Shattered by the Sea Lord - Starla Night Page 0,10
stuck by its inflexible ancient covenant.
She had to help them. Dannika cleared her throat. “Thank you, Gailen.”
Gailen tossed a cheery smile her way, bobbed to his feet, and swaggered to the other warriors.
Okay.
Dannika marked some notes. “Ciran, could you tell the other warriors the kind of interview answers that will be the most powerful at reaching their future brides?”
He tipped his head and prepared the next warriors.
In the middle of the preparations, Indigo’s family arrived with joy. They carried baskets of fresh fruit, snacks, and the island’s famous fried fish with raisin bread sandwiches.
Dannika welcomed them with hugs all around. “My assistant, Hazel, should have sent you the information packet for new brides and their families. You’re also welcome to watch these interviews to learn what Indigo can expect in her role.”
Her mother, father, and three sisters settled onto their comfy picnic blankets. They watched with expectant, eager eyes.
Nilun sat with a determined glare.
He might not be Dannika’s first choice to introduce to the new family…but it would probably be fine. “Go ahead and introduce yourself.”
“I am Nilun of Atlantis, originally of Djullanar, and my bride will have no fears under the water. I will protect her from all dangers.”
“Great. That’s perfect. How—”
“Raiders, exiles, and All-Council armies.” He slammed his fist into his chest. “Beware.”
“Very good. Can—”
“When a shark bites and mauls and tears into her flesh, I will fend it off.”
Dannika held up her hand. “Okay. Let’s—”
“When a megalodon rises from the depths and inhales the very city itself, crushing and destroying, I will fly to its eyes and blind it with my trident.”
“Nilun.” She subtly coughed. Indigo and her family stared at Nilun in terror. “Acknowledging risks can be healthy, but focusing on them exclusively might discourage a future bride.”
“But I will protect her.”
“Right and emphasizing risks that are unlikely—”
“These risks are very likely. I have encountered all myself.”
“Mm. Recently?”
“Yes. In this very year.” He puffed his chest proudly. “And I defeated them all. I am a worthy, capable warrior with two thumbs. My bride should not fear.”
“So…Okay, and why not share the wonderful things your bride can enjoy while you’re there taking care of any danger?”
“I do not understand.”
“What’s empowering and beautiful about being a mer?”
He pondered the question. “We do not breathe air…”
“Yes, and?”
“We can see the souls of our enemies from a vast distance. Thus we are more able to prepare. Unless they are hiding in an ambush. Then,” he slashed his hand, “we must fight. With trident and dagger. Yah!”
Okay.
She looked back at Stevie. “Is that enough to make a profile? Do you think?”
He shrugged. “I’ll cut something together. Want to take a break?”
She checked with Indigo’s family. They had set aside their picnic food and side-eyed the surrounding warriors.
Indigo rested her left hand, with a sparkly engagement diamond, on Zoan’s bare knee. “Did you go through all that? Raiders and sharks? Megalodons?”
His eyes twinkled. “Well…”
“Not on the first day,” Dannika assured her. “And as a bride, you have an advantage over the warriors in that you’ll eventually develop queen powers.”
“Yeah, I’m so curious about those,” Indigo said. “Channeling energy? From the Atlantis Life Tree? How does it work?”
“There are three main powers: pushing, shielding, and healing. One will emerge as you strengthen your soul mate bond. Zoan won’t let you get into a dangerous situation until you’re ready.”
Indigo nodded, eyes wide.
“Sure.” Zoan’s eyes twinkled with suppressed mischief. “You can believe that if it helps you sleep at night.”
Indigo bumped his shoulder. “That does, actually.”
His twinkle disappeared. He nuzzled her with genuine kindness. “Good.”
Whew.
Dannika’s phone rang.
Her call.
She yanked it from her tote, stood, and answered as she walked to a quieter region of the small beach. “This is Dannika.”
“Dannika, my dear, I’ve been trying to reach you.” Her elderly friend, Frederik, crackled on the weak connection. “How happy I am to finally get through.”
“Yes, I’m all ready for tonight. I’ve arranged an afternoon flight.” She checked her wristwatch. “Thank you so much for scheduling with the senator. I just know we can lift the restrictions on mermen if we can show him they only mean peace.”
“My dear, I’m so sorry to be the bearer of bad news. The senator’s office called. He can’t leave Washington.”
The sandy shore tilted beneath Dannika’s sandals. A seabird’s melancholy cry echoed in her pounding ears.
No. It wasn’t true.
A hard lump formed in her throat. Tears pricked her eyes.
“Oh, gosh. Oh, goodness.” She turned away and fanned herself with a jerky motion. “Can we change the hour? Or the date?”