Chapter 7

Seven

S ebastian carried Merrow over to the bed and laid her atop it. “Merrow? Can you hear me? Are you all right?” he asked. She didn’t seem to be breathing and he wasn’t sure what to do. It made him wonder about sea nymphs. Did they need air shared by a human? After all, if he were underwater, he’d need air from a mermaid to survive.

He could think of no other way to give her air than to blow it into her mouth. He lowered his head and did so, but the air came right out her nose and did not go into her lungs.

“Damn,” he mumbled, holding her nose closed and trying it again. Success. This time, she coughed, and started breathing on her own. Her eyes shot open and he looked into those beautiful sea-colored orbs, hovering over her, so close that he could feel her breath on his face.

“Sebastian? What happened?” she asked in a sleepy voice.

“You drank some potent whisky and stopped breathing. No more of that for you. I had to share my breath with you to bring you back.”

Her hand went to her lips. Then up to his face as she caressed his cheek. “You…kissed me. Didn’t you?” she asked in a soft but shaky voice.

“I suppose you could say that. However, it was only to share my breath, I swear.”

“That was so thoughtful of you. Thank you. I only wish I had been awake to experience the kiss like the last time.”

“I wouldn’t mind experiencing the kiss again either.” He slowly brought his mouth to hers and gently kissed her once again. She tasted sweet, like honey, mixed with the tang of the whisky still on her tongue. He liked it. When she took his head in her hands and accepted the kiss instead of pushing him away, he found himself becoming excited. His eyes closed and his lips parted. He slipped his tongue into her mouth…and she bit him!

“Ow!” He pushed away. “What did you do that for?” He tasted the flavor of iron on his tongue.

“You were trying to choke me.”

“Nay, I wasn’t. It’s a way of kissing. Don’t mermaids know about it? After all, I figured being a sea nymph, you were probably a very sexual creature.”

“How dare you say that!” She pushed up in the bed, hugging a pillow to her chest. “You make it sound as if I’m naught but a lush.”

“I’ve heard tales about mermaids. They’re usually naked from the waist up, aren’t they? And sirens lure men to their deaths, first having their way with them. Am I wrong?”

“Don’t even try to compare me to them. I’m not a mermaid or a siren. How many times do I need to tell you? And for your information, I am not a sex-starved woman.”

“I said sexual, but it’s the same thing.” He brought her shell charm out of his pouch, holding it in his palm.

“What are you doing?” Her eyes grew wide, focusing on what he held. So much power to control her was right in the palm of his hand.

“I’m proving a point.” He rubbed his thumb over the shell, and might have well been rubbing it over her womanly nub by the way she fell back on the bed and started squirming around in passion. He actually liked having so much control over her. Mayhap his Uncle Sethor was right. Having power was everything and anything that really mattered in life. “You like this, don’t you?”

“Ooooh, yes!” She suddenly sat up and pulled off her gown, sitting before him totally naked. “I need to make love to you, Sebastian. Right now.” Up on her knees, she reached out for him, pulling him hard against her chest and kissing him forcefully. He was surprised when her tongue shot out into in his mouth, the same way he had done to her just moments before. She proved to be a fast learner.

“You little vixen,” he said with a low chuckle as she quickly reached out and pulled off his tunic, tossing it onto the bed. Then she pushed him to his back and into a prone position. “You, my dear, are proving to be even more sexual and sensual than what I’ve heard about mermaids.”

“Is that so?” Merrow pulled off his trews and threw them to the floor. “Well, what have we got here?”

With his fingers still rubbing over the charm, Sebastian gasped when she ripped off his braies next. He felt the cool air against his hot skin. Then he felt so much more when she wrapped her fingers around his erect manhood.

“Mmmmm. So big and hard.” The girl was out of control. She straddled him. “Do you know how constricting it is to have a tail?”

“Nay. I can’t say I do.”

“It feels so freeing to have legs to be able to spread!” She squealed and threw her arms in the air.“It is what every undine longs for. To feel the engorged manhood of a male entering into her body, sliding in and out, in and out.” She undulated her hips with each word. Positioned directly above his erect manhood, she slowly started to slide down, ready to take him into her tight warmth. Sebastian wanted nothing more in the world than to make love with this enticing woman right now. He had never been so excited in his entire life.

