Chapter 15

Heavy paws pressed against her chest, kneading into her, suffocating her. Then a pause before a head smashed against her face.Maris woke to see a set of yellow eyes looking at her intently. Somewhere beyond the grogginess, Valda's muffled voice ended a conversation before the door closed. As footsteps got closer, Cerberus stood and smashed her head against Maris again, claiming her attention once more.

"Cerberus, you are crushing me!" Maris whined as she patted the cat's flanks to coax her off.

"Cerberus! Off!"

The black cat tensed and ran to the foot of the bed, raising her head to bump it with Valda's hand, which she had extended.

"Don't let her get on you like that. She will kill you in your sleep."

"Oh, please. She looks scary, but I bet she is a softie."

"I am not so sure of that." The queen wore a sleeveless, yellow shirt which accentuated her strong arms and tanned skin. Fitted pants covered her long, muscular legs, leaving very little to the imagination. Her feet were bare, and her hair seemed to be combed with her hands. The afterglow suited her, and Maris couldn't help but smile, proud of her handy work.

"Morning," Maris said, pulling away from the sheets and sitting up on the large bed. Cerberus went back to her, sitting on Maris's lap and accepting all the pets.

Valda grinned and curled her finger invitingly at Maris. "Come eat," she said, using the threads as a guide to sit at the small table.

"Again? Aren't you insatiable?" Maris grinned, playing with the long, thin hairs on Cerberus's tail.

"Maris…" Valda warned, unable to hide her smirk. "Come eat breakfast."

Maris rolled her eyes. Evidently Valda was not in the mood to be playful. She got out of bed, but not before patting Cerberus softly. The cat took up as much space as her large body would allow while Maris walked to the closet. As Valda's assistant she didn't have to wear the maid's uniform, but when she opened the walk-in closet, she was filled with a sense of dread at the sight of her clothing right next to Valda's. Her worn-out linen dresses contrasted dramatically with Valda's pristine clothes. It was mind boggling. Was it prudent to have her clothing in the same closet?

"You don't need to get dressed just yet," Valda said before taking a sip of her coffee.

"You want me to have breakfast nude?"

"Not like I am going to enjoy it," Valda arched her brow, her face tilted away from Maris as she grabbed a strawberry and popped it in her mouth.

She didn't argue, instead she sat in front of Valda as she picked up a piece of sausage and waved it around. Cerberus raised her head, sniffing before running to Valda's side. She took the sausage and scampered to the living space.

"How long have you been awake?"

"Not long. Maybe an hour?" Valda said before her hand traveled to her pocket. "I got you something."

Maris was about to take a mouthful of oatmeal when her curiosity stopped the spoon mid-air. "Oh?"

The queen took out a small box and carefully placed it on the table. "Here."

Maris moved the oatmeal bowl aside as her eyes fell on the present. "What is this?"

Valda smiled. "Open it."

Maris arched her eyebrow as she took the box. Inside it, there were countless silver strings. They shined as the rays of the early sunlight reflected upon them. She gasped quietly. Her eyes flew to a grinning Valda and back to the strings.

"Are these—"

"You said you needed strings. I went ahead and sent a messenger to get me some. I know there are many kinds, varieties, and types of materials, I hope this suits your instrument." When Maris didn't respond, she knitted her brows together. "Maris?"

Maris opened her mouth, but the words were caught in her throat. Valda's smile, though small, was there, and she seemed so proud of what she had done and so … happy. Maris didn't know what to say other than to thank the queen for her small gesture. With this, she would be able to play her violin, which she had neglected for so many years.

Releasing a shaky breath, Maris closed the box and said, "Thank you so much."

Valda tensed. "Are you crying?"

"It's been five years since I've played the violin…"

Valda nodded. "Are you afraid you might have forgotten how to play?"

"I hope not. If I did I—" Maris wiped away her tears and shook her head. "Gods, if I forgot what my mother taught me," she let out a nervous chuckle before touching the box again. "She will probably find me in her next life and slap me."

"I am sure you can still remember," Valda said in a calming tone. "Go ahead," Valda leaned forward. "Play for me…" A bright smile was painted on her rosy lips. "Please."

