Chapter 16

Maris was trying her hardest to pay attention to the meeting, but Valda's taste still lingered in her tongue, her scent saturated her senses. Even now, as the queen sat next to her, not moving or flirting, Maris wanted to squeeze her thigh underneath the large table. Yet, she had been instructed to pay attention, take note of body language and important information to discuss later.

After her swimming lessons, which ended as she had hoped for, Valda called forth a meeting with the kingdom's counselors and advisors. Unlike Arwin, these advisors came ready to plead their case.

The first to talk was Angus Taskon, middle-aged man with an overly bushy silver mustache. The man was quick to report how this season's crops were abundant in the northern towns, yet not so much on the southern cities. He announced a plan to help the south which didn't include anything about lowering taxes. Valda thanked him for his help and his oversight while he kept his head low accepting the praises. Once he was done, he sat down with a satisfied grin on his face.

Next was education. A woman stood and greeted Valda with the utmost respect. Lyra Lever, a retired teacher in her sixties, addressed the upcoming programs she wanted to implement kingdom wide in the forthcoming years. She detailed a plan to integrate more reading and writing, starting with the earlier years. First, they would print as many books as possible, distribute them through the villages, assign a teacher for each school and invest in materials for the younger kids. By the age of seven, every Skylian should know how to read. Her reason for that was that she thought it was time to move forward. If anything, Maris was sure that Skylians were seen as barbarians. Not like Vulcanian, but close.Valda agreed to the plan and moved on to the next topic.

Housing and infrastructure. A young man in his thirties stood from his chair and fixed his sleeves, rolling them up to his elbows. A tactic to look more mature. Maris chuckled at that, and Valda leaned in to ask what was so funny. As Maris gave her a detailed description of the secretary of housing and infrastructure, Valda snorted and leaned back on her chair, unimpressed. Dristan Sato was nervous. His voice quivered as he turned to talk to Valda and explain how their budget wasn't enough to do what he envisioned. He talked about the need to build better, stronger houses that would take in the tornadoes and sandstorms in the kingdom. He also spoke about how the last audience and how Eyphah Hurley had pleaded to have better materials to build their own homes.

Maris wrote it all done, feeling a pang of guilt. She was under the protection of Valda. She was safe, sound, with food and shelter while other Sealians were out there, struggling. Things needed to change, and fast.

The budgeting counselor stood from his chair angrily. Hadeon Lain was an older man, with thinning, silver hair and a nasty attitude. He demanded that Dristan let him talk. As he raised his voice, Valda stopped their bickering altogether with a slam of her hand on the desk.

Maris snorted and leaned back to watch the queen do what she did best.

"Lain," Valda began, her voice low and thick. "Why are you interrupting Sato?"

Hadeon swallowed hard. "This boy—"

"This boy has a name!" Dristan, the Secretary of Housing and Infrastructure, growled.

"Your Highness, Sato wants more money for housing when we know that we are already asked our people for too much money. According to General Arwin's security report, we are on the brink of an all-out civil war, and the entirety of our budget should go towards the army and our security!" Hadeon said as he picked up his reports. "These invaders…"

"Survivors," Valda corrected, forming a fist with her right hand, and pressing the white knuckles to the table.

"Survivors," Hadeon mumbled. "Don't you think they are taking a little too much?"

"No," Valda simply answered. "They are working and giving to this kingdom as much as you are, Lain. I think they deserve to live with dignity. After the last audience, I can no longer ignore their needs like my mother did. Their cry for lower taxes will not fall into deaf ears. The live in my kingdom and if they are in need of having a house so they can get started, who am I to say no to them?"

Maris inhaled deeply and nodded slightly.

"But, Your Highness, I—"

"I already had a talk with General Arwin about the army's budget. I came to the conclusion that we are investing too much in it. I want a report to be handed to my assistant tomorrow. I want a plan of how you will be dividing the kingdom's budget to accommodate what Sato envisions without raising taxes for Sealians and our people." Valda's hand relaxed. "Actually…" She placed her open palm on the desk and took a deep breath. "I want to see how viable is to lower our taxes."

