“The only disgrace is your ill manners,” I said, too quickly for my own good.
The siren towering above me, who could likely break me in half, glowered.
“Hylos keeps such poor company. But what else would one expect from a mongrel?” Melquin said with precision.
I knew discontent when I heard it. Well, I had read enough about it to spot it. Hylos did not have a grip on his vassals.
“Hylos is your king regent,” Nixie said quickly. “And I suggest you remember you are inhisdomain before a member of his inner circle. Made or not. Raylik is also a member of that inner circle, in case you forgot. I don’t believe he has challenged anyone to the Jawro competition,yet.”
She narrowed her pink eyes at him. “I have a feeling if he heard you speak in such a manner about both his leader and mate in the same breath, he would likely challenge you in a heartbeat. And lest you forget,Melquin of Mariscal Circle, the only reason you sit on the throne of Raylik’s birthright is because Aegir cut down his father for you. We all know you are no great warrior.”
Her words were swift, sharp, and out for blood.
The fear quivering Melquin’s lower lip told me he didn’t want to be on the receiving end of Raylik’s rage. Nor would I.
Nixie’s sugary-sweet smile returned in a flash. “Oh, and happy Hydroxia to you!” She tipped her head politely, looped her arm into mine, and we moved onward through the crowd.
“That was bloody amazing,” I said.
“He just about shit himself,” Nixie said with a wry smile.
What a strange contrast she was. Kind yet fierce. Small but mighty.
“The Jawro competition. Calypstra spoke of it the other day as well, what is it?” I asked as we made our way closer to the swallow, still arm in arm.
“Essentially, two sirens fight. It’s brutal. Also, it’s an opportunity to challenge another for their spot in a Circle or to have the hand of a mate for Hydroxia. Really, it could be a challenge for anything. Even just for honor.”
“Ah, so you have pissing matches here too, then?”
“Hey, sometimes you just need to bash someone’s head in to prove a point.”
“Melquin fears Raylik would challenge him and take his throne?”
Nixie nodded. “I wish he would, to silence that damned fool. But if he did, he would have to go there to lead, and he would never leave Naiadon.”
“He’d never leave you,” I said.
Nixie looked at me sidelong. “Yes. Or Hylos. Especially not with all that’s going on with Oakhaven.”
War against my country.
I slipped out of Nixie’s grip, realizing that I was walking literally arm in arm with my enemy. What a strong contrast that was too. Because she felt so much like a friend.
Hylos’s voice boomed over our heads. “Today we offer what we may to the Mother herself, hopeful she will continue to bless us with fertility and bounty for another year. For my offering I give to the great Mother three gifts. First …” He took a large woven basket from a servant behind him and emptied it into the black water. “Gold, from my treasury.” The coins splattered into the pit and disappeared into the void.
“Second, my song.” He raised his arms. From the tips of his fingers, water formed and an intense low-pitched sound thundered forward, a baritone voice riding throughout that sang,Mother of sea, I give to you as you give to me.
“Finally,” he said, picking up a knife. He held his hand over the swallow and sliced into the heart of his palm. “A blood oath.” He squeezed his hand and his blood dripped into the water. “To defend these seas and my people. Now and forever.”
The crowd cheered loudly, the sirens’ song roaring with it in trills or booms. I wondered just how ardently Melquin cheered. Or others like him who were displeased with their leader. Hylos had his work cut out for him. Before he could convince these people to join in his battle, he would need to gain their respect, which he apparently didn’t have.
Hylos continued, “Please come and make your offerings. Praise be to Nymphaea!” he boomed, and the crowd echoed his words.
“Have you thought of what you will offer?” Nixie asked me as we shuffled with the gathering, making our way to the stone steps up to the overhang. I’d given it some thought, but I had little to offer. Luminaexplained the gifts were all mostly symbolic, so I would give the only thing I had arrived with.
“I asked Lumina to bring the dress I was found in.” The fine wool petticoat of the ornate gown my father gifted me. I wouldn’t miss it.
“Why did you select that?” Nixie asked.
