Page 121 of Oceansong
“Me too. How’s everything been? Cyrus? And Kaden? Have you done the burial ceremony for him yet?” Angie settled herself on her knees.
“Burial ceremony?” Adrielle’s features marred with confusion. “He’s not dead. He is temporarily infirm, but he will recover shortly. He wants to see you, if you would see him and asked me to fetch you.”
“I would love to.” Angie’s hands flew to her chest, heartbeat pulsing strong.
Bàba finally spoke. “May I come as well? I would like to see my wife one last time. If you can wait, I will retrieve my gear.”
“No. I can give you both breath. Come.”
“Will that be okay? It won’t make you too tired?” Angie wrinkled her brow.
“I will be more tired, yes. But just give me some extra time while we swim.” Adrielle beckoned them closer, and Angie went first, parting her lips and gently met Adrielle’s, and the mermaid exhaled deep into her. Bàba followed suit after a moment of hesitation. He winced after Adrielle pulled back.
“I feel hot.” Bàba put his hands to his face and neck. “What’s happening?”
“It’s normal,” Angie said, and together, they followed Adrielle undersea.
He didn’t appear nearly as excited as Angie was when she first dove underwater with the mer’s magic, not speaking a word while they approached the palace. Angie would pay to know what went through his mind.
Adrielle was noticeably slower, and they paused every few paddles to let her rest. When they reached the infirmary full of injured mermaids and mermen, Angie searched for Kaden. She found him in the far corner beside his brother, who still appeared to be in a deep sleep. Adrielle swam to Cyrus’s side.
Serapha floated upright at the foot of both their beds, and after her eyes met with Bàba’s, she tensed.
“Mer-Queen,” Angie whispered. “I know you don’t want to see us.” She gestured to Bàba. “This is my father. He only wants to see my mother. His uh, lifemate. And get closure. Then we’ll leave.”
Serapha’s shoulders dropped an inch, crossed arms loosening. “Just as well, but only because you’ve shown you are on our side. And because he has agreed to peace.” She jerked her head toward Bàba.
“Appreciated, Mer-Queen,” Bàba said, tone level.
Serapha motioned with her hand. “I will take you, with one of our sentinels.”
Bàba bowed his head, and left the room. A sentinel followed, and Angie watched them leave. She had questions and hoped Serapha could spare her some minutes to ease her mind. It could be her only opportunity to get her alone.
“Mer-Queen, can I ask a question before you go?”
Serapha stopped, circling around. “Ask.”
“When we faced off. You and another sentinel were talking, and I heard the wordtsunami. But you were shaking your head. You could have ended my people right then and there, turned the tide in your favor.” Angie licked her salty lips. “Why didn’t you?”
A flash appeared in Serapha’s eyes, and she folded her arms, appearing to close herself off, and Angie worried that she might have inadvertently angered her.
Serapha smoothed her long, thick braid over one shoulder. “I did not have the strength to create one without it killing me.” She carried herself tall and unapologetic. “I created two too close to each another, and then the maelstrom, draining too much of myself without time to replenish. I would have gladly given my life to destroy my enemies, had I somebody to rule in my place. In that instance, an offering of truce was the clearer option.”
Angie did appreciate her brutal honesty, and she bowed. “Thank you, Mer-Queen. For answering my question.”
Serapha lifted her chin, then turned and left after her sentinel and Bàba.
Angie passed Cyrus’ bed on the way to Kaden. Adrielle had her tail curled under her, seated on a flat rock, Cyrus’ hand clasped in hers.
She saw Angie and gave Cyrus a gentle tap, awakening him. His eyes fluttered open, and he gave Angie and Adrielle a faint smile before falling back into his slumber. “He will be fine, after some time.” Adrielle sighed deeply, her gills flaring, and then relaxing. “You should go see Kaden.”
“Wishing a fast recovery for him.” She didn’t understand the sudden bout of awkwardness.
Adrielle gave her an encouraging nod. “He awaits you. You were the first person he asked for when he awoke.”
Once Angie reached Kaden and touched his hand, his eyes opened and lit up. A jelly-like wrapping rested around the wound on his abdominal region. He opened his arms, and she pulled herself to him and rested in his tender embrace.
“Why were you at the surface?”
