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Her tears did fall this time, stinging her cheeks. No one spoke of Ream except for Sin, like his betrayal negated his entire life.

“I miss him,” she whispered brokenly.

“I do too,” Sin replied.

“Do you know what the worst part is? If he’d survived, I don’t know that I could have lived with the knowledge that he helped the Scythians hurt our people. I think in my heart, I wouldn’t have forgiven him. But, despite that, I still mourn the future we’d planned.” Mer pulled away and wiped at her face, hating the tears that caused her cheeks to itch. She never had this issue in the sea. “I wanted a family, and all of that is gone now.” She inhaled roughly. “Am I selfish?”

“Let yourself mourn. It’s natural.” Sin cupped her cheek, his long fingers tangling with her hair. “Your future is not gone. Changed, yes, but not gone. You can still have a family.”

Mer hiccupped and gave a watery laugh. “I am a traitor to the crown by supporting the people of the surface. No good Sirenidae man would have me, and even if he did, my actions would always bring shame upon our family and our children. I couldn’t bear it.”

“You are not alone. You will get through this.”

She nodded and pulled his hand away, giving it one squeeze before using her shirtsleeve to scrub her face. “I’m sorry for the self-pity.”

“You never have to be sorry for your grief. You’ve suffered much, and your trials are not yet finished.”

That sobered her. “Have you heard anything about my judgment? Any indication what the king plans to do?”

Sin frowned and crossed his arms. “Nothing.”

“It’s been postponed twice.” She stared out at the darkened outline of the nearest ship bobbing in the bay, a sliver of moonlight gleaming off the waves. “What is he waiting for?” Other than to torture her.

“You’re a favorite of your grandfather’s. I’m not sure he knows what to do with you.”

“He has a vindictive streak. Make no mistake. He isn’t delaying because he’s unsure. He’s delaying because he wants it to hurt me as much as I hurt him.” She snorted. “And because he knows how much I hate waiting.”

“Patience is not your virtue,” Sin agreed, a twinkle in his pale magenta eyes.

“Ha ha,” she huffed.

Her brother-in-law gave her a half smile before glancing over his shoulder back at the sea. “I need to return before someone notices my absence.”

“Be safe,” she said, swallowing the lump in her throat. While he wasn’t blood, he was her brother through and through.

“You as well. I’ll see you next week.”

Mer nodded and spun on her heel, refusing to say goodbye or watch him leave. She’d already said goodbye too many times to people she loved.

Chapter Four

MER

Her gaze landedon her aunt’s old but well-kept vessel, theSirenidae, skipping over the shouting merchants nearby. The ship had been painted pale green in contrast to the dark wood of its hull and deck. It had a few more scars than it did before, but the ship was still majestic.

Mer ignored the sailor’s bawdy stories as she strode down the dock and across the ramp to the ship, gripping the rope rails. When her feet met the deck, Mer peered around curiously. The ship was clean, its wooden deck well oiled and practically gleaming in the soft lantern light. Large white sails billowed in the breeze, a stark contrast to the clear black night sky dotted with stars.

She hovered on the edge of the lantern’s light. All seemed right, but it was too quiet.

“You’re right to be leery,ma fille,” a smoky voice called softly from the stern.

Mer sighed. Nothing got past Lilja.

“Lurking in the dark?” Mer called, moving toward the stern. She jogged up the stairs and arched an eyebrow at her aunt who leaned casually against the far railing, a pipe dangling between her fingers. “What is that?”

Her aunt smiled. “I won it in a card game. I’m deciding if I want to keep it or toss it into the waves below for a wee one to find.”

“Toss it,” Mer said, slinging her left hip against the staircase handrail. “Discovering treasure is exciting."