Chapter 23

Valda could see it all.

Maris was lying on her back, the paint-stained, white bed sheet tangled around her legs, covering her hips and waist. Her chest, large and round, topped with taut, dark nipples. A silver necklace with two wedding bands rested between her breasts. Maris's skin was sun-kissed with thin, darker tanned lines along her shoulders and neckline, which were also beautifully splattered with the same paint that stained the sheets. Her arms were soft yet firm, strong enough to carry Valda when she needed the extra help at the beginning. Her stomach, although it was half-covered, was soft with delicate rolls. Her hips were wide, as supple as her thick and firm thighs. A mixture of red, yellow, and blue dots coalesced harmoniously, brushed with her handprint on Maris's body. Valda had to swallow hard and clench her hands into fists to prevent herself from touching and burying her face between her thighs.

Now was not the time to touch. Now it was time to admire everything she hadn't been able to before. Valda crawled on her hands and knees, not trusting her legs to support her weight as she got closer.

She didn't dare blink. She was petrified that if she did, she would go back to that suffocating darkness which had haunted her since her twenty-fifth birthday. Her eyes drifted from the blankets covering Maris's hips to her peaceful, sleeping face.

Maris—her Maris was absolutely stunning. She had the kind of beauty that made anyone turn around if she walked by. The type of beauty wars had been fought for; the type of beauty people had died for in centuries past. Her hair reminded Valda of waves back in the Sea Kingdom. It was long, longer than what she expected, wavy, and dark blue while her nose was perfectly symmetrical, and her lips…

Valda swallowed hard.

Maris's lips were parted. They were the same shade as her nipples, and they were plump, kissable—perfect. Her jaw and chin were nothing like Valda's square and rough features. Hers were soft, feminine. She was everything Valda wasn't. A perfect complement to Valda's coarse edges, she was her balance, her mate through and through.

Her mate. Maris was her mate. Her heart mate… maybe even her soulmate…

She needed to wake her up. She needed to look deep into her eyes, feel the mate bond. She needed it more than anything now that she wasn't blind.

Honey eyes roamed the valley of Maris's breast again, and Valda wondered what they would look like underneath her callused hands. How their skin would contrast so dramatically. She released a deep, guttural groan. Oh, she couldn't wait to put her hands on her, to feel the texture and see the ripples her strong grip would create on her supple skin.

Finally, Valda grabbed onto the bedsheet with the tip of her fingers, careful not to disturb her lover's slumber. She tugged on the blanket until it gracefully fell on the ground, leaving Maris completely bare.

Valda's heart pounded inside her head, and between her thighs. Her entire body quivered with the ravaging need to touch her, but not yet. Not yet, she told herself over and over again. Taking a deep breath, Valda decided her legs were strong enough to hold her weight, and she stood.

There, Maris lay with her legs slightly parted, enough for Valda to see the blue mound and the soft, dark folds, still glistening with last night's play. Valda had never been as thirsty as she was now. She sucked in her lower lip, biting it painfully hard, trying to regain just an ounce of control.

Not yet, Valda. Not yet.

Suddenly, Maris inhaled sharply, her teeth chattered slightly, and her skin covered with goosebumps. Her nipples hardened even more as the cold, morning breeze touched her perfect skin. Her mate was cold, and Valda fought the primal need to lay next to her, to warm her with her larger body, and keep her secure in her embrace. But she couldn't. Valda's fists tightened even further. Not yet…

Maris's eyes fluttered until they opened. She tilted and turned her head to look up at Valda's towering form right next to the bed.

Blue eyes connected with honey ones and time stood still. Their heads raged with the sounds of a raging storm, of waves and wind gracefully singing a song of connection, of eternity and peace.

Their stare lingered, and a peculiar light entered Valda's bright eyes.

The Fates foretold the truth. Maris was hers, as she was Maris's, and there was no longer a doubt in her mind, for Valda felt full, warm, and complete the moment her eyes connected with the Sealian's.

"Valda?" Maris whispered, her voice faltering as she exhaled. She felt it too, the echo of a thousand lovers reuniting once again with a single gaze.

Valda's eyes burned with unshed tears and the horrible need to blink, but she was scared—petrified! She didn't want to lose it now. She didn't want to lose Maris and go back to full darkness! No! It would be too cruel if that happened. And so, Valda took in the smallest details her eyes could see, just in case darkness consumed her yet again.

Maris propped herself up on her elbows, her hair moving gracefully around her shoulders. Her hands were a mess of paint, but her fingers were long, feminine, pristine—musician's hands. Valda imagined those same fingers flying across the strings of a violin, running through her hair, trailing a sacred path over her skin.

When Maris frowned, small gentle creases formed in the middle of her forehead before she arched a perfect dark blue eyebrow.

Valda took it all in.

"Your eyes!"

Valda nodded, but she moved her gaze to the way Maris's stomach slightly rolled as she sat up, admiring how her breasts bounced, how her feet touched the floor and noticed how clean they were.

"I can see again," Valda gasped, a tear finally rolling down her heated cheek. "I can see you." Valda laughed in disbelief, the air leaving her lungs in short pants.

Maris stood, cradled Valda's face in her hands, and held her gaze.

Maris's eyes were dark blue like the deepest end of the Sealian oceans, yet carried a spark of love and fondness that cleared them up like a sunny sky. Her lashes were long too, framing her eyes to perfection. She had a few freckles over her nose, and when she scrunched it up, she looked adorable as she laughed. A beauty mark rested perfectly on her left cheek, and there was a small scar on her chin.

Maris was perfect and even though she had said it over and over again in the shadow of her blindness, in the passion of their lovemaking, Valda was right. Her soul told her she was right all along.

Maris was perfect. Maris was a goddess and Valda could only thank Ouranos himself for granting her the chance to see her lover.

Suddenly, Valda froze as she watched Maris's mouth form into a big bright smile.

Praise be to the gods… That smile. Valda would destroy all the kingdoms on the planet, forge war with Ares, if it made Maris smile like that again.

