The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea - Kerrelyn Sparks Page 0,128

want?”

“You, you grumpy old man.” Nevis motioned for him to come. “The queen has called everyone to the throne room.”

“Queen?”

“Queen Maeve. Remember her?” Nevis waved once again. “Come on. She’s ordered everyone to attend.”

Brody snorted. She must be enjoying her new status. He limped toward the door, shifting into his true form.

He was exhausted and in pain by the time he hobbled into the Great Hall. The throne room was full. All the Embraced children were there with Ruth, including Gabby and her brother, Gavin, who sat by her feet. Leo and the other kings were in attendance, along with the dragon shifters, ship captains, and General Harden. Leo’s and Rupert’s children sat in the middle of the mosaic floor, examining the octopus and dolphins pictured there.

Maeve was ensconced on the octopus throne, her sisters standing on the dais beside her. Five queens, Brody thought. They’d come a long way from being orphans at the convent on the Isle of Moon. Maeve looked tired, though, and strained. Her gown was still stained with blood from the cuts she’d received from shattered glass. Around her shoulders, she was wearing an old shawl.

She raised a hand, and a hush fell over the room. “I am Maeve, daughter of the Seer and Queen Cahira. The powers they possessed have all come to me.”

Whispers circled about the room.

Maeve had all their powers? Brody thought back to what the Seer had once told him, that his daughter would inherit his gift when he died. That was the way it worked with his ancient race. And Cahira had come from the same race.

Brody gulped. Was Maeve now a sea witch?

She stood and moved to the edge of the dais. “Leofric of Eberon, please step forward.”

Leo advanced slowly toward the dais, giving his wife a questioning look.

Luciana nodded with tears in her eyes.

“As you know, Alfred had the same power as you,” Maeve said. “But he was also able to touch people.” She reached a hand toward Leo and closed her eyes to concentrate. Soon, her hand began to glow. She opened her eyes and planted her hand on Leo’s chest.

He jolted as her power flowed through him.

“It is done.” Maeve removed her hand from his chest. She reached up to touch his cheek, but he jerked back.

“No,” he protested. “It’s not safe.”

“It is.” She rested a palm on his cheek. “See? Take off your gloves, Leo. And hug your children.”

He stepped back, his eyes glistening with tears. “I-I don’t dare. I couldn’t . . .”

Maeve removed his gloves, her hands touching his. “Your power has been turned off for now. In time, you will learn to turn it on or off at will.”

Leo turned to face his children. Still, he hesitated.

He has lived with the fear of harming his children for too long, Brody thought as limped toward Leo. “You can test it on me.” He grabbed Leo’s hand.

Leo blinked back his tears as he shook Brody’s hand. “Have I ever thanked you for all you’ve done?”

With a smile, Brody clapped him on the back.

“My turn.” Nevis gave Brody a shove and clasped Leo’s hand in his own. “I’m not sure you’ve ever thanked me, either.”

Leo laughed. “Thank you both.” He moved toward his children and lowered himself onto one knee. When he extended his arms, they ran toward him, squealing and wrapping their arms around his neck.

With tears running down his face, Leo embraced his children. Then, with a choked laugh, he rose to his feet, still holding them as he spun in a circle.

Eric and Eviana laughed and buried their faces against his shoulders. Luciana ran toward them and flung her arms around them all.

Leo glanced at Maeve, who still stood on the dais. “Thank you.”

She nodded, then wiped a tear from her cheek.

The other kings gathered around Leo, each wanting to shake his hand.

“Since our wives are sisters, I consider you all my brothers,” Leo told them. “May we always live in peace.”

The other men agreed, and everyone cheered.

Luciana stepped back onto the dais to stand with her sisters.

Maeve raised her hands, and everyone grew quiet. “Gabby and Gavin, please step forward.”

Gabby rushed toward her with Gavin trotting alongside her. The tabby cat jumped up onto the dais and meowed.

“This may hurt,” Maeve whispered as she cradled the cat’s face in her hands. She closed her eyes, concentrating until her hands glowed. Gavin hissed, but remained still.

Soon, his whole body began to glow. And grow larger. The fur disappeared, and his shape changed.