Page 34 of Coral Prince Conundrum
What proceeds is a joyous, raucous dinner. At least, I think it is?I don’t understand Corali. But all the people who line up to greet Seero promptly shake my hand and bow to me as well. Imerely nod, since I can’t talk, and don’t understand most of the words. But I can tell how elated everyone is. I’ve never had this many people meet me in a row, let alone act thrilled about it. I figured the prince had love in his life, but his family appears to be genuinely supportive.
Hours later, the four of us royal adult kids make it back to the surface home via multiple sea dragons. Once our rides breach the surface, I’m relieved to be able to eat from the takeaway dish that Seero had prepared for me, the seaweed salad with what tastes like breadsticks on the side. I’m even more thrilled to get some personal space from Jojo, promptly dropping the jellyfish from my shoulder into the tidal pool the moment I get a chance. Oroy and Priya disappear to their respective floors, while we, the soon-to-be-newlyweds-but-not-really, take the top floor.
The servants, all dressed in lighter tunics, open the doors to what I assume are our quarters. A smaller woman approaches me and bows. I smile and glance at Seero before nodding at the woman. “I am Imelda,” she says in her musical accent. “I am the servant assigned to you.” She moves her arms like she’s doing tai chi, and a small, four-wheeled cart rolls in. The gilded cart is being pushed by an orb of swirling ocean water. On it, I spot pajamas, towels, and more toiletries than I can imagine. I’m thrilled plumbing is the same in most countries, and the Coral Kingdom is no different. Still, I don’t have the mental fortitude to ask how to use the toilet if I’m ever in the underwater buildings.
“Um, nice to meet you, Imelda.”
She continues to move her arms in a circular motion. Then, when she slowly reaches a hand forward, a tiny conch shell floats to me on a hovering disc of water. I’ll never get over watermystics. She may be showing off, but if I had this power, I’d do it every day.
“If you need anything at all and his highness the Coral Prince is not available, just ring this conch.” I take it from her, and in a blur, she and the floating water make their exit.
I blink and study the conch in my hand. Then, I pick up the rest of the toiletries and follow Seero further through the hallway. Opening the doors, I’m overwhelmed again.
“Wow,” I say once we walk into our room. I didn’t have a chance to look at the actual sleeping areas before we left for dinner. But now, gazing at the massive, ostentatious apartment before me, my breath is stolen. I take in the scene: silky linens of blue, gold, and green adorn nearly every surface. There are several couches and a small kitchen. The large windows are draped, but I know from seeing the outside that there are balconies. No matter what kingdom you’re in, privacy is a rare commodity for the royals. And I guess that’s me now.
“I am glad Imelda and the others were so prompt with getting you the…clothes I requested.” Seero seems so unsure as he walks me through to the next room. Before I can ask, I’m shocked at the sight of the biggest bed I’ve ever seen, complete with a marble canopy.
“Jeez, this one bedroom is bigger than my entire apartment,” I murmur.
“I hope it is to your liking. The bathroom is just down the hallway.” I turn to my friend, but he pointedly avoids my gaze.
“Seero.”
“I will check up on you in a few minutes. It is late, and we should both be getting our sleep. If you need me and I am not here, ring the conch bell. Imelda was instructed to make every effort to give you anything you ask for.”
“Dang, talk about royal treatment.” I yawn, and, with new towels in hand, I stride to the hallway bathroom. “Wait,why would you not be here? Out swimming with sharks or something?”
We both chuckle, but his smile slowly dies. “I…thought it best if I sleep on the couch. Giving you your space is the most respectful course of action.”
Before I can argue, the Coral Prince dashes away, leaving me alone in the huge bedroom.
Thirty minutes later, I’m sitting on the covers of the extra-large, king-sized bed. The new clothes seem nice, but I’m choosing to spend night one in the boxers and tank top I brought in my bag. Fortunately, the lamps were easy to work, and the outlets accept my phone charger. So, I’m texting Justice, letting him know I’m alive. Apparently, he has his own princely problems.
There’s a knock at the door, and knowing it can only be one person, I holler, “It’s open!” Seero pokes his head in and smiles.
“Can I come in?”
I grin. “It’s your house.”
He steps forward, and, naturally, he’s only wearing a green waistcloth. I realize it’s the traditional garb of the Coral Kingdom, but he needs to stop looking so…delectable. The mere sight of his abs has me forgetting my own name.
I shake my head and try not to get hard as he approaches me. “This is your house now, too.” He raises a hand in a defensive gesture. “For the time being.”
I chuckle. “I hope to never get used to…all of this…” I wave my arms around at the almost one acre of space. “Thank you, though. For being so accommodating.”
“I should be thanking you. You have had to endure so many new things today.” He gives me that devastatingly adorable look of contrition, and I know I would do anything for him.
My cheeks warm, and I shrug. “You act like it’s such a hardship to sleep in this gargantuan bed.” We both laugh, and I lean back. The mattress is definitely big enough for two people. He’s being polite and not assuming I want to have sex. But would it be inappropriate for me to lie back further and beckon him to have his way with me?
“But still. You are doing an amazing job in the role. And starting tomorrow, we will get to work on the presentation.” His smile falls, and he taps the sheets. “We…have a mission to accomplish. And I believe in us.”
My throat suddenly feels like a sand dollar. “I believe in us, too,” I reply softly. Why does this feel so devastating? Being here is fascinating, but the Coral Kingdom is not my world. I came here for the explicit purpose of helping Seero make this presentation—that’s it. We’re not here to have fun, even though I can’t deny how thrilling and wondrous this land has been. We should both keep the mission in mind. But instead, my gut feels heavy.
Knowing that he won’t sleep next to me feels wrong, so wrong.
I can’t voice any of the conflict in my head; I wouldn’t even know where to start. Seero isn’t my fiancé, not really. I’m not even worthy enough to be his boyfriend. Even if this prince genuinely wanted a relationship, we come from two different worlds.
So instead, I sit there in silence. And after another minute, Seero stands up. “Well, goodnight.”
