Page 57 of The Kraken's Queen

I’m about to jump in, but Erin beats me to it. “Let me help,” she says and swims over to scoop up the young mermaid. The girl looks up at her with large eyes. “What’s your name, sweetheart?”

The girl turns to her mother, as if asking permission to tell Erin her name. The mother gives her an encouraging nod. “Gabriella,” the child says softly.

“Gabriella. That’s a beautiful name. How old are you?” my wife asks.

Gabriella holds up four fingers.

“Oh my, you are such a big girl. Do you mind if I help your mommy take you to your own cot? You know, I bet I could find some toys somewhere in this castle. Do you think you could help me?”

Gabriella’s eyes light up. A big smile spreads across her lips. “I can help! I love toys.” She starts to talk about the coral animals she has back at her home.

The mother’s body visibly relaxes. Moments ago, she had looked on the verge of tears trying to juggle two small children alone. “Thank you, my queen. Thank you so much,” the woman praises, barely restraining her emotions.

Erin’s cheeks redden as she smiles shyly. “Of course. Is it okay if she comes with me to find toys? I’m sure some of the other children will want to play too.”

“Yes, of course. Our cot is the last one in the ballroom. Right by the east doors.”

“East doors. Got it.” Erin nods. Then she looks down at the child in her arms and whispers something to her that causes Gabriella to laugh. My brain conjures up an image of Erin, with our child on her hip and one on the way. It’s a beautiful future I desperately want.

One day.

We just need to survive the Leviathan and Nephilim.

That’s the last I see of my wife throughout the rest of the day. I catch glimpses of her, and each time, she has another child following her. Iris helped her find my old toys from childhood, and they passed them out to the kids. They haven’t stopped following after her since.

Other times, while helping our people to their cots or showing them where to go for food, I would hear soft but upbeat music playing. I caught a few of the guppies shaking their tails or swinging their tentacles around happily to the music. I knew Erin was playing because no one plays quite like her, and the sound created a sense of peace that swept through the crowds.

I finish up leading an older kraken to the healers for a headache when Delmare finds me. “My king, all cots are accounted for. If we have more people come in, we will need to figure out where to put them.”

“My office. I already sent a few maids to get it ready. We turn no one away.” I need to make myself clear for safety purposes. Not everyone has the abilities to defend themselves in their home. They deserve to seek sanctuary here and will not be punished simply because they didn’t arrive earlier.

“Of course. Those who are staying behind, shall Isend a group of guards out to ask if they wish to volunteer for the watch?”

I nod. “Make sure everyone outside this castle has noise cancelers. Volunteer or not.”

“Yes, my king.”

“And, Delmare,” I start. Delmare looks at me intensely. “Have you heard from my sister?”

Delmare’s shoulders droop, and I have my answer before he speaks. “No. We’ve heard nothing from Atina. Shall I see if I can track her down?”

“Not yet. If we don’t hear from her in a few days, I’ll send you. Be ready.”

Delmare bows. “Of course. I’m sure we will hear from Princess Atina soon.”

I hope he’s right.

Chapter 33

Erin

I’ve never had so many children following me and begging me to play music. Honestly, I’m flattered. I’ve never had such a captive audience before. By the end of the third day, I swore my fingertips would fall off. It was all worth it, though. The music provided these kids and their parents some much-needed relief from the outside world.

Allarick has grown more worried over the last few days. A faint buzzing has made its way past our sound barrier, which I’m told is expected but keeps the noise at almost a silent volume. We have still not heard from Atina, which puts Allarick on edge, and none of us can afford to leave the castle to find her. I wish I could make him feel better, but nothing I can do will bring him peace of mind.

We also rarely have time alone. It’s a small sacrifice to pay to keep Tetria safe, but I would be lying if I said I don’t miss my husband.

This evening, we both find ourselves in the diningroom after I left Iris to attend to those in the ballroom. The staff has created a buffet line for meals. It’s the most effective way to get meals out to everyone, as long as we keep the menu fairly simple. I’ve never had so much seaweed salad in my life. I would kill for a greasy burger and fries. I doubt that will fare well in the ocean though.

---