Page 46 of Bride of the Sea King

But another look around confirmed it.

The king was gone.

“Triton?” I called out, hoping he was just in the water or something.

There was no response.

Shit.

I bit my cheek to stop myself from panicking.

Everything was fine. He’d probably just gone into the castle or something. He’d be back soon, right?

I wasn’t sure how to get out of the underground room, so I pretty muchhadto hope so. Theoretically, I could control that water tube we’d traveled through, but I wasn’t placing any bets on me being able to manipulate it like the king had.

Another wave of itchiness had me scratching my stomach roughly.

Something was clearly wrong. And Triton was gone, so I was going to have to figure it out on my own.

I forced myself to go through everything I’d learned about merrae yet again.

The bond meant I could reach out to him mentally with a question—but he felt further away than he had when we were swimming, and he definitely wasn’t hearing my thoughts at themoment. He would’ve said something. The man hated when I was uncomfortable.

So the distance must’ve changed the bond just a little. Maybe just while we were apart.

I continued trying to come up with an answer…

But yeah, I had nothing.

With a soft sigh, I finally sat up.

Something crinkled beneath me when I did, and I looked at the place I’d been laying. A folded piece of paper was there, though it was really wrinkled. The wrinkles would’ve been my fault.

Oops.

I picked it up and opened the sheet. It took me a solid few minutes to translate the words written in his language, but eventually, I figured out what it said.

Aria,

I have to handle some things in the castle, but I’ll come check on you in a few hours. Just relax and take some time for yourself. You’re safe in our grotto.

My people returned with your things, so I made space for your books on one of the shelves. Use the bond to let me know if you need anything at all.

Triton

I folded the letter again and carried it with me as I forced myself out of bed. Every step made my entire body hurt, but I did my best to ignore it.

I was fine.

So very fine.

My legs were trembling when I reached the shelf that held my books. Leaning against the wood, I groaned softly.

Okay, fine, I was in bad shape.

My stomach rumbled.

And I was hungry, apparently.

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