Sirens

Chapter 37

Harper runs her hand through her hair as she stares out at the ocean view at the Royal Palace one last time in her white striped romper. Her beach waves blow in the gentle breeze under her floppy hat. My wolf whines at the sight of her. She's absolutely beautiful.

Although I can tell Harper is going to miss the castle, I can also tell she's eager to get back to the island of her people.

At first when Harper mentioned closure, I was opposed to it. I wanted her to stay here with me, to be mine forever. But when she listed her reasons to go back to the island, I could understand why.

Last night, dozens of my Kappas got a view of how truly broken my mate is. She needs some time to herself to figure all her problems out. A broken queen is no good for a kingdom.

And I can't help but agree with Harper. This is for the best, for the both of us, and for our kingdom.

I'm just glad she agreed to my one condition. My wolf would go insane if he went years, much less months without any contact from her.

I approach her from behind and slip my hand into hers. "Ready to go?" I ask.

Harper looks up at me and smiles. "Yeah," she says softly. Her eyes are still sad from two nights ago.

"I know you'll miss this place. Or maybe you won't. But you can finally find peace at the island," I reassure her. She nods, and I give her hand a gentle squeeze.

Then Harper pulls her hand out of mine and walks away from the edge of the terrace. I walk at her side as she saunters through the palace like the queen she is. Many eyes lay upon her as she continues to walk, but she makes no mention of them.

Soon we reach the Royal Harbor, filled with boats of all shapes, sizes, and uses. We walk over to the small yacht that's going to be taking her back to the Isle of Lost Sisters.

"I can't believe I'm really doing this," she mutters.

"It's for the best," I remind her and.

She nods and walks up the boarding plank, onto the deck of the boat. I follow behind her, silently preparing to say my goodbyes.

Harper goes down into the hull of the yacht, where all her items she's taking with her to the island are stored.

"Is that everything? Nothing else is missing?" I check. "You have the paper and envelopes to write to me?"

Harper laughs and my wolf whines. "Yes, I have the paper and envelopes. I also brought extra pens in case I lose one. And I'm pretty sure I have everything."

I give her a smile. "If you're missing anything, don't hesitate to reach out to me and let me know."

Harper shakes her head with a small smile on her face. "This is more than enough, Calix. I'm very grateful you've given me all this. I really can't thank you enough for them."

I hear footsteps coming down the stairs of the hull and turn to see an Elipson approaching us. "Ready to go, miss?" he asks. My wolf growls, angry at him for interrupting our moment.

Harper nods. "Yes, I am."

I turn to her, extending my hand for her to take. Harper's warm hand closes around mine and allows me to lead her onto the deck of the yacht.

I can see a mass of people gathered on the boardwalk of the Royal Harbor, watching the Siren Queen's departure. I hope she doesn't feel uncomfortable.

I stand directly in front of Harper, clasping her hands with mine. "I'll miss you," I admit to her.

She smiles. "I think I'll miss you too. But we'll meet again someday, won't we?"

I smile back at her. "Yes, we will." Then I bow to her. "Goodbye, Harper."

She curtsies in return. "Goodbye, Calix."

Then I turn my back on her and walk down the boarding plank. My legs feel like steel as I walk away from my mate. My wolf sighs sadly. He wanted to go with her back to the island, but our people need us. As of now, the kingdom comes first.

Eventually the boarding plank is pulled up and the yacht's engine starts. Harper stands on the deck, leaning on the rails. As the boat pulls away, she smiles and waves to everyone. Everyone around me smiles and waves back. I give her a little wave of my own.

Soon, the boat disappears from my sight and I take in reality. Harper's really gone. My wolf howls in sadness at the realization. But I know she's not gone forever.

I sigh and turn away. I have other things to take care of. The kingdom comes first and Harper comes second.