Sirens

Chapter 39

The next morning, I find Calix sleeping on my couch.

I laugh softly and start to make breakfast.

A few moments later, the eggs and sausage are sizzling in the saucepan.

As I flip the eggs, a large pair of arms wraps around my waist.

"Mornin'," Calix rumbles.

"You almost made me drop the eggs."

"Oh, sorry. Is there any way I can help with breakfast?"

"Yeah. Can you grab the fruit from the fridge? It's under the counter on the far right."

I hear the door to the fridge open and Calix rummaging around before he asks, "Do you want the strawberries or raspberries?"

"Strawberries, please. And could you cut them up? The cutting board is in the cabinet next to the fridge."

A few minutes later, we both sit at the island and eat our food.

I swallow my eggs before I say, "I thought you were going back home last night."

Calix shakes his head and stabs sausage with his fork. "It was too dark. I wouldn't have been able to see anything in the water clearly."

I snicker. "We both know that's bullshit. You only stayed the night cause you wanted to spend some more time with me.

Calix puts his fork down and leans towards me. "So what if I wanted to spend more time with you?"

I lean back and look away. "Nothing," I mumble.

Calix shakes his head and goes back to eating.

When we're done eating, he says, "Actually I did have something I wanted to discuss with you."

"What is it?" I ask as I take both our plates.

"Would you be willing to come back to the palace with me for today? It would only be for a few hours."

I hesitate. "I don't know."

Calix gets up with me and walks with me to the sink. "It's okay. I just need you to make up your mind by the time I'm leaving so I can notify the Kappas."

"Noted."

After I finish cleaning the dishes, I give Calix my answer.

"I think I'd like to come back to the palace with you. It's been a while since I've been back."

Calix grins. "Thank you. I know Cynthia will be thrilled."

"Cynthia?"

"She's been asking about you a lot recently."

"I see. I'll make some time for her during my visit, then."

"Are you ready to leave soon?"

"I'm ready to leave now."

When we leave the hut, we go straight for the shore. Calix boards the jet ski, but I breeze right by it.

"What are you doing?" he asks.

I give him an 'are you stupid?' look. "I can swim, Calix."

He blinks a couple times. "Right."

"You ready to go?" I ask.

"Whenever you're ready," he replies.

We arrive at the palace a few hours later. About halfway through our trip here, a boat of Kappas intercepted us and took us the rest of the way here.