A fluttering sensation consumed her stomach. To play for Valda? She got you the strings for something, Maris. Just go for it. "Right! Let me just get the violin and get ready." Maris let out a breathy laugh before she ran to the closet and pulled out the worn-down violin case.

Valda turned to face her, following the sound of her footsteps.

As Maris kneeled, a very curious Cerberus walked towards her, sniffing at the case then swatting the violin as Maris pulled it out. Maris chuckled and swatted her hand back at the large cat, play-fighting with her. Except, Cerberus fell to her side and stretched out, taking up way too much space for a cat.

Maris couldn't help but stop what she was doing to rub Cerberus's fluffy stomach.

"I think your cat has become my cat."

Valda chuckled. "I will have to draw the line there, Seashell. No one takes Cerberus away from me."

Maris snickered, her fingers running through the fur before patting her. "Go on with your momma. I don't want her to get mad at me."

Cerberus shook her head and let out a soft trill, but stood when Valda called out for her. She silently made her way to Valda, jumped on her lap, earning a soft groan from the queen. Maris always found it funny when such a beast of a cat decided it was a lap cat. Cerberus was larger than any cat she had seen in her entire life. If she stood on her hind legs, she was sure she could reach Maris's stomach.

Without Cerberus distracting her, Maris put the new strings on her violin, tuning it as she went along until it was perfect.

"All right. Are you ready?" Maris asked, placing the violin on her shoulder and resting her jaw on it while her other hand held the bow.

"I am all ears," Valda answered, resting her elbow on the table and her chin on her knuckles while she scratched Cerberus's head.

Taking a deep breath, Maris closed her eyes and began to slide the bow against the pristine new violin strings. A soft melodic tune filled the silence of the large chamber, resonating against its stone walls. Standing still, Maris created a theme of the bits and pieces of the melodies taught by her mother years ago.

With a subtle clumsiness at first, Maris began to weave a song as she went along. The opening notes were bright and cheery, painting a picture of a sunny meadow with flowers swaying in the breeze. Maris's fingers danced with skill and emotion, bringing the melody to life. All the while Valda closed her eyes, leaning against the chair as Cerberus stared intently.

As the melody shifted, the music grew darker, and Maris's playing became more intense. The notes were haunting, filled with longing and sadness as the happy memories of her mother invaded her mind. All those afternoons where her mother would teach her how to hold the bow, how to settle the violin on her shoulder. The feeling of her hands on hers as she guided her through the notes.

Memories of her father weren't far behind. Him seated in the living area of their home, staring as she played with a proud smile on his face. The tempo picked up, and the music took on a sense of urgency. Maris's fingers moved with incredible speed, the melody rising and falling like waves crashing against a rocky shore.

With a final flourish, Maris brought the music to a slow stop, the last notes fading into the air. She lowered her violin, her eyes meeting Valda's open gaze. Her haunting white eyes seemed to look upon her, glimpsing into her deepest memories. And just like that, Maris pulled back, looking away, hiding from the queen. She felt seen, exposed, and she wasn't ready to be so vulnerable, not with Valda.

Valda patted Cerberus's back before she stood from the table and took a couple of unsure steps towards Maris. Wanting to avoid Valda was impossible. She reached out, grabbed her forearm, and led the queen to her. She expected Valda to say something, she never expected her to wrap strong arms around her and pull her into a strong and much needed hug. Maris's hand rested on her back, eyes wide open as Valda squeezed her shorter frame to hers. Maris melted, pressing her lips to her taut shoulder.

Her eyes burned with unshed tears, but she swallowed hard and willed them away.

"That was beautiful," Valda whispered against her temple.

Her cheeks warmed at the praises. She looked up at the queen and blushed as Valda pressed her forehead with hers while her large hand moved to grasp her waist intimately. Not wanting her emotions to get the best of her, she patted Valda's back and pulled away.

"You told me you were going to take me to the pool today," Maris said, moving back a step and brushing Valda's hand away. "We better finish our breakfast. If we keep this up, we might as well stay in for the entire day."

"That doesn't sound like a bad idea."

"Valda…" Maris pouted and gave Valda's hand a firm squeeze.

"All right, all right."Valda released her with a conceding sigh and slowly made her way back to the table.