"Wait, what?"

"Lain," Valda bared her teeth in a soulless smile. "I want the report by tomorrow. Until then this meeting is over. I will see you all next week."

The counselors stood from their chairs and left the meeting room. All except Dristan, who stood still until Maris noticed. He rubbed his hands together, before raking his fingers through his hair.

"My Queen, if I may?" Dristan called out.

Valda had just unfolded her cane when she turned to Dristan. "Sato. How can I help you?"

The man cleared his throat and threw a quick glance at Maris before addressing the queen. "I just wanted to say thank you, Your Highness." His voice quivered nervously. "I was wondering if I could present to you a detailed plan on the housing ideas I've had. As well as the pathways and streets in our kingdom. I think they are due for an upgrade, and I would be more than happy to help."

Maris looked at Dristan's young and unruly look. The man was handsome, like many Skylians, tall as a tree and with a boyish glow that made her turn away. As soon as her eyes fell on Valda, Dristan's looks were forgotten. Valda was taller than him, with that delicious combination of feminine and handsome beauty. She couldn't help but smile up at Valda as the queen extended her arm and nodded.

"Tomorrow. Look for Maris and hand it to her. I will go over it, and then I will make a decision."

Dristan released his breath and grabbed Valda's forearm for a firm squeeze. "Count on it, my Queen. Thank you!" His smile could illuminate the entire room. He bowed his head at Valda and then at Maris and turned to leave.

Maris kept her gaze on him until he opened the door. Dristan bumped into someone on the way out, bowing his head in apology before making his way.

In walked the most handsome man Maris has ever seen in her entire life. Standing as tall as Valda, his long aqua hair was tied up into a loose bun on top of his head. His skin was as pale as the moon, and his eyes the darkest shade of blue she had ever seen. He was wearing a dark tunic, which accentuated the color of his creamy skin. There were small silver details along the tall collar, matching the buttons in front. He wore a pair of white slacks with black boots tied up to his thick calves. His steps echoed in the meeting room as he walked towards them, his face void of emotions save for when he connected his eyes with Maris. His full lips curved to a soft smile in an amicable greeting. The sleeves of his tunic went down to his elbows, exposing a series of blue tattoos on his toned forearms. The designs resembled ocean waves crashing into rocks. His wrist was adorned with bracelets made of black beads and one yellow seashell.

As soon as he was close, he clasped his hands behind his back and stood up straight, his eyes focusing on an unknown spot on the wall. "My Queen, Captain Isen Hurley. I was told that you needed to see me."

Maris's jaw slacked. Was he a captain? To the Skylian army? Her eyes went from Isen to Valda as she waited for her suspicions to be confirmed.

"At ease, Captain," Valda said, extending her arm to him.

Isen grasped the queen's hand and gave it a firm shake before Valda offered him a seat. "Captain Hurley, I called out to you for a rather personal favor. I hope you don't mind."

He smiled, his teeth pearly white and perfect. "I live to serve the kingdom that gave me a second chance, and you as well, my Queen."

Valda chuckled and turned to Maris, signaling her to sit down as well. "Captain Hurley, I want you to meet my personal assistant."

Maris smiled brightly at the captain, her eyes sparkling with amazement. "Maris Era." She let out a breathy laugh as she rubbed her hands on her dress. "It is so nice to meet a fellow Sealian."

Valda's entire demeanor changed. Her eyes opened as she turned to Maris, her brows knitted together in worry. Before Maris could say anything, Isen was formally greeting her by placing his fist on his chest and bowing.

"The pleasure is all mine, Mistress Era."

Maris dismissed him by waving her hand. The whole "mistress" thing was too much, and she frankly didn't like it.

"Oh, please. I am not a mistress. You can call me Maris, I insist."

Isen turned to look at Valda as if asking for permission. "If it is all right with my Queen."

