"Say your vows," the man whispered.
Vows? This isn't a wedding? At least, I don't think it is... I gave the priest a suspicious raise of my brow. "What vows?"
"Your vows to the people. You have to say something from the heart, something that will assure them of your loyalty. There's not a script!"
What does he mean there's not a script? I thought furiously.
I racked my brain for words but it was like my mind shut down. I wanted to scream.This is so embarrassing...
I paused and felt a peace come over me, just like it had during my breakthrough. I can do this.
"I know you all think I am unfit to lead you," I began, my voice quiet. I let the words ring out then continued, stronger. "I don't know about your culture or... magic. I don't know your customs or values. But I can promise you that I will try my best, to protect and lead you for as long as I live."
I held my breath as the man lowered the simple crown onto my head. It fit perfectly. I rose and the crowd erupted into cheers, though slightly hesitant. I was surprised. I thought they hated me. I smiled and waved making them scream and shout with enthusiasm.
Now all I had to do was keep my promises.
~*~*~*~We made our way quickly through the palace. Almost every room was different, but most had the same white walls and lightly colored furnishings.
"Here's our oldest library," Eriladar said. "It holds all the books ever written by Undines, including some written by humans, but few can decipher human script."
He looked at me when I didn't say anything. I quickly plastered on a fake smile, but even though he'd only known me for a few days, he saw right through it.
"How about you have a few minutes to explore while I check with the cooks about lunch," he said, then walked away before I could reply.
I began to wander the seemingly endless shelves of books. I turned to the next shelf and collided straight into someone. I heard them grunt and stumble, dropping books all over the floor. I fell backward, tripping over a stack of books.
Probably some stupid bookworm, I thought as I shoved the books off me. I rubbed my head and yelped as a boy's face appeared inches from mine. The neat sweep of dark brown hair was familiar, thought it took me a second to place the boy as the bossy guard - the one who helped me escape the Elf's grasp. His green eyes glittered as he smiled at me, displaying perfect white teeth.
"Are you okay?" He asked casually. He had gotten to his feet but, recognizing me, he dropped to one knee, his arm cross over his chest and his closed fist resting on his shoulder in the now familiar Undine salute.
I squeaked an incoherent reply. His smirk made my heart pound and I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Um, at ease."
"May I?" Before my brain could start up again, he leaned forward, taking my hands gently in his and pulling me to my feet. "Wouldn't want to hurt the future queen."
I smiled nervously. "I would hope not."
He laughed and stooped to pick up the books off the floor. I joined him.
YOU ARE READING
Oceans Call
FantasyMelody Hayes has always felt an urge to be near the Sea. And if she isn't she gets horribly sick until she can once again smell it's salt on the breeze. The California beaches welcome her until her adoptive parents decide to move away to the Oregon...