Varkhazan bursts into raucous laughter as he slams his fist hard onto the arm of his throne. “Keiran Kaldor, the King Slayer! That is the best news. Claim control, you will be my steward!”
“That’s the bad news,” I say. “I have decided Varindor will not be under your control. I will become King of Varindor, with my fated mate, Sea Siren Princess Siralaine Stormborn, Morcant’s daughter, and we will be the true rulers of thiskingdom.”
His face changes from shock to anger to disbelief, his face becoming red, and I simply continue, “Any act to infiltrate Varindor will be seen as an act of war. And I know all of Alvazakh’s weaknesses, so don’t test me.”
Not waiting for a reply, I cut the connection, the glowing light disappearing, and I look across at Siralaine.
It is done.
Siralaine
I have just gotten dressedfor the coronation and my wedding. Everything seems to be happening so fast, but it’s like a fairy tale. Since the call with Varkhazan, I haven’t seen Kai, and I already miss him.
The dress I’m wearing is a beautiful gold, inspired by his eyes.
I hope he likes it.
A crown is placed on my head, and just as the servants are finishing adding the jewels to my hair, there’s a knock on the door.
“Lord Gideon is here to see you.”
“Let him in,” I say with a smile. The woman bows, and Gideon enters.
“My, you look beautiful,” he compliments.
“Thank you.”
“We didn’t get to talk at the ball, but I do want to talk to you, want to get to know you, not as Queen but as Serish’s daughter.” There’s an ache in his voice, and I stare at him in the mirror.
“I’d like that,” I say softly.
He nods. “I have some photographs, and some videos, they’re something that-”
I laugh. “I’ve been to Earth, does that mean my mother had?”
“Yes, although the videos are nowhere near as good as they are today, they are still a great memory. I had someone bring them to me, since they were stored at the treasury. They would be ruined underwater. I want to give them to you, so you could see the woman I knew before she met Morcant, the woman your mother truly was.” He holds out a box he had been hiding behind him. “Consider it a wedding gift.”
“Thank you…” I say quietly, accepting it.
He nods. “I hope one day you’ll visit the Holerian Sea. I would love to show you all the places where we grew up.”
I look at him and stand up, wrapping my arms around his waist. “I’d like that.”
He slowly hugs me back, his heart racing as he gives me a gentle squeeze. When I move back, his eyes are shining.
“I see your mother in you,” he says, patting my cheek.
I smile, knowing the guilt that we couldn’t protect her will always be with us both, even if there was nothing we could do.
“You have an aunt and three cousins. They are your family, and we would love to have you visit. And without Morcant to threaten us, we will also visit you.”
“I’d love that,” I answer.
He nods. “Good, so will I. Now, shall we?”
“You will accompany me?” I ask.
“Well, I am the closest thing to a father figure, unless you want Lord Zeran-”
