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T here was nothing except the swaying of waves, the creaking of wood, the softness of fur and the gentlest purring next to her ear.

Maris wasn’t sure how long she had been unconscious. As her eyes fluttered open, she stared at a pair of yellow cat eyes, then a soft head bumped into her temple after something raspy licked her cheek. She knew right away it was Cerberus, but between the need to rest, the fever induced dreams, and the swaying of her body, Maris couldn’t bring herself to open her eyes fully.

In her unconsciousness, someone took care of her. Gentle and firm hands washed her skin and cleaned her wounds, fed her, and made her drink water. Sealian water in its purest form. Delirious, she drank greedily until there was nothing left, and even then she asked for more. The healing qualities worked their magic, and one day, bothered by the heat inside the chamber, Maris finally opened her eyes to stare at a wooden ceiling.

The humidity made the heat so much worse. It drenched her skin in a thin layer of sticky sweat. She pulled the fur blanket from her body and sighed as the air cooled her. Next to her, a large pitcher of water waited for her. She smacked her dry lips and struggled to sit up. By her feet, Cerberus slept soundly, until she accidentally hit her with her foot. The cat’s eyes flew open. She chittered happily and ran up to her.

“Cerberus,” Maris croaked, scratching Cerberus’ nape before turning to the water pitcher. She stretched her arm and grabbed it just as someone walked through the door.

The surprised gasp didn’t bother Maris as she took large gulps of the precious liquid .

“You are awake,” the person whispered, and it wasn’t until Maris placed the pitcher back in the nightstand that she saw who it was.

“Eyphah,” Maris said, breathing hard.

The other woman placed the plate of food she was holding on top of a wooden crate and scrambled out of the chamber. Maris could hear her announcing that she was awake. After a pause, heavy steps raced to the chamber and quieted down just as Valda peaked her head inside.

Valda.

Maris swallowed thickly as her mate’s face contorted in happiness and relief. “Thank the gods! You are awake.” Valda’s voice quivered as joy thrummed in their bond.

“Valda!” Maris cried out, her arms extending as she reached out to grab hold of her mate.

With two broad strides, Valda kneeled next to the bed and wrapped her arms around her waist. Maris welcomed the embrace, enveloping Valda’s shoulders and pressing her lips to the side of her neck, taking in her scent, saturating her senses with everything that was Valda. Pulling back, Maris frowned as she took notice of the healing scar on Valda’s face.

Another one. Her fingers traced over the pinkish skin that went from the top of her forehead down the side of her face. Swallowing hard, she pulled away to look at her surroundings before. “How long was I asleep?”

“A week,” Valda said, her eyes fluttering shut as she leaned into Maris’s touch. “I was growing desperate.”

“A week?!” Maris almost recoiled. She looked around her, the wooden walls closing in on her as her breath quickened. “Where are we?”

Valda captured her shaking hands with her own and squeezed tight. “We are in the Sea Kingdom.”

Maris froze. The Sea Kingdom. Her eyes trailed to the water pitcher. No wonder it tasted different, cleaner, crisper. “We are in the Sea Kingdom?”

Valda nodded fervently. “You don’t have to worry about anything. Eyphah has been taking good care of the Sealians. As soon as they all made it here, they began working and making plans.” Valda’s smile could illuminate the entire room. “You just wait and see all the plans your people have for rebuilding this kingdom.”

Maris released a breath, her hand pressing to the tender flesh of her chest. She hissed slightly before looking down at the scar forming there .

“How…”

“A miracle,” Valda said.

“I died, didn’t I?”

Valda closed her eyes tightly, grabbed her hand and pressed it to her face. “I don’t know who I must thank for it. I don’t know if it was Ouranos, Poseidon or Asclepius, but you were brought back to me. I felt the bond dissolve, but then I felt it snap back into place and…” Valda shuddered, kissing Maris’s hands reverently. “I don’t want to feel that ever again.”

Looking at Cerberus now, Maris remembered her limping towards them, she remembered the bombs, the destruction. “Oberon Castle—”

“I’ve already ordered its reconstruction,” Valda said. “Kayden and Kenna have been helping me with materials and working hands. In the meantime, we are here…”

Maris lower jaw quivered. “We are in the Sea Kingdom?” she asked again, unable to believe it. After all this time, after everything they went through…

Valda nodded before hooking one arm under Maris’s legs and cradling her to her chest. Cerberus jumped off the bed, running towards the exit, while Maris released a surprised yelp. She wrapped her arms around Valda’s shoulders and pressed her face to Valda’s temple as she was carried out of the chamber. The sound of rushing water turned into butterflies in her stomach as the faces of happy Sealians zoomed by.

The sun kissed her skin, warming her very soul as the scent of salt filled her lungs. And the breeze… Maris sighed, closing her eyes as she enjoyed the breeze roaring inside her head. Overwhelmed and on the brink of tears, she clutched Valda’s shoulders and pressed her forehead to her temple.

The other woman scoffed softly before peppering soft kisses to her cheek. Maris didn’t move. Instead, she accepted the sweet caress and shook her head, her eyes still closed.

