“Of course you do. I see the way you look at that feisty little made female.” Then in a hushed tone she said to me, “His father would roll in his tomb if he knew.” Then she let out a little laugh. “But do you know it, Princess?”
My mind skimmed over the riddle. “I’m not sure I do.”
“You’ll feelquitefoolish once I tell you, because I think you’re familiar with this step, although I’m unsure anyone has danced it with you well.”
“If you know the answer, come out with it, sister,” Serfie added dryly.
“Ah, I know the answer alltoowell,” Serenous responded.
“Then say it. You play the game too slow and turn riddles into other riddles,” Serfie said, irritated.
“That is the fun in it,” she trilled loud enough that guests glanced at her. “You see, Princess, if someone knows the answer or thinks it’s another, that indicates one’s heart.” Then she took a deep, dramatic drink from her chalice and looked at me. “And the answer in this case is sex.”
This would be an interesting night.
“Correct,” Serfie answered, unfazed.
Serenous beamed with pride. “I just love this game! Now you go, Princess.”
“I have one,” I started, unsure where I was headed until the words slammed into my mind. “I am paid a fated debt before it is due. Yet I have no pockets to fill, only coffers.”
A thrill worked through Serenous, still smiling. “Go on …”
“Men fear me but are my makers. Mothers warn of me, yet their sons are my takers. In the end, both will know the cost of my path. What am I?”
I looked at Raylik to see if he knew the answer, but he still looked forward.
Maybe Serenous was right about this game; it showed the truth of one’s heart.
“That’s not a very good one.” Serfie shook her head. “Are you sure you understand the game?” she asked.
Then Serenous’s face darkened and she swallowed. “She understands the game completely.”
“Then what is it?” Serfie asked, annoyed. But Serenous didn’t answer, only looked at her sister. “Well, then?” Serfie looked at me with her dark, nearly-red eyes.
Meeting her gaze, I answered, “I am war.”
Chapter 21
The lone siren’s song halted and the vision above the stage disappeared.
Hylos stood at the front of the room, no longer wearing his crown, only his blue robe, as he looked out at his people. The noise of the party waned so the sirens could hear their leader speak.
“Thank you for spending this evening with me and for gracing Naiadon with your attendance for Holy Hydroxia.”
A swell of cheers came from the crowd. I noted that even those who’d scowled before seemed pliant in Hylos’s presence now, likely from good drink and a decadent feast.
“As you all know, the symposion is a time for entertainment of course, but also for philosophizing, strategizing, and even unifying. Many profound conversations that have been shared over wine among the bravest sirens of history have prevented famine, ended generational feuds, and inspired brighter futures for us all.”
“And tonight, there is much to discuss.” Hylos paused. The room was enraptured. “Our way of life is in danger.” Whispers were swarming. “First it started with my father, who went missing. Then with a strange, unnatural city upon our ocean.”
Cedric’s Whiterok, which was at the center of it all.
“And now, as you all know, more sirens have gone missing in the body ofourmother.” He ground out the words, emphasizing the impact of the insult. “And we know exactly who is at fault for these crimes.”
The crowd murmured in hisses that prickled my skin.
“The king of Oakhaven,” Hylos said.