As if she had noticed Valda's wonderment, Maris's blue eyes turned their attention from Valda's eyes to the tears rolling freely down her cheeks. Cold hands wiped them away, and for some reason, that smile was gone. Valda's grin vanished, and she didn't realize what she had done until Maris looked up at her with a curious gaze.

"Don't stop smiling," Valda breathed, her desperation dripping out of her voice, thick and sweet as honey. Her damp forehead pressed against Maris's, grounding herself. "Please," she whispered, her eyes now hooded with fear of never seeing that grin again.

Maris did. She smiled brightly while holding onto Valda's shoulders, beaming as her tears slipped from the corner of her eyes. "You have beautiful eyes," Maris said.

Valda nodded against her. "And they will only look at you for as long as I breathe."

Maris's grip tightened as she noticed Valda struggling. "Blink."

"No."

"You have to." She giggled, unable to hide her amusement.

"What if I lose it again?" Valda asked, her hands itching to touch Maris's skin. "I would never forgive myself."

"Blink, darling. I promise I will be here when you open your eyes again."

Valda swallowed hard, connected her eyes with Maris's once again, and then she pressed her eyelids shut. Maris stroked her face, encouraging her, as if to say, I am here. I will always be here.

Valda opened her eyes again, and just as Maris had promised, she was still there…

Valda released the breath she was holding in a shaky sob. She wrapped her arms around Maris, pulling her close, wanting nothing more than to blend herself into her skin and never let her go. Her lover's shoulders muffled her cries as Maris cradled her large form and settled down to the floor while Maris touched her nape, stroking her hair, offering all the comfort she needed.

Valda was not sure how long she cried, but when she pulled away, she let out a soft curse, looking down at the mess she had made. She was a ball of tears, snot, and paint, and she hated it.

Yet, Maris opened her palms invitingly, just in case Valda wanted to hold her once again.

"I am sorry. I made a mess of myself," Valda said.

Maris arched her eyebrow and smirked. "No, that would've been me last night."

Valda scoffed, her body relaxing as she was pulled to their natural teasing. "Aren't you a humble lover?" Valda said, her index finger finally trailing over Maris's left breast, touching a spot of dried red paint.

As Maris sucked in her breath, Valda's eyes flew from Maris's chest to her face. "Oh… I didn't quite catch your expression." Her eyes darkened, and Maris swallowed hard. "Again."

Leaning forward, Valda cupped Maris's left breast in her hand, earning a soft gasp.

"Beautiful." Valda grinned, and before she could do the same to the right breast, Maris grabbed her wrist. "What? Too much?"

Maris shook her head. "No, but we both need to take a bath," Maris said and pointed at Valda and then at herself. "And the blankets are also dirty. We should put them out so it can be cleaned and—"

"Then I can bury myself inside of you and see all those pretty little faces you make?"

Maris was about to say something, but as soon as Valda ranked up the dirty talk, she paused and stared at the queen. "Valda—"

"I want to see everything. I—"

"Valda!"

"What?"

Maris's eyes were on Valda's again. As much as she wanted to continue the conversation, Valda knew something was bothering her. The sudden realization of what had just happened dawned on both women, and Valda could only sigh.

"I can see again."

Maris licked her lower lip and touched Valda's knee. "I know, but… how?"

Valda never stopped gazing at Maris as she shrugged. "I was cured. Maybe it was really a sickness and—"

Biting her lower lip, Maris wrung her fingers, deciding whether to say something she wasn't supposed to. Valda canted her head and grabbed her hands. "Maris? Do you know something that I don't?"

"Maybe?"

"I need you to be honest with me. Enough secrets. What is it?" Valda asked, taking in the little twitches and gestures Maris made when she was debating within herself.

"It wasn't a sickness, Valda."

She frowned and straightened her back. "How do you know?"

"Melvian. She told me it wasn't a sickness."

"What does she kn—" Valda's jaw slackened. "She… she is a blessed Asclepius worshiper, isn't she?"

"Yes. I… found out the day I was hurt in Lasmeer's joint."

Valda closed her eyes and racked her fingers through her hair in frustration. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"To be fair, she asked me not to. And…" Maris frowned, placing a hand over her chest and blinking rapidly.

Valda was about to ask what was wrong until she felt it. Maris was confused.

"You are angry at me?" Maris asked, rubbing a distinctive spot over her chest.

The bond…

They formed it. They could feel each other's emotions.

"Wait. You are not angry, you are happy…" Lifting her gaze, Maris came face to face with Valda's broad grin. "Is this the bond—Stop smiling! I am serious!"

Valda crawled to her, grasped her jaw tightly and lingered in a kiss, ignoring Maris's objections and light shoves. Chuckling teasingly, Valda took in Maris's scrunched nose. "I have opened you up like a true seashell," she said, her lips hovering over Maris, stealing her breath away. "I have your pearl now."

"Valda, please!" Maris shoved her away, and Valda feigned being hurt as she stumbled to the ground.

"I should be angry that you kept that information from me, though."

"She is my best friend. If Kayden told you to keep something a secret, would you?"

Valda shrugged, facing the ceiling, her arms stretched to her side. "What does it matter now? I can see!" She pointed at something on top of her. "This house is falling apart. There is a huge crack in the ceiling. If it rains water will get in."

Maris slapped her hand away, crawling to sit on her hips. Valda didn't waste a second to clench Maris's thighs, watching closely how the flesh molded under her firm grip. "Valda, this is serious."

"I am being serious. You need to let me celebrate that I have my sight back."

"Yes, but we also have to figure out how it happened. Melvian couldn't heal you. She told me it wasn't a normal sickness."

"She tried to heal me when she was taking care of my brow, wasn't she?"

Maris nodded, absentmindedly rubbing against the hard blocks of muscles in Valda's stomach. "She believed it was a curse." Valad snorted and shook her head. "Valda!"

"After The Great Disappearance there hasn't been one curse brought upon us humans. The gods are gone."

"Then why do we still pray? Why do the Asclepius worshipers still bend to their knees to heal us?"

Valda shrugged. "Some of us believe they can still listen."

"If they can still listen it's because they are near us…" Maris said, her eyes trailing down Valda's shoulders and chest.