He reached up with one hand, cupping her breast and squeezing. She giggled and cooed. Then his thumb grazed over her tight nipple. She moaned and threw back her head. Her long hair brushed against his arm. Merrow’s skin was soft and smooth. Her breast felt full and firm. Slowly, he let his hand glide down her chest and belly, his fingers stopping below her waist. He eagerly played with her womanly folds, running the tips of his fingers through her downy curls. She was already wet and more than ready for him to slide into her so they could both experience their release. It would be ever so simple to do so. Every man longed for such a willing woman in bed. This one was throwing herself at him in want. This lovely sea wench wanted him just as much as he wanted her.

Or did she? Suddenly, this no longer felt right.

He felt a burning sensation against his palm, and glanced over to the shell in his other hand. It glowed a bright white. Guilt ate away at him. Merrow didn’t truly want him in this manner at all. He was only fooling himself if he believed that to be true. The only reason the sea nymph was acting this way was because he was controlling her and making her do it! He’d initially only rubbed the shell charm to prove a point, but now this was getting out of control.

“Nay! Stop,” he said, throwing the charm down upon the bed.

She was still atop him, straddling him. From this position he drank in the most glorious view of her firm, round breasts, taut little nipples and slim waist. His gaze traveled down her long torso to that thatch of curly hair at the juncture of her thighs that kept calling to him like a siren to a helpless sailor. Those long, glorious legs were wrapped around him and the contact of their bare skin felt hotter than ever. He grew even harder. Damn it, his lust for the nymph was so strong right now that it was driving him mad. Any other man would take what was being offered by such a beautiful woman in his bed and not question the feelings or emotions behind it. No man in his right mind would turn away from such a wonderful opportunity at a time like this.

Then again, Sebastian didn’t want it if it wasn’t real.

“That’s enough,” he growled, picking her up and setting her down next to him on the bed. “I’ve proven my point.”

“W—what point?” She batted her eyes and looked around, seeming confused. Then she looked down and realized she was naked and scowled.

“You were controlling me, using my shell charm to make me want you, weren’t you?” asked Merrow, disgust dripping from her words. She grabbed Sebastian’s discarded tunic from the bed and quickly pulled it over her head to hide her nakedness from him. This man was an ogre to use her in this manner. How could he do such a thing? Especially after she explained to him the power he would have over her if he rubbed her shell charm.

“I’m sorry,” he blurted out. “I never meant for things to go this far, it just sort of…happened.”

“I don’t believe you! And I certainly don’t believe you are sorry at all for your actions.”

“I stopped, Merrow. That should prove to you my words are sincere. I don’t want to make love to you if down deep you don’t really want to do it.”

“Don’t even pretend to know what I want or don’t want. You are a worthless human being and a greedy, evil king who thinks of no one other than yourself!” She shot off the bed and paced the room.

“Is that really what you think of me?” He slid to the side of the bed and pulled on his trews, not bothering with the braies.

“Yes. Yes, it is.”

“I stopped us from coupling,” he pointed out once again. “Doesn’t that mean anything at all to you?” He stood to tie his breeches.

“No, it doesn’t because you also started all this in the first place if I must remind you.”

“I said I was sorry. What else do you want from me?”

“How about letting me go? And setting Dee free from the dungeon as well.”

“What?” He narrowed his eyes and shook his head. “Why in the world would I do that?”

“To show me you are not the cur I think you to be right now.”

“If I did what you ask, what would my men think of me? Those actions would only make me look weak in their eyes. I am their king and ruler. I need to maintain a powerful composure.” He scowled at her, walking over to a trunk and opening it. He chose a new tunic since she was wearing his. He could have asked for his back, but she was glad he hadn’t. Sebastian pulled the tunic over his head, hiding from her view his strong and sturdy chest that she hadn’t minded seeing in the least.

“What do you care what others think of you?” she asked him, holding her arms around her in a false sense of protection.

He straightened his tunic and blew air from his mouth. “I’m a king. Of course, I care. I have to care. I have expectations and an image to uphold. My late uncle’s image. I can’t let him down.”

