***

  Tern Island was a rugged mound of scrub brush and stunted trees. A strip of white stand surrounded the clear, shallow water of a crescent shaped cove. As we landed, dozens of seabirds took flight, their cries the only sound against the steady rhythm of the surf.

  "No one lives here," Noree said as she dismounted. "And few visit. I like the peace. Here, I don't have to worry about saying the wrong thing or doing the wrong thing."

  She looked back toward the mainland, her expression turning somber.

  I walked up beside her. Port Meralon looked like a postcard picture from here.

  "My mother... she is always disappointed with me. I am not as serious as Mia. I am not focused on ledgers and trade routes."

  "We all have different weaknesses. And different strengths.” I said as I watched her profile. It still hadn’t truly sunk in that I was going to marry this young woman.

  Noree gave me a bittersweet smile. She walked to the edge of the water and began unlacing her boots, then hesitated. She looked at me, a flicker of apprehension in her eyes.

  "My feet are different from yours," she whispered. "The other children would stare. They have feet like yours, Roman. But the merfolk children... they would wonder why my skin wasn't blue. I was never quite enough for either world. That’s why I like coming here."

  "Show me," I said.

  Noree bit her lip and stared at me for a long moment. Then she leaned over and pulled her boots off. Her feet were wider than a human’s, the toes longer and joined by a fine, translucent webbing.

  "I think they're great," I said, nodding approvingly. "I bet those are a massive asset in the water. Probably let you swim fast."

  Noree’s face transformed, a genuine smile breaking through. She picked up her boots and walked to Kiyomari, who was resting near a pile of driftwood. Without a word, she reached back and pulled the white dress over her head, tucking it into the dragon’s saddlebag.

  I stood there, trident in hand, probably looking like a complete idiot. She was entirely naked, her tanned body glowing in the warm sunlight. She turned around, saw my expression, and blushed a deep crimson.

  "I’m sorry," she stammered, looking down. "I always take my clothes off so they don't get wet. Mother was so mad when I ruined an expensive gown once. I... I always do the wrong thing."

  "It's fine, Noree," I said, my voice lower now. "In fact, it’s more than fine."

  Noree was magnificent. Her belly was flat with a hint of abs. Her medium sized breasts were perfect, perky globes crowned with small areolas. Her hips had the gentle flare of a young and fit woman. The icing on the cake was her all-over tan.

  I sat my spear down just long enough to pull off my own boots and roll up my leggings. "So, how do we do this?"

  ***

  Noree walked out into the knee-deep water, the sea-glass green of the harbor swirling around her. "Now be still," she commanded.

  She closed her eyes and began to hum. It was a beautiful, haunting melody, but as it continued, I felt a strange, subsonic vibration course through my chest. It was like standing too close to a subwoofer at a concert. Soon, the water around us began to shimmer. A few fish approached and swam in lazy circles around us.

  More and more fish began showing up. Soon there were dozens of fish swarming the waters of the cove.

  "The ones with the gold and black stripes," she whispered, her voice barely breaking the hum. "They are the tastiest."

  I saw a large one pass by my leg. I lunged with the trident, the weight of the spear comfortably balanced in my hand. Thwack. I pulled up a struggling three-pound fish. Noree followed suit a second later, her supple body a blur of speed and precision.

  The mergirl, which is what I had started referring to Noree as in my mind, stopped her humming. The fish dispersed and they swam back to deeper water. I followed her back to the dry sand.

  She handed her trident to me before gathering some pieces of driftwood. "Let me get my flint," she started, but a low rumble interrupted her.

  "Allow me," Graxion said.

  The red dragon leaned over, and a tiny, precise needle of flame ignited the wood instantly.

  We gutted the fish on a flat stone before using the tridents as skewers, propping them over the flames.

  "How did you call them like that?" I asked.

  "I am an Ocean Singer," Noree said, watching the scales char.

