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She nods. “Don’t be late on your first day. I’ll bring the paperwork home tomorrow.”
I fight back a tear. “Sure.”
I swim into bed with my sisters. This is where I belong. I can help my mother with the bills and I can find a suitable partner. I’m going to accept my fate, but first, I have to fix what I’ve broken.
* * *
Ryn
“Isaw Pasha sneaking out of your room this morning,” my sister says.
“Leave it, Nerida,” I say, annoyed she’s bringing this up. It’s not the first time she’s seen her and it won’t be the last.
“You have the chance to be king. Don’t fuck it up by sleeping around.”
She’s only thinking of herself and how many suitors it will open up for her if I marry our leader’s daughter. “Don’t pretend that you care.”
“If you didn’t think with your dick, I wouldn’t have to.”
Maris is a sweet girl and not the type to fool around. She’s also too naïve. There’s more to life than getting married and bringing up a family. I couldn’t wait for Maris, especially when she might not satisfy my sexual cravings. Pasha is curvier and has darker features. She’s also headstrong and adventurous. She’s beautiful in a way I’ve never seen before. It’s unfortunate Maris found out about my rendezvous with Pasha, but she won’t hate me forever. From the way Maris looks at me, I can tell she worships the ground I walk on. Once she understands it was a mistake to get involved with someone else, she’ll come around. “Go find your own toy and leave me alone,” I say.
“If you speak to Maris, I’ll give you some peace.” Irritation washes over me. Nerida must’ve been listening to Pasha and me arguing.
“You know her father won’t let me anywhere near her.” It’s improper for me to talk to Maris alone, which is also part of the problem. It’s hard to get to know someone who is always surrounded by other merfolk.
“It’s a good thing I saw her heading over to the coral reef, then.”
Before she has a chance to taunt me further, I swim for the door. “You could’ve told me that right from the start.”
“Nice chatting with you, brother,” she says over her shoulder.
I brush my hands through my hair as I make my way up to the coral reef. Maris is always sneaking off. I’ve followed her a few times, but it’s usually to do something boring like scouting the harbour for trapped animals.
At first, I think I’ve missed her. I’m about to turn back when she sinks out of a nearby cave.
“What were you thinking?” Pasha’s voice rings loud.
“Why are you following me?” Maris asks.
“It’s a good thing I was before you did something stupid.” Her tone is scolding, which is unusual. She has no authority over Maris.
“Like you’re an expert at making the right choices.” Maris’s words are just as fierce.
“At least I haven’t smuggled a human.”
The words hang between them and I can’t stay quiet any longer.
“You’ve done what?” I burst out. Maris is usually the sensible one. Surely, she wouldn’t do something so crazy.
“Great. I don’t need either of you butting into my business.”
“Where is this human?” I ask. First, I look at Maris, but when she doesn’t answer, I turn to Pasha.
“Stay out of this, Ryn,” she says.
“Is it up there?” I ask, pointing to the cave they both just came out of.
“He’s called Kasper.” Maris covers her mouth when she realises what she’s just said.
