Page 9

9

M aris couldn’t believe she was holding a new Sealian. The baby’s cries seeped through the house’s wooden walls and into the afternoon air.

Staring down at the tiny life in her arms, Maris marveled at the soft, dark blue curls crowning the baby’s head. Melvian worked quickly beside her, patting the baby down with a clean towel. In front of them, Coral’s elated sobs broke her concentration, and she was reminded that she needed to give the baby back to his rightful parents. Next to Coral, her mate smiled with tears streaming down his face just as Maris placed the newborn in Coral’s arms.

Immediately, Melvian helped the new mother and showed her the proper way to help the baby latch on to her nipple.

Maris took a couple of steps back and allowed her best friend to do the rest of the work. It had been gratifying helping Melvian and Coral bring a new Sealian into the world. Holding the baby had lodged something deep within her chest that she hadn’t been able to explain. She wanted to protect that baby with every fiber of her being.

Maris wanted to protect them all…

Her thoughts were interrupted when Melvian gently took her hand and led her out of the room, quietly closing the door behind them.

“They need some privacy,” Melvian whispered. They moved into the small kitchen, where Melvian released a shuddering sob, one hand rubbing her own round stomach .

Maris didn’t ignore the silence. She walked up to Melvian, pulled her in for a hug and squeezed her tightly. Dropping the towel she was holding, Melvian leaned into the hug, her breaths shuddering against Maris’s shoulder.

Melvian missed Isen, Maris could feel it in the desperation of her hug. Maris didn’t let go until Melvian patted her back and loosened her grip. Even as Melvian pulled away, she kept a hand on Melvian’s shoulder, unwilling to fully let her go.

“I can’t wait to live that,” Melvian said, her gaze glued to the floor.

Maris tried so hard to give her an honest smile, but the rueful curve of her lips betrayed her unease. She wasn’t ready, not emotionally, mentally, or in any way—to be the one to deliver Melvian’s baby.

“We are getting closer every day to that beautiful meeting,” Maris said, her hand touching the roundness of Melvian’s stomach.

Melvian squeezed her fingers to get her attention. “Do you know what I’d love to do, Maris?”

Arching her brow, she silently egged her to continue. “Don’t get me wrong, I am happy being with you and teaching you all about being a blessed Asclepius worshiper, but I would love to see the Sea Kingdom, with you, Isen, the baby…” Melvian closed her eyes, as if imagining the picture-perfect scene. “Could you find it in your heart to take us there?”

“You don’t have to ask me twice, Melvian. I would gladly take you there. I am sure Isen would love for you to meet his homeland. I would love to see it as well.”

“It would be magical, wouldn’t it?” A soft grin stretched across her features before her brown eyes fell on Maris. “Soon. Right?”

“Soon,” Maris said, nodding and pulling her hand and kissing her knuckles. Melvian’s eyes softened, the same hand Maris was holding unfolded to pet her cheek. It was natural for them to show affection to one another, yet the past four months together had strengthened their friendship more than ever.

Maris couldn’t see a future where Melvian wasn’t in it.

“We better leave before they kick us out,” Melvian said, walking out the door.

“They are going to need all the rest they can get,” Maris said, walking down the stairs until a certain Sealian waved at her from the alleyway connecting to the center square.

Eyphah was holding her staff and the trident with one hand, while waving her hand enthusiastically.

Maris released a groan, and Melvian couldn’t help but turn to Eyphah and then to Maris. “Is everything alright with you two? ”

“She wants to train,” Maris said, her tone flat and unamused.

“What’s wrong with that?”

“I am. I am what’s wrong with that.” With a scoff, Maris waved goodbye to Melvian and moped her way to Eyphah.

“Your Highness!”

Eyphah’s happy greeting somehow sat well with Maris. She was actually glad that the other woman was in a good mood. She was being overdramatic, but Maris appreciated the positivity. Maybe today she might hold on to the trident how she was supposed to.

Eyphah gave a theatrical bow, making Maris roll her eyes.

“Stop it,” she muttered, waving a dismissive hand.

“Today is a day for celebration!” Eyphah proclaimed, handing over the trident with a flourish. “A new Sealian has joined the settlement!”

“That is an excellent reason to celebrate,” Maris said, grabbing the trident with both hands. She noticed the slight bulging of her forearm muscles, and she couldn’t help but be proud of herself. Of course, nothing compared to Valda’s arms. The same arms that would wrap around her with an iron grip and wouldn’t let go…

Maris closed her eyes tightly and cursed under her breath. She couldn’t let herself get lost in thoughts of Valda—not now. If she did, more memories would flood in, and she’d lose her focus. She couldn’t afford another mistake.

