Page 28 of Midnightsong
Kaden’s eye twitched at Saeryn interrupting twice in a row. It was a reminder of his parents, in particular his mother, and their habit of interrupting him and Cyrus as a show of dominance, when they were younger.
One of the sentinels from outside entered the throne room and Saeryn turned his attention to her.
“Your Majesty, we have been getting reports from citizens asking when you would be holding court again and meeting with them about their grievances.”
Saeryn waved a dismissive hand at the mermaid. “I do not have any court dates planned. We have other things to worry about for now. The coronation at the turn of the tide being one of them.”
The mermaid bowed her head. “Noted. I will let the people know.”
“Kaden,” Saeryn said as soon as the sentinel left them alone. “Speaking of the high advisor position—that is my proposition to you. Would you consider being my high advisor? I’ve been thinking about this, and in my mind, there is no better fit than you, and I value your input.”
Saeryn’s offer was an incoming current tossing Kaden off-balance. He wanted Kaden to be his high advisor after he had asked him to remove himself from the throne? Still, he wouldn’t squander this opportunity, and this could be his chance to have his opinions and thoughts heard by both Saeryn and the council. He could make a difference without having the stress of being the monarch.
The answer came easily. “Yes, I would be honored.”
“Fantastic! We will confirm your new role with the council immediately after the coronation. You and I will make a cohesive team.” Saeryn released his tail from the throne and swam to Kaden, giving him a firm pat on his shoulder. “Just like when we were younger.”
This might be better than being king. His voice would be heard and he would still have his freedom. His own mother and father gave serious thought and consideration to their high advisor’s suggestions. And he could journey back to Haiping to see Angie. While Saeryn had banned all but their military from the surface, he had said nothing about forbidding them from traveling outside the queendom if they remained beneath seventy fathomspans.
“I think we will.” Kaden heartily agreed.
“Ah good. You were taught well to be a good spare.”
Kaden blinked. “What?”
Saeryn was looking at something over Kaden’s head as he spoke, and Kaden turned to look at what Saeryn was looking at. Nothing but a passing shayu outside the left window, ambling side to side with the currents. “Not everyone knows their place, and I’m glad you do, is all. Now, are you ready to head to the coronation? I wish to present you in your new role.”
Before they took their leave, the doors flung open again, and Aiereka swam in, flanked by two sentinels. “Father,” she said. “Greetings, Kaden.”
“Are you done with your studies already?” Saeryn asked after giving the mermaid a brief hug.
“Not yet, but I need a break. I’ve been studying nearly the entirety of the tidesday and will continue after your coronation.” She adjusted the two braids wrapped around her head. “I wanted to accompany you there.”
“What are you studying now?” Kaden asked.
“Oceanography.” Aiereka wrinkled her nose. “The topic is enjoyable, but not when you’ve been reading and practicing for two turns of the tides straight. I feel like I’ve seen too much of our seafloor and seamounts this tidesday.”
“You can join Kaden and myself, but make sure you get back to your studies afterward.” Saeryn smiled at his daughter when he spoke, though the smile didn’t entirely reach his eyes.
Aiereka’s gills flared. “Yes, Father.”
So, she didn’t call Saeryn by his title, the way his own parents had demanded. Kaden raised an eyebrow. The mermaid appeared tired, her posture drooped and her eyelids heavy. “It’s okay to take a longer rest if you need, you know.”
“I’ll be okay. I have a lot to do,” Aiereka said dully.
Saeryn raised his voice. “If you two are ready, we should call for the sentinels and get going.”
Before Kaden could say another word to his cousin, Saeryn wedged himself in between them and rushed them out the doors.
Twelve
Angie
Angie, Reesa, and Leo were thelast in class on Saturday morning, and Angie’s gaze trailed to Dr. Williams once she took one of the last three seats smack center in the front.
He had his back turned to them, arms folded across his chest, and shifting his weight incessantly from side to side while he stared at the projector screen in front of him. The small auditorium was filled with the entire biology department, the faculty seated on the right-hand side, and students packing the center and left-hand seats.
Dr. Williams finished whatever he was doing and the polished floors squeaked as he spun on his heel with a quick smile.
