Page 63 of Midnightsong
Angie left out there were active mer hunts and searches happening because of viral videos of the mer and news of where to find them going public, but she couldn’t tell Cassia that. It wouldn’t help her case for trying to promote peace talks. While she wanted to believe that everyone who found out about mer would treat them with respect and leave them alone, there would always be bad actors who would not adhere to that and would chase the mer for their own gain. She chose her next words wisely. “That’s why I need your help. If you would talk to the governor of my state, they could put orders in to ban people from researching mer and taking them from the sea. I know it might not help if they’re in other states, but maybe they can talk to the other governors, or even the president and enact a nationwide ban. Right now, I can only do so much. I’m not a lawmaker.”
The Mer-Queen lowered her head, her burning gaze lingering on Angie for a moment too long, currents swaying her upper body from side to side even as her tail held fast to the coral pillar. “If you think that could make a difference, I am open to speaking with them,” she finally said. “I will have my sentinels escort you to the surface. When you gain an audience with your governor, contact me on your seaflute, and we will talk.”
Cassia swept her hand at Angie in a gesture of dismissal before calling for a sentinel to escort Angie.
As Angie made her way back, a spark of hope lit like a small flame in her heart.
Twenty-Seven
Kaden
With the sentries lending their magic,Kaden made it back to the Northern Queendom in half the time than it usually took.
His first order of business was to look for Saeryn and get an update from him, but he wasn’t in the throne room or in his private quarters.
So, he moved to Cyrus and Adrielle’s chambers instead, finding Raina exiting from it. She acknowledged him when they crossed paths.
“Is my brother well enough for a visit?” Kaden asked before Raina left the quarters.
She nodded. “He is sitting up and he ate a little bit. I also administered him his medicine, which has been helping with his pain.”
Frustrations and manic thoughts threatened to burst forth, and Cyrus and Adrielle were the only two mer he trusted to speak his thoughts aloud.
Kaden entered their chambers, and Libbi, who had been floating around Adrielle, bolted to him like a tiny, what Angie would call, darter fish.
“Susu!” She greeted him, her bright eyes alight. Kaden laughed for the first time since he left Angie, and he gathered his niece in his arms, bringing the little mermaid into a comforting hug. She pulled his hand and led him to where Adrielle and Cyrus were, and Kaden searched the room for Hadrien.
His nephew was at Cyrus’ side and gave Kaden a tentative wave before turning his attention back to his father.
“Smooth seas to you, brother. Glad you’re home,” Cyrus started as soon as Kaden was beside him. “I wanted to talk to you about something.”
Though he sat upright, Cyrus was still pale, his breathing labored, if the movement of his gills was any indication of the latter. He flicked his tail, the motion appearing lethargic. Kaden wasn’t feeling like the pinnacle of health himself, given his residual chest aches and shaking muscles in his arms from using even some of his magic to return home.
“I’ll give you two a moment.” Adrielle unraveled her tail from the sea stalactite she was holding onto and called her merlings.
Kaden noted the dark circles beneath her eyes, circles he hadn’t seen until now, her shoulders tensed even as she was surrounded by family. Even her usually clear, lilting voice sounded fatigued and low. “Libbi, Hadrien, come with me. Let’s go to the play area.”
“Do you want me to take them?” Kaden piped up.
“No. Cyrus wishes to speak with you. We’re not going far.”
Hadrien said goodbye to Cyrus, and he and Libbi followed Adrielle out the door. Alone with his brother, Kaden moved to the stalactite across from him, the one Adrielle was on, and anchored himself around it. When the door slid shut, Cyrus spoke again.
“Adrielle overheard some of our uncle’s plans,” Cyrus began.
“What did she find out?” His tail stiffened.
Cyrus spoke fast and softly. “He’s planning a massive attack on the humans. He’s been in talks with our sentinels as to when and where to deploy them.”
Of course, Saeryn lied when he told him the sentries were on the docks to warn the humans and search the area. “I know he mobilized the sentries. They’re targeting the docks.”
“And he won’t stop there.” His elder brother shook his head, eyebrows knitted together. “But the queendom isn't all in agreement with his plans. He’s stirring up dissent among the people. Which could work for your benefit. I know you’re his high advisor, but you should seriously consider taking the throne.”
“Angie said the same thing,” Kaden replied, morose. “She hasn’t said it in so many words, but I feel like she wants me to do more. We didn’t leave on good terms.”
“Because she thinks you’re not doing enough?” Cyrus spoke through colorless lips.
“I didn’t tell her how using my magic is deteriorating my health,” Kaden mumbled. “I didn’t want her to worry or burden her.”
