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“Which explains why I’ve never seen them before.”

Sir Rowan said it almost absently as he peered alternately up toward coral-white posts, their lanterns casting a soft glow and down into the streams and pools of water we navigated.

“This spot,” I explained, “was chosen for the palace grounds for its unique flora and fauna. There is no other like it in our kingdom.”

“The first time I came here, with my father, I was in awe of everything about Thalassaria.”

He finally looked at me. I almost wished he hadn’t. It was easier to pretend he didn’t affect me then. Because I most certainly could not be affected… in that way… by a human.

“No less in awe, I am certain, than seeing Aetheria for the first time?”

“Perhaps,” he said. “But there is nothing quite like walking through soft sands.” He gestured to his left. “And these shallow, turquoise lagoons.” He slowed, so I did too. “Bioluminescent corals?” he asked, pointing.

Now that the sun had begun to set, the colors were even more striking. I’d made this trek so many times since I’d begun to work at the palace that I sometimes didn’t notice them.

“Yes.” Nodding to the many bridges woven from shells and sea glass ahead of us as we began riding once again. “Also bioluminescent. The shells absorb sunlight during the day. That bluish glow now, at dusk, is called The Tide’s Gift. It lights the path for travelers but is also a revered symbol of our clan’s deep connection with nature. The harmony between Thalassaria and the ocean is life-giving to us, as I’m sure you are aware. We leave our mounts here.”

Smiling as we dismounted and walked into the stables, I watched the human’s expression, one I’d seen many times before. Anticipating his questions, I said, “Each “stall” is an open alcove, as you see, formed from natural rock and coral. The seashell mosaics and flowing seaweed curtains have existed for hundreds of years.”

“I never expected the palace to have so many unique features,” he said as the stablemaster took both of our mounts. Patting Seaborn’s flank, I thanked the young man and led Sir Rowan back outside. We walked toward yet another bridge, past cascading waterfalls that misted the air around us.

“It is the best of Thalassaria, according to the queen.”

I should not have added that last bit. Unfortunately, he noticed. Sir Rowan stopped in the middle of the bridge and stepped toward me. Though he likely did it to hear me more clearly, with the sound of waterfalls drowning out our words, my heart still skipped a little beat.

“According to the queen?”

I rarely slipped up so easily. But something about this man made my tongue wag more freely than it should. His easy manner and smiles, maybe.

Trying to deflect the question, I asked one of him. “What is your role in Estmere, Sir Rowan? I find myself most curious about your purpose here.”

“Simply Rowan,” he said. “I am the son of a nobleman who wishes for a place for humans in Elydor.”

“Simply?” I cocked my head to the side. “Is there anything simple about you, Rowan?”

His brief lip bite was so quick, if I blinked, I would have missed it.

“I could say the same of you. Tell me… why are you not wary of me?”

“Why should I be wary of you?” I asked, pretending not to understand his question.

But I did.

“I’ve never met a Thalassarian quite as welcoming to a human.”

“Your answer is an honest one.”And accurate, too.“Those who raised me have a more measured view of humans than some of my clan. But,” she was quick to add, “they are not alone. More think as we do than you might believe.” I could have said more but thought better of it.

“The palace is the best of Thalassaria, according to the queen.” He returned to my earlier words. “You do not agree with Queen Lirael on its merits, and if I were to be bold in saying so, other matters as well.”

This human was dangerous, in a different way than most.

“You have the Sight?”

He shook his head. “I do not.”

Crossing my arms, I gave Rowan a look that told him I didn’t believe him. Because I didn’t. “You could not know as much otherwise.”

His slow smile was meant to disarm me. And it worked.