Page 6 of The Ocean's Heart
“I see it, sire,” Lyam says. “But it cannot be a conjuring allied with one of the other sea kingdoms. They would not break the no conflict pact.”
“Then that leaves only sea looters or…”
“Yes, sire. I believe it could be the Obsidian Pearl.”
Delusional, and dangerous because of their twisted beliefs, the Obsidian Pearl is a sect of sea fae who believed in myths and legends. Tides, they may even have spawned the stories that they so fervently cling to now.
If they are in pursuit of my cargo, then it is in grave danger.
I drop my gaze to the ship below us, sleek, fast, and manned by a crew of my own in preparation for such a possibility. I had hoped not to have to use it.
I sense a presence behind me and recognize the vibration of my squire’s pulse.
“Where is Prince Dylon?” Lyam asks him.
“He…um…He has not arrived yet…um…sire.”
“I didn’t ask of his arrival,” Lyam snaps. “I asked for his whereabouts.”
“We…um…do not know.”
A sigh burns my lungs, which sparks my temper. “Find him and bring him to the castle.”
Dylon, the fruit of my loins and the bane of my existence. Praise Thalor, some days I wish that Evya and I had been plagued with the infertility that so many others are cursed with. My son is a man whore who would live between the thighs of females rather than learn how to run a kingdom. This match will force him to turn away from frivolity and toward serious matters of state.
I can’t help but blame myself for his cavalier attitude. I allowed him to be spoiled. Allowed my queen to dote on the boy, giving him all the love that I could not find in my heart to reciprocate. But my queen is gone now, and my son is all but lost to me.
“The prince will come around, sire,” Lyam says, reading my thoughts as accurately as always.
“I hope so. Enough women have suffered at the hands of my son.”
“Maybe if he finds his heart’s desirebeforehe takes the throne?—”
“Please, Lyam, tell me you do not believe the old tales. They are stories, nothing more.”
“The abyss is no story, sire.”
I have no argument for that except, “We have no idea what lies beyond.”
“And yet the Obsidian Pearl guards it.”
“Insanity takes many forms.”
“But—”
“Prepare the quarters in the east wing for the princess and her entourage. I will be back with our prize soon enough. Make sure my son is present to receive his betrothed.”
I stride to the edge of the cliff and leap into the arms of the ocean.
I cannot allow the Obsidian Pearl to take my prize, and if I must go and fetch it myself, so be it.
ChapterFour
THALIA
“I’m not leaving you,” Bryony cried.
I ignored her, forcing my tunic over her head.