"What is it?"

"I…" Maris bit her lower lip and slid down Valda's lap. "Do you think some gods are still around us?"

Valda frowned. No one knew if the gods were still around. The Great Disappearance happened centuries ago, but no one was sure if it was of their own accord, or because they were forced out. The Fates would still foretell the future within mortal's dreams. Asclepius lived on in the hands of his worshippers, Ouranos, Poseidon, Vulcan, and Ares among others were still present in the form of the rulers.

Maybe among those gods there was one that was angry at Valda. But why? What had she ever done?

"Valda." Maris moved closer, grabbed her hands, and pressed them to her lips. "Valda, last night we joined the gods' symbols together when they glowed. That must've done something, right? Maybe healed you or broke the curse?"

"I haven't done anything to receive such a curse, Maris. Why would I be damned in such a way?" Valda's face darkened as she stood up and ran her fingers through her hair in irritation. "Maybe someone asked their god to curse me?"

"Is it forbidden for people to worship other gods other than their patron?"

"Not really. As there are worshippers of Asclepius, there are different worshippers for different deities."

Maris moved uncomfortably. "What deity is connected to a golden apple?"

"Eris," Valda answered. "Why do you ask?"

"Are there Eris worshipers?"

"I guess. I do believe each kingdom has tried to eradicate them. Some of them are horrible enough to make them choose evil over doing good. They are agents of chaos; they take any opportunity they can to jump into any destabilization."

Maris's eyes moved around, thinking and analyzing everything Valda said, until her face dropped, hurt. "So, the Sea Kingdom," Maris trailed off before finishing her question. "It was destroyed by—"

"We don't know that. It was a storm, anyone, even—"

"Poseidon wouldn't do that. Why destroy what he helped build?"

Valda pursed her lips and nodded. "That's why it is so hard for me to understand why a god would curse me. What is the gain?"

"Maybe the god is not gaining something, but their worshiper is. Why would they want you blind and not dead?" Maris asked, touching the wedding bands dangling from the necklace.

"Because they didn't want me to meet you," Valda mumbled as her eyes shot back to Maris. "They didn't want things to change, if things went as planned, we would've seen each other, and we would've felt exactly what we just felt as I linked my gaze with yours… It was written."

"You still met me that day."

"True, but not under the circumstances needed to create the bond you feel, that I feel," Valda whispered in the last part, touching her chest. "I feel full, content, as if I found something which has been lost for such a long time."

Maris's smile could light up Tartarus, and Valda felt as if she was slowly melting again. "I felt that the moment I saw you. I heard the wind inside my head, and a rough sound I can't quite make out."

"Waves, the sound that you hear, that I hear, are the winds and the waves merging together." Valda mirrored Maris, yet the grin faded as she looked back down to her hands. "Someone wanted me blind so I couldn't be with you. So, they knew you were alive?" she asked, tilting her head to the side.

"Or they just didn't want you to find your mate regardless of if it was me or someone else. They wanted you to be vulnerable, weak."

"Manipulated…" Valda growled, her hands forming fists by her side.

"Arwin…" Maris whispered the name.

The only person who could benefit from her blindness was him. He would also benefit from her father's death, Tartarus! Even her mother's. Maybe he kept Valda alive out of the goodness of his heart? Because he saw her as a daughter?

No…

"Valda…"

Honey eyes connected with sullen and worried blue. Valda frowned, grabbed Maris's hands, and kissed the center of her palm. "What is it?"

"Arwin, is he…" Maris's shoulders shrank. "Does he worship Ouranos like you, or…?"

"He is not religious, if you ask me, but all Skylians worship Ouranos," Valda explained, and then frowned as Maris slipped her hands away from hers. "Maris—"

"I had a conversation with him, a couple of days ago—" Maris raised her hand, just as Valda's anger unfurled deep within. "He didn't hurt me or say anything insulting. He was, surprisingly, apologizing."

Valda still didn't yield. She wanted to grab Arwin by his throat. How dare he get close to Maris after all the shit he had talked about her?

"What took me by surprise was something he said when I accepted his apology." Valda canted her head, and Maris continued her explanation. "He said ‘Blessed be the goddess.' And I wondered what goddess he was talking about. Then I remembered that he was holding a something resembling a golden apple during your birthday celebration."

Valda pulled back. A questioning frown darkened her features.

Goddess Eris, accept my sacrifice.

Valda swallowed hard as the whispered words came in the form of a blurry and misty memory. Valda moved away from Maris, giving her enough space for the other woman to wonder if something was wrong.

"Valda?"

"Eris. He worships Eris."

Maris's eyes widened. "Of all the gods he could pick, that asshole chose—"

"The goddess of chaos and discord," Valda muttered, racking her hands through her hair again, this time clutching it at the top.

"Do you think she cursed you?"

"Probably…" Valda muttered, her brain crawling with details she had forgotten. Between them was the vision of a woman, light blue hair, Sealian features. A woman she believed was her mate, but disappeared just as her nightmare began.

"Who is she?" Maris asked.

Valda released a shaky breath, surprised that she had dug so deep into her own thoughts that Maris was able to read her mind. "I have no clue. She came to me on my birthday. I thought…"

"She wasn't." Jealousy and possessiveness dripped from Maris's voice.

"Of course, but… that woman looked like a Sealian and—"

"Gods and goddesses can shapeshift at will, Valda. Why wouldn't Eris be any different?"

Valda raised her eyebrow at Maris.

"I read a lot back when I was a kid."

"That explains everything."

Maris chuckled at the queen's playful tone, yet touched Valda's lower back. "This is a problem, though. If she were to shapeshift, we wouldn't know who she is. If she is amongst us. And what guarantee do we have that Arwin won't use her to do more harm?"

"We are not sure of that yet, Seashell."

"I guess," Maris mumbled.

With a sigh, Valda grabbed Maris's hand, pulling her close enough to plant a kiss upon her lips. The soft caress turned heated in seconds as Valda kept her eyes open to take in all the smooth lines on Maris's face. She deepened the kiss, licking at the seam of Maris's lips only to be stopped by her lover.

"Valda, wait."

