Especially like this?She grinned and looked me up and down. I became self conscious of my frame. I was never as big and bulky like Tavo, but I did try to take care of myself, and I knew I had a strong, toned physique. My muscles still ached, something I hoped would go away as I stayed human for a while.
But, for some reason, I hoped she found me agreeable. From the light humming coming from her mind to mine, I figured I was agreeable to her.
I nodded.Yes. We can’t let anyone see us… Especially not like this. It’ll be the scandal of all time and I do not need more marks against me.
What do you mean?She clutched my arm as we wove through the empty streets, ducking into alleys and under windows. I liked the way she held me, her hands warm and smooth like coconut milk. But she really did walk like a drunk person.
I would never tell her that, of course. She’d been a mermaid her whole life, and, considering how long she’d been a human, she was doing pretty good.
My older brother was supposed to rule, but he died in foreign lands months ago,I said.I’ve since taken his place and it’s been… rough.
Oh I’m so sorry Ezra,she said, and the compassion in her voice nearly melted me. She really did wear her heart on her sleeve.
I’m expected to wed Princess Cressida of Windmere. We were going to discuss the betrothal on our walk through the gardens. I had just signed the papers that morning before meeting with her.
Aulani wrinkled her nose.That barnacle of a princess who abandoned you in the pool? Oh I’d have a word with her if I could talk!
I chuckled.Maybe you shouldn’t be calling people names, especially when you haven’t met them yet.
She deserves it for what she did to you. You said she looked right at you! How could shenotknow you were transformed into a frog? Was she blind?
No.
Exactly my point.Aulani’s grip tightened on my arm, as if to emphasize her thoughts.I’ve never met her, but I don’t trust her.
Our conversation was cut short.
“We’re here,” I said. I gently knocked on the door, looking around to make sure the streets were still empty. The homes here were plantation homes: boxy, simple structures made out of wood, jalousie windows, and tin roofs. Raindrops softly drummed the roof as a light rain began.
Come on, Kalei…Just when I started worrying that Kalei wasn’t home, the door opened. My cousin stood there, as short as the mermaid princess beside me. Her dark, wavy hair was pulled back into a loose bun and her dark eyes narrowed as she took us in.
I could sense her burning questions, but she relaxed and smiled. “Hurry, come inside. Both of you.” And with that, she shut the door behind us. Kalei rushed to close the curtains. Someone was already in the small living space, and when he stood, he was as tall as myself.
Relief flooded me. “Ho‘ohuli.” We hugged and he seemed to hold me extra tight.
“We all thought you were dead,” he said. This man was my father’s first counselor and my own mentor. Sometimes Sir Anani Ho‘ohuli felt more like a father to me than my own father.
“There’s so much to tell you,” he said.
“But first let’s get them bathed and properly dressed,” Kalei said, holding a bundle of towels in her hands. “She smells like the sea and you smell like a musty old frog.”
Aulani laughed at that and Kalei smiled at her. “I’m Kalei Kanahele,” she said, holding out her hand, adding, “Ezra’s crazy cousin.”
“You’re not crazy.”
“You hesitated.” Kalei’s eyes narrowed at me.
Aulani laughed again, though she was mute as ever, and it hurt my heart that they wouldn’t get to hear her beautiful voice.
At leastIget to hear her voice.
I heard that.The mermaid princess glanced at me and smiled, which made my heart race faster than a rushing waterfall.
“Ho‘ohuli brought some clothes for you, Ezra. You can bathe outside in the back and I’ll help Aulani in my own washroom.”
Are you going to be alright?I asked and Aulani nodded enthusiastically.
I like your cousin already, Ezra!