"Captain Hurley, I called you here to make you an acquaintance with my assistant. She has expressed to me that she has no recollection of her home kingdom and that she has never met another Sealian."

Isen regarded Maris with a strange look until his eyes widened with sudden realization. His gaze went from confusion to wonder and then utter adoration. Maris moved uncomfortably in her seat before clearing her throat and looking up at Valda. The queen, of course, wasn't paying as much attention to her as Isen was. Valda seemed distant; her mind was somewhere else.

"I want you to talk. Tell her what you know of the Sea Kingdom," Valda said, her fingers touching Maris's arm as she spoke.

Isen narrowed his eyes to the spot where Valda's fingers grazed Maris's skin. He forced an awkward smile, his large hand coming to touch his knees. "I enjoy nothing more than to talk about my kingdom."

Valda nodded and turned to Maris. "I will leave you two to talk. I will be heading to my chamber. I have something to get in order."

Confusion glinted in Maris's eyes. She couldn't help herself. She knew her place, especially in front of others, but she couldn't stop herself from grasping Valda's callused hand and holding her firmly as she was about to leave.

"What is it?"

Valda didn't reply, instead she turned to Maris, arching her eyebrow.

"I mean." Maris quickly released her hand and tucked it in her lap. "I will see you later then, Your Highness."

Tightening the grip on her cane, Valda left the throne room, closing the door behind her.

A shiver ran down Maris's spine as her eyes settled on Isen's darker ones. She smiled politely and placed her hands on the table before her. "Well."

"Well," Isen chuckled and mirrored Maris's hand placement. "What is it that you want to know?"

Maris swallowed; her throat suddenly dry. "Everything?" Isen's gaze burned into her, taking all of her in.

"Maris, I can assure you that although I am staring at you because I am fascinated by your beauty, I do not wish to take you to bed."

Maris scoffed. Aren't you the honest type? "Then why do you look at me as you do?"

"Because," he said, his broad chest expanding as he took in a deep breath. "You carry the scent of the sea as if you were born in the Sea Kingdom."He tilted his head. "You are younger than I am… Were you born here?"

"No, I was months old when...it happened."

Isen nodded. "I was born and raised on the northern island of Nereid. I was thirteen when the hurricane hit. I managed to escape with my twin sister and my injured mother through one of the many ships near the coast."Isen's face softened, and he looked away from Maris to the tattoos on his arm.

"You had access to a ship?"

Isen nodded. "My mother was a soldier in the Sealian army, my father worked as a fisherman."He chuckled, disguising the sadness in his voice.

Maris rubbed her knuckles as she took in Isen's features now that he was closer. He had a subtle dark shadow, a blueish stubble on his face like the color of his mane. There was also a small bald spot on his right eyebrow, probably from an old scar.

"I was able to escape. My father didn't. I am not sure if he is still out there. I went back for him, but our home was destroyed and the handful of people that lived there weren't able to tell me if he survived or not. They said that he tried to come here using a smaller boat, but disappeared, never to be heard from again."

"What about your mother?"

"My mother did not survive the trip."

Maris's stomach dropped. A thirteen-year-old alone with his sister, in an unknown kingdom with strange customs? "And your sister?"

"She is currently living in New Agenor. She married another Sealian She...she is happy, I suppose." He didn't sound that convinced.

"Tell me about the islands."

Isen's smile widened. "Ah! Of course! The biggest island in our kingdom was called Triton, that's where the castle was located."

Maris leaned closer, excitement gleaming in her eyes as she pictured everything in her head, painting every detail as a memory in her mind.

"Triton was connected to different sets of islands. Each island was home to a clan."

Maris leaned her cheek on her hand, staring as she listened to Isen explain the costumes of the kingdom. It was common for the women to tend the crops as the men spent their days in the water, fishing. Education was lauded throughout the kingdom, with art an early and encouraged focus.

