Page 24 of Midnightsong
Angie knew the sentiment. Though the new generations were slowly changing their mindset on it, old school Chinese beliefs stated that the oldest son, or son-in-law, took charge of the family’s business and household, and younger siblings were expected to show their support and respect for the new family head.
Kaden continued. “I grew content with that role, and I never questioned it, so I spent my time exploring and helping marine animals.”
“I understand,” Angie said softly. “But you can always learn the role. Didn’t you say Cyrus would teach you?”
“He did, but also, I don’t have the charisma—the ability to make everyone love me like Cyrus does—no matter what he teaches me,” Kaden said with a groan.
“Kaden,” she whispered. “Who did this to you? Who made you believe all this negativity about yourself?”
“My family. Even Cyrus sometimes,” he mumbled. “They never believed I’d ever amount to more than a spare heir.”
The sentiment crushed Angie’s heart. “I don’t know why you think you don’t have the ability to make people and mer love you.” Angie stood and looked outside her window. A dense forest laid before her overlooking the ocean, a lighthouse peeking above it, a ball of light swinging around it. “You made me love you.”
“You’re easy to love and I would love you even if you think you aren’t. Easy to love, that is. There’s no such thing as a difficult woman. Only one who knows her worth.”
“Well, when you put it that way—” Angie kept her gaze zeroed in at her feet. “—You know what your uncle’s going to do? You think he’ll try to make peace with us?”
“I’m not sure. When I spoke with him last, he said he wanted to help me restore my reputation. Before that, he said he wanted to find the criminals that killed my mother—” There was a brief moment of silence, and at that moment, he sounded as if he choked out his next words. “And bring peace to the queendom.”
“I’m still looking on my end.” Angie caught him up on her and Stefan’s efforts today.
“Tell him I said hello, will you?” His voice quieted.
“I will, and you’ll update me if anything happens on your end, right?”
“Yes, I will send word on the tides.”
Angie wrinkled her brow with confusion. “What?”
“I’ll send word on the—”
“No, no, I heard what you said, but what exactly does that mean?”
“Oh, only that I will keep you informed of events as they happen,” he replied.
“Looks like I still have more to learn about mer sayings.”
Kaden’s laugh was hearty and set her nerves alight with a passing moment of joy. “We have time. I’ll teach you as we go.”
Angie grinned, but her cheeks deflated a moment later. “Did you get a chance to see a healer?”
“Oh, yes. They told me nothing was wrong, that I was tired and needed to rest.”
“I see. Well, I hope you feel better soon.” Angie chewed on one of her knuckles as another thought came to her. “You don’t think there’s a possibility he’ll start a war with us again, do you?”
“He’s a good king and he’ll do a good job. Don’t worry. I’ll do my best to stop my uncle from starting another war.”
A soft “okay” left her lips.
The fact that he evaded her question, and the waver of uncertainty in his tone, didn’t escape her.
Nine
Kaden
His conversation with Angie stayed withhim long through two tide changes, her voice soothing him as he drifted off to sleep. He dreamed of Angie’s soft, cool hands, her long, silky hair, and her lovely face. He hadn’t wanted to leave the conversation when she said Mia had arrived because no amount of time spent in her presence, or listening to her, was enough.
At high suntide, he swam to Adrielle and Cyrus’ bedchambers, his talk with Angie still lingering in his mind. She had brought to light his fears of his own inexperience and inadequacy. Knowing he would never amount to anything more than Cyrus’ helper.