“It’s all right, Seashell. You can open your eyes,” Valda said, with a softness in her voice that touched the very fiber of their bond.

“I am scared.”

“Of what?”

“I am not sure. Maybe I think it will be too overwhelming.”

Valda chuckled, her nose bumping on the side of her face. “Open your eyes. I swear you will love it.”

Sighing, Maris pulled away from Valda’s comforting caress. A soft golden light seeped into Maris’s closed eyelids. As her eyes fluttered open, her gaze was drawn to the breathtaking beauty unfurling before her. She knew the Sea Kingdom was beautiful thanks to Isen and Valda’s stories, but what was before her was something otherworldly.

The vast expanse of the ocean stretched out into infinity. Its waters were kissed by the tender blush of a setting sun. The moving waters were alive with shades of embers and white gold. As the waves crested, they called Maris to dip her toes in, to take it all in.

To hear the stories and read the descriptions and see the illustrations was nothing compared to what was before her. Staring at the sea in its unadulterated glory struck her as incomprehensible in its enormity.

If only Melvian and Isen were here to see it… Her chest tightened for a moment and by the way Valda kissed her temple once more, she knew her mate felt the heaviness within.

The laughing of the children pulled her away from her thoughts as Cai, Coljar, Lia, and Kimmi ran past her into an incoming wave. Although Lia stayed by the shore, the others let themselves fall into the water, screaming in pure delight.

Grinning, Valda lowered Maris’s feet to the warm and soft sand. Behind them, Cerberus shook her paws in annoyance and went back inside.

Maris’s attention went to the sand while she moved her feet, taking it in and how it yielded to her every slight movement.

The murmur of the waves made her shudder in a breath before taking a tentative step towards them. As the water rushed in, it soaked her toes up to her ankles and she squealed in delight. Valda’s laugh echoed behind her, both amused and full of pride.

Turning towards the other woman, Maris grabbed Valda’s hand and pulled her in. Valda hesitated, took off her boots, and rolled up her linen pants before Maris hurried her up. She grabbed her blouse, tugging on it harshly as a powerful wave came and hit them over the thighs.

The squeals of delight from the children gave Maris enough strength to yank Valda into the waters. A strong wave crashed against them, and as Maris lost her footing, she dragged Valda with her. Their laughter was drowned by the waves, and it was Maris who held her ground as the water ebbed away to reveal Valda clumsily trying to get back on her feet.

A surge of joy flourished within Maris. As laughter erupted from her chest, Maris grabbed Valda’s arm, salty water sluiced from her beautiful dark strands, blinding her for a second. The other woman sputtered, wiped her hair away from her face before a childlike grin almost erased the grotesque scar over her left eye. Pulling Valda to her feet, Maris flicked Valda’s hair away from her face before pulling her down and smashing their lips together.

And this…

This was happiness.

It was cold and Valda would not allow Maris to be out playing on the beach so late at night. Never mind the enormous bonfire warming those who stayed outside. Maris was still recuperating, and she needed to rest.

Inside the wooden villa, food filled the living quarters. Warm chicken and casabe were sprawled out for everyone to enjoy. Pitchers filled with meidaia quenched the thirst of all the adults while the little ones drank coconut water. With a satisfied sigh, Valda watched as Maris picked a casabe, filled it with spicy chicken, and handed it to Lia, who ran off with the rest of the kids.

Cerberus lay next to Valda, tail flicking side to side, purring softly, contently.

Maris’s beautiful blue eyes shot up to her, and a soft smile curved her lips. Heat spread through her chest and neck. How was it possible that a simple smile could undo her in such a way?

Maris offered her some food as well, adding a bit of an extra sauce made of tomato and spices. Valda took it, but she was too enthralled watching Maris feed those around her. She didn’t notice a blob of sauce falling from the casabe and staining her slacks.

“Do you need a bib?” Maris asked, grabbing cloth and wiping Valda’s slacks with a wide grin on her face.

Valda shook her head, her eyes glued to Maris before the distinct sound of babies crying filled the villa. Maris’s expression lit up, and her neck turned towards the entryway.

An exhausted Eyphah walked in, her arms heavy with two screaming babies.

“The twins!” Maris yelped, dropping the cloth, and running towards the other Sealian woman.

Eyphah’s rueful smile, surprisingly, didn’t make Valda’s stomach turn with jealousy. Instead, she studied the other woman’s appearance. She was tired, and for someone who found their soulmate, she didn’t look as happy as Valda would expect .

As Eyphah gave Maris one baby, they made their way towards Valda again. Eyphah’s smile didn’t vanish as she kneeled before Valda and handed the second child to her. Ciel’s wide-open honey eyes looked at Valda, then around the room before settling on Eyphah again. Her tiny hands were outstretched, reaching for nothing and everything at the same time. Valda cradled the child to her chest, sharing the warmth from her body while Maris snuggled close to her, holding Struan, still screaming at the top of his lungs.

“I need to sleep,” Eyphah announced, pointing at the dark circles under her eyes. “I am glad you are awake, Your Highness.” She paused, looked at Valda, and bowed her head low. “Thank you for bringing her home.”

