Into the Deep (10 page)

Chapter Seventeen

We set off into another part of the palace and I am continuously distracted by every little detail. Here, closer to the atrium and throne room, the halls are finely decorated. The rough, stone walls are embedded with ancient fossils, adding to the texture. Where I thought it would be dark, glass sconces hold small iridescent fish, the kind that live in greater depths and give off their own light, throwing shadows that constantly move across every surface. Here and there, intense murals grace the walls, a feast for my curiosity.

“This will be your room, Zoey. You’ve been assigned a handmaiden, Desma, who will ensure you have what you need. She’ll also assist you in becoming accustomed to the more unfamiliar items and our culture.”

Following her through the doorway, my mind eats up every tiny detail, tucking it away to be analyzed later.

There’s a bed and a window and a vanity. The walls are accented with starfish and decorated turtle shells boasting images that appear Polynesian. The bed itself is immense and I struggle to understand why there is one to begin with. I haven’t stopped to consider how the mer sleep. I swim over and touch it.

“What is it made of?”

A new voice answers. “The frame is soft stone, as is most of our furniture. The inside is sand, covered by a layer of finely woven plants.”

I turn to the source. A young mermaid has joined us. Her long, dark hair flows behind her and I estimate she’s in her early twenties.

She floats forward and bows. “My name is Desma and please, anything you require, you only have to ask.”

It’s hard to grow accustomed to the other mermaids, let alone ones bowing before me. Adjusting to life as a so-called princess will be difficult. I’m not comfortable being showered with attention anyway. The idea that strangers throughout the kingdom know about me is disturbing.

“Thank you. I’m going to need a lot of help.”

“I’ll leave you to settle in and see you at dinner,” Galina says, drawing close to kiss my cheek.

Once she’s gone, Desma relaxes. A mirror on the small vanity surprises me and I am captivated by the reflection. It’s me, but it’s not. I felt so out of place among the mer in the atrium, knowing I stood out, a flaw in their perfect world. But the girl in the mirror
is
perfect. She is an exotic mermaid. Witnessing myself in this form steals my breath. I’m aware of the other presence watching, so I will wait to study my new persona later, without an audience.

“Where do they come from?” I ask, indicating the mirror and hoping to draw attention from my startled image.

“They’re retrieved from sunken ships. We’re very resourceful and do a lot of scavenging. There is no waste in the ocean.” She flashes a saucy grin. “Besides, we tend to be a bit vain.”

From what I’ve seen, she’s not exaggerating. If they have mirrors, maybe they have glass on the windows. I reach out, curious about the small window and find it is open to the outside. “Don’t you worry about a predator coming in?”

Desma blinks, as if struggling to understand the question, and then asks, “What would come in here? Nothing dangerous would dare venture near the palace. You’re safe.”

The image of a streamlined shark flashes in front of me, but I won’t argue with her. Suddenly, a wave of exhaustion and hunger rolls over me. Food and sleep are what I crave.

But first, I have to attend a dinner.

“Galina mentioned earlier about preparing for tonight. How exactly does that work? Normally, I’d take a shower.”

“We don’t get dirty the way humans do. All we have to worry about is buildup of the gunk trickling down from above. The easiest way to cure it is by this.” She picks up a sponge, similar to what I use in our bathroom at home. “You run it over your skin and tail to remove the fine layer of buildup. Here, let me show you.”

Desma lifts my arm and rubs the sponge down it with a little bit of pressure. When she’s finished, she says, “Now, feel this compared to the other.”

Running my hands up both I notice a difference. The one she cleaned is smooth and soft while the other is covered in grime I didn’t realize was there. I accept the sponge so I can complete the task, rubbing it all over. Afterward, I am significantly fresher, lighter.

“That’s awesome. What about hair?” Glancing at the mirror, mine is a mess. The bonus about being in water is my hair stays soft and more manageable as it floats around me in a cloud, but it still tangles.

She turns to the vanity and picks up a strange spiny object. “This is a Crown of Thorns starfish that died naturally. Their strong spines are perfect for combing hair.”

To demonstrate, she moves behind me and starts using it. The spines tickle my scalp as I say, “It’s weird how everything is so normal and yet different at the same time.”

