Eina lowered her head, her heart thumping loudly. She’d expected no less.
“I’ll pack my things and be gone right away,” she said, drifting toward the doorway.
“Wait!” Loriella’s barking voice stopped her in her slipstream. “You did not let me finish.”
Eina looked up at her questioningly. What other punishment did she deserve? She’d already had her heart torn from her chest and lost her family. Surely, there was nothing else they could do to her.
“Your sisters and I spent a long time discussing what you achieved for Aestus.” Loriella placed the tips of her slender fingers together in a steeple. She frowned, the lines in her forehead deepening. “We have come to the conclusion that what you accomplished was more than we could’ve ever hoped for. And for that, we owe you our thanks and gratitude. And our forgiveness.” She swam toward Eina and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Eina, you will always have a home here.”
Eina closed her eyes to the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. She’d expected the worst and come out on top. It was amazing to think that just days ago she’d been feeling voiceless and obsolete in her colony. And now, she was receiving thanks from their leader. It was a shock to the system.
“King Viktor has requested that we appoint an ambassador as soon as possible to live at the Monstranian castle and assist in the development of our new country.” Loriella squeezed Eina’s shoulder and smiled. “We have decided that no one could fill that position better than you, Eina. You have proven yourself in political dealings. We need a woman like you furthering our goals. Would you accept this prestigious position?”
Shock coursed through her veins. She’d come here expecting to be expelled from her colony and instead, she’d been offered the world. Still, a hollow feeling remained in the pit of her stomach. Not even this new role would fill it. The last few days had changed her. She couldn’t say if it was for the better, but it was confusing and overwhelming and altogether unsettling.
“Thank you, Loriella, but I must decline your generous offer.” She opened her eyes and fixed the mermaid with a sad smile. “I really appreciate all that the sisters have done for me. I truly do. But I still think I need to leave.”
Loriella blinked in surprise. “Whatever for?”
“To find myself.” She looked down at her hands and clasped them together. “I’ve done things in the last few days I never thought possible. Sure, I negotiated a treaty with an ogre and saved a drowning vampire. But I also used that vampire like a prop for my own means and then nearly got him killed. I’m not sure who I am anymore.”
Loriella’s lips pressed together in an understanding frown. “I see. Where will you go?”
“Atlantis seems like a good start.” She smiled through her tears at her elder. “The scrolls say it’s beautiful. I’ve always wanted to visit the very first kingdom of mermaids. Maybe, there will be a place for me there.”
“I’m sure there will be. They’d be lucky to have you.” Loriella placed her fist across her heart. “Eina, if you’re sure this is what you want, then you have our love and support wherever you choose to go.”
“Thank you, sister.” Eina choked back a sob. “Thank you for your understanding.”
“Of course.” Loriella’s solemn expression melted into a caring one. “Take care, little fish. May the current bring you back to us someday.”
Eina turned toward the hall, too burdened by emotions to say anything more. If she was going to leave her home, she had to do it now. Before she changed her mind. Maybe, in Atlantis, she’d discover who she really was.
And forget what she’d left behind.
Chapter Fourteen
Leo fingered his drink as a lithe figure shot through the air above him in a fantastic display of smoke and glitter and grasped a swinging bar. The people around him oohed and awed at the sight, clapping for the daring acrobats that performed in the heights above their heads.
The prince’s gaze roamed over the crowded arena, an unimpressed frown stapled to his face. So many of his old friends were in attendance. Poker buddies, partiers, and good-time pals. This was an annual get-together for them, something that Leo usually looked forward to for months. But today, he just couldn’t get his act together.
Instead, he scowled at the performances, every little thing reminding him of the privilege and wealth that went to waste in this very space. Eina would’ve felt the same. She would’ve called him out on it, too, spouting off about how this money could’ve helped one cause or another. And she was right. It was frivolous.
He just couldn’t seem to get her out of his head.
“The French vampires are requesting you join them at their poker table, sire.” Rodrigo leapt into a chair next to the prince and began to lick his paw. “They wanted me to assure you that they’re playing for land titles.”
Leo choked back a disgusted grunt. The last thing he wanted to do was play another hand of poker. In fact, if all the decks in the world disappeared by magic at that very moment, he wouldn’t care. The game had lost its appeal to him.
“Tell them they can take their land titles and walk into the sun without their rings, for all I care.” He took a sip of his drink and frowned. “I’m not playing.”
Rodrigo hissed and arched his back, the fur standing on end. “Someone’s in a mood tonight. Care to talk about it?”
He turned away and pressed his lips into a thin line. “Don’t goad me tonight, Rod. I really don’t want to talk.”
Rodrigo sat and eyed the prince. He rubbed a paw over his ear, sighing. ?
??I don’t suppose your sour attitude has anything to do with a certain woman with glistening black hair and eyes only for you?”