Page 22 of The Kraken Bride

In a crisp script, Sebastian had written:

All is well. The threat diminished. Eat. Read. Your books are now stored in your nightstand. Your lesson begins in two hours.

First, relief bathed me. He was good, the realm was good, and I would see him again in two hours. Enough time to do what he’d suggested. Eat and read, two of my favorite things. But this didn’t explain the ice-over.

Had I gotten it right? Had our moment of vulnerability surprised him?

He was a puzzle, and I would figure him out. For now…

Different scents registered, and my mouth watered. I checked out the dishes. Salt-kissed kelp crisps, tidepool stew with sea vegetables and fire- charred lobster. For dessert, candied seaberries and tiny cakes shaped like dragons.

My stomach rumbled. A meal fit for a dragon and a kraken.

Alone, I sampled every dish, loving the rich complexities of the flavors. But by the fire’s blaze, I wished Sebastian were here with me. I wanted to know more about him. The real him, not the king, but the man. I’d very much enjoyed dancing with him. And his smile, there at the end…

I needed to see it again.

The ring on my index finger vibrated, and I closed my eyes, needing a moment to brace. Olyssa. She’d already heard something about my performance, thanks to Adelaide, who had her fingers on the pulse of every kingdom, including this one. Now, my sisters wished to discuss it, I’m sure.

The vibrations intensified. Finally, I lifted the ring and tapped the large morganite center stone. Olyssa’s image appeared several feet in front of me. A tall, gorgeous redhead brimming with confidence and authority.

She anchored her hands on her hips. “You’ve already rendered your verdict then? Sebastian is your firebrand? Word is you’ve moved in with him.”

Knew it. “Shh! Keep your voice down,” I whisper-shrieked. I didn’t want anyone overhearing us. And really, I must tread carefully here. Lying to my sister and queen wasn’t an option. But betraying Sebastian’s trust was likewise off-limits. “We’re… dating. Kind of. It’s complicated, and I’m not ready to talk about it.”

“Don’t worry. I can get my info elsewhere.” Adelaide stepped in front of Olyssa, taking over the call. The stunning brunette looked me over, assessing everything at once. “Do you want your spywork grade now or later?”

Please. “I’ll take nothing less than an A minus.” I’d kept her words of warning in the forefront with every interaction since entering Krakenströnd. Maybe I hadn’t always done it well, but I’d done it. In a mimic of her snobbiest I Know All attitude, I said, “If you can’t see their flaws, you’re not looking hard enough.”

“That’s adequate,” Adelaide replied with a nod. High praise from her.

I took a bow. Now, for the problem. “We might have a kraken spy in our court.”

“Oh, there are all kinds of spies here.” She arched a dark brow. “Just as there are many dragon spies there. What I don’t know is when you’re seeing Sebastian again.”

“Soon.” My gaze flickered to that connecting door. Would he invite me into his room? “After I finish eating and read the next chapter of my romance novel.” And that was enough intel for now. “Goodbye, ladies. I love you.”

I moved to disconnect, but both women protested, and I hesitated.

“He knows we’ll kill him if he hurts you, ja?” Adelaide asked.

Without missing a beat, Olyssa peeked around her. “I love making introductions with my dragon fire.”

End. Their smiling faces vanished, along with their ridiculous threats and subsequent laughter.

I did exactly as I’d told them. Finished my meal and read a chapter of my romance, a delightful story about a healer who falls for the enemy general she’s supposed to poison.

I would have read more, but my gaze continually strayed to that closed door. The two hours should end in… five. Four. Three. Two.

Freyja’s now familiar knock sounded at the front door.

I erupted to my feet and smoothed my skirt. “Come in,” I called, heart thudding.

She bustled in, her ever-present clipboard in hand. “Greetings, princess. Your meeting with Mr. Thorson is soon. He’s a renowned kraken etiquette specialist. The best of the best, usually booked two years in advance. At the king’s request, he has agreed to meet with you.”

What? “Nein. I’m supposed to be with the king.” Studying runes.

“I was told to fetch you, so that is what I’m doing.”