The Broken Queen

Chapter 17

When I opened my eyes again, sunlight was streaming through the windows. I was about to swim into the bathroom when a gentle hand touched my arm. Sky-blue and grey eyes, respectively, met mine, filled with excitement. I threw my arms around Rochelle and Stella, hugging them tightly. A pang of guilt shot through me as I realised I'd barely noticed their absence.

Between ruling Aegrem with Jay and the situation with Brandon and Naia, I'd been stretched too thin. We both had been. After we broke apart, I grabbed my notepad, beaming at them. I'm so glad you're back!

Their smiles were brighter than the sun on the surface as they looked at me. You look well, Your Majesty. Stella's hands moved fluidly through the water as she signed.

Rochelle put a hand on my arm, leading me to the edge of my bed. As I sat down, she raised her hands, smiling. We have lots to catch up on. Why don't we go and have breakfast, sort it all out?

I nodded and quickly got dressed. Just before we left, because I couldn't contain myself, I threw my arms around them again. My mind was racing as I followed them outside. We stopped at The Ocean Cafè and got a table, each of us ordering bubble tea. The smile was permanently attached to my face as I looked at them.

Your signing is amazing. Where did you learn? My heart ached slightly as I thought of Meri and her class.

Rochelle toyed with the ends of her cinnamon-coloured hair. We found a place in Pelathas that offered free sign language courses. The instructor—a mermaid around your age—told us she was close with you and would be teaching every other day.

I knew who it was without them even having to mention a name. Bella. I made a mental note to stop by and thank her. Stella took a closer look at my face, frowning. Is everything okay? You look tired.

My hands were raised before I even formulated a response. Just family stuff. The smile on my face wavered but stayed put. The server swam to the table with the tea, halting our conversation. We thanked her and she bowed before she left.

Stella raised her hands, eyes shining. I have a bit of exciting news. My parents and brother have moved into their new house. It's near Pelathas's town square.

My smile was genuine this time. Stella, that's great! As I finished the final word, a thought occurred to me, something I wish I'd thought of a long time ago. Why don't both of you invite your families to come to the palace? I'd love to meet them.

Their eyes widened, mouths opening. Are you sure, my lady? We wouldn't want to be a burden to anyone—especially you and your husband. Rochelle's hands shook as she signed, and I wondered how long it'd been since she'd seen them.

I quickly waved off their concern. It's no burden at all. I think we could all use a little change in scenery.

They both brightened a little after that, becoming more animated and engaged. Before I knew it, we had finished our bubble tea and were swimming out into the open water. I suddenly turned to face them, the smile on my face widening. Have you seen the new school?

When they both shook their heads, I grabbed their hands and sped towards the building. Little mermaids and mermen, their backpacks hooked behind them, spilled out of the school. The smiles on their faces as they chattered and laughed with their classmates sent a pang of happiness through me. I bit back tears as I saw familiar faces approaching.

Faye and Drew swam up to me, their smiles wider than I'd ever seen them. Drew wrapped his arms around me, his dark green eyes sparkling. I quickly pulled out my notepad, scribbling a message. How was school? I've missed you.

He grinned as we broke apart. Amazing! Faye and I both made tons of new friends. And I've been invited to try out for the school's cometball team.

I smiled, swallowing hard to push down the lump that had formed in my throat. Similar to basketball, cometball was played with sunballs, shaped to look like comets. Remembering Rochelle and Stella, I gestured to them, smiling. Faye, Drew, these are my friends, Rochelle and Stella.

Rochelle waved, smiling at them. Stella did the same, her smile turning a little sad as she glanced at Drew. I knew she was thinking of her brother. We swam back to Aegrem, chattering the whole time. We had just neared the gates of Aegrem when a sharp, blinding pain pushed its way into my brain.

My arms went slack at my sides, my vision blurring as I struggled to breathe, to move. Rushing water zoomed past me on either side, as if I was speeding through the water. I could scarcely see in front of me. Every time I tried to slow down, my exhausted lungs begging for water, a hand wrapped around mine, forcing me to keep going.

Finally, just when I thought I would collapse right there and then, we slowed, revealing a barren swath of seafloor. Panting, I turned to my captor, struggling to catch my breath. Dark-green eyes met mine, his appearance better than I'd seen in months. Brandon. I opened my mouth to scream, but before I could so much as utter a sound, a familiar pendant caught my eye.

He grinned, gesturing to the pendant, then himself. Thanks to this little beauty, I feel brand-new. All it took was a few puny souls and their energy. Who knew?

His pallor was gone, replaced by a healthy glow; his dark-green eyes sparkled, devoid of the emptiness they had held just a few weeks ago.

He pulled the pendant off his neck, leaving it dangling in his outstretched hand. You could be just as powerful as me, you know. Be what your father intended for you to be.

As I stared, a foolish part of me wanted to accept. For a moment I could envision what it would be like. To have the power of all those souls. I quickly shook my head, backing away. No. I will never be like him.

A hand on my shoulder had me back in the present, dark grey eyes fixed on mine. My lady? Are you alright?

Panting, I nodded, clutching Stella's hand. We swam home in silence after that, my head throbbing. They swam with me up to our room, making sure I was okay before leaving. I could feel Jay's questioning gaze as I silently swam into bed. He didn't press me, just wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close.

Silent tears rolled down my cheeks. All I could think about was Brandon. What did he mean? That one question rolled around in my mind as I dozed off, the feeling of Jay's arms around me lulling me to sleep.

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