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“I’ve never had a man between my legs like that. Granted, I usually don’t have legs under water.”
Kaga squeezed my backside. Anytime you want to be… serviced like that again, I am at your call.
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
He squeezed me again. I never do.
My heart pounded at his words, at the promise they held, and I didn’t comment on it further. “We’re both soaking wet.”
And cold. Did you know the best way for humans to share warmth is naked in the same bedroll?
“You lie.”
Promise. It’s science.
I snorted in disbelief, but didn’t protest. I wanted to share a bedroll anyway.
Chapter 29
The next day it was raining again. Not wanting to risk getting sick, we decided to stay inside the tent all day. At least, that was our excuse. We weren’t bored, though, not in the least. We had a lot of fun trying out different ways to entertain ourselves, and it was fun seeing exactly how my legs could bend.
I broke so many of my own rules with Kaga. Never be with the same person more than once. Never stay overnight with someone. Never cuddle. These rules kept me from getting attached, from risking my heart. Who would want to be king anyway? Would they want me just for a chance to rule? Would they actually want to be with me for me? All those thoughts, feelings, I kept a hold on. Afraid to form real relationships just so I couldn’t be used and tossed aside.
With Kaga, though, it felt natural. I didn’t have those fears. I knew he didn’t want to be tied down. He wouldn’t sacrifice his human life to live under the sea, and because of that, I knew I could be myself.
It also wasn’t a burden to sleep in the same bedroll with him. To explore each other’s bodies all day long. It was freeing.
I traced patterns on Kaga’s chest, his skin soft against my finger. The sound of raindrops drumming on the tent’s canvas created a soothing melody.
I never thought I’d spend a day like this in a tent with a mermaid princess, Kaga teased, a playful glint in his eyes.
I chuckled, playfully nudging him. “And I never imagined I’d find myself in a jungle with a human water mage,” I replied, a smile tugging at my lips.
I flipped the tent flap open and peered outside. The rain still fell in torrential sheets, drenching everything on the ground. As soon as I smelled it, though, I knew something was wrong. My stomach roiled, and I pressed a hand to it.
Are you okay?
I crawled away from the tent to a puddle nearby. I put my legs inside until they were completely covered. Kaga stood next to me, worry in his eyes. Instead of instantly transforming back into a tail, my legs changed slowly, as if the effort was too great.
I looked at Kaga, horrified. “Something is wrong at home. We need to get back.”
He shielded his eyes and glanced around, face determined. All right. Let’s do this.
Quickly, we rushed inside the tent and gathered our things, haphazardly throwing them into our packs. As we made our way down the jungle mountain, my mind was filled with worry and concern for my underwater kingdom. The unsettling sensation in my stomach grew with each step, and I knew something was off in the depths of the ocean.
Kaga remained by my side, his strong hand holding mine tightly. We’ll get there as fast as we can, he said, his voice confident.
We moved steadily, but my legs weakened as the day wore on. We were halfway down when they gave out completely and I slumped to the ground, unable to walk. I tossed my drenched hair out of my face, calling out to Kaga.
He turned to me and fear flashed in his eyes. Don’t worry, we can do this.
He kneeled next to me and took our packs, stashing them next to a tree under some large leaves. After making sure Squiggles was secured, he boosted me onto his back. I wrapped my arms around his neck. “Kaga, I’m so sorry.”
Don’t be. We shouldn’t have kept you out of water for so long.
“I’m afraid,” I said quietly. “I don’t think it’s how long I’ve been out, but it could be that. Deep down in my soul, I feel it. The ocean is scared.”
Kaga made a noise in the back of his throat and I buried my face into his shoulder. His steps were careful and deliberate, despite the slickness. Though fear raced through me, I couldn’t help but admire the way he was determined to get me down the mountain. With every stride, I clung to him tightly, my heart heavy with worry for my beloved underwater kingdom.
