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“Get his head out of his tail?”
Nixie laughed, and we sped up, surrounding Nerus just as we arrived at the cavern.
Chapter 5
Our group arrived at the cavern in no time. We all know which one it was; it had been used for parties for as long as any merperson can remember. The outside was framed with long strands of seaweed. Nerus headed inside, and before we followed him, I stopped Nixie.
“I’m going to stay away from him,” I said. “If it doesn’t work out, please, let me know if you want to go home.”
Nixie threw her arms around me. “Thank you, Allura.”
We swam inside, greeted by the other merpeople already here. The cavern itself was lit by bioluminescent coral along all sides, which was wonderful given its size. Whether the coral grew here on its own or was transplanted, no one remembered. A few of the orbs similar to the ones in our city, but smaller, hung around the ceiling. The cavern was at least twice the height of any merman.
Embedded in the walls were pearls of all sizes, which barely reflected the light from the coral and orbs. In the center of the cavern was a dance floor of a sort, fashioned from dozens of round, smooth stones. The entire atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the nooks and crannies provided a perfect place to kiss your desired merperson.
I hoped Nixie would gather her courage and use one tonight.
I swam over to the table of food, conveniently nestled farther into the cavern. Different dishes decorated the table, such as grilled shrimp, seaweed salads, and crab cakes. A table next to it was entirely devoted to desserts. I picked up a few seashell cookies, which were great to prank small children with. I passed up the fruit and other desserts, their delicious smells beckoning to everyone inside, content to watch the merpeople dance above the cavern floor. The band, who had settled in the corner by the entrance, played an upbeat tune to encourage everyone to dance.
Nerus left a group of mermen he had been talking to and approached me. “Princess Allura, do you want to dance?”
“No,” I said sternly. “Go dance with someone else.”
His expression fell slightly, and I felt a little bad about telling him off so harshly. But I also didn’t want him getting any ideas. One dance with him and he’d be asking for another, then another. I’d seen how he worked enough times to know his crush wouldn’t last long. Sure, it would be fun, but it would also hurt Nixie. That was the last thing I wanted to do.
I watched Nixie staring at Nerus as he floated back to his friends. I sent her an encouraging smile, and she bit her lip, then shook herself, looking determined. She swam over to him and tapped him on the shoulder. Nerus twirled around and grinned at her. Moments later, they were on the dance floor. I signaled to the band to slow it down, and they immediately turned the tune slow and sweet, perfect for dancing close.
“That was kind of you.”
I whipped to my side to see a merman I’d never met swimming there. He seemed familiar, but I couldn’t quite place him. He certainly hadn’t been to any party before. His dark hair danced in the water as he studied me with eyes the color of seaweed. I swear I’d seen those eyes before. I frowned, trying to place him. “Who are you?”
He raised his eyebrows. “Kaga. You don’t remember me?”
I continued to study him, certain I’d never met him in my life. His tail was a beautiful blue-green iridescent color, tipped with silver. I’d never seen one quite like it before, I was sure of it. Besides, there was no way I’d forget the face of a merman that handsome. My heart quickened, and I hoped my cheeks weren’t red. “I’ve never met you.”
He gave me a small smile, then indicated Nixie and Nerus. “What’s with them?”
I turned back to study the dance floor. “She loves him, he thinks he loves… someone else.”
Kaga floated closer to me, so close I saw the little blue flecks dotting his green eyes. “What about you?”
“What about me?”
“Do you love someone?”
“No.” I raised my eyebrows, wondering why he cared. We’d never met before. He didn’t know me. Besides, love wasn’t something I was interested in. My mother’s made it clear since I turned of age that my choice would be king. In other words, she had the last say. Why bother getting attached if the one I loved could be thrown out with a word?
Surprise flashed through his eyes before they shuttered, cutting off any emotion. “That’s not surprising.”
I tilted my head questioningly at him.
“You seem like you’re a handful.”
Before I could stop myself, my fist flew toward his face. It grazed his nose slightly as he whooshed backward. Instantly, I felt shame. No way he would know that, though. Mother was constantly reminding me to reign in my reactions, especially since I’d be queen.
I folded my arms and glared at him, but he just rubbed his nose and laughed, a warm, inviting sound that almost had me laughing along. “I’ll see you later, Princess,” he said as he swam out of the cavern.
“Who was that?” asked Nerus, swimming up to me, with an arm wrapped around Nixie’s waist. Her cheeks had a pretty pink blush to them, brightening her eyes. Interesting. I thought I’d have to push them together more than once. Maybe Nerus wasn’t as oblivious as I thought.