  "It is rare among her kind," Kiyomari spoke for the first time. Her voice was similar to Noree’s—melodic and light—but with a deep, echoing resonance. "It is what drew me to her. She has the magic of the deep. It calls to the fish, confusing them. She is a true child of the tides."

  "Do you use it to fish too?" I asked the dragon.

  "Sometimes," Kiyomari replied, her iridescent wings fluttering. "But I prefer the chase. It is useful against the giant squid."

  "Giant squid?"

  "A Sea Dragon's favorite meal," Noree said, pointing to the sharp, bony ridge along Kiyomari’s tail. "But they are deadly foes. Their tentacles are strong. That ridge on a sea dragon’s tail can slice through their tentacles."

  We ate the fish in a comfortable silence, the meat sweet and flaky. Afterward, Noree lay back on the sand, her head resting on her arms. I looked at her… the webbing between her toes, the high cheekbones, the fierce green eyes.

  "You're beautiful, Noree," I said.

  "Even my feet?" she asked, a playful note in her voice.

  "Yes," I smiled. "Even your feet."

  She smiled and closed her eyes for a moment, letting the sun soak into her skin. Then she let out a long sigh and looked up at the sky.

  "We better get back to the castle," she said as she sat up, slid her feet back and wrapped her arms around her legs. Noree rested her head on her knees as she watched me. "Before my mother gets mad again."

  I stood up, offering her a hand. I pulled her up; she was lighter than I expected, and her body crashed into my chest. I wrapped my arm around her waist to steady her.

  Noree’s eyes were wide as she stared at my face. Her lithe, naked body felt wonderful against me. I feel her chest rising and falling as her breaths grew faster.

  I leaned my head down and gently brushed my lips against hers. Noree’s eyes closed as she leaned into me.

  I pulled my head back. She was still for a moment, and then her eyes fluttered open.

  She blushed and pulled away from me. I let her go and watched her run to Kiyomari. She gracefully slid her dress back on and then her boots.

  Noree walked back to me and picked up her spear. She gave me a mischievous smile. “Race you back to the castle.”

  I grinned at her unexpected proposal. “All right, let me get my boots on.”

  “Go!” she said as she sprinted towards her dragon.

  “Hey! That’s cheating!”

  I heard her playful laughter as Kiyomari leapt into the air. I shook my head and quickly pulled my boots on.

  “Are you faster than a sea dragon?” I asked Graxion.

  The red dragon let out a low rumble of laughter as we leapt into the sky and gave chase. “Perhaps in a fair race. Their wings are better suited for the sea than the air.”

  We sped over the water, slowly closing in on Noree and Kiyomari. Graxion’s larger wings allowed him to reach a faster speed despite his bulk. But it wasn’t enough to counter the sea dragon’s head start.

  Noree had already dismounted on the castle roof by the time we landed. She was waiting for me, her arms crossed and laughter in her eyes.

  “Cheater.” I pretended to be angry as I climbed down from Graxion’s saddle.

  “I never said it would be a fair race!”

  I couldn’t help but smile. “Fine. What prize do you want for your victory?”

  Noree’s face became serious at my words. She was quiet for a time as I patiently waited.

  Her face broke into a smile.

  “Well?” I asked, curious as to what she would say.

  “I will tell you later.” Noree spun around and ran away, disappearing down the staircase that led back into the castle.

  The mergirl was going to be an interesting addition to my growing family. I began whistling a little tune as I walked across the roof and down the staircase.

  27

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  The moon was a silver coin hanging over the harbor of Port Meralon, casting long, skeletal shadows across the white stone floor of my guest chambers. I lay on the massive bed, trying to fall asleep.

  Yvette lay next to me, her breathing slow and steady. She had insisted we make love several times since I would be spending the next few nights with Noree. My queen had fallen into a deep sleep, exhausted from our love making.

  I smiled, wishing I could also fall asleep. My brain kept thinking about tomorrow’s wedding. I would be adding a third woman to my family.

  But this time it was different. I had known Belinda and Yvette for a few weeks before they had become officially joined with me. I liked them and they liked me, though, if I was being honest, Yvette’s attraction was also driven by the need to protect Avalon.