“Oh, I see. So, you idolize this dead evil uncle of yours so much that you are trying to be him now. That is pathetic.”

His head jerked around and he faced her. “Nay. That’s not true. Not at all.” He slowly tied the strings at the neck of his tunic. “I am different from my uncle. I agree he was evil. He often liked to start wars for no reason at all. He also thrived on putting people away in the dungeon for no good reason in the least, keeping them there until they died from starvation.”

“And you think you are nothing like him? Really.” She sniffed. “You had no good reason to imprison Dee, yet you did. Sebastian Ravenwolf, you are quickly turning into this dead, evil King Sethor, no matter if you realize it or not.”

“I most certainly am not!”

“Prove it,” she challenged him. “Do what is right for the sake of goodness and being fair. Don’t do things only because others expect it of you. Because you are afraid of letting them down.”

“I’m not afraid of anyone or anything!” he shouted, shoving his feet into his boots. “How dare you say that about your king.”

“You’re not my king and will never be,” she answered in a steady voice. Her words were upsetting him, and she didn’t care. Someone needed to tell this man what a fool he was being, and that someone was her.

“Hush!” he spat, fastening his weapon belt around him. “I don’t want to hear another word from you. And when I return in the morning, you’d better be here if you know what is good for you.” He stormed over to the door.

“What’s good for me ? Or do you mean for you ? After all, a king who does things only for the approval of others or because it is what he thinks he is expected to do, seems like a weak man indeed in my eyes.”

“Don’t say that,” he warned her. His face became red with anger.

“Why not? Afraid of hearing the truth?”

“I told you, I’m not afraid of anything. Especially not you!” He opened the door and started to step out, but stopped. He turned and headed back into the room. For a minute, she thought he was coming back to her. To either kiss her again or mayhap slap her, she wasn’t sure which. But he walked right past her without even slowing, only stopping when he got to the bed.

“You’re never getting this back.” Sebastian scooped up the shell charm from the bed and dropped it back into the pouch at his side. Then he continued to make his way back to the door. He stopped and spoke to her without turning his head to see her. “I’m locking the door and posting a guard so don’t get any smart ideas.” Then he finally turned his head ever so slowly, his eyes scaring her by their intensity. His loving or lustful gaze was gone. Now his eyes were filled with anger and revenge.

“Why are you looking at me that way?” she asked in a mere whisper.

“You, sea nymph, are never leaving Macada Castle, so just forget about ever going home.”

Sebastian hurried down to the great hall, motioning for his advisor and his captain of the guard to join him at the dais.

“What is it, my king?” asked Farrimond.

“I thought you’d already retired for the evening,” said Drell. “Is there something I can do for you?”

Farrimond had a tankard of ale in his hand. Sebastian ripped it away from him and took a long drink, throwing the metal cup to the side. “What kind of king do you two see me as?”

Drell and Farrimond exchanged glances. “My lord? I’m afraid we don’t understand the question,” said Drell, seeming reluctant to answer.

“You know exactly what I mean. Am I a strong king like my uncle was when he ruled?”

“I’m afraid you can’t compare the two of you.” Farrimond looked to the ground and shifted his weight, saying no more.

“You two think I am weak. Don’t you?” Neither of them answered and that only made Sebastian even more furious. “Answer me!” he yelled, getting the attention of every man in the great hall.

“You know I only hold the highest regards for you, my lord,” said Drell. “However, you don’t seem to listen to my advice the way your uncle did. That, I’m sorry to say, does seem a little reckless.”

“Reckless?” He looked at his head soldier next. “What about you, Farrimond? How do you see me?”

“Permission to speak freely, my lord?”

“Of course, you fool! I asked a question, now give me your answer.”

“As a soldier, you were fearless. Very strong with a blade in your hand. You fought to the bitter end and took orders well from your king. I’d say you were the perfect soldier.”

“And now? Now that I’m king?” asked Sebastian, pressing the man to answer his question.

“Well, you don’t seem to want to fight anymore.” Farrimond’s eyes flashed up and then back to the ground.

“What does that mean?” asked Sebastian. “Of course, I do. I just haven’t had an opportunity to do so yet, that’s all.”

