Page 28 of The Kraken's Queen

“We call those the Dark Ages.”

She laughs, a genuine, real laugh. I’ve never seen anyone or anything more beautiful than her at this moment. I want to capture this image and save it to look back on forever.

“How are you doing?” I ask after a moment. My question sobers her up quickly.

“This was a lot to take in all at once. I’m not really sure what to think other than Tetria is more beautiful than history books made it out to be,” she says.

“I want to show you more of it.” In truth, I want to show her everything. Want to see her reaction. What she likes. What she would want changed.

“And I want to see all of it, but I’m really tired. I need a break. I’m not sure I can take in anything more,” she says, almost sad.

“Of course. The rest of the tour can wait. Let me show you to our suite.”

“Our suite?”

I pause, trying to choose my words carefully, so as not to frighten her. I hadn’t considered that she’d be against sharing a room, but it was foolish of me not to. “Well, yes. However, I don’t need to be in it while you are. Let me just show you.”

Erin nods and reaches for me. I let my tentacles drop from securing her down to the chair so she can float next to me.

“Alright, Mr. King. Take me to the bedroom.”

So, I do.

Chapter 17

Erin

“Do you remember those bubble houses in town? The ones filled with air?” Allarick asks me as we swim down the hall. I silently thank my mother for putting me in swim lessons at a young age, because Allarick moves fast. Embarrassingly, my breathing becomes labored.

“Yeah,” I say, trying not to sound as breathless as I feel.

Doesn’t work.

Allarick slows, casting me an apologetic glance as he waits for me to catch up. I elected to swim without the assistance of his tentacles, so, really, it’s on me. I didn’t realize I needed to train as an Olympic swimmer in order to become part of this kingdom.

“The part of the castle we’re headed toward is filled with air,” he explains.

It takes a moment for his words to sink in, but when they do, they bring more questions. “But how is that possible?”

Allarick simply smiles. He looks almost boyish and incredibly handsome when he does that. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t attracted to him. But attraction doesn’t equate to love. And my judgment is all skewed.

“The same way it’s possible for you to breathe down here, sweet girl. Magic comes in abundance in Mescos. You’ll see that the longer you're here. Now come, follow me.” Allarick starts to swim away, but this time one of his tentacles snakes around my waist and pulls me along. I’m more than happy to let him pull me around; it’s something a girl could get used to.

We swim down a hallway decorated with statues of mermaids, krakens, and various other ocean creatures. It amazes me how all of this could be down here and feel so different than what I’m used to, but also familiar. There’s art, beautiful infrastructure, diverse ocean people, and much more. These people are strangers, but I’m eager to learn all I can about them.

Allarick swims up. At first I think he’s swimming us into the ceiling, but he takes an abrupt turn before we crash against the stone. “What—?” Before I can say more, we break through the water surface and into…something.

It feels like Allarick and I have just resurfaced from a pool, rather than an underwater castle. There are steps to lead us out of the water and onto shiny white tile. The walls are made from glass, completely see-through. Coral buildings stand tall in the distance while merpeople swim over and around us. But not just merpeople. Jellyfish, turtles, stingrays, and otherbeautiful creatures. Some I recognize, and some I’ve never seen before.

“This is amazing,” I say breathlessly, feeling like Alice in Wonderland, but instead of falling through a rabbit hole, I’ve emerged into an ocean of mermaids.

“Most of the castle is constructed like this,” Allarick says from behind me. “Our people wanted to make this castle accessible to humans. This entire upper level has bedrooms, office and meeting spaces, a dining area, and more. It doesn’t get used much anymore since many of our people like to spend their time in the water.”

“And you sleep here?” I can’t help but think he’s doing this for my comfort.

Allarick shrugs. “Sometimes. I also have a room on the first floor. I spend very little time in the bedroom. I sleep very little.”

“You can do more than sleep in a bedroom.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them. Allarick’s brow rises, and my cheeks burn with embarrassment.

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