Maris took the chance to put the violin away and finally dressed. Maris pulled on a flowing, floor-length dress made of a lightweight, airy fabric. The dress had long sleeves that were loose and billowy, draping down to the wrists. The bodice was fitted, accentuating her curves. The dress was not adorned with intricate patterns and designs, but it had a worn out, blue-ish color. It wasn't eye-catching, but it was comfortable, and that was what she needed. As she walked to the breakfast table, Maris combed her fingers through her long, wavy hair and finally sat down to enjoy her breakfast.

For a while, they kept to themselves until Valda broke the silence with a question.

"You never take off your necklace," Valda said, dunking a piece of bread in her coffee. "Sentimental value?"

Maris licked crumbs of bread and honey from her lips before she touched her neck and then her chest, finding rings dangling from necklace. "Yes." Maris didn't plan on explaining, but the silence between them was expectant. "They are my parents' wedding bands," Maris said and took a long sip from her coffee.

"Heart mates?" Valda asked, grabbing a piece of bread and holding it for Cerberus.

"Soulmates," Maris corrected, swallowing hard. She dunked a piece of bread in honey and took another bite.

The silence was deafening until Valda spoke again. "Why don't you want a mate? Do you have one somewhere, Maris?" The hesitation in Valda's voice was evident and Maris couldn't help but smile.

"No heart mate, no soul mate. Then again, I am not twenty-one yet, so I haven't met my soulmate." Her eyes shifted to Valda, who petted Cerberus's head after she took the bread. "I don't think I could handle being someone's heart mate, and then having that person leave for their soulmate, or vice versa."

Valda nodded, yet her jaw tensed.

"I guess you haven't met your soulmate."

The subtle upturn of Valda's lips took Maris by surprise. She hid a pout by biting on her lower lip. "Apparently."

"I could've sworn you and Sir Kayden were close to heart mates." There, she finally said it. She just hoped she didn't sound like she was about to puke with jealousy.

Valda chuckled deeply and shook her head. "Gods, no."

Maris released the breath she was holding.

"Kayden is my best friend. Nothing more," Valda said before reaching for her coffee. "The man can be annoying as fuck sometimes, though." She scoffed. "I would never mate with a person like him," she muttered more to herself than to Maris. "Not to mention he is a man. I am not attracted to men."

Of course.Maris shook her head. Why was she worried about that? Why was she worried about Valda being mated at all? Maybe because, in her heart even if they weren't soulmates, there was a slight probability they were heart mates and that terrified her.

The smile that absentmindedly painted her lips disappeared when she caught herself thinking about being mates with the woman in front of her. Valda was a queen, strong, important. She was… someone.

"Have you had a lover?" Valda asked, eyes closed, cleaning up her plate by popping one last strawberry into her mouth.

Maris pouted and twisted her lips, mulling her answer. "I've—I've had lovers before. Nothing serious." Kind of like now, right?

"Me either." Valda finished her breakfast leaning back on her chair and whipping her hands on her pants.

Unable to tell if Valda wanted to continue the conversation, Maris grew quiet as she ate her oatmeal, making as much noise as she could with her bowl, emphasizing her desire to eat instead of talking about her past, and the topic of mates.

"Well?" Valda's booming voice interrupted the short-lived silence. "Do you want to go to the pools or not?"

The pools! "Of course, I do!" She leapt uncharacteristically from her seat, but the mere thought of dipping her foot in Sealian waters called to her as if she had never even seen a drop of water in her life.

"Let's go then, I am tired of sitting around."

Maris quickly grabbed hold of Valda's arm and led her out of the room. As they walked down the grand hall, Valda described the route to the interior pools. Ignoring the entertained gazes of the guards by the door, Maris dragged the queen along.

After a couple of twists and turns, they made it to the pools. Maris pushed open the grand crystal doors, and her breath caught as she stepped into the hidden chamber. It was a veritable underwater wonderland, with walls adorned in iridescent seashells that shimmered like scales. The floor was paved with smooth, snowy rocks, reminiscent of a beach.

At the far end of the chamber, a small waterfall cascaded from a rocky ledge. The sound of the waterfall was a soothing melody which left goosebumps on Maris's skin.

The waterfall emptied into a large rectangular pool that stretched out, taking up most of the room. The water was a crystal-clear turquoise, and it was surrounded by meticulously arranged seashells, coral, and driftwood, creating a naturalistic ambience.