“You are adjusting very well.” Her face screws up in thought. “Although, this dinner may be a bit of an overload. I don’t envy you at all. Everyone will be watching. You’ll be thrust into the spotlight, as your kind says.”

I sigh. It’s exactly what I’m afraid of. “How many will be there?”

She finishes combing my locks and swings in front of me with a look of sympathy. “Almost everyone. All the important families will be interested in you.”

“Do you think Nerio will go?”

“He won’t.” Her nostrils flare in response. “Nerio is very good-looking, but he’s a guard. You’re a royal. It wouldn’t be allowed. Besides, I know him and you’re not his type.”

“How?” I strive to keep my inquisition neutral, but it comes out snotty instead.

Her gaze pierces me. “He’s my brother.”

My heart sinks. I don’t want her flitting off and reporting how I’m a bratty princess. I itch with the temptation to ask her what actually is his type, but it’s not a smart idea. She probably won’t appreciate it and I need all the friends I can find.

To change the subject, I inquire about the queen. “What is Magdalena like?”

Desma’s features relax marginally as she lowers her voice. “She’s not kind, as the king is. She’s cold. You can’t deny her beauty and voluptuous body, but a lot of people wish the king had a better mate. Her daughter, Eustacia, is exactly the same, very spoiled. She won’t be happy sharing the title of princess.”

Perfect. Making enemies, especially of my family, is out of the question. Hopefully they have no preconceived notions about why I’m here. It’d be nice to fit in with them seamlessly, but I’m an outsider. That might be asking a lot.

Next, Desma passes me a beaded bikini top. It’s considerably more appropriate than the one I’m wearing and I let her help me put it on. Up close, I notice instead of beads, there are tiny shells woven together with a type of netting. It’s exquisite.

The young mermaid continues talking, making it clear she’s a bit of a gossip. Great for learning, but she’s tossing out too many names and facts for me to keep straight. I wish I were back out in the ocean, with Nerio, where we only had to worry about storms and sharks. That seems safer than what I am about to walk into. Or swim into. All I can do is nod and agree every now and then as she rambles on.

And avoid yawning.

Chapter Eighteen

We return to the atrium and night has fallen, darkening the already meager light and causing the glow from the fish lamps to illuminate the corners of the vast space. The cozy mood does nothing to chase away my sleepiness, adding a few extra pounds to my heavy eyelids.

Same as before, everyone gawks at me without shame as we pass. The difference now is a few actually smile in greeting or bow out of respect. Nausea, which moments ago wreaked havoc on my stomach, lessens and I suck in a deep breath, my gills contracting in response. Maybe the spectacle of a half-human princess will wear off quicker than I thought.

Many are fixed up fancier and more extravagantly than they were earlier. One young mermaid is covered entirely in scales, real and painted. It’s hard to discern where the tail ends and the torso begins. A merman passes with starfish woven into his flowing hair, then another with neon pink curls. The odd sights are so interesting and I ignore the urge to gawk.

The hall we enter is another immense, beautiful space filled with stone tables and matching chairs. Jars of luminous fish sit on each table, casting shadows on the walls.

Desma escorts me to the front, where my father is. She dips in a graceful bow and slips off before I can thank her. Stavros surges forward and hugs me in greeting. I’m surprised, but relax in his strong embrace, feeling safe.

“I’m sorry about earlier, Zoey. It was not my intention to turn you away so soon.”

His words lift my mood and I reassure him. “It’s okay. I imagine an unexpected daughter throws a wrench in your daily routine. I understand.”

He chuckles and keeping an arm draped over my shoulders, he turns to introduce me to a dark-haired mermaid.

“Zoey, this is my wife, Queen Magdalena.”

Like Nerio, she’s darker-skinned, exotic, with a long mass of jet black hair and cold green eyes. Her full lips are turned down in a frown. It’s the one thing stopping her from being drop dead gorgeous.

I bow, as I’ve seen so many do, and say, “Thank you for welcoming me into your home.”

She sneers down her nose at me. “It wasn’t exactly my choice, was it?”

Without another word, she flits away.

Desma warned me she was cold, but to witness it firsthand is shocking, especially since it happens in front of the king. I am embarrassed for him.