"No, I don't want to. I've been denied seeing so many parts of you. I think it is only fair that I see as much as I can."

"And you will. But, darling, I still have to make an appearance out in the square. Eyphah—"

"Please don"t mention her."

"Well, I don't think she and I are on the best of terms," Maris said, inhaling deeply through her nose and scratching the back of her arm.

Valda tilted her head in confusion. "What happened?"

"I slapped her across the face."

Valda's eyes widened in disbelief before she threw her head back and guffawed. Maris cringed and moved to cover Valda's mouth. "We are in the wee hours of the morning. There are guards outside. They can hear us. Control yourself!"

"So, what if they hear us?" Valda said as she pulled Maris's hands away from her mouth, her shoulders shaking with amusement. "I am pretty damn sure they heard us fucking last night."

"Valda!" A soft red shade covered Maris's neck, cheeks, and ears.

"Wow… You look even better when you are embarrassed," Valda chuckled, her fingertips tickling over the reddened skin of Maris's face as her amusement ebbed, giving way to something else. "I wonder what other faces you can make?"

Maris stuttered at first, slapping her hand away again. "Can you focus for a moment?"

"I doubt it, Seashell." A dopey grin returned to Valda's face, and Maris melted against her. "I do not like you slapping people around. I don't want Eyphah to like it as I do," Valda said, teasingly giving Maris's ass a firm spank, earning a surprised gasp from the other woman.

"Valda!"

"All right. All right. I will behave." She straightened her back, yet her hands never left Maris's ass, instead they kneaded the firm flesh, making Maris's breath hitch. "What did Eyphah do?"

"Talked too much," Maris shrugged, before scratching her arm.

It was Valda's turn to roll her eyes. "Completely normal when it comes to that woman. What was she saying?"

Maris bit her lower lip and hesitated to answer, which only made Valda's good mood slowly slip away.

"Maris?" Valda prodded again, the playfulness gone. "What did she say?"

After some quiet seconds, Maris decided to respond. "She told me you took me as your whore just to have further control over us Sealians."

How fucking dare she?

Valda stood up and turned to the door. When she was a hair's breadth away from exiting the room, Maris closed the door and stood before Valda. "Get out of my way, Maris."

"No, I will not. You are naked and so am I! Plus, you are not going after her!"

"She disrespected you!"

"She disrespected you too."

"I don't give a fuck what she thinks about me, but she shouldn't be talking about you like that! You are her queen, my queen, and she will respect those titles if it is the last thing I do."

"Valda, stop! I—" Maris stumbled as she pushed Valda away from the door. "Defending my honor with violence and naked is not going to make things better. I already slapped her across the face. Do you think it will make things better if you head out and suck the air out of her lungs as you did to Arwin?"

"That sounds like an excellent idea." There was a dangerous playfulness in Valda's tone.

"Valda!"

"She shouldn't address you as such."

"We agree." Maris tutted, grabbed Valda's arm, and led her away from the door and into the washroom. "I need you to stop being so hot-headed for a couple of hours. I told the people of the settlement I would be answering their questions today."

"Do you want me there with you?" Valda asked, her tone serious once again.

If Maris needed her there, she would be there in a heartbeat. Anything the other woman needed, Valda would provide. It was written, Valda would take care of Maris's every need until her final breath. Yet Valda understood the duties her mate must face now. There would be a time where Valda might need to step back and let Maris take her rightful place as the future queen of the Sea Kingdom.

She frowned. It was strange to see Maris, let alone see her as the Queen of the Sea Kingdom. Her chest swelled with pride as she watched Maris stand in the middle of the room, bare and natural, and beautiful just for her to see and feel. Yet, their bond was strong enough for her to know the Sealian was tense, nervous even at what she was to do today. That wouldn't do. Valda needed to make this conservatory with Maris's people as smooth as she could.

"Here. Let me bathe you."

There was no room for discussion. Valda picked Maris up and made her way to the tub. The water, which was still lukewarm, was already sprinkled with soothing oils. Who had prepared the bath? Valda didn't know. She was just grateful it wasn't freezing like the one she used to wash her face moments ago.

The thought of her being the one to bathe Maris was a welcoming change. It had always been Maris, the one who always drew baths and scrubbed her down. Valda was looking forward to being the one to help her out for once and it would give her immense pleasure to take care of her with such a basic thing as bathing her.

"No one has ever done this for me," Maris said as she moved to the other side of the tub. Valda held on to the rim as she slipped inside and settled down, sitting face-to-face. "The last person to draw me a bath was Melvian, the night you bashed into my maid chamber. It was always my mother who drew my baths… when she remembered."

Valda leaned back against the edge of the tub, taking up most of the space when she stretched out her long legs. "Tell me about your mother," Valda requested, grabbing a cloth and soap near the tub and lathering it abundantly.

Maris took a deep breath while Valda leaned forward to knead at Maris's feet, lifting them above the water with one hand and rubbing the cloth with the other. Valda watched as Maris rolled her eyes back and leaned against the rim of the tub. Valda took it all in. As much as she wanted to focus on cleaning her, she was too embroiled in watching Maris's face as she relaxed underneath her strokes.

"My mother was a good woman. She took care of me as if I was her own, and never asked for anything in return, except, of course, that I behaved and did what I was told."

Valda grunted in approval, her hand and cloth moving to Maris's calves. Her silence was an invitation for Maris to continue.

"She taught me how to play the violin. I guess she did it as a way for me to still be connected to my culture."

"Sealians are great artists," Valda said, stroking behind Maris's knees before switching legs to start anew.

"No lie there."

"Can I ask you something personal?" Valda's caresses slowed down as she stared at Maris's face. She didn't want to make Maris feel uncomfortable, but it had been something she had wanted to know for some time. Straightening her shoulders, Valda wetted her lips and said, "You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

Maris opened one blue eye to look at Valda. "What is it, darling?"

Valda swallowed hard and finished cleaning up Maris's legs before asking, "Did you ever find out the reason behind your mother's death?" As soon as she finished her question, Valda noticed how Maris pulled back, exactly what she didn't want to happen. "I am sorry. I should not have—"

"No, it's fine."

