58. Zendaya

Chapter 58

Zendaya

I go for a swim in scales after our disastrous attempt at lovemaking. Cathal flies overhead as I muscle through the Amkhuti, past clouds of shimmering minnows, past clumps of rainbow coral, past a white stick. Not a stick. A cane. I almost miss it for the coral it sits on is as white as bone.

I nudge the cane with my nose to jimmy it out and am about to carry it back to the surface when the current tumbles the body of a barracuda my way. The listless body. Imagining it scuffled with another fish, I inspect its flesh for teeth marks but find none. Perhaps it died of old age. Its seems rather small to be old, but like land creatures, not all sea creatures have the same shape or size. I let it be, knowing it will be nibbled on by others. The ocean only ever takes to give back. I cast one last look at the cane that now rests at an angle, bubbles springing from its hollow center. Such an odd design for a cane. Then again, the Nebbans had an odd boat.

I resume my lap. I'm almost back to my starting point when I spot green coils on the sand. Enzo?

His lids open at the sound of my voice.

Did you sleep down here all night?

I did. Too much noise next door.

Noise?

Agrippina and Reid. I can't tell if they're murdering each other or having a blast.

I'll have your things relocated to another wing of the palace. Your own wing.

His eyes grow huge. Day, that's too much. I could never ? —

You could and you will. And if someday you want to share it, then you'll get to choose your wingmates.

Serpents don't weep, yet Enzo looks on the brink of tears.

Now that that's settled, Asha mentioned two contenders for the Akwale. I want you to meet with them.

Sorceresses?

Yes.

Is Tamar one of them?

No. She hasn't shown any interest in being part of my coven. Which is probably for the best since I'm not certain I'd trust her, I add with a sigh.

Do we need sorceresses?

Yes.

All right. Enzo bobs his big green head. He may be healed, but his body—in both forms—still bears the bite marks of the tendu attack. But Serpents cannot be in the minority. Do you give me permission to recruit contenders for our species?

Explain.

We announce that we're looking to make new Serpents.

I really doubt the Shabbins ? —

I'm not talking about spreading the word in Shabbe. After a beat, he adds, Perhaps your mate could help us?

The mention of my mate tosses me back to this morning and dulls my mood.

Enzo tilts his long head. Everything all right?

Yes.

Liar.

Since I don't intend to share the reason my heart feels as dense and sharp as my tusk, I say, The word will be spread.

And it is. When after two days no one comes, Enzo questions whether Cathal actually did broadcast it. Which of course does nothing for their relationship besides damage it further. My Crow mate is so angry that he spends his night in feathers. We haven't had time alone since the morning I bled and cried. I think he keeps his distance on purpose. He may claim he desires me to heal, but deep down, I think he, too, has qualms about completing the act.

When he finally returns, it's with Connor, Phoebus, Fallon, and Ceres. We don't get a second alone after that. Though I love every moment of the two days I spend with my daughter, catching up on anecdotes from Luce and poring over the pages of her beautiful Serpent dictionary—which I acted surprised upon receiving—though I laugh at Phoebus's nonstop chatter about the newest fashion trend he's created and how it's a great hit with Crow women, but much less so with men, I miss Cathal and am wholly unsatisfied by our snatched glances.

At the end of supper on the second day—another meal Cathal has avoided, claiming business in Luce—Lorcan finally joins us and asks to speak to me in private. Though my daughter frowns at not being included, she takes Ceres by the arm for a promenade through the gardens.

I start to lead Lorcan toward the Kasha, but he has another place in mind—the Chayagali.

"Are you trying to get rid of me?" I ask.

"No." He adds a smile that does little to alleviate my intensifying fear.

"You do realize that tendus are fond of serpent meat?"

"Tendus are the only creatures the Shabbins keep their distance from."

I deduce it isn't Cathal he wants a word about but one of my people.

"I'll keep you safe, Daya." I wait to feel magic cuff my bicep, but Lorcan doesn't add the magical binding words. Cautious man. I'm about to ask him for one, when he leans over and murmurs, "It's about Kanti."