On the right corner of the room, a smaller circular pool beckoned with its heated waters. The steam rising from the pool carried a hint of briny salt. Maris could imagine herself sinking into the heated pool, the tension melting from her muscles as she gazed up at the star-shaped skylight above.

"If you want, we can start with the smaller pool. I wouldn't want you to drown."

"Valda! Don't start!" Maris pouted and slipped her hand away from Valda's grasp as the taller woman laughed.

"Lock the doors."

Maris took a deep breath and glanced at Valda and then at the crystal doors. Before she could ask what the use was, Valda explained how they would fog up as soon as they were locked. No one could look inside the room. Maris was relieved that she wouldn't make a fool of herself in front of any passersby or castle guards.

As the doors locked with a loud click, she turned to see Valda removing her yellow blouse. Her chest wraps were white as well as the undergarment. As Maris took in Valda's body again, the queen's voice echoed inside the chamber.

"Take your clothes off."

It was an order Maris couldn't quite deny. "All of it?" she asked, seeing Valda still wearing her undergarment.

Valda turned her face towards Maris's voice and shrugged. "Your choice."

Maris turned away from Valda and slipped her dress off, leaving her dark chest wraps and underwear, matching Valda. Then, she folded the dress neatly and placed it on a small table next to the doors.

"I need your help. Take me to the smaller waterfall. It has been a long time since I've been here, and I don't quite remember where everything is."

"Of course!" Maris scurried to Valda's side, grabbed her calloused hand, and slowly dragged her to the waterfalls. Valda got under the steady stream, her white undergarment stuck to her body, revealing everything to Maris's hungry eyes.

Maris stared, unable to peel her eyes away from Valda, who dragged her fingers through her hair, wetting it completely.

"If I am not mistaken, on the left side is the shallow part and there are some steps. Right?"

Maris turned to confirm. "Yes. Should I take you there?"

"If you may."

Maris nodded, grabbed Valda's hand again before making her way towards the white steps of the pool. Valda was the first one to step in. Maris made sure that the queen didn't stumble on her feet or slip. When Valda was finally in the pool, the water reached her up to her waist.

"Come in."

The water in the pool looked pristine, clear, and clean. If it weren't for the ripples on its surface when Valda moved, Maris would've thought that there was nothing there.

Taking a sharp breath, she walked down the steps with wobbly knees. Come on, Maris. You want this, you can do this. She took a second step, and her foot touched the water, then she took another and another and another.

Her shaking hand grabbed hold of Valda's firm one, and she sobbed. This was something that she had wanted to experience ever since her parents told her about her adoption. When they told her that she came from the Sea Kingdom, and that it was natural for her to crave being near water. This was surreal, and she couldn't bring herself to grab hold of her emotions like she usually did. She couldn't.

The water reached under her breasts, seeping into her undergarments and the ends of her hair. The saltiness of the water was like a warm blanket, hugging her lovingly. Before she could enjoy the embrace, Valda steadied her by wrapping one strong arm around her waist, crushing their chests together. As Valda walked towards the deep end, Maris noticed that her feet were no longer touching the floor of the pool. Her breath hitched, and she wrapped her arms around Valda's neck.

"Valda, wait a second." Maris shuddered, her grip tightening.

"Is the water cold?"

"No, I—" Maris squeezed her eyes shut, as she hooked her legs over Valda's hips. She held on to her for dear life, her entire body shaking. "I am scared." That was an understatement. She wasn't just scared, she was embarrassed. ‘A Sealian that doesn't know how to swim.' She would carry that for years to come if she didn't learn how to swim right away. What if she never learned? What if she couldn't learn?

"It's all right to be scared. I am not going to drop you unless you want me to."

"I can't touch the bottom," she said, her nails digging into Valda's shoulders.

"I can, don't worry. I got you," Valda said, her other hand gripping her thigh. "I am not letting you go," Valda said and by the way she clutched onto her, and how her face dipped as if she was staring at her, Maris knew she meant it outside the pool too.

