Keys to the Realm, page 52
Some of Aaryana’s Court had the ability to help humans breathe under water—the Sea Goddess could simultaneously help several humans survive under water—but it was easier to bestow these Pearls upon the select few humans that were allowed to reside in this Kingdom. Yes, sea folk could bring human lovers into their underwater lairs. As long as the Sea Goddess and her Court approved. Much depended on how important they were to the Kingdom and how much their human mate loved them.
Aaryana’s Court probably took one look at Wyett’s hair, the same colour as her skin, and recognised him as the man for whom she’d once left her Throne. That’s why they’d allowed him to enter her bedroom, why they wouldn’t want him to leave this Realm. If he remained, so would Aaryana.
And she’d be happy, content. A happy Sea Goddess was better than one with so much pain buried inside her.
There were hundreds of questions in her Prince’s eyes and Aaryana would provide every single answer before requesting many of her own. Later, though. Now, she just wanted to kiss him and cry a tear for him to strip him of his power. If he wanted it.
Swallowing nervously, she opened her mouth to present that choice to him but he spoke before she could get her words out.
“Don’t worry. I’m never going to leave you.” He thought the worry on her face was in relation to saying goodbye to him. Taking her hands, he pleaded, “You’re the Sea Goddess. There must be something you can do to make it safe for us to be together. Maybe you could... use your tears to.... douse the fire in me?”
Her eyes widened—he was asking her to give him what she was about to offer.
“Get rid of it,” Wyett insisted. “I never wanted this magic. I want to stay here with you.”
Here with you. Of course, he knew that she couldn’t leave the sea. And he wouldn’t leave it, either.
Still, she had to ask, “What about your family?”
“They think me dead,” he explained. “They’ve already mourned me.” She had thought as much. “I belong where you belong.”
Aaryana sucked in a long breath, heart hammering against her ribs in jubilation.
“If I strip you of your gift,” she said in a grave voice, “you owe me a kiss.” She winked, letting him know that his wish would be granted.
Wyett gasped in surprise before smiling in elation.
She grinned. “Well, several, actually.”
“More than the number of breaths I have left in my body.” He took her face in his hands and breathed in her breath.
And finally, finally, they kissed.
Now, they never had to stop.
THE END
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ABOUT Me
Writing has always been my passion, though I actually did a degree in Psychology and worked in investments *shrug* I left my job due to illness and now I write on my phone whilst lying in bed. My son was born in December 2017. Running around after him isn’t great for my health, but I can’t imagine my life without him. His name is Aaryan, which does mean “of utmost strength” (in Arabic). I had to name my warrior princess after him—it’s in him that I find the strength to carry on. If you enjoyed Aaryana’s story, please rate/review this book—I really need the help to get my stories out there. Thank you!
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Neha Yazmin, Keys to the Realm
