Page 136 of Midnightsong
Like the mer ashore, the crowd bowed their heads in respect as Kaden led her through. She locked eyes with Bàba, Rosie, and Mia, holding tight to Jack with one hand, floating at the front of the crowd, paddling their arms and legs to stay in place.
“What do we do now?” Angie whispered into Kaden’s ears.
“We repeat the same process. Pay our respects and ask for blessings first from Sanyue, and then from the monarchs, Adrielle and Cyrus.” He gave her hand a comforting squeeze, and they swam to the top of the palace. She followed Kaden in placing an offering of candied seafruits in the clawed settings before the goddess’ likeness.
There was a rectangular shaped hole at the base of her statue, and after repeating Kaden’s words for the blessing, she placed the offering in the hole, and they rested a flat slab of rock over it to hold it in place.
“The caretakers will come for this when the tides turn,” Kaden said. “The last part is to ask for the monarchs’ blessing, and then the party begins.”
“I’m excited for that part.” Angie wanted nothing more than to enjoy Kaden’s company in private. If she recalled correctly, the banquet for them would follow, and they could disappear into his chambers.
He kissed her temple. “I am, too.”
Adrielle and Cyrus received them, with the mer council bearing witness. “Blessings upon you both. You two are now lifemates in the eyes of the mer.” Adrielle’s whiskey gold eyes twinkled, and the four exchanged a bow.
Kaden pulled Angie in for another kiss, and if her heart took anymore bliss, it would burst.
“Where have you been?” Angie perked up, approaching Mia as she swam in with Aiereka partway through their banquet.
Mia’s eyes were red and puffy, and Angie knew. The mermaid had taken her sister to see Mama.
“She’s still so beautiful. I never thought I’d see her again,” Mia swiped the back of her hand over her eyes. “I can’t believe I waited this long. I thought I wasn’t ready.”
“I’m glad you finally got to see her. She’s always looking down on us.” Angie thanked Aiereka and pulled Mia into a tight hug, eyeing Rosie and Jack over her shoulder. The two were with Bàba, laughing and chatting with Adrielle and Cyrus. Hadrien and Libbi swam up to Mia’s kids, and the four set off to play a game with Cyrus following.
Stefan and Ken were deep in conversation with Cassia and a group of young-appearing mermaids and merman. Their arms were wrapped around each other, and every now and then, Stefan excitedly tapped his husband’s shoulder and pointed at an animal swimming or skittering by.
“I know. So.” Mia turned her cheek, and Angie followed her gaze to where Kaden approached Bàba and Adrielle. “Given any thought to how you two are going to make this work?”
“What do you mean?” Angie stopped when a server came to them, offering a handful of edible seagrass flowers. She took some and thanked him, and Mia did the same.
“Well.” Mia popped a flower into her mouth. “You can’t exactly live together.”
“She can stay underwater as long as she likes. So long as she keeps kissing me.”
Angie hadn’t heard Kaden swim up to them until he rested his hands on her shoulders. He winked at Mia; a lopsided grin plastered on his handsome face. Angie groaned. This wasn’t the time for him to make jokes about using his magic and draining himself even more than he already had. Mia folded her arms across her chest and shook her head, her features soft and playful.
“We found a way he can move on land,” Angie added.
Mia arched an eyebrow. “How?”
“It involves a knee scooter. I hear they make electric ones now.”
“How do you even know that would work?” Mia’s eyes bulged and blinked rapidly.
“I’m a fast learner.” Kaden chuckled.
“I’ll fill you in later,” Angie said quickly.
Mia smirked. “You better.”
“Hey, mister merman!” Rosie hollered, swimming toward them in a furious breaststroke.
“Yes, Rosie?” Kaden faced her.
“I just want you to know. We’re not here to steal anything. We’re just here to have fun,” she declared, kicking herself upright and putting her hands on her hips.
Angie and Kaden simultaneously burst into laughter, and Mia’s jaw dropped, pink dotting her cheeks. “I’m sorry, I had a conversation with her about stealing before we came here, in general, she didn’t do anything. But I didn’t tell her we’re here to steal.” She grabbed her daughter’s hand. “And that’s my cue to bring her back to the rest of the party. See you two later.” She swam back toward Bàba and her children in tow.