"I am going to go further into the deep end. Is that all right with you?" Valda asked and Maris clung tighter. The air grew thick as she thought of something to say instead of ‘no, wait,' instead of sounding petrified. Yet, Valda didn't move except the hand that reassuringly rubbed her back. As her tension ebbed away, Maris was able to breathe again. Her hold on Valda relaxed. It felt like an hour had passed, but Valda didn't push her. She stood perfectly still.

"You can move…" Maris finally said.

Valda dipped her chin in a small nod, her body shifted further into the pool, until the water reached her chin. Maris gasped, as Valda's body floated. Letting go of her thigh, Valda treaded the water as her legs moved in circular motions.

Her stomach turned, and Maris pressed herself even closer. She whimpered as the water covered her shoulders and neck until only their heads were above the surface. Her breath quickened and she wasn't sure what to do other than to hold on.

"Do you want to know how I learned to swim?" Valda asked, a soft chuckle escaping her.

Maris nodded, her eyes glued to Valda, trying to anchor herself to something—anything that will keep her focused other than on the fact that neither her nor Valda were touching the bottom.

"When I was ten, my mother and I went on a trip to Harmonia. I remember that day clearly because it was my first time on a ship. I was nauseous to say the least. On our way there, Arwin wanted to stop at one of Agenor's islands for some reason. He grabbed a lifeboat and took me there, but we never made it. He thought that I needed to learn how to swim. So, he anchored the boat and… pushed me into the sea."

Maris tensed, and she pulled back to look at Valda's face. She was smiling. "Are you joking?"

"I am not."

"Valda, that's horrible."

Valda shrugged. "I learned how to swim there and then. Sometimes you need to be pushed to your limits."

"You— You are not going to do that to me, right?"

Valda's frowned deeply; the smile gone in an instant. Shaking her head, she rubbed Maris's back. "I would never."

"Good." Maris nodded, her hands relaxing, finding Valda's nape and holding her hair.

"I do want you to experience this, Maris. You deserve to know who you are, to feel your heritage, to be consumed by it. You are a Sealian, these waters, are from your land and I am sure you can feel it calling to you."

Calling.It was. Her chest felt warmer, her skin was covered in goosebumps, but that sensation of failure stayed in the back of her head, clouding her enjoyment of what was supposed to be something exciting.

"We can take a deep breath together. We can go to the bottom of the pool and just like that, I am sure you will know exactly what to do."

"What if I can't? What if nothing happens?"

"Then, nothing happens," Valda said with a shrug and a smile. "All I ask is that you look at me, watch my movements and mimic everything that I do, all right?"

Maris looked down, studying Valda's leg. Releasing her iron grip on the other woman's hip, she began to kick her legs just as Valda was doing. Suddenly, one of Valda's hands moved to grab hers, and she tensed again.

"Wait, Valda!"

"Maris, I need you to trust me."

"I know but—"

"I won't let anything bad happen to you. You already know this. I got you."

Maris shuddered in a breath, closed her eyes and groaned as she squeezed Valda's hand with hers. Valda released her hold on her waist before holding her wrist. Still close to her, Maris's grip on Valda's fingers was almost painful, but she didn't care, she wasn't about to let go.

"At the count of three, we are going to take a deep breath. I am going to pull you under water."

"Valda! No—"

"I will be holding your hand the entire time. I won't let go. I promise."

"I swear, Valda!" Maris sniffled, water reaching her chin as Valda put more and more distance between them, their only lifeline was their interlocked hands.

"Are you ready?"

Nodding, Maris closed her eyes, took a short breath to ease her heart and exhaled. "One."

Valda chuckled, squeezed her hands reassuringly and said, "two."

"Three!" Maris yelped, and quickly took a deep breath before closing her eyes and dunking her head under the surface. Valda squeezed her hand tighter, pulling her deeper and deeper. Maris kept her eyes closed, holding her breath in her mouth, but then Valda released one of her hands. Her eyes flew open, and she found Valda treading in the water. She mimicked her right away, controlling her movements, her hair floating around her, almost blocking her view of the queen. Suddenly, Maris's lungs were filled not only by air but power. The warm sensation at her fingertips and toes made her shiver in delight as the water entered her every pore, and that was when she exhaled…

And she then inhaled.

She could breathe…

She could breathe underwater.