Isen told Maris how his sister could draw and paint to perfection. Her drawings were so realistic that the images flew off the page while he could sing. She laughed at that. Isen took that as Maris not believing him, so he belted all the shanties his father and mother taught him as a child. She couldn't help but blush in embarrassment.

Isen told her about how they would celebrate a yearly festival in Triton Island, where children made an exposition of their art or had small concerts for their parents.

She felt homesick for a place she didn't remember.

The excitement in Isen's eyes made her wish that she had experienced what he had. Isen's vehemence made her think if he could be exaggerating. The books she had access to did little to no justice to his recollections. It sounded like paradise to her, and although she loved the Sky Kingdom, she still felt like an outsider.

Isen's energy dimmed when he noticed Maris's saddened face. His hand gestures, which he said were very Sealian, slowed and he leaned towards her. His large hands grasped hers tenderly, affectionately...brotherly.

"If you wish me to stop, I will."

Maris looked at their joined hands. Hers were miniature compared to his. She slipped away from his grasp only to quickly brush away a sneaky little tear. "It's quite all right. I am just—"

"Overwhelmed?"

She nodded.

Isen took a deep breath and leaned back. "We can continue some other day."

"No, please…" Maris wanted this to last forever; she wanted to soak up everything that had to do with her people and the kingdom more than anything. "Tell me about the king and queen, what were they like?"

The captain puffed his chest. "They were the most gentle and loving rulers on the entire planet. And I can assure you that this is true because I have traveled all of Gaia!"

Maris laughed softly as her tears trailed down her cheeks. "Don't say that so loud. Queen Valda might hear you."

Isen's features softened as he watched her smile. "Happiness suits you better, Maris."

She couldn't help but blush at his compliment. "Tell me about them, please?"

"Of course. King Aegaeon was…" He sighed as he remembered. "Scary."

"I thought you said they were gentle and loving?"

"Oh, they were! But King Aegaeon was strong and powerful. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and he was always telling jokes regarding his scary looks. He did not have the gift; it was the queen who wielded that power. But King Aegaeon was a force to be reckoned with. He would give his life to protect the kingdom and his queen."Isen's face softened in realization. "And he did."

Maris swallowed hard, moved by the thought of a king giving his life for the people he loved. "And the queen?"

Isen stared at Maris. He nibbled on his lower lip as if he was looking for the right words. His tall build took up most of the space as he moved his seat closer to Maris. Once again, he moved his hand over hers and held it firmly. His eyes narrowed, and she suddenly felt nervous at the closeness of his body. "Captain?"

"You must forgive me for my behavior but," Isen swallowed before continuing. "When I first saw you, I could've sworn that I saw Queen Amphitrite standing before me." He placed Maris's over his chest, his heartbeat accelerated as his deep ocean eyes stared at her. No trace of ulterior motives or lies. His eyes shone with an adoration that she didn't know she needed. Her free hand traced the small scar at his face and shifted a loose strand of aqua-blue hair to secure it behind his ear. For some reason, a need to protect this man surfaced from deep within her…

It scared her beyond words.

Isen closed his eyes, leaning into the soft caress, squeezing Maris's hand tighter to his chest.

"To think that I have been searching for you for decades…" he whispered, his eyes fluttering open to drown in her gaze. "You are my lost princess, aren't you?"

Suddenly, Isen's eyes grew wide and just as he was about to turn the sound of shattering glass echoed throughout the small room. Maris gasped and turned to the door while Isen stood, looking petrified.

Melvian stood by the door. Anger flared in her glare.

"Melvian!" Isen released an awkward laugh.

"Good afternoon, Captain Hurley," Melvian's words were laced with venom as her eyes moved from Isen to Maris yet softened as she looked at her friend. "Good afternoon, Maris."

"Melvian…" Isen turned into a ball of jitters and nervousness. "This is not what you think."

Maris's eyes flew open. Wait! What? Her neck almost snapped as she turned to face Isen and then Melvian.