“I think having that damned elf and the bothersome Blackseed brothers right here in your courtyard was the perfect opportunity for a battle, yet you didn’t take it. My lord,” Drell quickly added the last part, probably trying to sound respectful, even though to Sebastian it seemed as if the man were chastising him instead.

“Battle? On what grounds?” he asked. “They didn’t do anything to threaten me. They only asked about the sea nymph, that’s all.”

“The elf did manifest a cleaver,” Farrimond mumbled.

“They want the sea nymph, and won’t stop until they get her,” Drell explained. “If I were you, my king, I’d storm their castle right away.Take their two sea nymphs instead. Do it, before you discover they’ve stolen yours from right under your nose.”

“And you know they will,” added Farrimond, nodding.

“Do you really believe they will do that?” Sebastian asked his men.They both nodded. Perhaps Sebastian should listen to them after all. They had many years of experience between them, yet he was new at being king and truly had a lot to learn.

“They won’t have a chance to steal my sea nymph because I won’t let them,” he told them, shaking his head.

“You…won’t?” asked Farrimond, exchanging glances with Sebastian’s advisor.

“Why not?” asked Drell.

“Men, we’re going to put together an army to storm their castle at daybreak. I will take those two sea nymphs from them, and then I’ll have three!”

“Yes! You’ll hold all the power,” agreed Drell with a satisfied smile. “That, my lord, is a brilliant idea. Now, you are thinking like a king.”

“I agree. It is exactly what King Sethor would have done,” said Farrimond. “I’ll start organizing an attack party anon.” Farrimond bowed and headed away.

“Yes.” Sebastian nodded, trying to feel good about this decision, even though something in his gut told him not to agree with these two. “Be sure to post a guard at my solar door so the sea nymph doesn’t escape,” he called out to Farrimond.

“I am pleased you listened to my advice,” said Drell with a low chuckle. “I knew you’d find your footing sooner or later.”

“Then you think I’m really doing the right thing by going after the other sea nymphs?” asked Sebastian, having a wavering moment.

“Oh, I do,” Drell answered. “You have taken the proper action expected of a strong king. I am happy to say that I wholeheartedly approve of your decision.”

“Approve,” Sebastian mumbled, walking away. It only brought to mind Merrow’s accusation of him doing things only to be accepted by others. She didn’t know what she was talking about. The sea nymph had no idea how hard it was to be king. He’d challenge anyone to try to do this job.

He pulled the charm out of his pouch, looking down at it, letting out a deep sigh. He was doing the right thing, he told himself. A king had responsibilities. The ruler of Macada Castle didn’t need a sea nymph getting in his head and confusing his mind. It was only a game she played with him. One to control him. Sebastian would never let anyone manipulate him, especially not a woman.

He raised his hand in the air, ready to throw down the damned shell charm and crush it beneath his heel. But just as he got ready to do so, he stopped. He pulled his hand back and looked at the vulnerable little shell in his hand, about to be crushed and having no way to stop his violent action. This charm was a part of Merrow she’d told him. By destroying it, he had no idea if he’d be hurting or possibly even killing a part of Merrow as well.

Thoughts of the kiss he shared with Merrow flitted through his brain. She was vulnerable and it was all his fault. When he controlled her, she had no way to stop things from happening. Was it right? He wondered. Sebastian, who had wanted her badly, now realized he only wanted her if she wanted him too. If he kept controlling her with this shell, he’d never know the true answer.

He lifted his hand again, meaning to throw down the shell and smash it once more. Then again, he stopped.

What if by smashing this charm that was so connected to her emotions and actions, he somehow kept her from ever feeling anything again? If that happened, he’d never forgive himself. She was so filled with life, and that was one thing he really liked about her. The poor girl didn’t have anything much besides her feelings and emotions. Now he knew he couldn’t smash the charm because Merrow didn’t deserve to be hurt…or possibly to die.

He slowly slid the charm back into his pouch, heading for his chair near the fire to spend the night. He could never go back to his own bed to sleep now. Not when he knew Merrow was in it.

It was his decision, but he couldn’t be intimate with her again without first knowing the truth…if she could ever want him in the same way that he wanted her.