"You don't have to talk about it."

"I do…" Cupping her hand, Maris splashed some water on her arms and chest before taking the cloth from Valda.

Valda knew it was all an act. Maris needed to keep her mind busy with a task to help her calculate her words. She could feel Maris's inner turmoil and a tinge of anger, and she wanted nothing more than to comfort her.

"My mother didn't take it well when my father disappeared."

"I thought he had passed away."

"He died, according to my mother. She felt the bond shatter. She… lost herself."

"Grief can make you do that."

Maris nodded. "What I don't understand is how she could have left me, knowing how much we both suffered when my father died."

Valda could almost feel Maris's anger burning inside her heart. If it pained her, she could only imagine how Maris felt. "I am sorry to hear that."

"This is the first time I've ever talked about it with anyone." Maris puffed her cheeks as she explained through pursed lips.

"Talking can help."

Maris scoffed while Valda dipped the cloth in the water and continued bathing her. She moved to straddle Valda's waist. Quietly and ever so gently, Valda rubbed the fabric over Maris's arms, making sure to get all the paint off her skin.

"I don't think I can do so without crying."

"Did you allow yourself to cry?" Valda asked, her eyes moving from Maris's arms to her face just as Maris opened her mouth, but closed it and turned away.

"I will take that as a ‘no'."

"I didn't have time." Maris sounded defensive. "As soon as she was gone, as soon as she was buried, I needed to find a way to keep going, to keep living. Melvian was kind enough to find me a job at the tavern, then she dragged me to the castle."

"You have me now. I will not let anything happen to you." She would rather die than harm Maris.

"I know…"

Valda nodded, her hand and cloth moving to Maris's neck and then her shoulder, feeling the tension there. She wasn't going to say anything else that might make Maris feel like she was pushing her to talk. As silence consumed them, Valda thought Maris was done with the conversation until she heard her breath quiver.

"I came home after working at the tavern, and I noticed there were no candles lit up for me."

Valda raised her gaze from Maris's chest to her face, stopped her movement, and gave Maris her undivided attention. Maris closed her eyes and inhaled deeply through her nose, the images in her head clearing up to what happened that day.

Today was one of those days. One of those days her mother would be shut off, wouldn't talk, wouldn't even look at her. She had deteriorated more and more, and even though Maris tried to take her out of the house, take her into town for a meal, her mother was hiding inside of herself.

The only thing she could do was to fake a smile and talk to her about her day as she usually did. Her job at the tavern was horrible. She hated it! She hated her boss, she hated her co-workers, she hated the patrons that frequented the place, but Maris needed to smile for her mother. She needed to smile because her mother needed her more than anything, and the least Maris could do was smile.

As she tied her old horse to the outside of her home and grabbed her backpack, Maris noticed something was strangely off about her home.

Her mother should be home by now. She should've turned on a couple of candles for her. Saha always worried about her working late, so she would light up candles. Even in her delirium, Saha always remembered to turn on the candles for Maris.

"Mom?"

Maris called out as she opened the door to darkness. The small kitchen was untouched, and so was the dining table right next to the door. Strange. Her mother always served her dinner, or at least a cup of hot coffee before going to bed.

"Mom, are you here?"

Maris moved to the living space to find it empty. Taking a deep breath, something unsettling scoured through her chest, tightening it. As she was about to head to the one-bedroom she shared with Saha, she found a small note underneath what appeared to be two wedding bands. Maris frowned, grabbed the piece of paper, and tried to read it as best as she could in the silent darkness.

‘I am sorry. I needed to see him. I love you. Be good, — Mom.'

Maris dropped the letter and bag before rushing through the corridor to the bedroom. The door was locked! She locked the fucking door!

"Mom!" She slammed her open palm over the hardwood of the door. "Mom! Open up! Please, Mom! Please! Don't!" Her grip on the doorknob tightened before she slammed her shoulder in a sad attempt to open it.

"Mom! Please, don't!" She slammed her shoulder again as tears slid down her cheeks. Maris sobbed loudly as she desperately pulled onto the door with both hands, calling out to her, pleading to whatever god who would hear to please, please stop her mom, keep her safe.

Taking a step back, she drew in a breath, raised her leg, and kicked the door right off the hinges…

And she saw her.

Maris' mouth parted in an empty gasp, her hands, red and bruised, uncurled, unsure of what to do.

"Mom!"

Her legs finally decided to move. She ran to her mother, moved the chair Saha had used as leverage out of the way, ignoring the crashing of mirrors and wood. She wrapped her arms around her mother's legs and pushed her up as if trying to relieve the strain of the rope.

"Mom! Mom! No! Please, don't leave me alone! Please, Mom!" She released her, grabbed the chair again, climbed on it, held her mother's body, and undid the knot as fast as she could.

As the dead weight of her mother's body leaned on her, Maris tripped and fell to the floor, yet the pain coursing through her was nothing compared to the desperation in her veins. Maris gathered her mother, moved her so she was facing her. Ignoring the marks on her neck, the lifeless look in her eyes, she pressed her hands to her chest and compressed it while calling out to her until her throat was hoarse and burning.

Her mother didn't react. The coldness of her skin penetrated through the clothing and into Maris' hands as her agonizing cries blended with the critters outside her home.

Valda pursed her lips. If she could take away the pain she would've done so without second guessing. Watching Maris hold the dangling rings from her necklace, feeling her shallow breath on her neck as she cried was enough to drive Valda mad. She never wanted to see Maris cry. Valda cradled Maris's body to her, squeezing her. "I am sorry you had to go through that."

Valda could only imagine the pain and desperation, but if it was close to the pain she felt when Rionach died, then she knew Maris's heartbreak. Valda stopped her cleansing and moved her hand to wipe away her tear-soaked cheek.

"We were fine. Until my dad died, then everything went to Tartarus."

"It must've been hard to be alone…"

"I've been alone most of my life. Except for Melvian. I've had lovers here and there, but…" She swallowed hard. "I didn't want any type of mates because of my parents."

