“I mean, it’s not like I have much. I’m just a mediocre baker at best—no real skills, no family, no money. And you’re a prince. Aprince. Surely they will?—”
His lips swoop down to capture mine. The firm press sets my blood on fire. His hand strays to my hair, careful not to destroy the artful twist keeping the top half away from my face. I melt against him. My hands curl against his chest, pulling him closer to me.
He tastes like salt—he tastes like forever.
“Firstly, you’re notjustanything,” he says, breaking our kiss. “You are mine. My Astryd. My brave, passionate, and beautiful Astryd. My parents will adore you and wonder what you’re doing with their irresponsible son.”
Humor glimmers in his eyes, and I can’t help but giggle.
“Irresponsible? What a cruel charge to lay against you.”
He flattens his hand against mine, bracketing his chest.
“Nothing wounds a child more than the cutting condemnation of a parent.”
I grin up at him, shaking my head. My breathing slows as calmness settles around the two of us. Qurill touches my cheek.
“They will love you—just as I do. Never doubt that.”
My heart glows, and the threads of our souls weave together. I nod, kissing him again for strength before taking his hand again. Together we walk down the hall. The large marble doors are carved with two golden starfish. They groan as they peel back, revealing the staggering throne room.
A breath stills in my lungs at the opulent sight. Sparkling marble floors sprawl outward. The dais is made of the sameglowing stone. Golden veining runs along the walls and wraps around the imposing columns. Blue silk dangles from the atrium above.
The massive throne is composed of golden tentacles, frozen in different fluid positions. Light pours in from the large windows behind the dais. The farther Qurill and I walk, the more beautiful everything becomes. The scent of citrus and jasmine floats in the air.
My eyes are eager to take everything in, but they are transfixed on the two figures before us.
The Kraken of the Darksea reclines against his massive throne. The blue hue of his skin matches that of his son’s. Where Qurill is covered in delicate scales, the Kraken is all slick skin. It glistens with a glittering secretion. He’s taken on a more humanoid form. Strong legs are braced on the marble floor. Short tentacles cascade down from his face.
He is a fearsome sight, but my eyes can’t help but wander to the human woman draped in his lap.
Vibrant red hair curls down her back. Her thick strands are held back by a spectacular pearl crown. A dark blue gown clings to her petite frame. Freckled arms weave through her husband's short tentacles. Qurill has his mother’s expressive, blue eyes. They shine with curiosity as she watches us approach. Her pink lips pull into a wide grin.
Gracefully, she slides from her husband’s lap. One of his tentacles clings to her arm and tangles in her hair. She looks barely older than I do, yet there is a practiced fluidity in her movements. An ageless grace colors her features. She may look human, but she is just as otherworldly as her husband.
“My son,” she calls.
Descending the dais, she extends her arm. She is a few inches shorter than I am. Qurill stoops down to embrace his mother.She lets out a content maternal sigh as she rubs gentle circles on his back.
The Kraken is hot on her heels as he comes up behind his wife. This close to me, I can barely register just how tall he is. My eyes try to remain fixed on his, but are entranced by his wriggling tentacles that float on an invisible stream.
“You’ve been away too long.” The Kraken of the Darksea’s voice is commanding. “Your mother has been worried.”
The Kraken claps his son on the shoulder once his mother releases him. The Queen of the Darksea playfully swats at her husband while rolling her eyes.
“Oh, hush. He is here now.” Her blue eyes drift towards me, and I try my best not to cower. “And he’s brought someone.”
The full weight of both King and Queen’s stares makes a sweat break out along my neck. I try not to fidget and look confident. I straighten my spine. Reining in my breathing is no easy task, but I manage it.
Qurill’s hand finds my trembling one in the fall of my skirt. He interlocks our fingers and draws me into his side. I feel calm at once, his presence steadying me.
“Mother—father—this is Astryd.” His hand grips mine. “My mate.”
Both his parents gasp softly, their eyes going wide. They each exchange a subtle look before turning back towards me. I squeeze Qurill’s hand back, wanting more than anything to make a good impression. I smile softly, shoving my nerves away.
“It is very nice to meet you both.” I bow my head slightly before raising it again. “Your son saved my life—more than once. He is very brave, and I love him very much.”
I hold my breath as I watch my words wash over them. The King and Queen share another look, longer than the last. Both come away smiling. Qurill’s mother’s eyes are glossy. Her freckled cheeks stretch as she smiles at me.
