Page 20 of Welcome to Seaman’s Cove: Part Two

Despite our lack of closeness, I genuinely think my brother hopes for my well-being. Could he be an ally? I open my mouth to test my theory, but a jangling sound interrupts, and water crashes into us from behind. Our younger sister, Amalie, dodges guards and elders at an unreasonable clip, only to careen to a halt between us.

It’s no surprise she’s late, nor that our mother did nothing more than grumble about her absence. Until Amalie presents, she is of no use in our mother’s scheming. Amalie is rarely guarded or expected to appear at court. She has more freedom than any of us.

Nero cants his head to look at her, his expression reprimanding yet amused. Unlike my brother, Ama is dressed more casually, a pretty textile that matches her lilac hair wrapped around her chest. Said locks flow behind her in wild disarray. She looks happy and free in a way I haven’t felt in years.

“Queen Namora,” a feminine voice intones. “So lovely to see you again.”

I turn away from my siblings to see my betrothed dip her head to my mother. The princess is arresting, her coloring unique. Jet black hair floats around her shoulders, matching her obsidian tail. Her skin is pale, creating a striking juxtaposition that makes her look fierce. Her alpha dominance is subtle, but powerful, her chin held high with well earned pride. Nerocaitan is correct, she would make an excellent partner—just not for me.

“Allow me to present my son, third in line to the throne of Tythas, prince⁠—”

“You can call me Caspian,” I cut in before my mother can go on with her pompous introduction. I don’t know why I give the princess the name I chose with Madi, but it soothes something in me. It’s a minor rebellion that makes me feel closer to my mate.

If eyes could shoot daggers, I’d be dead from the glare my mother gives me. But she laughs lightly, always one to keep up appearances.

“He’s going through a phase,” she says in explanation, her words tight. “Now, I’m sure you’re tired after your journey. Would you like to retire for a while before dinner?”

“I’m quite well, actually.” Princess Farrasea turns toward us, though her gaze flicks to Nero before it focuses on me. “I’d prefer to see the city. Prince Nerocaitan has had the luxury of visiting Sirena, and I feel at a disadvantage.”

“It would be my pleasure to show you around, princess,” Nero volunteers.

“Caspian will give you a tour.” My mother’s glare is directed at my brother this time.

“Prince Nerocaitan can come with us,” Princess Farrasea suggests. “I’m sure two guides are better than one.”

The smile my brother gives her could light a city. He holds out his arm, and Farrasea wraps hers around it. There’s nothing my mother can do to protest now, though she doesn’t look happy about the arrangement. Personally, I’m thrilled I won’t have to be alone with my fiancée. Perhaps I can sneak off at some point when they’re both distracted.

It doesn’t seem like that will be hard. They’re already headed toward the gates, my brother chattering away about the engineering feat of their construction.

My mother grabs my arm before I can join them, her nails dig into my skin hard enough to draw blood. There’s a gleam in her dark eyes that’s truly terrifying. “Remember what I said. Not a word.”

14

It took us multiple days, and a lot of help from the ship’s captain, to make sense of the map we found. After we discovered the cipher, we were able to identify Tythas, where Caspian said he lived, and set a course. All we can do is hope that’s where they took our packmates. It seems too easy and too hard all at once, but we have no other options. Our only choice is to press on.

For now, we’ve stopped near the Trennach archipelago because the captain said a storm is predicted to hit late tonight, and he preferred to be anchored for it. The chain of tiny islands are all privately owned and difficult to get to by their positioning in the middle of the ocean. My friend Roman and his pack rented one out when they bonded as a surprise for their omega. This one is the smallest at the farthest outreaches.

In the distance, stormclouds threaten our path, but here the sky is clear, and the water is the same blue as Caspian’s eyes. It makes my body ache with the reminder that he and Madison are so far away.

“How about a swim?” Phoenix kicks my chair as he speaks, jerking me out of my thoughts.

I didn’t notice him come down to the lower deck where I’ve been staring mindlessly at my books, head pounding. Even now that we’ve got some sense of where we’re going, I’ve tried to continue my research to learn everything I can about the myths and legends of merfolk. It still feels like we’re going in blind, and my focus has been shit. I’ve had a migraine for days that no amount of meds will help. My body feels achy all the time, like I’m bruised everywhere. The longer I’m apart from Madi and Caspian the worse it gets.

About to turn Phoenix down, I open my mouth, but immediately close it when I see what he’s holding in his hand.

“Like I said, let’s swim.” He spins the i’xal in his fingers. “We’re getting closer, so maybe it’ll tell us something.” He tosses the little device from one hand to the other.

“Be careful!” I snatch it from him with a growl. Fist closed around the precious compass, I charge Phoenix. “How could you be so careless!” I’ve got him pinned against the railing, hand around his throat in an instant.

“Hey!” Sebastian yells from behind me.

I’m not sure when he joined us, but his palm on my back somehow lowers my blood pressure a fraction.

I blink, suddenly aware of how hard I’m constricting Phoenix’s throat. His blood-drained face lacks his normal smile, eyes wide with fear. I drop him and jump back, the i’xal clattering on the deck.

“Fuck, Nix… I don’t know what came over me.”

Sebastian kneels beside Phoenix while I stand there staring at my hands in shock. Nix and I have fought over the years, but it’s never gotten as physical as that. I’m not a violent man. Demanding? Yes. But not violent. Until now. I’m on edge in every way, and it’s making me irrational. I hate it.