“Ready?” Eyphah asked, her voice breaking through Maris’s spiraling thoughts. The other woman spun her spear in a playful pirouette as she grinned.

Maris was sure Eyphah was just showing off—or maybe she was taunting her.

She widened her stance, bent at the knees, and lowered her body, her hands gripping the trident like her life depended on it.

Without warning, Eyphah charged, her spear coming down in a swift arc toward Maris’s head.

This time, Maris was ready. She moved fast enough to block the attack, pushing Eyphah with a sharp shove. Her wrist shifted, changing her grip as she swung the trident in a smooth motion, forcing Eyphah to take a step back.

Eyphah grinned as if she was having the time of her life and Maris wanted to wipe that smirk off her face.

When Eyphah thrust her spear forward, Maris sidestepped. Her body moved instinctively, and to her surprise, she didn’t stumble. The trident felt less like a foreign object and more like an extension of herself as she swung its blunt end into the back of Eyphah’s knee.

The other woman cursed under her breath, but quickly recovered to block a shove of Maris’s weapon.

“Well done!” she laughed before slamming her arm against Maris’s trident.

The impact was enough to throw Maris off balance. She fell forward, the trident slipping from her grip as she hit the ground chest-first.

But this time, she didn’t stay down, sulking in defeat like she had before.

As Eyphah walked towards her, Maris wasted no time crashing her boot against Eyphah’s foot, sending her to the ground with her.

“Not so comfortable, is it?” Maris said, scrambling forward on her hands and knees toward the trident.

Eyphah snarled, reaching out to grab Maris’s ankle. With a sharp yank, she pulled Maris back and shoved her into the sand before getting to her feet and kicking the trident out of reach.

Maris slammed her hand into the sandy ground in frustration. Yet, to her surprise, she didn’t feel defeated.

She had knocked Eyphah down, and that insignificant victory was enough to make her grin despite herself.

“See!” Eyphah laughed as she gathered the trident. “You can fucking fight.”

Maris stood, noticing that the other woman was having trouble catching her breath. She did that. She could fight. Her chest filled with pride as she walked towards Eyphah.

“This should motivate you to keep going. Who knows? Maybe one day you might pin me down.”

“I might,” Maris said, dusting the sand from her pants.

“I wouldn’t mind…” Eyphah said, a slight playful tone in her voice.

Before Maris could respond, Eyphah’s smile faltered, her playful expression replaced with surprise as her gaze shifted past Maris.

“Isen!” Melvian suddenly called out.

Behind Maris, Melvian’s happy squeal was followed by the sound of running hooves. Maris turned just in time to see Isen leaping from his horse, closing the distance between him and Melvian. His arms wrapped around her in a crushing embrace, spinning her off the ground as she laughed.

Eyphah shoved the trident to Maris’s side and ran to meet her twin brother .

And Maris held her breath.

Maris stared at the road Isen had taken to enter the settlement, her gaze lingering as if willing a miracle to appear—a familiar figure riding her horse right behind him.

But no one came.

Her chest sank with a sadness she hadn’t anticipated. Part of her wanted to see Valda, craved her presence. By Tartarus… The crack in her heart deepened at the realization that Valda wasn’t with Isen.

Watching Isen release his mate to wrap his arms around Eyphah made Maris realize that just as Melvian missed her mate, Eyphah missed her brother, the only family she had left.

Eyphah cupped Isen’s bearded cheeks, tilting his head down to inspect him as if searching for unseen wounds. When she seemed satisfied, her hands trembled as she pulled him closer, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

And then she cried.

Maris knew Eyphah regretted every harsh word she had ever spoken about her brother. With the Skylian army hunting him for treason, seeing him alive and whole must have been a relief.

Isen held his sister in a strong, overpowering hug, and they didn’t let go. Not until Melvian made her presence known by touching Isen’s flank. Then his attention shifted back to his mate, and Maris watched as Melvian’s tears flowed freely.

She felt as if she shouldn’t intrude on the intimacy of the moment. And yet, she couldn’t look away.

A rush of jealousy flowed through her as she watched Isen kiss Melvian with the desperation of a man denied water, she couldn’t help but feel envious of their bond—the completeness they shared.

Maris’s feet carried her forward without thought. As she approached, she heard Isen marveling at Melvian’s growing stomach, his hand resting tenderly on her belly.

They weren’t supposed to be apart.