A younger mirror image of Magdalena remains behind. This must be Eustacia. She furrows her perfectly arched brows and follows in her mother’s wake. Stavros squeezes my shoulder in support, and it helps a bit. I didn’t exactly expect a warm greeting, but their behavior is ridiculous and rude.

A few mermen are gathered nearby and Stavros introduces me to his head advisor, Alexios. The opposite of Stavros’s wife and daughter, Alexios gives me a genuine reaction.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Zoey. The king has spoken of nothing else since learning of your existence. We’re blessed to have you.”

“Thank you. It’s a lot to get used to, but the longer I’m here the more comfortable I am,” I say.

“If you ever need anything, don’t be afraid to ask. I am your father’s most loyal subject.”

Stavros slaps him on the back. “He’s also a trusted friend.”

Galina joins us and the final traces of my tension rolls off. She is the most reassuring and calming woman I’ve ever met. With her at my other side, my confidence grows and I’m introduced to many mer I am certain I’ll forget straightaway. At least a hundred have gathered and the weight of their stares is heavy, judging and assessing.

Although Desma said he wouldn’t be there, I scan the unfamiliar faces searching for Nerio from time to time. On one of my quick glances, I notice a very hot guy swimming in my direction. He’s absolutely gorgeous and exactly what I used to picture when I thought of a merman—dark blond hair, blue eyes, chiseled features, rock hard muscles, and cocky confidence—Poseidon come to life.

Alexios sticks his chest out proudly. “This strapping young merman is my son, Xander.”

Xander reaches for my hand and bends over it. At closer inspection he wears a calculating expression, as if he’s figuring out how he can use me to his benefit or what my true motivations are for being here. He strikes me as someone who never acts by mistake. Realizing it sounds callous, I chalk it up to my fatigue.

“Just when our kingdom couldn’t get any lovelier, you show up to prove me wrong.”

“Um, t-thanks.” His presence dominates everyone else around him. My reaction is to retreat, or, more appropriately, push myself back with a flick of my tail. “Glad I can help,” I mutter in good humor.

A huge smile breaks across his face, finally reaching his eyes. “And you, my lady, are refreshing.”

Overconfidence oozes off of him, which dampens his appearance. Past his shoulder, I catch Eustacia glaring at us. Maybe glaring is too simple a term. She wants to rip out my hair.

Awesome, that’s all I need, some crazy princess with the impression I’m here to steal her merman. His smugness annoys me. The way he glances around, like he’s making certain everyone notices how nice he’s being to the new girl. But he isn’t treating me as an oddity, which is a huge plus. I soften my initial feelings toward him. I would hate to jump to conclusions the way many probably are about me.

Galina interrupts to announce it’s time to eat. My stomach sinks when I’m seated across from Eustacia, but at least Xander is at our table and Galina. The stone is adorned only with the lights and nothing else—no silverware, no forks, not even a glass.

Which is logical, we’re underwater and drinking wouldn’t exactly work, but I have a sudden craving for a cherry Coke.

Stavros rises, near a podium at the head of the longest table, commanding everyone’s attention. I’m in awe of his presence and unable to compute that this is my dad. I’m impressed I came from him, but can’t stop the sadness over all the memories I missed out on. Growing up, there were a lot of instances I regretted not having a dad. Those are issues I’ll have to deal with. Our time together is a gift I intend to take advantage of.

“Thank you for being here tonight.” He clears his throat. “When I was a young merman, after my father died, I left in a moment of rebellion. I wasn’t ready to lead this great kingdom. It would be my final Sojourn before I took the throne and I fled, desperate for a final moment alone, a chance to burn off my indecision. On an island near Fiji, I met an extraordinary human woman and fell in love. We spent a wonderful couple of days together, then said goodbye. I came back to do my duty and she hers.”

As I watch him, I recognize what drew Mom in. Putting aside his attractiveness, I catch a glimpse of his passion and charisma. The entire package would be hard for anyone to resist.

Yet when he mentions my mother, I notice Magdalena’s evil glare. It’s as if she’s mentally conjuring up ways to hurt him. No woman appreciates hearing about her man’s long lost love, especially in a room full of her subjects, but I can’t sympathize with her. She makes me uneasy.

“The result of our brief union was a daughter I never knew about. A firstborn daughter who bears my royal blood and discovered who she was only recently.” He gestures in my direction. “Zoey, please join me.”