After we finished addressing the whole group, we broke off into pairs, making rounds and talking to the people. They asked questions and we answered them to the best of our ability.
Many were eager to help us, others shared their worries, their concerns, their fear of leaving the water. We reassured them no penalty would come against them for staying back.
All in all, it was a successful outing. I enjoyed getting to explore the city, the little bit of it we did see. And I delighted in the creatures that allowed for us to see them in their shifted forms, learning about a multitude of water creatures I had never heard of before.
As we swam back to the palace, I felt a sense of peace. This—this is what being queen was supposed to be like. Talking with my people—taking the time to get to know them. To learn about their cultures. Traveling around the courts and making connections.
If we made it out of this, I promised I’d do this more often—that Luka and I would travel—that we’d get to see our people. I’d find joy in this title I was never supposed to have. Although maybe when it was all said and done, I wouldn’t have this title anymore.
The crown was supposed to be Nol’s after all. I knew he wasn’t in a place to take it on now—he still had a long road to recovery after his capture—but someday, he’d take back his crown and I’d no longer be High Queen.
“What are you thinking about?” Luka interrupted my thoughts.
We had fallen to the back of the group, letting the rest swim ahead.
“I was thinking about what a future might look like when all of this is settled.”
“Hmmm,” He murmured. “I’d like to think we’d take a vacation, get away from everyone for a while. Have you all to myself for two weeks. Fuck, an entire month. Nothing but me and you.”
My body warmed. “I think I’d like that.”
The corner of his mouth pulled upward. “Really?”
“Really.” I grabbed his hand, pulling him toward me as we rotated in the water. “I think we’ve earned it, some time to be happy.” I looped my arms around his neck.
He kissed me softly before resting his forehead against mine as our air bubbles combined into one. “I’ll spend the rest of eternity ensuring we make up for all the happiness you’ve missed out on and then some.”
“You already have,” I told him before sealing my lipsover his. One of his hands shifted from my hip to the small of my back, pressing me tighter against him.
“I love you,” he breathed into my lips.
“Until the stars turn to dust, Luka Rossi.”
“Until the stars turn to dust, Lennox Adair.”
Luka and I caught back up to the group, finding Yemaya and Luce waiting outside the palace doors, the rest of our friends nowhere to be seen.
“Sorry,” I said, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.
The mermaid smiled softly. “It’s a joy to see you flourishing after hearing everything you have suffered, Your Majesty.”
“A joy they’re horny all the time?” Luce scoffed.
“Where did the rest of the group end up?” I asked, ignoring my cousin.
“My sister led them back inside. I am going to bring Luciana to meet a few of the witches we have in residence in Thalassa. We will catch back up with you shortly and then we will bring you back to the surface.”
Luka and I nodded in unison.
“Do you know your way back to the antechamber?”
Luka swung his arm over my shoulders, “I think we can figure it out. Thank you, Yemaya.”
“The pleasure is mine, Your Majesties.” With the flick of her tail, she and Luce were gone, leaving nothing but a trail of bubbles behind her.
We took our time making it to the antechamber; when we arrived Sidna still sat on her shell chair, the rest of our group staring at her with apprehension.
“You made it.” The sister’s violet eyes narrowed in on Luka and I before glancing behind us. “What happened to my sister?”