"I am sorry, Captain Hurley. I came in to check on Maris. She had a horrible day yesterday, and as her healer I wanted to make sure she was all right. I went to search for her in the queen's chamber, but the queen told me she was here. She didn't mention she was with you, though." Melvian grinned an empty smile.

Isen paled further. He turned to Maris and bowed low to her. "I will take my leave. It was wonderful to meet you, Maris Era. I hope we can continue our talk some other time."

Melvian kneeled to the floor, grabbing a piece of glass. If Maris didn't know better, it looked like Melvian wanted to stab the captain with it.

As Isen walked to the door, he stopped to look down at Melvian and gave her an awkward yet perfect smile. "Love, it is not what you think. I must speak with you as soon as you can."

"If you have a headache, you can wait for me in the healer's chambers, Captain." She gritted her teeth at the last word.

Isen nodded and turned once again to Maris, bowing before closing the door behind him.

"Melvian?"

Melvian's dark eyes were fiery once they turned to Maris. She took a deep breath and picked up the glass of water she had brought for Maris, along with some medicine. "Yes," she began. "Isen… is my mate."

Maris's jaw slacked. "Your mate? You are mated?"

"Maris…"

"Why do you keep hiding stuff from me? I thought we were best friends?"

"Maris, listen—"

"You don't trust me, Melvian?"

"No. It's not that…" Melvian groaned and rolled her eyes before leaving the mess on the floor and heading to Maris. "Isen is the one who gives me information from outside the castle."

Oh. "He asked you to keep it quiet?"

Melvian nodded. "I am sorry."

"I should be mad at you, though…" Maris said, shoving at Melvian's shoulder before scratching her forearm nervously. "Are …you mad at me?"

"No, I am not mad at you. He is too good looking for his own good and doesn't even notice when he is being a charmer. He is always so clueless of why women are always swooning over him!" She took a deep breath again before looking at Maris. "Was… was he hitting on you, though?"

"Not at all. Like you said, he doesn't know when he is being charming."

Melvian chuckled and shrugged. "I can't blame him."

"I don't blame you for having him as a heart mate, though. He is really handsome." Maris snickered before noticing Melvian's serious demeanor. "You are heart mates, right?"

Averting her eyes, Melvian scratched the back of her neck.

"Wait. Melvian…" Maris grabbed her face and turned her attention back to her. "You are heart mates, right?!"

Melvian shook her head. "He is my soulmate."

"Are you joking? Please, tell me you are!"

"Maris, I didn't plan this! It's not how it works!"

"Then, how… I…" Maris groaned and stood from her chair. "Is it even allowed? Mates from different kingdoms?"

"Another reason to keep it hidden. I've never heard of people from different kingdoms being actual heart mates, let alone soulmates. I am telling you, Maris. Something is changing around us, and I am not sure we are ready for it."

"The gods are allowing all of this to happen?"

"Who knows?"

Maris rubbed the back of her neck. Things were changing all right. Her conversation with Captain Hurley had been eye opening. She had always felt strange in her own skin but having him look at her as if she was royalty had shifted something inside of her.

"How's your shoulder?" Melvian asked, touching Maris and making her jump at the sudden contact.

"It's fine. I thought you healed it."

"I haven't been a blessed worshipper for a long time. I still think my powers don't work."

"Well, they do and if they didn't, it doesn't matter. Valda took me to the pools."

"Sealian waters have that effect, especially on your people," Melvian disposed of the glass in a nearby receptacle and moved to Maris. "I would like to look at it, if you do not mind."

"Oh, no. Not at all." Maris moved a chair aside for Melvian. The young woman touched and prodded Maris's shoulder quietly. Still, Maris could feel her friend's angry eyes burning holes on the side of her face. "Are you sure you are not mad at me?"

Melvian sighed and moved her hands away. "It took me by surprise to see him kneeling before you. Plus, you were touching his face so sweetly. I—" She groaned in frustration.

