The political climate had escalated in my absence. Foreign ambassadors demanded attention. Wealthy businessmen and merchants were forcing natives to sell their land. Gates, to keep people away from the sea, had to be torn down. Armies needed to be dissembled and sent home. Some of my most trusted advisors and counselors had gone “missing” and I sent out immediate investigations. It was an absolute mess.
Aulani didn’t seem to mind though. She stayed in the guest quarter–much too far from me, in my personal opinion–and spent the day exploring with Kalei while I attended meetings, made laws, and eagerly awaited my coronation day. I had to admit, I did wish I could join them. Anytime I looked out a window and saw the two young women walking through the gardens or exploring the palace grounds, my heart ached to be the man to show Aulani this world.
When people asked who, “Who is the girl next to the king?” My closest counselors, who knew the secret, decided on a cover up. We didn’t want her or I to be the face of a scandal, so we made the decision to tell them she was an esteemed guest of the king’s. She was from a foreign land and helped break my curse. Much to my relief, nobody asked any more questions about the mute girl who held my arm any time we walked to dinner, or who sometimes waited impatiently outside the throne room while I held meetings. Well, at least not to my face. I was sure gossip spread about us, but I didn’t really care. Probably because I liked being with her.
And, if I was honest, it was rather… exciting that she was eager to spend time with me. I secretly wished our time together was longer.
But there’s so much to do.Especially if I was going to take her to the sea.
Meanwhile, Cressida did not give me an audience. Whenever I scheduled a time to meet with her, a messenger would tell me she was sick or otherwise not feeling well.
Finally, however, she came to dinner. Ever since the big reveal, I terminated our betrothal and announced that I would rule as a sovereign king, not marrying to strengthen ties with foreign lands. I would find other ways to strengthen our ties, and I hadn’t seen or heard from Cressida since.
She was in the palace, but she avoided me, and I didn’t do anything to kick her out, but she had overstayed her welcome and put my kingdom through the mud.
There had to be consequences, but her supporters cried out that she was innocent.
She sat at the table, smiling prettily at everyone around her and batting her eyes at me. Tension pulled the air between us, like a taught line with a fray that threatened to unravel at any moment. She wore her tight corset and a pastel pink dress that made her fair skin appear even fairer.
Next to me, Aulani wore a flowing white blouse and sea-blue skirt that enhanced her natural features. She wore shell jewelry, big hoops with dangling sea glass hanging from her ears, and rings on her fingers made of wood, shells, and metal. I wasn’t sure where she’d gotten all of it–perhaps Kalei took her to the market and they’d purchased some jewelry. When our eyes met, she smiled, and the corner of my lip turned up. Her attention turned to all the food that was served to us, her thoughts happy and bright, like light dancing through the trees. She was always so fascinated by everything, and it was hard not to get caught up in her zest for life.
“This seafood issogood,” Princess Cressida said, drawing attention towards herself. “I imagine it’s freshly caught? You do love supporting the locals, don’t you Ezra?”
I swallowed a sip of chilled coconut water, giving her a cool look. “The ‘aina takes care of us when we take care of it. The locals are accustomed to taking care of the land and sea when they fish. Their nets and hooks don’t cause collateral damage, unlike foreigners.”
Aulani nodded in approval and Cressida gave her a look. “And you are…”
“She’s assisting Kalei with cultural preservation efforts,” said Ho‘ohuli quickly, so I wouldn’t have to give our excuse. “And she’s an esteemed guest of the king.” Which meant she was undermyprotection, a protection I did not take lightly. Though Aulani did not know it, I sent guards to keep a watchful eye on her.
Cressida’s gaze lingered too long, her lips curled. “How generous of you to help with that,” she said to the mermaid. A servant refilled her goblet but she didn’t drink. “It’s no wonder you’ve delayed your coronation. You’ve been busy entertaining… guests.”
My blood boiled. That was exactly what Iwantedto do, but I couldn’t, no thanks to her! She should be in prison, for all I cared.
Do you want me to spill this stew in her lap? I think it would make a statement.Aulani’s refreshing voice in my head caused my anger to immediately decrease and a smirk tugged at my mouth. I straightened out.
“I delay public announcements,” I said, “Because the truth should never be wrapped in politics.”
Kalei choked slightly on her drink, and I knew she had hid a laugh, while Ho‘ohuli nodded his approval. Cressida’s expression didn’t crack, but her hand tightened on her fork.
The breeze drifted in through the open lanai. From beneath the table, Pili chirped once and flitted toward Aulani. She plucked a piece of uala from her plate and fed the bird. When she looked at the bird, there was an undeniable energy in the room. It wasn’t tense or electric, but rather calming, peaceful, and… healing.
And it was coming from Aulani.
Every head turned towards her as she petted Pili, looking at it as if she might be… communicating with it. The bird tweeted to her a few times and she smiled before lifting her finger and watching it fly out the door.
When she looked around, everyone quickly returned to their food. Everyone except Cressida. She watched with fascination, stared even.
And I did too. Aulani’s eyes caught mine, and she winked.It’s not polite to stare, Ezra. If you were a merman, you’d know staring too long means you’ll miss what’s around you—and that’s when a shark slips in from the deep.
This time, I smiled, faintly. If only she knew. I wasn’t afraid of a shark from the depths. I met with sharks every day—political ones—and sometimes the only way to endure them was to fix your gaze on something that reminded you that you weren’t alone.
The next morning,I made up my mind: I had to see my people and visit the kingdom. And during that tour, I would take Aulani to the sea. Ipromisedher, and already she’d been with us at least a week. She’d been so patient, but every day it killed me that I had not fulfilled my promise.
My coronation was in a few days, and Ho‘ohuli said I should wait to become king before visiting the kingdom, but I was antsy to get out. I was antsy to see how my peoplereallywere doing.
I’d been in the palace discussing politics all day and resolving problems and issues, but I just needed to be among the natives and locals, and to observe the ‘aina–the trees and wildlife–for myself.
Even more importantly, I needed to get Aulani to the sea.