As Maris stood before Isen, the man’s jaw quivered. Still clutching Melvian’s hand, he bowed on one knee and greeted Maris.

“No, Isen. Please,” Maris scolded him, pulling Isen and gasping at the sudden overbearing hug. Isen shook in the embrace and only pulled away when Melvian called to him. The man was crying, like a child who’ve been lost and found safety again.

“Let’s go inside and get you something to eat. You look like you’ve come from far away. ”

Isen nodded, rubbing his nose against his arm before scoffing. “I am starving…”

Maris gave him a rueful smile before heading to House Arago. Melvian ushered her mate, holding his forearm while walking in.

Out of the corner of her eye, Maris caught a dark shadow darting between two cabins. Her steps faltered, her gaze snapping toward the movement. Isen, Melvian, and Eyphah disappeared through the doorway, their voices muffled as they entered.

Maris frowned, her eyes trailing over the broken roads and the alleyways connecting the houses in the settlement. A distinctive tug pulled at her. Excitement, then sadness.

Her hand rose instinctively, pressing against her sternum as if to soothe the ache. Valda.

Maris stood frozen for a moment, her grip tightening on the trident. The feeling was unmistakable, like a whisper at the edge of her senses.

Swallowing hard, Maris descended a step, her ears straining against the quiet hum of the settlement. The sounds of children’s laughter and Sealians going about their day filled the air. Nothing out of the ordinary.

And yet, the unsettling sensation lingered. She couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her.

“Your Highness? Are you coming?” Eyphah’s voice broke through Maris’s thoughts.

“Yes…” Maris replied, her voice quieter than intended.

She didn’t turn immediately. Her gaze lingered on the empty streets outside, her frown deepening as the strange feeling clawed at her chest. But with a sharp inhale, she let it go and stepped inside.

They gathered around the large dining table. Maris took her seat at the head, with Eyphah settling to her right. Across from Eyphah sat Isen, with Melvian comfortably at his side.

It wasn’t long before food was served, filling the air with the warm, spiced aroma of the meal.

Isen sighed deeply as a plate was set before him. “Blessed be the Gods! I’ve missed this,” Isen almost sobbed, grabbing a piece of casabe and filling it with spiced pork. His first two bites were huge, almost vulgar, and Maris frowned at that.

How long has it been since he had a proper meal?

Her chest tightened at the thought. How long has it been since Valda had one?

Maris’s hands dropped to the table, her appetite wavering as she watched Isen devour his second casabe within moments .

Her mind drifted to Valda. Was she eating well? Was she safe? In the dreams, Valda always seemed strong, composed. But reality might be another story entirely.

Maris shook her head, trying to dispel the thoughts. If something was wrong, I’d know. I’d feel it.

Wouldn’t she?

And yet, Isen was here now. Perhaps something had happened.

Maris played with her food and tried her hardest to hide her discomfort, but of course, nothing could escape Eyphah’s prying eyes. The older woman moved her hand and touched Maris’s arms, calling for her attention quietly as Isen talked about how much he missed Sealian seasoning.

“Are you all right?” Her voice was low, intended only for Maris’s ears, but Melvian turned her attention from Isen to Maris.

“I am fine,” Maris lied.

“Are you sure?” Eyphah prodded again.

Feeling Isen and Melvian’s eyes on her, Maris sat up straight, moved her hand away from Eyphah’s grip and nodded.

Isen cleared his throat before speaking. “I know you are wondering where Valda is.”

That was a complete understatement. She wanted the other woman there with her, and she was hurt that she didn’t even dare to come with Isen. Was she going to be mad that Valda was there? Probably. Would she kick her out? Maybe. Maris didn’t know what she would do until the moment came—and Valda wasn’t even here to give her the chance to find out.

“I am worried about her,” Maris said, taking a piece of casabe into her mouth.

Eyphah scoffed at the mention of the Skylian Queen’s name.

Isen smiled. “If it eases your worries, just must know she has healed almost completely. She still feels some soreness in her chest.”

“Completely normal for her injuries,” Melvian interjected Isen’s words.

“She can run again. She has no trouble breathing and has gone back to training.”

Maris nodded. “Good. I am glad she is feeling like herself.” Pouting, she turned back to her food. She wanted to ask so many questions, but she didn’t even know how to start. Her lower lip trembled as she inhaled deeply. “I can’t feel her sometimes. During the day— I mean—” She swallowed hard. “During the night, I can feel her.”

