Page 54 of Wicked Prince of Mirrors
He backed me against the railing, skillfully controlling the kiss. Tasting, taking, giving, twisting threads of passion and desire together and intensifying them until I melted underneath his touch. He was both gentle yet demanding, it was clear he knew exactly what he wanted and knew exactly what he was doing.
When the kiss broke we were both breathing hard and he held me, one hand splayed against my spine, anchoring me to him.
As I struggled to breath a dark laugh came from deep inside. A flicker of blackness filled my vision just for a moment as that dark voice hissed.Fall in love and I’ll destroy you both.
The beauty of the moment shattered.
I pulled away just as the ship lurched and I was thrown backward.
Methrin caught me, wrapping his arms around my waist, he held me, my back against his chest. “Esmira,” he whispered in my ear. “You see it, don’t you?”
I nodded miserably, because he knew, he’d always known. How I could trick him?
His arms tightened around me. “Time is of the essence.”
19
ESMIRA
One sunrise I woke to clouds of mist. As the sun rose and burned it away, cerulean waves turned crystal clear, and before the ship rose mountains covered in vivid blues and greens. While buildings dotted the mountainside. At its summit was a circular globe of white. Even from a distance, I knew it was what we sought. The temple.
Eventually a port came into view and a cheer echoed across the waters. I gawked at the architecture and other vessels of various shapes and sizes that had docked. Fishers were out, and the waters rippled with creatures.
Scales sparkled, catching the light and radiating tiny rainbows, which arched over the water. I’d never seen anything so beautiful yet enchanting.
One of the creatures leaped, and a long, fish-like tail appeared, but the other half of the body was all female, with long hair the color of coral and a nude torso.A mermaid? I’d always imagined the waters held many mysteries, now I finally got to see them for myself.
My thoughts flew to Rhea and my throat went thick. I missed her. I missed her vibrant life, she’d love everything here, except for the magic. But I imagined she was much like myself, willing to accept that she’d been wrong about the past, willing to accept the change, the newness of magic. The only difference between Rhea and I was the fact that I had magic. She did not. When I returned, would she accept me in my new state? Or would she flee in terror?
My dour thoughts darkened the beauty of my surroundings. The ship slowed as we floated toward the dock, the call of birds above us, the scent of salt and fresh fish. The mermaids were left behind as we entered the cove, but the sunshine remained golden and strong.
A strong sense of trepidation came over me as Lyra sidled up beside me. I searched for Methrin, finding him at the head of the guards as they escorted us off the ship and down the long dock. The eyes of the Everminati burned into my skull, their curiosity so potent I could almost taste it.
The musical cadence of voices surrounded us, growing louder as we moved inland. I clung to Lyra, craning my head to see all the sights. The scent of fresh baked goods and wood fire filled the air as we entered the village. Lovely buildings rose on either side of the paved road, shop windows were open to catch the sea breezes. Signs clearly market what goods were sold and the streets were busy, bustling with life.
The sweet sound of strings floated in the air, and alonging filled me to be part of a community instead of an outcast. I wanted friends and to be on the right side of the law again. My gaze flickered to Methrin. He walked tall, dark hair curling around his neck in a way that made me want to run my fingers through it. I wantedhim. I’d been so quick to refuse his proposal, but now my body hummed at the reminder of his arms around my waist and the taste of his mouth against mine. Irresistible. Unforgettable.
Sound shifted as we walked. Slowly, people stepped out of shops or lingered in doorways, watching us. Hands shielded mouths, and the voices became a low of murmur of shock and awe. Then louder, clear as a bell.
“Prince Methrin has returned.”
“No, it can’t be.”
“After all these long years.”
“He’s returned!”
People rushed toward us, shouting, cheering. “Prince Methrin has returned!”
“The heir has come home!”
“Long live the true heir!”
“All hail the mirror-born!”
“The lost star falls no more!”
“All hail the Prince of peace!”
