Page 23 of Between Fear and Favor

“Probably because you have barely slept at all the past month.” He kissed the top of my head. “The shadows seemed to protect you.”

“My dream,” I murmured. “It was so real. Almost like…”

“What was it about?”

“You,” I said, not allowing myself to think of that joyous alternate version of our lives.

“And Elora.” I wrapped my arms tighter around his neck. “I think I might have created a vision—like Cyran.”

“It’s possible,” Rain replied. His chest rumbled as he pondered the idea, and he gave me another kiss.

“Did it work?” I asked, changing the subject. I was hopeful that we would get some sort of respite from the Supreme’s attack. If Rain was able to stop their supplies, it could change everything.

“Yes,” he murmured, though there was an inkling of sadness from the bond. Where there should have been elation and a blossoming hope in its place, despondence twined across the golden tether between us. “We should call off the search, Em,” he said. “Dewalt thought you’d gone off and risked your neck.”

“Oh, gods.” Sour shame filled my throat, followed by an aching guilt. How many people had Cethina killed while I’d wrapped myself in comforting dreams? “And you’ll tell me what happened on the way to the healer’s tent?”

Rain put both of his hands on my shoulders, pushing me back to get a better look at me. “Where do you need healing?” His gaze tracked over what he could see, searching for an ailment.

“Not to heal me. They need me, Rain.”

“Mmm. We’ll see.” Without another word, he stood, supporting my back with one arm and using the other to scoop me under my knees. I couldn’t find the energy to argue with him as he carried me through a rift.

Chapter 13

LAVENIA

Hoursafter the seaborn woman left—not long after I’d finished combing out the last of my braids—I stood with the tiara made of moonpearls in my hands. Clearly, Estri had wanted me to wear it. But, if I wore it, would she see it as acknowledgement that I’d been eager to fulfill whatever strange fantasy she had of the goddess? If I refused to wear it, however, she could take it as an insult. I’d been staring at it, debating on what to do, when someone coughed behind me. Turning, I found a merrow standing in the doorway. Slim and pale, his body was a light green color. With a thin face and sharp jawline, he was both terrifying and handsome.

“She said you should wear it.” The merrow tilted his head toward the small creature who floated nearby. Vivid pink and smaller than my hand, a tiny seahorse bobbed in the water beside him. I couldn’t stop my delighted smile.

“Is that Foxglove?” I asked, and the seahorse twirled in a circle. ”Amazing,” I breathed.

Fox, the seahorse shifter.

“Do you know how to swim, landwalker?” the merrow asked, and I turned my attention to him. His mossy green tongue licked over dangerously pointed blue-tinted teeth. Long, dark hair floated around him, and the unsightly sneer he wore screwed up his features into something terrifying.

“Is this how you speak to all your distinguished guests?” I asked, but continued before he could respond. “I am sure whatever prowess I have is overshadowed by even the newest of swimmers here. I hope it’s not too inconvenient for you.”

He bared his teeth, sharp blue points unsettling, and I took a step back. The wet fabric sticking to my ankles nearly tripped me, but I caught myself in time to see Fox slam her tiny body into the merrow’s abdomen. With the action, he closed his mouth, and pushed his massive dark tail through the water, moving him backward.

“We’re going to be late,” he snapped, making his way down a coral lined passage. “Come. I will help you if you need it.” Fox remained, twirling, as if to beckon me forward. After a moment, I stepped through the strange wall of water, finding it to be far more temperate than I expected. Though I tried not to think about it, the line on my throat moved, and I had no problem transitioning to breathing underwater. My gown swirled out around me, and I grinned as the pink seahorse swam beneath the delicate frills, designed to look like fins.

I wasn’t sure what the fabric was, but the dress spread outward, making it difficult to move quickly. Soon enough, the grumpy merrow grew impatient. With no warning, he surged toward me, grabbing me around the waist before dragging me along.

Beneath the stone table,a small fish darted under my gown. Uncertain about which creatures were true sea dwellers and which ones could grow legs and have a conversation with me, I pushed my legs tightly together. I adjusted my dress and kicked my leg out, trying to rid myself of the pest. Why couldn’t I acclimate to being at the bottom of the ocean in peace? It was no easy feat, trying to serve as ambassador when my life was in the Seaborn Queen’s hands. My brother would owe me my own palace when I went home, I decided.

If I ever made it home.

“Do you dislike it?” Estri asked, pointing to the sea cucumber on the plate before me.

I shook my head.

“Why don’t you speak? Is that what is done on land?” My eyes widened. Had it not occurred to her I could not speak beneath the water? I tried all the same, and nothing came out. With the slit in my throat, anytime I was underwater, my mouth was full of sea water, and I hadn’t been able to get any words out. She raised a brow. “Did I not...?”

Long, slim fingers wrapped around my wrist. Her sharp nails traced a path over my skin. I watched, unnerved. With a swift flick, she could cut my arm open. Considering where we were, all manner of creatures would scent the blood in an instant, and I couldn’t help but tense.

“I suppose you would be a rather boring guest if I didn’t allow you to speak.” Using my wrist, she pulled my body toward her. There was a glint in her eye, wicked, as she leaned forward. When my heart sped up, I wondered if the predators surrounding us could hear it. I swore she was going to kiss me, lips hovering over mine, but then she chuckled. Sitting back, she asked, “So, you dislike this meal?”

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