Mardyth smiled. “Relax. It’s a compliment. Most of the ogres and trolls we meet are those who are drowning.”
“Let me guess…you help them along on their death journey?”
“Depends. If they’re kind and respectful, we help them home. Those who aren’t—” He sucked at his teeth. “Let’s just say sharks have to eat.”
“Of course, they do. We have them on land, too. Only we call them vultures.”
The king scowled. “Not a compliment, given your tone.”
“Not really.”
The king’s tail flicked.
Xaydin wasn’t sure if that was irritation or just habit. Since he knew very little about the Ningyoans, he had no idea how to read their monarch.
“I’m sure you’re curious as to why you’re here.”
He had to bite back a sarcastic retort. Clearing his throat, he nodded. “Very much so.”
The king held his hand up, and a servant swam toward him with a small box. “In case you don’t know who I am, I’m King Mardyth. My family has ruled here since the day the goddess left the land and became the bride to our god. Back when the world was young.” He took the box but didn’t open it as his servant left. “As I’m sure you know, we don’t participate in the politics of the land dwellers.”
“Except to try and drown me when I visit Oath Island.”
“An unfortunate history that I’m hoping you’ll overlook.”
Of course. Why would he think otherwise? But the real question was what game was the king playing? “Why?”
“Because my idiot son has run away from home, and I need him returned to me.”
That was an interesting bit he’d never considered.
“Your idiot son?” He couldn’t help repeating that. Mostly because he found it hysterical.
The king nodded. “Marstyn thinks he’s in love.”
“I’m assuming it’s with a land dweller.”
“Yes. A two-legger. Like a fool, my son made a pact with a sorcerer so that he’d be a legged beast as well.” Now that tail flicked with fury. Xaydin was slowly learning to read the king’s mood.
As well as the fact that the king’s eyes began to glow more. “Find him, return him and I will make sure that you will have fair and easy passage for the rest of your life.”
That seriously got his attention.
The king moved from the chaise to approach Xaydin. “More than that, once you finish, I’ll give you this.” He opened the lid to show him what appeared to be…
“A baby pacifier?”
Unamused, the king glared at him. “It will allow you to breathe underwater without having to be in the presence of one of my people.”
Now that was even more helpful.
Xaydin reached for the box. “May I?”
“Please.” The king held the box while Xaydin pulled the pacifier out to examine it.
Seriously, it looked like one of the objects his brother’s nurse used to place in his mouth to quiet him when he’d been a baby.
But who was he to question that?