“We are on the move during the day. We have moved operations over to Umbriel. As … ironic as it may sound, we have turned into the rebels.” He eyed his sister, but Eyphah’s at tention was on Maris. “We are on the run all the time. I suppose she blocks the bond, so you don’t worry about her. When we are sleeping, she stays up later than usual. She says she is praying to Ouranos but…” Isen grabbed a glass of water and took a couple of sips. “She is well physically, and to me, that’s what’s most important.”

Maris understood what he meant right away.

“Any words from Skylian rogues?” Eyphah asked, desperate to change the topic.

“Sister, we are rogues. Arwin and his goons are going around every single city and forcing people to pledge allegiance to him and the new Sealian queen. Anyone who refuses is put to death.” He stopped and took a deep breath, his eyes flickering to Eyphah. “I am surprised you are still well.”

“We’ve had encounters with those bastards. We have protected our queen, although I must say pledging allegiance to the man was the worst thing I could’ve done and that woman…” Eyphah’s mouth twisted in disgust. “She is not my queen. My queen is right here, next to me.”

“I am hiding away like a thief,” Maris scoffed and shook her head.

“I would say you are surviving. We are organizing, Your Highness. Umbriel has turned into a haven for us. Those escaping Arwin and the fake queen are all coming to Umbriel. It will be just a matter of time before we can build a strong resistance to take what’s ours.”

“How are you doing that knowing well they are after you?”

“You underestimate Valda’s loyalists. They would gladly give their lives for the rightful queen.”

“Not when they are threatened with death. I’ve seen what Arwin is capable of. I saw the mountain of corpses,” Maris said, her hand forming into a fist.

“I know what he is capable of. He left me for dead out in the burning sun. I am surprised I didn’t see the Oracle on my way back. My skin almost burned to a crisp like theirs did. Either way, many commoners have lent us their numbers. They are among us, quiet, waiting for the right time and plan to attack.”

“With what weapons?”

Isen swallowed hard, turned to Melvian and patted her thigh under the table. “We have our ways.”

“Banditry?” Eyphah asked, arching her brow at her brother.

“As queen, Valda helped some nobles and leaders before everything went to shit. Let’s say that… she is asking for that favor to be reciprocated.”

Maris arched her eyebrow and tilted her head .

Taking a large gulp of meidaila, Isen seemed to drown his nervousness. Once he swallowed hard, he continued. “Some nobles have been… persuaded to give us money. Others willingly gave us what we needed but we’ve organized small raids on Arwin’s men…and Vulcanians as well.”

Maris frowned at Isen.

“There has been more movement of Vulcanians on the west side of Umbriel. Their numbers are amassing, and because of that, I am not sure if Lasmeer sent out our note to Sir Kayden. I haven’t heard from Lasmeer or Kayden, for that matter. I am afraid we are not only fighting Arwin’s men, but Vulcanians as well. We need more people to join us in our battle.”

Maris’s stomach dropped, and a chill ran down her spine.

“No.” Maris said, shaking her head. “You will not take my people to war.”

“Your Highness!” Isen raised his voice, astonished by her answer. “You do not have a choice! Either you fight the Vulcanians and Arwin alone, or you fight the Vulcanians and Arwin alongside your mate.”

“I will have neither.”

“Do you really think you have a say in this? Eris and Arwin can arrive at any given moment and ask you to join them on their side of the war, what will you do? Kill a goddess?”

“I fucking would!” Maris stood up, the chair falling behind her in a loud clatter. “I am training. Your sister is teaching me how to fight. I will kill Eris if she insists on putting my people through war, even if it is the last thing I do in this life.”

“If you intervene, then they will know you have been kept hidden here. Arwin will call forth a genocide of all Sealians, and you know it.” Isen’s voice did not waver yet, his eyes gleamed in fear.

Maris pulled back, dread burrowing in her chest. Could she bear the guilt of her entire race being killed? Did she even have the strength to kill a goddess? Could a goddess be killed in the first place?

“Your Highness…” Eyphah whispered as she wrapped her fingers around Maris’s wrist. “Today has been a day full of emotions. I think it is best if we all rested for now, don’t you think?”

Maris’s gaze shifted from Isen to Eyphah. She snatched her hand away. “Enjoy the rest of the meal,” Maris said as she left to go upstairs .

“Maris, wait!” Melvian called out to her, but Maris was already climbing the stairs to her chamber.

Before she could close the door behind her, Melvian blocked her with her body. For a second, the young healer looked at her, expecting to be dismissed, but Maris huffed and opened the door for her.

“Maris…”

“He thinks I am weak. Isen thinks I am a useless ruler.”

“He doesn’t.”

“Do not defend him!”