"If it makes you feel any better, I can say he is not attractive at all," Maris lied, her lips pursed as she tried her hardest not to laugh.

Melvian eyed her and pushed her shoulder away before standing up. "I know he is gorgeous. All you Sealians are."

"You think I'm gorgeous, Melvian?" Maris batted her eyelashes and laughed when Melvian made a vulgar gesture.

"No, but seriously. What were you guys talking about?"

Maris's laughter died down as she thought of an answer. She might as well tell her friend the truth. "He spoke of his life in the Sea Kingdom. Valda called for him because I told her I've never met a Sealian before. She thought that maybe it would do me good to talk with someone from my home kingdom."

"Did it?" Melvian asked, sitting back down next to her.

"Yes and no. Yes, because I got to live through him and experience what the kingdom used to be, and no because I've never felt more homesick in my life. I didn't even know you could be homesick in a place you have no recollection of."

Melvian gave Maris a sympathetic smile before patting her arm.

"Captain Hurley was sweet enough to go on to full detail about everything and then he said the weirdest thing."

Melvian tilted her head. "What did he say?"

"He told me that I looked just like Queen Amphitrite." Maris casted a gaze to the closed door of the meeting room before traveling back to Melvian. "And I was petrified at that. He thinks I am the heir."

Melvian took a deep breath. "He said that?"

Maris nodded.

"Isen can be dramatic, of that I can assure you. I bet he was all ‘I shall be your champion, my Queen.' and grabbed your hand and looked into your eyes."

"He did let me touch his chest." Maris wiggled her eyebrows. "And face too."

"Maris, I swear to Asclepius, I will slap that grin off your face."

"I don't think your queen will like that," Maris teased.

"She would probably kill me if I lay a hand on you, right?"

"Yep."

Melvian let out an exaggerated groan. "Skylians are so territorial and possessive. I can't stand it. I am lucky I am not mated to one," Melvian said before gathering her things. "I am glad you are well. I wish I could stay and talk some more, but I told Isen to meet me at the healer's chamber and I really have to give him a piece of my mind. He needs to stop being so dramatic."

"Oh, please. Go easy on him."

"I won't," Melvian declared as she walked to the door. "I will see you when I see you?"

Maris nodded as Melvian left.

Cerberus nibbled on a piece of dried meat Valda carried around. She had kept it inside a drawer near the large sofa for random treats. It had been a long time since she had sat down to relax with her pet. She missed going out with Cerberus and walking around the castle's gardens. She missed watching the large black ball of fur jumping over the flowers, chasing random bugs or hunting small lizards. She also missed resting on the large sofa, reading a book while she lay on her chest. She was well aware that Cerberus was uneasy. A cat her size needed to get out and exercise. She didn't trust anyone to take her beloved pet out to the garden. For now, petting and scratching her chin would have to do.

Things were getting complicated. With Maris being attacked by castle guards, Valda couldn't trust anyone in the castle. She didn't know if they were out to get her or get Maris. Why were they after Maris in the first place? Arwin's half-assed explanation did not sit well with her. There had to be something else.

And then there was Maris. Maris Era. The name sent a jolt down her spine. She had heard that last name before, but for some reason, she couldn't bring herself to remember when she had heard it.

Laying down on the sofa, Valda patted her chest until she felt Cerberus's heavy paws. Then the weight of the large cat almost suffocated her until she lay down.

Maybe she should ask Arwin, but she hated that she had to rely on him, and she would have to rely on someone to read the report. If Arwin read it, she wouldn't know if he was telling the truth, if Maris read it… She wouldn't want Maris to read a report on herself.

Valda sighed, opening her eyes, hoping to see Cerberus staring back.

She cared too much. Enough to take Maris to the pools and ‘show her how to swim'. Enough to be mindful of what others said about her, and to try to kill Arwin when he went too far. Enough to want to help the Sealians more than her mother had done, but the woman still kept her at bay. She doesn't want a heart mate. Or any mate. She is also not twenty-one yet and still, a stinge of fear spread through Valda. Maris was with another Sealian right now. A handsome one at that. She remembered what Isen Hurley looked like.

