulders rose and fell with every breath, an awareness of him, of us, like nothing I’d ever experienced. In a short time, everything about my life would change. If I proved to be the strongest water-wielder in Thalassaria, I would be immediately named as queen. Lirael would retire to Nymara, and a new era would be ushered in. One where the hopes and dreams of my parents, of Aneri and Caelum and Marek and so many others, would be realized.

With it, every move of mine would be scrutinized. Discussed. Dissected.

And Rowan would be leaving.

“Everything will change soon.”

Rowan did not deny it.

“There is a hopeful part of me that looks forward to such a change. But if I could have this day again, even for a short time, I would do so.”

“If I could have the past few days for any length of time,” Rowan said. “I would do so.”

“Open your senses to me.”

A flicker of surprise crossed his features.

“Nerys—”

“Please.”

Still, he hesitated.

“I am not prepared to be the queen of Thalassaria. That thought has prevented me from challenging Lirael these many years. But I’m no longer willing to let that fear prevent the inevitable. Even so, I am scared,” I admitted. “Not only of the duty and responsibility that comes with such a challenge, but of the scrutiny that will be placed on me.”