Maris scoffed, bubbles escaping her mouth and floating to the surface. More bubbles surfaced this time coming from Valda. The woman pulled at her, egging her to go back to the surface instead, but Maris slipped her fingers from Valda's grip.

Panic settled over Valda's features. She trashed her arms about and swam to the surface while Maris drifted to the bottom. Her feet finally touched the pool's floor, and she didn't panic. Her hands moved in the same circles as Valda had done, keeping her up right. She laughed again; more bubbles escaped her. Effortlessly, she bounced on her toes and swam towards Valda, who had gone underwater again, waving her hands, calling for her, reaching out, desperately. Thrusting her arms, Maris swam towards her. Instinctively her body moved quickly until she reached Valda, clutched her arm and pulled her to the surface.

The queen gasped for air and turned in Maris's arms before gripping shoulders. "Blessed be Ouranos! You scared me to death! I thought I lost you." Valda shuddered and pulled her in for a tight hug. "Don't ever do that—"

"You were right. I was going to be just fine," Maris interrupted her before cupping her jaw. "It was as something snapped in place inside my brain… Tartarus! Can Sealians breathe underwater? Because I think I did just that!"

Valda chuckled awkwardly. "I doubt that."

"Why?"

"Because. Breathing underwater is one of the gifts only the Sealian royalties had. That and the ability to control water and the sea."

Maris froze. "That's the gift for the heir of the Sea Kingdom?"

Valda nodded. "Just as I can command the wind, Sealian royalty could command the sea and water."

Could.They could manipulate water. Maris stared at her hands as they waved about, keeping her afloat.

It's been years since she first noticed she had a gift. It was during the Patron Festival in Ophelia Plaza. She was with Melvian, and her parents enjoying the music and the food when suddenly someone bumped into her. She was holding a glass of water and for some reason, it hovered over the ground before her. It must've been seconds, but Maris noticed, and she knew she was the one that had caused the water to float. No one noticed, or at least she thought.

Maris never understood how or tried to do more than just simple tricks. She wasn't able to bring forth a storm as Valda could bring a tornado. But somehow, she felt that was surely to change soon. This water, being from her kingdom, made her feel different.

Valda's hands bumped into Maris's stomach, knocking her out of her daydream. Valda's eyes were open and looking right through her. Maris hadn't noticed she had been quiet for a long time.

"Can other people apart from royalty bear the gifts?" Maris suddenly asked, swallowing hard.

Valda pursed her lips and scratched her chin. "Well. Of course. The blessed ones are humans, mortals and weak. They sleep around. They have bastards. I know there are Skylians able to control the wind, but since I bear the mark of Ouranos I have more control. Where they can create a soft breeze, I can destroy a village."

"You are stronger because of your lineage?"

"I am stronger because of my blessing and connection to the god," Valda said, raising her chest, prideful.

Maris nodded. Of course, Valda was blessed by the god. Maris wasn't. She didn't have the mark of Poseidon. Her tricks were weak and sloppy. Maybe she was a bastard child from some royal. Maybe her real parents were bastard children and inherited the gift from them.

That made sense.

Flicking her gaze at Valda, Maris wondered if she should let her know that she could somewhat manipulate water but, then again if she did, what would it matter?

But what if she was somehow tied to the royals from the Sea Kingdom? What if she was the heir to what was left?

Maris blinked and scoffed at her own thoughts. Her being the heir wouldn't change anything with Valda. The other woman would still be the queen of the most powerful kingdom on the planet, while she would have a handful of Sealians and a kingdom with nothing to offer but ruins. A handful of Sealians that needed all the help they could get.

"Maris, are you all right?"

"Yes, I am just thinking," Maris answered. "Whatever happened to the kings and queens of the Sea Kingdom. I mean. I know the whole place was destroyed…"

Valda pursed her lips. "Lead me to the edge?" she asked, touching Maris's arm.

Maris grabbed Valda's elbow and pulled her towards the edge of the pool. Valda pulled herself out and sat down, her legs dangling and splashing the water. Maris imitated her and sat next to her.

"Reports said that they died when the castle collapsed on them."

"Everyone died?"

"Yes, the king, the queen, and their daughter all perished. Their structures were not strong enough to hold out to a hurricane."

Maris frowned and turned to the pool again. "Who wrote that report?"

Valda tilted her head to the side. "General Arwin."

