Page 61 of Entangled

“It’s not just us, Merrow,” said Melite. “All of your sisters came to your aid when we heard Sebastian’s call for help.”

“Sebastian summoned you?” She looked from the women over to Sebastian. “You did it with your mind?” she asked him in disbelief.

“Yes,” he answered, standing up straighter, seeming so proud. “I did it the way you taught me.”

“I see.” She almost laughed aloud. Merrow supposed it could be true, but it was highly unlikely. After all, he was only a human. It took someone with magic to be able to call with one’s mind and to then be heard through a portal and into a faraway land. Either way, she was touched that he’d do this for her, and loved him for it even more.

“Merrow, are you ill?” asked her mother, putting her arm around her shoulders. “Sebastian said he preferred to let you explain what is going on.”

“You didn’t tell them?” she asked Sebastian.

“No. Not yet.” Sebastian cleared his throat. “I thought mayhap we could do that together. In the privacy of my own castle. Our castle,” he quickly corrected himself.

Merrow wasn’t sure how she felt about going back to Macada Castle. She liked being around the Blackseed brothers and their wives. Evandorm felt safer. More like home. Everyone here had been so kind to her. They’d also treated her sisters well during their time here. She didn’t know anyone at Macada Castle, and wasn’t sure those people would be willing to accept her.

“Can’t we stay here for the night, Sebastian?” she asked him, hoping he wouldn’t object. “I’m not sure how comfortable I feel about going to Macada Castle right now.”

“But that’s going to be your home now. As soon as we’re married,” he told her. “Plus, I am the king. I need to get back there anon. My men will wonder what’s happened to me. I have obligations that cannot be ignored.”

She let out a deep sigh. “I suppose you’re right.”

“You aren’t worried about what my people will think of you? Or about us getting married, are you?” he asked her.

“Mayhap, a little,” she admitted.

“Merrow, you were the one who taught me not to care about such things.”

“Yes. You’re right.” She bit her lip and looked to the ground. He must have known how uncomfortable she felt, because he said something next to make her feel at ease.

“I have a lot to tend to and won’t be able to spend time with you tonight anyway. Mayhap, if King Zann doesn’t mind, you and your mother and sisters can spend the night here at Evandorm. Without me. I’ll be back first thing in the morning.”

“You are all welcome to stay.” Lira walked down the corridor with Zann. “For as long as you’d like.”

“Yes. That’s fine,” agreed Zann.

“Thank you,” said Merrow, feeling a little bad for not wanting to go back with Sebastian, but she really needed to talk to her mother and sisters. Alone.

As soon as the four of them were settled into a bedchamber and alone, Merrow told them to sit down because she needed someone to talk to who was a sea nymph.

“What is it?” asked Galene.

“You look so sad,” remarked Melite, as the two girls climbed atop the large bed, getting close to Merrow.

“Yes, daughter, do tell us what is troubling you.” Her mother sat down on the bed, too.

“Mother, I’m worried. It seems…I am pregnant with Sebastian’s child.”

“Oh, my!” gasped Melite.

“Congratulations,” said Galene.

Her mother didn’t respond.

Merrow continued. “The elf said since I was pregnant before I was married, once I am human, I might die birthing a sea nymph. Is this true?”

“I’m not sure,” her mother answered. “I can’t say this has ever happened before. Not with a human and a sea nymph, that is.”

“Surely, you’ll birth a girl and she’ll be an undine,” said Galene happily.