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Little white flowers exploded with life in a ring surrounding the banks. Beautiful plants. They reminded me of the sea ferns growing along the bridge of the palace.
“Sweet water,” said Fin as it lapped at his feet.
Nemo was a little more dramatic, slumping to the dirt and crawling into the lake.Scales came to life on his wrists and down one side of his face. They glimmered for a second then faded. They’d need a good soaking before they revived completely. But so far, this was a good sign.
Gill scooped up a handful and splashed it over his face.Then he waddled in deeper and dove into the water.
Merfolk scales and skin were accustomed to saltwater rather than the fresh water found in lakes, ponds, and rivers. But right now, we’d take anything we could get.
Fin stood on the edge with me, took off his boots, and let his feet sink in the water and mud.
“You’re not going in with them?” I asked.
“No,” Fin replied, his gaze full of longing for the water. “It’s my duty to protect you and my men.”
My heart fluttered at his loyalty. Sure, the guards back at the palace did the same thing. But they weren’t nearly as handsome or considerate as Fin. As soon as the change of guard arrived, they were down at the bar, grabbing a beer. Something about Fin told me he would never abandon me.
Nemo floated on his back, singing again, this time about how sweet the water was, and it made me smile.
Within a few moments, the color of the other mermen’s skin revived, Gill’s turning a deep olive, and Nemo’s changing to a golden tan. Fin was pale, like me. From my position, I admired them all. Nemo, forhis height and breadth, as well as his fun-loving nature. Gill, for his dark features and broodiness. Fin, for his manners, his respectfulness, and a smile that could knock me off my feet. All traits I found very attractive. At that moment, I felt a little crush blossoming for each merman.
Gosh. If anyone had ever taken a serious fancy to me, Faraall might have killed them and dumped their body at the wastelands. I shivered at the thought. What would he do once he found out I was attracted to three mermen under his command? Faraall already hated me for my rejection and for discovering his secret. If he was capable of giving me to the enemy, there were no limits to his wrath. I knew deep in my heart he would never let me have any happiness if I was alive, would never let me live if I was a threat to his endgame. There’d be no piece of coral left unturned. I’d never be able to hide from him. As much as I hated to admit it, I had to destroy Faraall before he eliminated me. How I was going to take him down, I didn’t know.