"Hmm," Maris's upper lip twitched.

"You don't like him?"

Maris hesitated to answer. Arwin was Valda's general, her right-hand man. And although days ago she almost choked him, he was still closer to her than Maris would ever be. "I haven't had enough interaction with him to form an opinion."

"But?"

Maris hesitated to answer. Talking bad about Arwin could get her in trouble. She knew Valda wasn't keen of him, but he was the general of the army. She somewhat trusted him.

"I was with my parents in Ophelia Plaza for one Patron Festival. Arwin walked to us, and my parents seemed scared. I don't remember what they said but it looked like he didn't seem to want me there. Not to mention that same day my dad disappeared. My mother's mind fractured. She said the bond was broken and that he had died, but we never got a body." Maris swallowed hard, touching the bands dangling from her necklace.

"How long ago was this?"

"I was twelve. So maybe that was almost nine years ago? I don't remember exactly."

Valda moved uncomfortably. "Those were bad years for a lot of people. The uprisings in Umbriel were starting back in those days as did my training as a warrior under Arwin's wings."

"So young?"

"Arwin would say otherwise. He wanted to start training when I was younger. I am sure my mother didn't allow him. I would wake up before the crack of dawn and he made me run five miles as a warmup."

"Goodness. A bit abusive don't you think?" Maris asked, wrapping her arms around her knees and resting her chin on them.

Valda laughed softly and shook her head. "I mean…" Valda leaned back, exposing both her stomach and legs. "It was rough, but I think I turned out just fine."

Maris rolled her eyes and looked away, her face going bright red. There it was again. The playfulness that broke down Valda's wall. Sometimes Maris wondered if she was the only one who got to see her like that. Had other maids gotten to see the queen's scandalous side? Jealousy panged the second she imagined Valda flirting with anyone else. Maris buried the sentiment somewhere deep in her mind, hopefully never to think of it again.

"Seashell?"

Maris's gaze went from Valda's contracted abdominals to her face. "Hmm?"

"Do you enjoy it?"

"The pool? Yes. It is quite magical. My shoulder is completely healed. That's a big plus."

"I am not talking about the pool, Maris." Valda's voice dropped, as she pressed the back of her hand to the outside of Maris's thigh.

Maris realized that she was addicted to the way Valda pronounced her name. Each syllable sent a bolt of electricity through her, goosebumps forming in her skin. "Then what?"

Inhaling deeply, Valda moved closer, her fingers stroking further up Maris's thighs. "Us."

"Are you asking if I enjoy having sex with you?"

Valda nodded, jaw muscles flexing.

Maris wet her lips before answering. "I think my cries last night were evidence enough."

Valda seemed pleased with the answer yet the fierceness in her features did not ease.

"I will not stop, Maris. I don't think I will. I might not know what I am getting myself into by sleeping with you, but to be honest. I do not care."

"I—"

"No, let me explain." Sitting up straight, Valda squeezed Maris's thigh, hard enough to keep her quiet.

"When I was sixteen years old, I asked the Oracle when I would meet my mate. I wasn't smart enough to specify which one, heart mate or soulmate. They said I would meet her on my twenty-fifth birthday. I waited nine long years, only for—" she gestured at her face, "this to happen to me. I didn't want a heart mate, Maris. But now I can only hope I will at least get that."

"Valda…" Swallowing hard, Maris grabbed Valda's hand and squeezed it. "I don't want a—"

"I know. I know and I get it, and trust me, I understand. But don't deny that there is something happening between us because I can fucking feel you. I can taste you, and you…" Valda scoffed. "You feel like you were made for me."

"Valda. You are the queen of the kingdom. I am a maid."

"Yes. But—"

"I slapped you across the face."

"Yes, and look how we ended up." She smiled. "Do you deny the attraction?"

Maris shook her head. "I won't deny that."

"Good." Valda said. "Now, kiss me." The command was firm, but full of longing.

Taking a deep breath, as if about to jump into the pool again, Maris moved to her knees and cradled Valda's face. She mashed her lips to the queen's in a soft, chaste kiss which was much more affectionate than hungry. Fear ignited in Maris's heart like a lantern in the dark at the thought that she was already in too deep regarding her feelings for the Queen.