Nibbling on her lower lip, Valda wondered if she could ever take Maris to New Agenor. She seemed genuinely worried about her people. She was open to learning more and doing more for them. Would it be a good idea to take her to New Agenor? Present her as an advisor?

If she did, she would be exposed to more Sealians, more people. The chances of Maris finding her soulmate amongst the people of New Agenor was bigger.

Valda grunted and rubbed her forehead. Fuck… What am I thinking? You want to keep her away just like her parents did?

Valda couldn't deny herself; she couldn't keep her hands off her. Knowing that she was close, that the attraction was mutual, fueled the desire deep within Valda.It could very well be lust, something that Valda was not a stranger to but it wasn't. It wasn't lust.

Maris was different. She laughed at her nonsense. She played the violin, which shouldn't have come as a surprise, since the Sealians were extremely talented at all the arts. She always smelled like the sea, and she was soft. So soft.

Valda's hands would always dig into her flesh, holding her steady. Her taste heightened the need to have her, and the possessive nature within her spread like wildfire.

She wanted Maris, there was no doubt in her mind, but could she bring herself to claim her as a heart mate knowing that there was a big possibility that she would find her soulmate and leave?

No. Valda wouldn't allow that. She would kill Maris's soulmate without a second thought. She would do whatever was in her power as a queen to keep Maris with her, even if what she wanted was wrong. No one should kiss Maris the way she did, no one should fuck her the way she did. No other name would slip from Maris's mouth but her own.

But could she bring Maris to experience the emptiness of a broken bond if she were to kill her soulmate for her own selfish reasons?

Valda scoffed as she opened her eyes and noticed Cerberus's yellow eyes coming in and out of focus.

Wait. Cerberus?

Gasping, Valda straightened as she strained her eyes harder. Cerberus jumped off her chest as she sat up and let out an annoyed trill. Before her, she watched the empty fireplace forming, still in a deep haze, dark and hard to make out, but she had seen that fireplace many times to know that she was indeed looking at it.

"I can see!" Valda yelled before closing her eyes, rubbing the blurriness aggressively. Then, she opened her eyes again, only to be enveloped in darkness.

Valda blinked violently then pressed the meaty part of her palms to her face, scrubbing aggressively.

"I swear I was able to see something," Valda muttered to herself, grabbed her cane, and dashed out the door to find Maris.

Maris stepped out of the throne room, heading to Valda's chamber. She tried her hardest not to think about what Isen had said, about her possibly being the heiress to the throne of the Sea Kingdom. She couldn't bring herself to pull away from the idea that he was right. Yet, if there wasn't a way of corroborating his suspicion, why bother telling Valda anything at all?

Heavy boots echoed behind her. Thinking it was Valda, Maris turned to see Arwin following close behind. Maris swallowed hard, turning to keep on walking until he called out for her. A shiver went down her spine, and she stopped walking all together as his steps got closer. Maris lifted her gaze, locking it with his as he pivoted and stood in front of her.

"Good afternoon." His voice was dry and void of emotion, unlike his expression. The fake smile on his face made Maris's stomach turn. She didn't return the greeting; she didn't back down. She stared at him with a burning rage that bubbled from the pit to her stomach to her extremities.

"Silent treatment?" he said mockingly.

"Is there something you need, General Tuuli?"

Arwin's eyes dragged over her body. She suddenly felt exposed and wanted to shrink away from the look.

"No. Well, yes. I think we started on the wrong foot. I wanted to apologize for what I said during our meeting. It was out of line."

Maris glared at Arwin, unable to tell if he was lying. His lips were slightly upturned, but she wasn't sure if his smile was condescending. "Apology accepted." She squared her shoulders, not wanting to be intimidated by him any longer.