Valda titled her head, her thumb rubbing against Maris's cheek. "I am sorry—"

"It wasn't because of you, Valda." Maris scoffed, shaking her head. "I was afraid. I am afraid."

"Of what?"

Maris squeezed Valda's hands, pulling it away to touch the lines in her palms. "At first, I was afraid to take a heart mate because there might be a possibility of them finding their soulmate and leaving me. Then, when I met you, I was afraid I would find a soulmate and leave you."

"Like I would let you go that easily," Valda chuckled, pressing a chaste kiss to Maris's temple.

Maris's soft laughter soothed Valda. "I know, but now I am afraid of breaking the bond."

"That will not happen."

"Valda, you never know. Look at my parents. Look at what it did to my mother. I don't want to experience that pain; I don't want you to experience it."

"Neither of us will," Valda said, squeezing Maris's hand. "You are not alone anymore. I will not break the bond." That was a promise Valda was going to keep for as long as she could. She would not leave Maris's side, not when she needed her this badly, not when the gods had arranged for them to be together.

"True but right now, I feel like something heavy is sitting on my chest, and it's not letting me breathe."

"You are anxious, which is completely normal…" Valda should know, she felt the same heaviness when she crowned herself as queen. It was the heaviness of carrying the hope and dreams of an entire kingdom, and Maris shouldn't do it alone.

With a sigh, Valda ran her fingers through Maris's hair before speaking again. "Maris, I cannot promise you things will be easy; they won't. They rarely are. What I can promise you is that whatever happens, I will be here for you. I am not leaving your side unless you tell me to… and even then," Valda laughed. "I don't think I could ever part ways with you now that I found you, Seashell."

"I don't think I could ever part with you," Maris said, her hands circling Valda's waist as she pressed her forehead to her shoulder. Valda's receptive body more than welcomed the warmth of her skin. "Nothing could make me leave. I love you so much."

"And you have no idea how it fills my heart to know this," Valda replied, pulling back and lifting Maris's chin to look at her lovely face. "How lucky we are, Seashell. Unbeknownst to us, and even when you fought against it, we became heart mates, only to find out our souls belonged together all along."

Valda watched as Maris gave her another sweet smile. Valda could write enough poems to fill a library describing Maris's beauty. Yet, it would never be enough. Maris was pure perfection in her eyes, and nothing she could do would make her stop loving her the way Valda loved her now. Unable to help herself, Valda leaned forward and captured Maris's lips in a soft kiss that warmed her soul and ignited a flame that consumed them.

"You know what helps me when I am anxious?" Valda asked, her smile mischievous and gaze never leaving Maris's tranquil face.

Maris narrowed her eyes at the queen earned a deep chuckle. "I think I know but go ahead and tell me."

"You need to keep your mind busy for now until you go out to face your people." Grinning playfully, Valda handed the cloth to Maris and then leaned back on the other side of the tub, her thick arms rising from the surface to lay on the rim. "Now, I know I don't need your help washing anymore, but for good time's sake, I would love it if you washed this paint off me." Valda beamed.

"You are taking advantage of the fact I haven't been crowned yet, aren't you?"

"Probably."

"Although, I am New Agenor's representative, not your assistant."

"True." Valda's smile grew wider.

"Which means, I have no business doing this."

"Really? I just thought you would enjoy rubbing me down."

Maris arched her eyebrow. "Oh? Maybe you would enjoy watching me rub you down."

Valda knew her smile melted Maris's resistance. She saw it in the way her eyes trailed over her face, her lips and jaws, and down her chest. She felt the tug on their bond, and she knew Maris needed this distraction more than anything. Sighing dramatically, Valda leaned back again and watched as Maris lathered up the cloth before slapping it on Valda's arm. The sudden strike burned for a second, but as Valda opened her mouth to complain, Maris straddled her waist, sitting on her thighs, and began to rub the cloth over Valda's broad shoulders.

Valda watched Maris scrub the paint on her shoulders, collarbone, neck, and arms. Who would've known something so simple as to rub a washcloth over her dirty skin would give Valda such peace?

"You are staring," Maris said, her gaze focused on her chore.

"You cannot blame me for doing what I've been dying to do since the moment I heard your voice," Valda whispered, canting her head and exposing her neck for Maris to clean.

"It is still rude."

"Am I forbidden to look at my mate?" A shiver ran down Valda's spine the second Maris connected her eyes with hers. The intensity her gaze carried played with her control.

Valda didn't want to be overbearing or imprudent, but Maris was calling for her, and she was more than willing to answer her call. Pushing herself off the edge of the tub, Valda's hands slipped to grasp Maris's waist. The skin there molded under her strong grip. Maris let out a tiny breath, her lips parting slightly, and Valda could feel how she needed her, but as always, Maris tried to hold on to her self-control.

"You know what?" Valda asked, her warm breath trailing over Maris's ear.

"What is it?" Maris answered, her hands now on Valda's shoulders as if it would be enough to stop her if she wanted to take what she wanted.

"I find it absolutely delectable the way your skin looks underneath my hands."

Maris whimpered, and it spurred something inside Valda, making her bolder. Her hand moved to cup Maris's bottom. Valda's eyes trailed down as she saw the curve of Maris's ass despite the water's murkiness.

"Do you want me to take care of your anxiousness, Seashell?" Valda asked, knowing the answer would be an effusive ‘yes,' yet she loved to hear Maris beg for her to take her. She loved listening to her voice break as she demanded to have her, taste her. Her lover's hooded gaze was hazy with want, and Valda knew she was already addicted to seeing her delicious expression.

As Maris opened her mouth to answer, there was a loud and obnoxious knock on the chamber door.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Valda bellowed, releasing her lover's body to slam her open palm on the rim of the tub. With an angry snarl, Valda pushed herself up, water sluicing deliciously down her now clean skin. "Whoever it is will get an earful. I've had it with disrespect in this place."

Valda walked out of the washroom, ignoring Maris's scolding call, pleading with her to put something on. Valda didn't listen, and she closed the bathroom door behind her before slamming open the one dividing the bed chamber from the rest of the cottage.

