Page 31 of The Kraken's Queen

What a crazy, beautiful life.

Allarick rises to stretch. I get a good look at his muscular chest. His dark skin is a stark contrast to thevibrant colors of the ocean, but no less beautiful. If anything, his beauty supersedes everything else.

“Are you up to more exploring today?” he asks, and I begrudgingly tear my gaze away from his chest.

“Yes, actually… Did I see a music room yesterday?”

“You probably did. We have two. One on the lower floor for parties and one up here. Did you want to see the room?”

“I do…if you don’t mind. I know you’re busy with meetings and such?—”

Allarick braces his arms on the bed, lowering his head until he’s eye level with me. “My only duties today are with you, sweet girl. I assure you, I have everything else under control.”

Well, then.

Shortly after that, I pick myself up out of bed and head into the bathroom to take care of my morning routine. I search through the closet to find something to wear. Most everything in here feels like silk and provides very little coverage. The merpeople don’t have the same modesty values humans do, which is something I’ll have to get used to.

I settle on a blue shirt that’s a cross between a crop top and a bralette, along with a similar color skirt with built-in pants. The sides of the skirt flare open, allowing me to freely move my legs. There’s a lot of skin on display, and normally I would feel self-conscious, not of my body shape—I quite love the way I look—but rather the bruises that usually adorn my skin.

None are there today. None will ever be there again.

I walk out of the bathroom with a smile on my faceand straight into Allarick. The man still hasn’t put on a shirt—I doubt he owns one—but he wears a pair of black pants that hug his thighs sinfully.

“Do I look okay?” I ask, suddenly feeling self-conscious. Is this appropriate attire for the future queen? Should I wear something more elegant?

My fears and insecurities are put to rest with the look Allarick gives me. It’s molten-hot, burning me from the inside out. Wetness pools between my legs from that look alone. This man calls to my body in a way I no longer thought possible.

“You look ethereal. The incarnate of beauty.”

Well, shit. Who says things like that? Incarnate of beauty? Men like Allarick only exist in old romance novels found on grandmothers’ bookshelves.

“You’re good for my ego. I might keep you around,” I tease, trying to hide my obvious lust and discomfort at being complimented.

“I’m your humble servant.” Images of himservingme fill my mind, and I have to press my legs tightly together. Allarick on his knees in front of me. Allarick pinning me to the bed. Allarick with his?—

Get a fucking grip, Erin. Stop acting like a horny teenager. Have some decorum,I chide myself.

“I think we should check out the one downstairs.” Allarick’s words break through my lust-filled fog.

“Hmm?”

“The music room. The one downstairs is bigger. Do you mind checking that one out?”

Oh. Music. Right.

“Can you play music underwater?”

My question is greeted with a smile, and Allarick nods. “You can. Works similar to above, I imagine.”

Intrigued and more than a little excited to have my kraken back, I follow Allarick out of the room and down the hallway. We pass the music room, and my fingers itch to caress an instrument—any instrument. It’s been so long since I’ve been able to play, and I’ve missed it. James hated the noise and would become irate when I played. So, I stopped.

Allarick gets in the water first, and a small whirlpool surrounds him. A few seconds later, the water clears, and his legs are replaced with tentacles. I’m not sure I’ll ever get over the awe of the magic here, but I hope I never lose the sense of wonder.

“Come,” he says, and I take a tentative step down. The water is warm and soothes my cold feet, and as soon as I’m deep enough in, Allarick envelops me in his embrace. He’s so gentle with me, like if he squeezes too hard, I’ll shatter. He’s probably not wrong.

“This way.” He grins, and we take off back through the first story of the castle. I’m content with being pulled along, at least until my swimming skills get better.

The castle is alive this morning with staff, all wearing the same black button-down shirt. There are also a few in what looks like armor with spears at their sides. All bow as Allarick and I swim by. Even though everyone is working, there is an abundance of smiles and laughter. There’s a sense of community within these walls, and that’s a testament to what kind of king Allarick is.

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