Page 62 of The Hunted

Rosel made a soft noise, smiling a bit. “The next storm, no? Or, that’s what I was told.”

Yes, that’s what she had been told, too. At the next storm, they would take to the land. Arelle would then have her ceremony with Mav and would leave soon after. Although, now, with the promise of returning when the Blu throne became hers.

All things that would never happen.

She didn’t tell her mother that, though.

“To your other questions,” her mother said softer, her gaze drifting to where the crib rocked with the water. “Well, those aren’t as easy to answer.”

“I never thought they were.”

“I love what my life has given me, Arelle.”

“What about what it’s taken?”

“Those keep me from sleeping.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

Rosel shook her head, the red of her hair twisting wildly.

“Are you lonely without Coral and Poe? Sarha left so long ago, I never think to ask if you miss her, too.”

“I still have you,” her mother replied. “And the baby.”

“But—”

“I chose all my children, Arelle. It’s the only choice I was allowed to have as your father’s mate, and queen. I wish things were different more often than I don’t, but this is what the Gods gave me. I am determined to make the best of it for the rest of my days.”

Arelle stared back at the baby, and the string of shiny baubles her mother had tied down over the small cradle to give the infant something to stare at or play with when she was awake. Little golden mermaids that danced in the water and twinkled when the glowing fish became brighter as the night fell.

“When the queen was captured, before your father took the throne, everything changed for me. I was picked—the chosen one, he said. I thought that made me special, but all it did was give me this.”

“And if I don’t want that?”

“Your duty is the same,” Rosel replied, “and like me, you will do your best and make the choices you can, Arelle.”

“What if I can’t?”

“We all can mate.”

Except her.

Because she already had one.

“Have you thought of any more names for her?” her mother asked. “We should pick one and announce it soon. The colony is waiting.”

“I thought … Poe would like Lilee.”

“A perfect name for a princess.” Rosel turned her smile on Arelle, giving a wink that had her daughter smiling. “As for you …”

“What about me?”

“Your hesitance about your mating … I believe it’s nothing more than well, nerves. Once it starts, everything will be so easy. Natural, even.”

Her mother wasn’t lying.

Arelle now knew exactly how easy mating could be.