Page 46 of Midnightsong
The merman gave him another bow. “Word has spread that you’re now the king’s high advisor. Please give him our regards.”
Kaden nodded and swam off. The cool seas warmed around him, signaling the arrival of low tide. It was time to meet Saeryn in the throne room.
When Kaden entered the throne room a new sight below him drew his gaze. The seaweed-fiber rug that laid beneath the two thrones for as long as Kaden could remember had been removed, leaving the sandy seafloor in its place. “Making yourself at home, are you, Uncle?”
“Oh, that?” Saeryn’s gaze darted to the sand. “I only wanted this place to feel homier.”
Kaden took note of the chamber, spotting other differences. Serapha and Aqilus had been militant about keeping the corals polished and clean, but apparently Saeryn took no such liberties. Where vibrant yu had once made their homes there, the corals stood devoid of life. Several of the coral branches at the bottom of the throne had broken off—the jagged, broken edges staring at Kaden, fierce and unwelcoming.
Though he had been in this room many, many times, Kaden didn’t dismiss the unfamiliar sensations in the waters. “Why do the corals look so unkempt?”
“I haven’t had the chance to get the cleaners in here, but I will.” His brow furrowed. “Does it make you uncomfortable?”
“A bit.”
“That’s the last thing I want,” Saeryn said. “I’ll stop and I’ll ask for the cleaners to tidy up the corals right away to be more hospitable.”
A sentinel peeked her head in and Saeryn waved at her to send the first group of citizens in.
This was only his second mediation session since he became monarch, and the sentinels had already come in once, warning them of the crowds gathering outside waiting to speak with Saeryn.
Meanwhile, his mother and father held these sessions on alternating tidesdays.
Four mer swam in, a merman and mermaid, and two adolescents. All four bowed first to Saeryn, and then to Kaden, before beginning at Saeryn’s urging.
“Your Majesty, thank you for relocating our family to a safe cavern,” the mermaid started.
“You are welcome.” Saeryn’s voice swelled with pride. “I trust you’re finding the accommodations acceptable?”
“Well, it’s a little close to the trenches for our liking. And there are a lot of loud, hot vents we must avoid when we go in and out,” the merman offered. “But it’s no problem. We just have to be careful.”
Though Saeryn couldn’t see him, Kaden narrowed his eyes. The space did not sound safe at all.
“You are safe there, I assure you.” Saeryn sounded so convincing. For a moment even Kaden believed him.
“Thank you,” the mermaid said.
“Do you bring other concerns?” Saeryn asked.
The mermaid leveled her gaze at Kaden and then looked to Saeryn; her eyes became pleading. “Might we speak with you alone, Your Majesty?”
“Certainly. Kaden, could I ask you to swim out for a moment? I’ll let you know when to resume.”
Kaden blinked, but what was he going to say? No, and lower the citizens’ opinion of him further? “As you wish,” he said.
He waited outside with the two sentinels listening to the conversation inside.
“Now that the prince is here, will he lead the landwalkers to us?” The mermaid sounded fearful.
Saeryn’s tone was placid as he responded. “No, I will assure that does not happen, and I will keep him in check.”
Kaden clenched his hands together, cracking his knuckles. He felt sick and approached one of the sentinels. “Can you let His Majesty know I am feeling unwell and will return?” He couldn’t stay a moment longer.
The sentinel gave him the briefest of acknowledgements.
A commotion drew Kaden’s attention as he left the throne room, exiting the palace to enter his quarters from the outside.
So Saeryn was planning to protect the queendom from Kaden?
