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Mer blinked down at the old woman. How did she know she was the queen?

As if the crone could hear her thoughts, she said, “Dear girl, do you really think there are any other Sirenidae in the palace?”

“There are healers.” Or there could be servants like Phia of mixed heritage.

“True, but what would one be doing in my room when they should be in the plague camps? They wouldn’t be sulking around the palace running away from their duties, would they?”

Plague camps? Interesting. Everyone had been pretty close-lipped about the sickness. Even young Duchess Keventin had been scared to speak of it, as if mentioning it would bring the disease upon you.

“It seems like you have me at a disadvantage. What is your name?” Mer redirected, feeling altogether more seen than she would have liked.

“You may call me Ravielle or Ravi for short. Now, what are you doing here?”

For a brief second, Mer debated telling her a lie but ultimately decided to be honest. “I’m in search of the nests. I’ve been cooped up too long in my room with nothing to occupy my mind.”

“So Raziel has you tied to his bed, does he?”

For some reason, Mer blushed. Hard. “No, he doesn’t want to see me.”

“I see. A lover’s spat. It will be over soon, pet.”

“It’s nothing like that.”

“Then tell me what it’s like.”

“He doesn’t trust me.” Why was she telling the old woman this? “And he shouldn’t.”

Ravi’s white eyebrows arched high. “And so, you’re seeking a bond for yourself?”

“Your culture surrounds thefiilee. I figured it would be a good way to start my new life. I must fit in.” A lie. One she truly felt guilty over.

“I don’t think so,” Ravi retorted with a chuckle. “I can sense the wildness about you. You crave freedom, and ourfiileeoffer that. I’ll humor you, little Sirenidae. There’s a set of stairs outside my rooms right across the hall. Take them down five levels and turn left. You’ll smell the nests before you see them.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me. This knowledge is not free.”

Mer shifted on her feet. “What do you want of me?”

“Another interesting visit.”

That was easy. “I can do that.”

“With you and the king.”

That would be harder. “I will do my best.”

“I’m sure you will.” Ravi grinned. “And remember one thing.”

Mer nodded and then rolled her eyes at herself. The bloody woman couldn’t see. “What is that?”

“Don’t get eaten, little fish. Bonding with afiileeis more difficult than you can imagine.”

“I’ll try not to.”

“We shall see.”

Mer walked to the door, leaving wet footsteps behind on the carpets. She eyed the cloak hanging near the door and threw it over her shoulders. She’d return it. Eventually.