Page 8 of The Kraken Bride

Cons

Possibly murderous

Invited me to his suite

Pros

Beautiful irises that don’t make me sick

Powerful

Multilingual

What did he enjoy doing in his free time? Other than building his strength and making women question their life choices?

What kind of heart lurked beneath his smug confidence?

He wasn’t careless. He wore responsibility and expectations with ease. A definite pro.

But what kind of women did he prefer? Bold beauties, I’d bet. Kraken were the most savage of berserkers and didn’t appreciate delicacy in any form. As a dancer, I must land squarely in the con column for him.

Could he be trusted? Unknown. Pending review.

I’d need a lot more information gained through observation. Preferably with his shirt on.

He said something to the non-mountainous soldier, who responded with what might have been a curse. Though I strained, I couldn’t detect their words, only the soft murmur of their voices.

The man stalked off.

King Sebastian flicked his eyes up and locked onto mine, that fractured light at their centers catching me mid-stare, as if he’d sensed me from the beginning.

I straightened with a gasp, cheeks blazing.

He arched his brow, and I had no trouble deciphering his unspoken question: See something you like, princess?

I couldn’t say what came over me. Instead of being timid, as usual, I fully embraced the character my current costume represented: a bold queen assured of her power.

Tipping back my chin, I silently responded. Wouldn’t you like to know, majesty?

His mouth curved. Not a smile but a challenge, and heat coiled through my veins, unwelcome and undeniable. If that was the pull of a firebrand…

I pressed my hands to my belly and backtracked, escaping his view. But I couldn’t escape my traitorous body.

This wasn’t good. Not good at all.

Chapter

Three

If he offers a boon, there’s always fine print.

–An Incomplete Guide to Kraken Survival

Freyja knocked on my door at veil sharp, exactly as promised. Or at least, I assumed it was veil sharp. The waters had turned dark and murky, heavy currents rippling over the dome. Oh, look. A whale passed overhead.

I am calm. I am light. Head high, I glided to the door and twisted the knob to find her standing at attention, still clutching the clipboard.

Despite the time and the fact that she’d probably worked more than a full day, she greeted me with a formal nod, not a pink strand of hair out of place or wrinkle in her suit.