“Then where am I?”
The merman purses his lips. He is only a few steps from the bed. This close, he is even more imposing. He towers over me on the lofted bed. His muscular abdomen tapers into the enticing V-shape of his hips. I’ve never seen a male built like this in my life. I shouldn’t be noting his appealing qualities. I should be making plans to flee from wherever he’s brought me.
If I’m not dead, then I still have a chance to make something of my life.
“My palace,” the merman says finally, handing me the glass of water first. “Sunshell Palace to be exact. We're a few miles out from Bluewater Bay—and only a few hundred feet below the surface.”
The glass freezes on my lips.
“W—we’re underwater?”
My eyes fly up to the glass ceiling, to the legions of fish floating by. Coral grows along the edges. Golden sunlight piercesthrough the azure water. My eyes lock with the merman, who nods, setting the plate of food beside me on the bed.
“How can I breathe?”
“Drink and I’ll tell you.”
My thirst comes back with a vengeance. His command is one I eagerly follow.
The crisp water is cool on my tongue. Once I start, I can’t seem to stop. I down one glass and then watch it magically refill. The scent of metal invades my lungs. After my third glass of water, my thirst finally wanes. I stare at the merman expectantly.
“My father ensured all the palaces in his kingdom would be conducive to human life. Our magic pumps the water out and keeps it at bay. Everything inside remains dry with fresh air to breathe.”
Picking up an orange slice, I bit into nearly moaning at the sweet citrus. It has been a long time since I’ve been able to afford fruit, much less oranges.
“Who is your father?” I ask, reaching for another slice.
“The Kraken of the Darksea.”
The sweet juice turns to ash on my tongue. A cold sweat erupts on my skin as I look up at the merman. Swallowing thickly, my heart races in my chest. It seems I’m not so lucky as to avoid death and be afforded the chance to return to my human life. That mad pirate’s rantings had been correct. I was given up by my town, and now I was about to be given to a monster as his unwilling human sacrifice.
“You’re taking him to me then? To be his bride?”
My voice is hollow as I drop the merman’s gaze. The raging appetite I had moments ago vanishes. This nightmare has only just begun. What does a Kraken even do to a human? I shudder to think, but I guess I’ll find out soon enough.
I should’ve drowned when I had the chance.
A soft chuckle pulls me from my dark thoughts. Looking up, the merman gazes at me as if I’ve grown a second head.
“Father doesn’t accept human sacrifices.” A soft smile curves his lips. “Or brides for that matter. My mother keeps him busy enough—he’d never take another. He loves her too fiercely for that.”
The truth of his words lies bare in his eyes. I let them wash over me, smoothing away my lingering apprehension.
“Eat.” The merman gestures at my plate. “Please.”
I do as he says. It is easy to follow a direct command. I’ve had to make so many decisions in my life over the last eight years. Worries over money and the uncertainty of my future had weighed me down daily. There was no one to care for me—if I’m being honest, this merman has shown me more kindness than anyone else since my parents passed.
I’m tired of being scared. The doubt and unease have shrouded me for so long that this unbelievable situation I’ve found myself in feels like a reprieve. I should be scared—I should be asking to leave, but where would I return to? Bluewater is off the table. I can’t go back lest they offer me up as a sacrifice again. All my belongings—not that there were many of note—and all my wages from Gil’s are lost to me now.
At least I’m not alone. This is the longest I’ve spent in the presence of someone who wasn’t Gil or a customer in years. It isn’t unpleasant.
Silence settles in around us as I finish off the oranges and the loaf of bread. I slowly sip more water as the merman waves his hand. My empty plate refills. A steaming fillet of white fish coated in butter glistens next to blistered tomatoes. My stomach growls as the merman extends a fork towards me.
“Eat,” he repeats. “I’ll give you some space.”
My heart lurches as he turns from the bed. The thought of unending silence makes my skin itch. I was a fool for not leavingBluewater when I had the chance, and perhaps it makes me an even bigger fool for trusting this merman, but I do. He saved my life. There were plenty of chances for him to harm me—let me die. Instead, he brought me to his palace, healed me, and is now feeding me the best food I’ve ever had.
I want to trust him—I need to—at least for right now. Tomorrow, I will leave this place if he allows it. I’ll start over somewhere new alone. Today, I’ll allow myself the chance to be selfish and not let worries overwhelm me.
