Though for totally different reasons. Poseidon, because he had more power than Stavros and so, had no reason to be afraid of him. Adrian wasn’t afraid of Stavros because he was stupid (as he would admit) and also because he truly believed that if it came down to a fight, he couldtakehim.
Although… Adrian had to admit… Stavroswasintimidating. People swam out of the way as he moved through the room, creating a wide berth. It was clear that if Poseidon didn’t have control of the sea, it would immediately belong toStavros.
No one would darechallengehim.
“You are not welcome here,” Poseidon said as Stavros approached the throne. “Speak what you must, andgetout.”
Stavros laughed low in his throat. His voice was deep, and alluring. You could listen to him talk for hours and still be enchanted by the sound. “I merely came to wish my nephew a happybirthday.”
“You haven’t seen Adrian since he was an infant,” Poseidon growled. “Why would you come unless you wanted to ruin today, the most importantofdays?”
Stavros grinned his pointed teeth and stared at Adrian. “Why not let the boydecide?”
Stavros thought Adrian would make him a deal in order to find the perfect wife. No go. His uncle had obviously made a very bad judgement, because if Adrian could, he’d stay singleforever.
His father was expecting him to say something, so Adrian said, “You can stay. If you don’t cause anytrouble.”
Merpeople gasped at the invitation. Even Stavros seemed momentarily shocked. But he shook it off quickly, and that arrogant smile was back. “Very well. I only ask for a moment ofyourtime.”
Adrian rose from the table. He knew his father’s eyes were on him as he approached Stavros. The music, and the party, resumed, but it was different now… on edge,andwary.
“What do you want?” Adrian asked abruptly. He crossed his arms and stared at his uncle. “You wouldn’t have come here if you didn’t wantsomething.”
“You’re like your father. So mistrustful. But I thank you for not throwing me out before I spoke with you,” Stavros said. “It isimportant.”
Stavros’ thank you sounded as genuine as one of Moona’s farts. But Adrian kept going. “So, you do wantsomething.”
“You should make a visit to my cave sometime.” Stavros pounded his staff into the floor, and sparks flew through the water. “It’d be a special treat. I have a birthday presentforyou.”
“I don’t want anything from you. You should know betterthanthat.”
“Nothing? Come, Adrian.” Stavros made atskingsound. “That’s a lie, dear boy. There’s always something merpeople desire that theycan’thave.”
A picture of the girl broke into his mind, but Adrian quickly pushed it away. “So? Doesn’t mean it’s minetohave.”
“Ah, boy. You’re so much like your father.” Stavros’ stare was burning, intense. “Or are you? I’ve heard the rumors, Adrian. You long to live on land. It calls to you. Can you imagine how much of an embarrassment you’d be to your father if your subjects found out you wish to exchange your tail for a pairoflegs?”
“Stopit.”
An image broke into his mind and took control over his vision: him, walking on land, enjoying the sun and taking in the feel of sand underneath his feet. He could see it, he could feel it now… but it was an illusion. Stavros was playing withhishead.
“I can make those dreams come true, Adrian. Anything you wish, andfarmore.”
“For a price. The answer is no.” Adrian had run out of patience. His hands were bunched into fists. “Getout.”
Stavros chuckled. “You will come, Adrian. We all want things that are out of our reach. You only need to be pushed in the rightdirection.”
His uncle shifted out of the party. Once his presence was gone, several merpeople breathed sighs of relief, and the jovial mood of the partyreturned.
Ianthe had been standing at a close distance, watching over and protecting her son, willing to move in at a moment’s notice. Now that Stavros was gone she put her hands on Adrian’s face. “Are you all right,myson?”
“Barely.” Now he had to go back to picking brides and be reminded of his inescapable future— again— right after his uncle had taunted him with his wildest dreams. This was a special kind oftorture.
“Take a swim. Return when you feel well.” His mother patted him on the back, and Adrian swam off. He avoided mermaids who approached and slipped out of the grand hall and into one of the side parlors. He locked the door behind him with shakingfingers.
Adrian ran both hands though his black hair and tried to take deep breaths.I can’t do this. I can’t do this.He was sure he was becominglightheaded.
“Hey!” Moona was outside, and Celer was floating nearby. She tapped on the window with her fin. “How’s it going inthere?”