  My fingers gently stroked the beautiful blonde’s face. She smiled but remained asleep. Even though our relationship had started out of necessity, I felt like Yvette had truly developed feelings for me. I know I had.

  For both her and Belinda. I couldn’t imagine my life without either one being a part of it.

  Tomorrow would be different. I barely knew Noree. It was going to be a political marriage.

  Not that I was complaining. The young mergirl was fascinating. I grinned. It didn’t hurt that she was uniquely beautiful with a smoking hot, tanned body.

  A faint, rhythmic scraping sound pulled me out of my thoughts. It wasn't coming from the door or the window. It was coming from the wall behind the heavy oak wardrobe.

  I sat up and quietly got out of bed. Grabbing my leggings, I pulled them on, not bothering with my shirt. My bare feet moved soundlessly on the marble floor. The wardrobe didn't move, but a narrow section of the stone wall beside it swung inward with a silent, oiled grace. I moved to the side as I crouched, hands ready to punch or grapple.

  A slender figure stepped into the room.

  "Roman," a melodic whisper called out. I relaxed.

  "Noree? What the hell are you doing?" The mergirl flinched, not expecting me to be standing near her in the shadows.

  She was wearing a short nightgown that belted around her waist. I could see her taught nipples through the thin, silky fabric as she stepped into the moonlight. Her feet were bare.

  Her eyes widened as she took in my naked body.

  "Shh," she urged, placing a finger to her lips as she stepped towards me. "I wanted to show you something. Follow me."

  "Is everything okay?" I kept my voice low, not wanting to disturb Yvette’s sleep.

  "Yes," she said, a playful spark returning to her eyes. "I didn't want to wait for the wedding to show you the heart of my home."

  She reached out and took my hand. Her skin was cool to the touch as she pulled me towards the opening in the wall. Curiosity won out over my need for sleep. I followed her into the dark passage.

  "Few know about these passages. Not even the castle guards. They were built by the first merfolk founders as an escape route should the city ever fall to enemies. They lead from the royal chambers directly to the sea." Noree whispered as she pushed the hidden doorway closed.

  We were plunged into pitch black. “How can you see anything?”

  “I can see enough to guide us. Don’t worry, the path is simple and I could travel it with my eyes shut.” Noree pulled me along. Her unusual aquamarine eyes must have better night vision than a regular human’s.

  The passage was narrow and damp, smelling of ancient salt and cold earth. We moved in near-total darkness, Noree warning me when we reached steps leading downwards. As we descended deeper, the air began to hum with a low, rhythmic vibration—I realized it was the sound of the ocean.

  "We are here," she whispered.

  We emerged into a massive sea grotto that looked like something out of a dream. It wasn't dark; the walls and ceiling were draped in thick blankets of phosphorescent moss that emitted a soft, ethereal turquoise glow. The light reflected off the surface of a crystal-clear pool in the center of the cavern, casting dancing, watery patterns across the white granite.

  We were standing on a wide ledge that ran along one wall. Three narrow boats were tied up near us, gently bobbing on the water. I could see a carved archway at the far end of the cavern.

  "It’s beautiful," I said, my voice echoing in the vast space.

  "The archway leads to the sea. You can hear the echo of the ocean breathing," Noree walked past the boats. Near the wall, I noticed a wooden chair. A couple of folded towels were sitting on it.

  She turned to face me, and in the turquoise light, she looked magnificent. The moss glow emphasized her tanned skin and made her sea-green eyes look like deep pools of emerald.

  I walked over to her, and her triangular face tilted up toward me. “I like sneaking down here to swim. No one is here to watch me… or judge me.”

  In this magical space, Noree looked less like a young noblewoman and more like a mysterious creature from another planet. My little mergirl–I had already decided she was going to truly be mine–was fascinatingly beautiful.

  Her eyes moved to my torso. She reached out her hand and traced the muscles of my arm. “You are strong. A warrior. A king. My sister said I should be careful to not embarrass you.”