Valda had never been embarrassed by her body. In fact, she was rather proud of her marked and scarred skin. They were trophies to her, showing off all the battles she had won. Why hide it?

Eyphah stood on the other side of the door, gaping, her eyes wandering from Valda's face down to her chest and mound, and then back up. Her throat bobbed as she swallowed hard and took a step back, a tinge of pink on her cheeks.

Meanwhile, Valda's upper lip twitched as she looked down at the woman before her. "Eyphah Hurley." Valda's voice reverberated. She recognized the woman.

Eyphah was an attractive woman, and unmistakably Sealian with her blue hair, undercut and all. She wasn't as feminine as Maris, and she wasn't as tall as Valda. As she studied Eyphah closely, she decided if it came to a fight, she would win in a heartbeat. Valda scoffed and turned away before grabbing her bag and pulling out a silk, long sleeve blouse, and buttoned slacks.

"Where is Maris?"

Valda let out a warning growl as she dressed before her. "What do you need?"

"I need to talk to my queen."

"The one you called a whore?" Valda slipped her arms inside the shirt before tugging it over her head. As she turned her gaze back to Eyphah, she caught the embarrassment in her blush. "She was taking a much-need rest as I was." As she finished getting dressed, Valda sauntered over to Eyphah, her muscular arms dangling by her side standing face-to-face with her.

"You can see…" Eyphah said, almost a question.

Valda nodded, her head canting as she leaned closer. "I have been given the miracle of sight. I would love to explain it, but it is too long, and I want you out of here quickly, and there is something much more important you should know." Valda waited until Eyphah's gaze fell on her again before she talked. "Maris, the one you called whore, your queen, is my mate."

Eyphah's lips twitched, and Valda caught the fire in the woman's eyes before she added, "If you ever insult your queen, my queen, again, I won't be as lenient as she was. I will not just slap you across the face like she did, Hurley." She leaned closer. "I will pull your spine right out of your body and set it in the square for everyone to see what happens when you disrespect my mate."

Eyphah flexed her jaw, her eyes shooting down to the wooden floor.

"Understood?" Valda asked, and after a couple of silent seconds, Eyphah nodded.

Suddenly, the door to the washroom burst open, and a very wet, very disheveled Maris walked out with only a large towel covering her breasts down to her mid-thigh.

"How dare you lock me up in there?" Maris snarled, her anger directed to Valda, unaware that Eyphah was in the room with them, yet. When Valda stepped aside, and she saw the other Sealian, Maris's face drained of color. "Eyphah!"

"Forgive the intrusion," Eyphah said, her gaze jumping from Valda to Maris.

"Remind me to kill our guards when we get back," Valda muttered before Maris slapped her arm.

"What? They are clearly useless."

Eyphah cleared her throat. "Maris, I was worried you had forgotten that you were to address your people."

"It's early," Valda refuted.

"She said she was to talk to us at first light," Eyphah snapped back.

"Things happen…"

Maris moved between the two, her hand absentmindedly falling on Valda's stomach. Valda jumped at the sudden contact, yet did not pull away from it. She was tired of hiding, tired of acting as if her relationship with Maris was anything but lovers. Not to mention, Valda was aware of Eyphah's intentions with Maris, and she was not going to have it. She noticed Eyphah was looking at Maris's hand. Good. Let it be known that the future queen of the Sea Kingdom was hers, and she would do anything in her power to keep it that way.

"It's true?" Eyphah asked. "You are mates?"

Valda felt a brief air of tension and anxiousness. Maris wouldn't deny her, would she? Holding in her breath, Valda watched her lover nod, ever confident, ever grateful, and she couldn't help but smirk proudly.

"Are you sure?"

"If you keep questioning our union, I will take it as a sign of disrespect, and I already told you what I would do to you if you disrespected my mate."

"Your Highness," Maris's warning tone mirrored the displeasure in her narrowed eyes. "There will be no bloodshed."

"That depends on Hurley," Valda rectified while Maris inflicted more pressure on her stomach.

Valda knew she wasn't the most pliable. She was on edge at the sight of Eyphah. If Maris had a type, Eyphah fell in it, and Valda would not take any chances. Straightening her back and shoulders, Valda set her large hand on Maris's lower back, as her eyes penetrated Eyphah's angry and suspicious gaze.

Ignoring Valda, Eyphah turned her undivided attention towards Maris. "They are asking for you. They have already started to settle at the square, and they want to talk to you. My people, your people, are terrified and excited, and hopeful, and I don't know what to tell them other than to wait. They sent me to get you, and that's why I am here. I didn't mean to intrude or make you feel uncomfortable, Your Highness."

She shook her head. "Call me by my name. I am still Maris."

"No, I—" Valda said, agitated.

"Valda, that is my choice," Maris said, raising her hand and interjecting what Valda was about to say.

She swallowed hard, but ultimately nodded at her lover's words. "Fine."

Eyphah bit her lower lip, probably to hide her discomfort at the interaction, and left when Maris told her to wait outside. Valda closed the door right behind her, as Maris gathered her clothing to dress.

Today was going to be a day.

***

Valda watched in awe while Maris spoke to her people.

Their eyes fell on Maris the moment she walked out of House of Arago. Everyone was already waiting for her with both apprehension and pride on their faces, and although she felt Maris's fear of being exposed, Valda couldn't feel prouder of how she stood her ground.

Maris didn't keep anything to herself. She explained how she was adopted, how she was raised, her parents' fear of having their child being taken away, how she was different and able to manipulate water, but also how she ignored it thinking she wasn't the real princess. Maris explained how she came to work at Oberon castle, and became Valda's maid, how she met Isen Hurley, and how felt this overwhelming feeling of wanting to keep everyone safe and do everything for their best interest.

As Maris spoke, Valda saw the Sealians eyes water with happiness while Eyphah moved uncomfortably at the mention of her brother, rubbing her tattoo.

Finally, Maris spoke about her fears, about how she knew nothing about being a leader, or ruling, how she was just like them, how she feared doing something that would hurt them, any of them, and they would see her as unworthy.

There was silence for a couple of seconds, until Eyphah said, "We do not expect you to run this as if you know how to. I think I speak for everyone when we say we are just," she swallowed hard. "We are glad we are not alone."

