Page 126 of A Kingdom Restored

“In Valoria,” Merletta protested. “That doesn’t count here.”

“True,” Ileana agreed. “Vazula doesn’t have its own royal family…yet.”

“You meananymore, not yet,” Merletta corrected. “There was one once, of course, before they all died out or were submerged.”

“Yes,” Ileana said expressionlessly. “That’s what I meant.”

The guard exchanged a look with Sage and Indigo that left Merletta frowning between them. “What in the tides are you all looking so shifty about?”

“Nothing you need to trouble your head about on your wedding day,” Sage said, her voice turning businesslike. “On with the dress!”

Turning, Merletta felt her mouth fall open at the sight of the shimmering garment in her friend’s arms. She reached out, glad now that Sage had made her wash her hands as she ran her fingers down the soft fabric. It moved so fluidly under her touch that it almost felt like water.

“It’s called silk, apparently,” Indigo chimed in. “One of Lord Heath’s cousins organized it.”

“You really should just call him Heath,” Merletta told Indigo. “He’s not expecting any great titles here.”

The young mermaid looked scandalized. “I can’t do that!” she insisted. “I can’t be on a first name basis with our future—”

“Not now, Indigo,” Sage cut her off firmly.

Merletta stared between them, but her attention was quickly recaptured by the dress Sage was slipping over her head. She shimmied out of the simple skirt she’d been wearing, leaving her scaled skirt on.

It wasn’t visible once the dress was settled, however. The silk was white, although the tiny crystal beads threaded across it gave the appearance of a pale, clear blue shimmering throughout. Like looking through shallow water at white sand.

Some other kind of fabric was sewed on the bodice of the dress, blending seamlessly thanks to the beads which covered it. The neckline was scalloped across the two rounded edges, making it look much like Merletta’s shells, over which it perfectly settled. And the skirts, while long at the back, weren’t quite to Merletta’s knees at the front, meaning it didn’t hinder her mobility at all.

“It’s perfect,” Merletta breathed, admiring herself in the tall looking glass that had traveled all the way from Valoria. “I love it.” She ran a hand over the fabric again. “I can hardly believe it was made in Heath’s kingdom. I never saw anyone wear anything like this there.”

Indigo nodded at Sage. “Sage helped Lady Bianca design it, actually.”

Merletta turned her gaze to her friend. “I think you missed your calling,” she said, awed.

Sage laughed. “No thanks. I don’t want to design coverings. I think I’ll have plenty to occupy me as a record holder.”

“Not to mention the wife of the next Record Master!” Indigo pointed out, elbowing a blushing Sage in the ribs. “Everyone will be gathering again soon, for your turn!”

Sage laughed self-consciously, although she couldn’t hide her grin. “Not everyone, thankfully. We’ll have a much quieter ceremony, underwater. So no foreign princes will be capable of attending, even if they wanted to.”

“Heath is sad he’ll miss out,” Merletta commented, still examining her reflection in the mirror. Indigo was twisting her hair up into a loose knot at the base of her neck, leaving several waving strands to flow out. “Although of course he understands.”

She found Sage’s hand, giving it a squeeze. “I’m sad you won’t be living up here with us, but I understand, too. Emil’s leadership—and yours, of course—will be the best thing that could happen to the triple kingdoms.”

“We’ll be up here so often you’ll be sick of us,” Sage said cheerfully. “Since most of our records will be stored up here, both our roles will require it. Speaking of which, do you know if Heath had any suggestions for Emil about the development of a records authentication process?”

Merletta nodded. “I heard them talking about it just yesterday. Heath was explaining about this unique royal seal human monarchs often carry. They think something like that could be adapted to make sure any records produced by the Center will be verifiable. It will require a lot of tedious effort from Emil if he’s the one carrying it, though, especially in the early days. Or months.” She grimaced. “Or years.”

“He won’t mind,” Sage said confidently. She smirked a little. “And it’s a good thing he’s so good at combat, given he’ll need to keep this seal safe.”

“No talk about work!” Indigo said firmly. “It’s your wedding day!”

“Did I just hear someone say Emil is good at combat?” Andre’s head poked through the entrance of the tent, a look of incredulity on his face. “Because that’s a bit of an exagger—”

“ANDRE!” shrieked his cousin. “Get out of here! You can’t interrupt the bride while she’s getting dressed!”

Andre stared blankly between Indigo and Merletta. “What do you mean? She’s about ten times as covered as normal. What’s the problem?”

Merletta couldn’t help laughing. “No problem, Andre,” she said. “But it’s a little crowded in here.”

---