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"See those high standing, colorful vines bending into an arch over there?"
I looked at where the king was pointing.
"Where there is that canopy overhang?"
"Yes, right there. Your mamè and I would take our daily dusk swims there. Once the pearls winked out and the dusk lights came on from the coral pods, she'd come to my study, take my hand, and lead us out there."
A small lump swelled into a ball in my throat. My eyes burned at the revelation. He'd never shared that before. At the tightness in his voice, I knew he was remembering her and how much he missed her.
As we swam into the palace proper, my Seaveillers joined us. Kianga, my dearest, lifelong friend, led them. She said nothing, but she gave me a small smile before falling close behind, staying near my side. My hearts calmed down, no longer racing away from an invisible threat, once Kianga drew close. I counted it strange. After all, I was with the King of Avari, and his best, well-trained, Seaveillers. I couldn't be more safe.
Rot.
I must be tired.
I shook off the vain imaginations and followed King Bakari to the west wing of the Pearl Palace. When we entered, the foyer was dark, the water motionless. That was curious. There should be some kind of activity happening, even if it was just from a serving maydin. I grimaced at the stillness, but kept my mouth shut.
"All of you may remain here. Raeshelle and I will go to my study alone."
I bit my lip. That shouldn't have sounded as ominous as it did.
King Bakari dropped a heavy gaze on me. His pale blue and silver eyes searched me. I looked into those intelligent eyes that mirrored my own, in his wildly handsome face, and cowered. The king was tall, with broad shoulders, hardened muscles, and deep, ocean-colored hair that hung down his waist on a half-shaved head. Again, I saw why mamè couldn't resist. But as he stared at me now, I wonder how different my life would've been if she had.
"Follow me, pearling."
The king turned and swam through a set of six ornate columns. At their center was a seventh, which stood three times wider than the rest, littered with glass murals. There were many other columns leading to different chambers. King Bakari swam to the left, his golden, sandaled feet leaving a trail of rippling bubbles behind him.
"Payè, is everything alright?" I asked, swimming ahead to join him at his side. I looked at him through my peripheral, the jewels of my gown reflecting rays of iridescent light into the chamber we swam through. "What task do you have for me to complete?"
He chuckled lightly, throwing an amused look my way.
"Truly, Raeshelle. You've got to do something about your overthinking." He tilted his head, a smile lifting his lips. "It's nothing you cannot do. I have full confidence you will get it done, and in time for El'Tide."
This had to do with the solstice? It wasn't lost on me that El'Tide this cycle would be on my riseday. The dawn all of Azizi would swim to the Atlanthyst Trench and watch me be given to the Sea in the Azizien Rite.
We flew into the king's study. I floated to one chair as he swam to sit behind his desk. There was more light here with the help of the many windows open to the sea beyond and the clam lamps with pearls inside giving off light. When King Bakari was settled in his seat, he looked at me.
"My pearling. I need you to prepare yourself." He leaned back and pulled out several capsules made of pastel crystals. Each capsule had a rolled up scroll inside with a string tied around it. I flicked my gaze from the capsules to the king, not understanding. He merely smiled as if there could be no clearer thing in all the Mistwind Seas. "You're to travel at first light."
I blinked at him.
The king's eyes were dancing.
"Travel." I repeated, tasting the foreign words on my tongue. "I rarely leave the Pearl Palace. Now you want me to travel. Where in the Sea am I to go?"
"Patience, my pearling. You're not headed somewhere in the sea. You're headed beyond the Surface. To the Cloud Castle in the sky."
My jaw hung. I had no words. I was going to the Surface? And all the way to the Avari kingdom? Was the king mad?
"You will take one of my personal sumaren to the Surface. Once you're out of water, it will convert into a chariot. You'll be flown all the way to the Cloud Castle. I've already spoken to King Izakaya and Queen Rekani. They will be expecting you."
My knees buckled. My stomach lurched. I could sense a whopping headache coming on.
Avari.
I was going to Avari.
"Payè," I whispered. "What could you possibly need me to do in the sky kingdom?"
