Page 14 of Taken By the Storm King

I nodded, unable to speak for a moment. The memory of Sarah’s final moments crashed over me---her desperate gasps as the toxins took hold, the way her fingers had clutched mine before finally going limp.

“When the waters turned on Earth, when the first major contamination hit...” I forced the words past the lump in my throat. “She was testing a new filtration system. It failed. I was supposed to be there with her, but I’d been called away.”

Thalassar’s hand found mine, his scaled fingers warm against my skin. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“Maybe not. But I promised myself I’d never stand by helplessly again while someone I care about suffers.” I met his gaze directly.

The implications of my words hung between us, unmistakable.

Thalassar brought my hand to his lips. “We will find them. I promise you.”

I believed him. Despite everything, I believed him.

THALASSAR

Nearly a week had passed since Lucy's arrival, a week that had shifted the foundations of my world.In my study, the morning brought a new wave of worries. My fingers drummed lightly against the surface of the table as I watched the play of light across my scales. The old ones had gathered - my advisors, mentors, those who had advised me following my mother's death.

Maris, my oldest advisor, sat across from me. Her pale green scales glimmered from the window as she leaned forward. “Your people talk of nothing else but the human woman.”

“Should I be worried?”

“Not in the way you think.” She picked up a glowing fruit from the bowl on my desk, turning it in her hands. “They say you smile more.”

“I do not.”

“You’re smiling now.”

I wiped the expression from my face. “The situation is complicated.”

“Life often is.” Maris set the fruit down. “Which is why I’ve arranged something.”

“What did you do?”

She stood, moving to the window. Beyond, the twin suns painted the water in streaks of gold. “A picnic. Near the jeweled grottos.”

“Maris-“

“Your mother would want you to be happy.”

The mention of my mother hit like a physical blow. “My duty is to our people.”

“And what good is a leader who denies himself joy?” She turned back to me. “The meal is packed. Your afternoon is clear. Show her our world, Thalassar.”

I started to argue, but my response died on my lips as movement at the doorway caught my attention. Lucy stood there, wrapped in a gown of the deepest blue, her curves making my heart skip a beat.

“Am I interrupting?” she asked.

“Not at all.” Maris glided past her, eyes twinkling with unspoken understanding. “I was just leaving.”

Lucy watched her go, then stepped into my study. “Your advisor?”

“Since I was young.” I stood, drawn to her like the tide to shore. “She’s arranged an outing for us.”

“Has she?” Lucy’s lips curved up. “And what does the mighty Storm King think about that?”

“The Storm King thinks his advisor is meddling.” I moved closer, caught by the way the light played in her hair. “But he’s not entirely opposed to the idea.”

She stepped toward the window, looking out at the water. “Where would we go?”

---