  I cupped her chin in my hand and tilted her eyes towards mine. “One thing I have learned in life is that every person is different. Each with their own dreams and desires. I treat people as I would want them to treat me.”

  Her eyes stared into mine for a long moment. “It is strange. I barely know you. Yet… for the first time, I feel that someone sees me as I am, not who they want me to be.”

  Noree was a perfect blend of grace, power, and… something wild that couldn't be tamed. And that was all right. I had a feeling her untamed spirit was going to make life in Avalon even more interesting for me.

  I released her chin as I spread my arms out wide. “This is who I am. I hope you can see me for me and not a king you are marrying because your mother asked you to.”

  Noree undid her belt. Her silk nightdress slid across her smooth skin as it glided to the floor and puddled around her feet. “Would you join me in a swim tonight?”

  “I would like that.” I pulled off my leggings and tossed them aside.

  As I turned to face her again, I saw Noree staring at my crotch. She had a worried look on her face.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Noree slid her hand down and gently cupped her private parts. “My sister told me what would happen after our wedding tomorrow. She explained that a man’s penis grows during lovemaking.”

  “And?” I wasn’t sure where my bride to be was going with this.

  “You seem large already. I am worried as to how large it will grow.”

  I reached out my hand and cupped her chin again. Her eyes met mine. “Trust me, Noree, I will take my time to ensure it is as pleasant as possible for you.”

  Her eyes searched my face. Then she hesitantly smiled. “I believe you… Roman.”

  Then she turned and dove into the water, barely making a splash.

  I didn't hesitate. I walked to the edge and dove in.. The water was shockingly cold, a sharp contrast to the humid air of the grotto. I surfaced, shaking the hair from my eyes, only to find Noree gone.

  A moment later, a shadow moved beneath me. Noree shot past my legs like a torpedo, her movements so fast they left a wake in the still water. She breached the surface ten feet away, her pixie cut plastered to her head, looking more at home than I’d ever seen her.

  “Catch me,” she challenged, a playful spark finally breaking through her stoic exterior.

  She dove again. I took a deep breath and followed. I’m a strong swimmer—you have to be for high-level MMA conditioning—but I was a lead weight compared to her. I watched as she spiraled toward the bottom of the pool.

  It was obvious that I couldn't compete with her in the water. As I headed back to the surface, Noree circled around me. I breached the water and took a breath before diving under again.

  My mergirl was just beyond my reach. She didn't struggle for air. She didn't even seem to be holding her breath.

  I saw her chest rising and falling in a steady, calm rhythm. Small, faint slits along her neck, that were invisible until they opened, were filtering the water!

  Of course, she could breathe underwater. I shook my head and surfaced again.

  Noree gracefully breached the water a few feet away from me. Her aquamarine eyes sparkled with mirth in the glowing light of the cavern. “You still haven’t caught me!”

  I grinned as I treaded water. “Only because you don’t play fair.”

  My mergirl began swimming in slow circles around me, her eyes thoughtful. With each lap, she moved closer.

  She paused, treading water right in front of me, our bodies almost touching. Her expression was serious. “Since you have not caught me, perhaps I will catch you.”

  Noree wrapped her hands around my shoulders and pressed her supple body against mine.

  “I am not so easy to catch.”

  “But I have caught you!” she protested.

  “Have you?” I asked.

  Noree frowned, puzzled by my words. “You are a mysterious man, Roman.”

  “Starting tomorrow, you will have a lifetime to figure me out.”

  Noree’s eyes shifted to my lips. "Do you remember the dragon race, Roman? And the prize I said I would claim later?"

  "I remember."

  The luminescence reflected in her eyes as she inched her face closer to mine. "I have decided," she whispered, her melodic voice vibrating in the quiet grotto. "The prize I want is another kiss."

  I bent my head forward and pressed my lips against hers. Noree leaned into me, her arms wrapping around my neck as we floated together. I could feel her fierce, rhythmic heartbeat as she pressed her chest against mine.