Valda nodded. “I made a promise.”

“Regardless… thank you.” Turning to Maris, Eyphah bowed once again and left.

The murmuring and laughter inside the villa diminished until the sound of the raging waves outside was the only thing enveloping them. Struan’s fussing continued until Maris pressed her forehead to his. The baby calmed down the moment their skin touched. Chuckling, Maris pulled away and regarded Valda with a smile.

“Can you imagine if we could pass our gifts on these two?”

“Last I knew, only gods and goddesses can do that,” Valda said, looking at Ciel, who slept peacefully in her embrace.

“We are the gods’ vessels…” Maris said, raising a skeptical eyebrow. “Who says we can’t bless our babies with this gift?”

Ours? Valda swallowed hard, then looked down at Ciel. It made sense, somehow, that they could give their gift to someone that wasn’t their bloodline. What happened to those kings before her that couldn’t have a child?

Sighing, Valda pressed her forehead to Ciel’s and then closed her eyes. The steady warmth of the symbol on her forehead grew as the light filtered through her eyelids. Ciel woke up, fussed at the heat radiating from Valda’s forehead, and cried softly. Pulling away, the soft light feathered over the baby’s face until it disappeared as golden dust into the cold air.

Valda blinked once and turned to Maris, who was staring at her with parted lips.

“Did it work?” Maris asked, her gaze jumping from Ciel to Valda.

“We won’t know until they are older…” Valda said before jutting her chin to Struan. “Try it.”

Maris frowned as she regarded Struan. He was awake, honey eyes looking up at her with both bewilderment and curiosity. Maris didn’t hesitate. She pressed her forehead to Struan, whose little hands grabbed hold of her blue strands. The same soft hue that appeared on Valda’s forehead shone from Maris onto Struan. The baby fussed until Maris pulled away. He yawned, closed his eyes, and settled in her arms to sleep.

“What would Melvian say if she were here?” Valda asked.

Pain surfaced in their bond, but it washed away with mischievousness and a hint of joy. Maris smiled and shook her head before she said, “She would be pissed.”

“Why?”

“Because she would have to clean up the mess they would cause if they do have our powers.“ Maris chuckled, nuzzling her nose to Struan’s cheek. “Little tornadoes and typhoons.”

Valda watched intently. The tender moment was something she had hoped for. Holding Isen and Melvian’s babies as if they were her own, watching her mate kiss and care for them while resting in her kingdom…

Without saying a word, Maris stood from her spot and made her way back to the chamber. Valda followed suit, as did Cerberus, who had been sleeping next to her. Inside the chamber, Maris settled Struan on the bed, then took Ciel from Valda’s arms and set her next to her brother, took a step back and studied them.

“If Eyphah says it’s all right, I would love to care for them,” Maris said, rubbing the back of her hand against Ciel’s cheek. “It would be like having a piece of Melvian around still.”

Valda nodded. “I would love to care for them as well, but Eyphah is their aunt and—”

“I think she had a lot to deal with, being Kenna’s mate,” Maris interrupted before turning to Valda. “Do you think they will marry?” she asked, then her eyes widened. “Are we supposed to get—”

“I would love nothing more than to call you not only my mate, but my wife as well,” Valda blurted. Her chest tightened and her lips quivered. “You already know my intentions regarding you. I promise you the sky and the sea, and everything in between. I will care for you as I’ve done and—” Valda stumbled into her words. She touched her scabbard, her chest, and then her slacks. “I don’t have anything to propose with, but—”

“Valda—” Maris grabbed her forearms, but Valda had already gotten on one knee.

“I offer everything that I am; my entire existence is yours to have. In exchange, give me your nights and your mornings. Your happiness and sadness. I will hold on to all of them as long as you are by my side.” Valda licked her lips and leaned closer. “Maris Era, Queen of the Sea Kingdom,” a nervous smile stretched across Valda’s face. “Will you marry me? ”

Maris stood still, looking down at Valda with wide-open eyes and parted lips. She turned to look at the children on the bed, at Cerberus, who had just jumped on the mess of furs to smell the babies’ heads before rolling into a tight ball. Maris regarded Valda again, her hands coming to cup her jaw. Valda thought she would feel hesitation, but all she felt was warmth, happiness, and excitement.

“Yes. I will marry you, Valda Aither, Queen of the Sky King—”

Valda didn’t allow her to finish her sentence. She pulled Maris down and captured her lips in a scorching kiss, wrapping her arms around her waist and lifting her off the floor. She wanted to be consumed, to feel her and nothing else.

Although Maris returned the heated kiss tenfold, she squirmed in Valda’s embrace until she was set back on the ground. Lost in the shining cobalt of Maris’s blue eyes, Valda scoffed, irritated when the other woman looked away and down her blouse. It wasn’t until she saw the two silver rings dangling from her necklace that she realized what Maris wanted.

Swallowing hard, clearly trying to contain her emotions, Maris looked up at Valda. The silent question hung in the air, and Valda nodded wholeheartedly.

“It would be an honor.”

Closing her eyes tightly, one tear rolled down Maris’s cheek before Valda embraced her again.