"You will never be alone," Maris answered, turning for a split second to lock eyes with Valda. "Now we have to come together if we want to rebuild."

"We would like to rebuild the Sea Kingdom," a man said, his hand curling over who appeared to be his husband. "We can help," he moved his free hand to show off the settlement. "We can rebuild anything."

"There is no doubt in my mind that we can, but I do believe that it will be much better to regroup as much as we can and make a solid plan. I would gladly go back, see what is salvageable. I don't want to jump in right and put you in danger."

"There is a full generation of Sealians that were raised here, and have never seen our kingdom in its full glory. And, with all due respect to Queen Valda, this is not our home, it is nothing like it. We want to go back," a middle-aged woman said, in her arms was a toddler with wild blue locks like Maris's. "They should live and experience their home, like we did."

"And they will, in due time," Maris's voice did not falter.

Valda took a deep breath as her heavy hand slipped to Maris's shoulder before giving her a firm squeeze. She was more than sure that Maris could feel her warmth. The bond was new to them, and a tad overwhelming, but it was necessary to have the quiet conversation and reassurance of a touch.

"There is something I would like to show you." Eyphah slipped from the log she was sitting on. Her interruption didn't sit well with Valda, who slipped her hold on Maris to frown at her.

"What is it?" Maris asked.

Pointing at House of Proteus, Eyphah said, "I'd rather show you."

***

House of Proteus was bigger than House of Arago.

Valda took in the details and the decorations of the third-floor room. Like House of Arago, Proteus had living space on the first floor for big crowds like the one they had when she and Maris arrived. The second floor were rooms, and Eyphah was the one that lived there by the looks of it.

Valda frowned at that.

Eyphah was the leader of the Sealians, and Valda found it incredibly suspicious how she was so easily slackening her iron grip on the people to hand it to Maris.

As they went to the third floor, Valda could tell that the small attic-like room was used as a worshiping space. The room wasn't big enough to fit more than five people. It was small and filled with seashells, paintings of beaches, sea stars, and drawings of powerful waves. In the center of what appeared to be an altar, was a trident. The dark metal reflected the candles; its three spears glistened, sharp, and dangerous. Valda couldn't tear her eyes away from it, and by the looks of it, neither could Maris.

"I would've wanted this moment to be between Sealians, but—"

"Anything you have to say to me you can tell me in front of Valda."

Eyphah nodded and turned to the trident. Carefully and reverently, Eyphah clasped the weapon and pulled it away from its spot.

"This is Poseidon's Trident. It belonged to King Aegaeon—your birth father."

Valda held her breath, as did Maris. The trident looked so big and heavy in Eyphah's hand. By the calluses she had on her skin, Valda was sure that Eyphah was a fighter, used to holding weapons, but Maris was anything but a soldier. She watched intently as Maris moved her delicate, smooth hands to grab the trident. The moment Eyphah released it, the weight made Maris's stance falter. Valda moved as fast as she could and grabbed the weapon and pulled it back to her mate.

"It is heavy," Maris said—an understatement.

"It was his weapon of choice."

"Got it?" Valda asked, ensuring that Maris held her ground before releasing the trident.

"I do, darling. Thank you."

Valda nodded and moved her hand away and hooked it behind her.

"It's yours now, Maris. The trident, the people, everything. I can't wield it; it must be you."

Maris held the trident with both hands. Valda could see her muscles move under her skin as she tried to keep it upright and inspect the delicate designs around its shaft and spears. The soft, intricate lines made it look more like decoration than a weapon.

"I don't want it."

Valda frowned, and so did Eyphah.

"What? Why?" Valda asked.

"I don't think I need a weapon by my side to rule or to be respected."

Eyphah scoffed while Valda moved her hand to touch the Heaven Sword dangling from her waist. "You need to have a heavy hand, Maris. You can't just smile and hope for the best when ruling."

"I can't believe I am saying this, but I agree with Valda. You can't pretend there will always be peace."

"Do you even know how to hold a sword?" Valda asked again. "I could teach you."

"There is no need for that, really. I do believe in having conversations and resolving conflicts with words, rather than blood."

It was Valda's turn to scoff. "Maris, please. I understand that you wish not to engage in violence, but having a weapon and being able to defend yourself is important."

"Do I have to remind you I am able to command the sea and waters, Valda?"

"Right now, right in this place, there is no water that you can use as a weapon." Eyphah sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "You need to learn how to use one. The trident is heavy, yes, but with some training I am sure you will be able to wield it as if it was another arm. I can show you."

Valda growled. "I will teach her."

Maris bumped her elbow with Valda. "You will not teach me how to wield a sword, and you," she looked at Eyphah, "will not teach me how to fight with a trident."

"Maris—" Valda began, but was quickly shut down by her mate.

"And that's final." Maris added, handing the trident back to Eyphah. "Put it back on the altar."

Eyphah opened her mouth, probably to protest further, but decided otherwise. "Fine," she snapped, taking the trident, and returning it neatly to the altar. "I will have my room cleaned up. You may move your things there and I will move to one of the new buildings near the square."

Maris's face twisted in a confused frown while Valda felt her shoulders tense. "What do you mean, Eyphah?"

"Well? You are staying, right?"

"Of course not! She is coming back to Oberon with me."

"Valda, wait—"

Valda huffed and looked down at Maris; their eyes met for a moment as a million questions went through her mind. "You want to stay?"

"I haven't made that decision yet."

"But, I—"

"It is a hard decision, one that cannot be made right now," Maris added.

The silence was suffocating, and as much as Valda wanted to keep her gaze locked with Maris, the younger woman turned away to smile at Eyphah.

"I will be staying at House of Arago with Valda, for now."

Eyphah nodded, probably affected by the same awkward silence. "As you wish…" With one final bow, Eyphah left the two women alone.

Valda stared as Eyphah left, trying to concentrate her energy on something other than wanting to ask Maris what she was planning to do. Before she could even formulate the question, Maris's hand rubbed the skin of her abdomen.

"Not now, Valda."

If not now, then when?