His grin widened, yet his eyes never smiled, they were void of that infinitesimal spark. "Blessed be the goddess," he said, as Maris narrowed her eyes. Goddess? If this man wasn't worshiping Ouranos like Valda did, who was the receptive of his prayers?

"Did I say something wrong?"

Maris shook her head slowly, taking a step back.

"Don't tell me you are one of those who think all gods left?"

This conversation was going nowhere. What did he want? "I— am not sure what you want me to—"

"Do you believe in The Great Disappearance, Maris?"

Of course she did. It was what her parents taught her. The gods left, leaving their power to a handful of mortals. The kingdoms were forged after the strongest mortal took power. But Ouranos was a male god, and so was Poseidon. Who was the general's goddess?Did it have anything to do with the golden apple he had kissed during Valda's birthday?

"Yes," she answered.

An acknowledging grunt escaped from Arwin. "I don't believe in that," he muttered, touching the handle of the sword at his waist before sticking his hand inside his pocket, grasping something. "I think some stayed behind. It was their turn to be worshiped as the old gods were."

Maris opened her mouth, but Arwin changed the topic.

"You know, Maris," he began, snapping his finger and pursing his lips, deep in thought. "Ever since I saw you the other day, I was fascinated and trying to remember where we had met."

Maris stiffened, inhaling deeply, and taking a step back.

"It was a long time ago at the plaza. You are Raan Era's girl, right?"

Maris upper lip curled, her hands balling into fists. She trembled with the need to smack him across his face. How dare he say his name? How dare he act so casually when it was after their meeting that her entire life collapsed. She could still remember her parents' urgency when they left the plaza and how they dragged her down to the secret compartment inside their bedroom, how her mother begged her to stay quiet while they came and took her father.

She could still remember her mother's empty gaze when she turned to tell her that the bond was broken.

"I know you had something to do with my father's disappearance, General Tuuli."

Arwin laughed, leaning against the wall, and looking down at her. He was being condescending, in fact he was being a total asshole, and Maris wanted to wipe that stupid smile from his face.

"Do you, now?"

Maris nodded, her jaw tense as he leaned closer. Her heartbeat resonated inside her head as she focused on the sharp and ugly scar on the side of his face. "I was young, but I remember how scared my father was when he saw you at the Festival. After that, my father was taken from our own home." Her heart was beating so hard inside her chest, she was sure he could hear it. "What did you do to my father, General?" Maris asked, taking a tentative step forward, her hands fist by her side.

"Are you sure it was me?"

Maris frowned as she canted her head to the side in confusion.

"Maris!"

Widening her eyes, Maris noticed Valda walking out of her chamber, holding her cane and waving it around excitedly. Shooting a glance at Arwin, he silenced her by placing one finger over his lips. He pointed at himself and then wagged his finger back and forth.

He didn't want Valda to know he was there. Why? "What do you mean?" She hissed just as he walked past her, brushing his shoulder against hers.

"Maris!" As Valda's steps echoed through the hall, she turned to face Valda beaming at her.

"Your Highness," Maris replied, turning to find that Arwin was already gone.

Valda reached out for her, and Maris grabbed her large hand, giving it a firm squeeze.

"You are trembling," Valda said, her hand moving to her forearm. "Are you cold? You don't feel cold."

Maris shook her head. Anger brewed deep within her stomach. She hated how calmly Arwin reacted to her questioning, how dismissive he was. He knew he was hard to reach, and more than anything, there was no evidence to tie him to her accusations. Still, him asking her if she was sure felt almost like some sort of confession, as if he knew who was truly responsible.

Her gaze flicked to Valda, who leaned over her with such concern it wretched her very soul. She shuddered in a breath and spread her fingers over Valda's open palm. "I am sorry, can we go back inside your chamber?"

"Are you sure you are all right?"

She wasn't, but letting Valda know wouldn't fix anything. If anything, it would make things more complicated. Valda was the queen, Arwin was the General, and she was the help. Letting out a resigned sigh, Maris pulled Valda to her chamber.