Melvian raised her hands in self-defense. “I am not defending him. You are nervous and—”

“Can everyone stop trying to tell me what I am feeling?” Maris rolled her tongue over her lower lip. She stopped moving altogether before resuming. “I am pissed! Pissed that I don’t have the strength or the resources to get my people out of this damned place! I am petrified that any given day, Arwin and Eris will waltz through here again and kill you all! I am horrified that your death will fall on me!”

“They won’t. We know what we are exposing ourselves to when we decide to stay and help you. You are the rightful ruler of the Sea Kingdom, as Valda is of the Sky Kingdom. We will only accept the lawful queens. I am here to help you, and I told you before I am not leaving you, Maris. You need me as much as I need you.”

Maris turned her face away and covered her eyes with her hands. The last thing she wanted was for Melvian to see her cry. It would be yet again another sign of weakness… But she was so frustrated, and she felt like she was wasting her time hiding away in New Agenor when she should’ve been able to grab Poseidon’s trident and just pierce through anything or anyone who dared to threaten her people. She felt lost, abandoned, and alone.

“Maris.” Touching Maris’s back, Melvian released a frustrated sigh before freezing and grabbing Maris’s elbow.

Melvian’s trembling hand took Maris by surprise. She turned around and met Melvian’s wide eyes.

“What is it?”

Melvian pressed Maris’s hand to her stomach. Maris looked confused for a second until she felt the movement. Her eyes widened just like Melvian’s, and her tears were long forgotten. The child was moving… Finally! The child… Wait…

Maris’s confused frown wiped away Melvian’s smile. “Is— is something wrong?”

Maris did not answer. Instead, she moved her other hand to Melvian’s stomach. Her gaze was lost as she concentrated on the feeling. Finally, her eyes flickered to Melvian.

“Lay down on my bed.”

“You are scaring me.”

“Just lay down,” Maris commanded, opening the door to her room, to call for Isen, who was already coming up the stairs. His face was serious, contemplative. Behind him, Eyphah followed, frowning deeply.

“You are really scaring me,” Melvian said the moment she saw her mate walk through the door.

“You are petrified,” Isen murmured, and with two broad steps, he was next to Melvian, petting her dark hair and holding her trembling hand. “Be calm.”

Maris kneeled next to the bed, her hands moving to lift the Sealian tunic until Melvian’s stomach was exposed. She touched the underside of her belly, then the top right under her chest. She prodded until she felt a small roundness and then a second one. After a couple of silent seconds, Maris released her breath and turned to her friend. The smile that spread through the Sealian ruler made Melvian sob.

“Well, well, well!”

“Oh, just spit it out! You are going to kill me. Is something wrong with my baby?”

“There is nothing wrong with your babies, Melvian.” Maris’s grin grew wider.

Eyphah let out a soft gasp while Isen stared at Maris’s face. His grip on Melvian loosened as he moved his large hand over his mate’s stomach in awe.

“ Babies ? Plural?” Melvian asked.

Maris nodded. “You are having twins.”

Isen let out a breathy laugh before pressing his lips to Melvian’s temple. Melvian was too shocked to even notice the man’s affection. “I am having twins?” she asked, her hand absentmindedly rising to rub Isen’s bearded cheek. “Two?”

“Two babies,” Maris confirmed one last time.

Melvian turned to Isen, whose eyes sparkled with unshed tears. “Two.”

“Two.” He grinned and kissed her.

Maris stood and signaled Eyphah to leave with her. The older woman nodded and followed Maris down the stairs. She closed the door to give the couple some privacy. It wasn’t until she reached the end of the stairs that Eyphah commented on the exciting news .

“Two more Sealians to feed…” Eyphah said, while Maris frowned. As she opened her mouth to reprimand Eyphah, the woman waved her hand. “I am joking. I am more than happy for them.”

Maris huffed and shook her head. “Really, Eyphah. You had me worried there for a second.”

“I am looking forward to becoming an aunt. Better than having kids of my own.”

Maris chuckled, the idea of having kids never crossed her mind until Melvian revealed that she was pregnant. She was too young to be thinking about kids, but maybe one day she could raise a couple of kids with Valda…

Shaking her head, Maris waved at Eyphah. “An aunt can return the kid and not be frowned upon.”

“Exactly! No one will think I am a bad aunt!” Eyphah laughed, placing her hands on her waist as she made it to the door. “If I am not mistaken, we didn’t finish our training session today. Unless you want to cancel.”

Canceling was not an option. Not when things were about to get more dangerous. “I will meet you at the training grounds.”