Page 101 of Oceansong
Angie’s shoulders collapsed with sweet relief. She told herself to keep breathing, to keep her voice steady, and especially not give away the terror she felt inside at facing Serapha.
The mer-queen’s eyes softened in an instant. “So, he lives?”
Angie bowed her head in a show of respect. “Yes. And the mermaid, Aurora. Though, her lifemate is gone. I also have to warn you, my people found a way to take the magic, and they’ve been draining it from the mer they’ve captured. My people have discovered what it could do for them.” Angie paused for a breath. “Once the word spreads, they’ll gather an army and kill all of you.”
Serapha gave a harsh bark. “They can certainly try. They think to invade our territory and survive to tell the tales?”
“They found Father here. If they take our magic and return, they’ll be able to see the palace,” Kaden interjected. “We don’t know when they will strike. Or where. And they may kill Cyrus.”
Serapha thinned her lips, a crack in her hardened veneer.
Angie squeezed her eyes shut and took the plunge with her next, impassioned plea. “Will you consider negotiating with my father?”
The mer-queen chewed on her lower lip.
Angie raked her hands through her fanned-out hair, awaiting her decision.
Serapha stayed quiet for a torturous moment.
A halibut skittered under Angie’s feet, and she pumped her arms in a reverse breaststroke, moving her back to give it room.
Angie’s breaths became shallow. Kaden looked from Adrielle to Serapha, to Angie, to the sentinel.
“Your father is willing to negotiate?” Serapha finally asked. “How do we know that Cyrus will return to us alive? That they haven’t killed him already?” Her melancholic tone struck Angie’s heartstrings.
“He was awake before I left. And they’re intent on keeping the mer alive until they’ve learned all they can from them, and drained their magic. I’ll come up with a plan to help him escape.” Her mind worked to come up with possible solutions. “Even if it means I have to break him out myself.”
“I’ll consider it. Why are you so invested in helping us?” The question Angie dreaded.
There was no hiding anymore. She told the truth, speaking slowly, deliberately. “We’ve lost a lot of people. Some were my friends. So, I would be helping my family, too. And I love your son. With everything I have.”
Another long stretch of silence ensued. Angie’s head pounded, her neck sore from tensing her shoulders.
“We’ll see what your father says, and I will determine if what he says is acceptable,” Serapha said, through gritted teeth. She presented herself as an impenetrable fortress, but her posture was rigid, her back pressed flush against the pillar. “I assume he runs the dock.”
Angie nodded.
Serapha motioned for Kaden to lean in, and they talked amongst themselves. Back and forth, eventually bringing the sentinel into their conversation. Angie kept turning the watch on her right wrist, over, and over, until Serapha faced her again.
The sentinel left the throne room, returning a moment later. He carried a bottle with a piece of kombu kelp inside. Similar to what Kaden had done for her earlier that summer.
“I asked him to write the letter. Give that to your father. Before I change my mind. I expect an answer within the day.” She pushed the bottle at Angie, and Angie swam forward, holding it like it was treasure. “If he agrees, we’ll immediately uphold our side of the terms. What I’m asking is fair:Cyrus back and well, my lifemate’s body, and you stop polluting our home. In return, we’ll supply your village with enough fish to sustain you, and we’ll stop killing you. And you will stop courting my son.”
Angie hesitated, rubbing the bracelet on her wrist. She could feel Serapha glaring at it as if she wanted to rip it off and scatter the beads across the sea. Angie’s gaze flickered to Kaden. His jaw was clenched. Turning back to Serapha, she gave a slow bow.
Serapha gave her a brief nod. “Kaden, see her out. You and I will talk later.”
Kaden led Angie away from the throne room, and Adrielle made her way out after them.
“Tian, I’m so glad that went alright.” Angie let out a long, relieved sigh.
“She can be talked to when the time is right,” Adrielle said.
“She’s already sorrowful this has led to the loss of her lifemate and capture of her oldest son, and she cannot bear to see it be the end of me or Adrielle and the grandbaby, too.” Kaden’s eyes glistened with hope. “The hope of having Cyrus back alive and knowing that we may no longer be hidden to humans was motivation enough for her to agree to negotiate. Thankfully you came when you did, dangerous as it was. I’m glad Cyrus helped you.”
“Adrielle, why did you tell her that you knew me? I thought you and Cyrus didn’t want to get involved with our relationship.”
“Because she didn’t seem fully convinced when it was just Kaden speaking in your favor. I do not care about any punishment she may inflict on me. Cyrus’ life is at stake,” she replied.
