Chapter 3

Meera woke with a fright.

Her heart felt as if it would stop and give out. Her legs were numb and her stomach growled in hunger.

"Good morning, Princess," Naya, Meera's chambermaid, greeted her, pulling back the heavy curtains from the balcony and tying them up with the golden rope. Immediately, a falcon flew off the railing of the balcony, frightening Naya.

"My god!" Naya gasped, placing her hand over her chest.

Meera pushed herself up to her elbows and peered out at the blue sky. She could see the falcon flapping its wings and soaring down to the grounds below. Her heart contracted as she began to wonder if the figure she had seen the night before was waiting for the bird somewhere in the city.

"Those demon creatures are getting out of hand," Naya muttered. "They should all be shot out of the sky."

"What are you talking about?" Meera asked, shifting a yawn.

"Last night a few of the new soldiers from the reserve were attacked by falcons," Naya said, looking over her shoulder as she fretted around the room cleaning.

"What?" All traces of sleep vanished from Meera's eyes.

"People are saying it might be some kind of bird fever or something," Naya said. "They don't fly at night. Maybe owls do, but we haven't seen those in years."

"The soldiers were attacked?" Meera pushed her sheets back and climbed out of bed. "What do you mean? Are they okay?"

"They weren't injured badly," Neya shook her head. "Scratched here and there. Mostly frightened to see those birds at night."

"Oh..." Meera's stomach felt heavy and unwell. She placed a hand over her chest as if that might soothe her beating heart.

"And did you hear?" Naya went on. "Prince Eryx is coming to stay at the palace."

Meera's eyes snapped up towards the girl. Her ears began to ring and her already racing heart stumbled over the news and fell into her stomach.

"Yes," Naya nodded, a bit of uneasiness in her own eyes. "His ship's damaged."

"Damaged..." Meera's lips moved.

Naya nodded once more, "Strange things happen all through the night it seems."

"What happened to his ship?" Meera asked.

"Strong waves?" Naya said. "Think that's what they said. Damaged the sides. The chains on the anchor broke too."

Meera's head began to spin. She had only pushed the water hard enough to sway the boat out into the harbor and away from shore. How could the chains have broken?

"The ship started to flood around dawn," Naya went on, unaware of how Meera stood in the middle of the room. "Prince Ozmen went over to invite Prince Eryx to the palace. Queen Iris had the rooms in the west set up fo-"

Meera's feet turned and she hurried towards the doors. She flung them open and ran down the halls as Naya began to run after her.

"Where are you going?" The girl asked. "You need to soak in rose water."

Meera didn't stop. She kept going as the fabrics of her white nightgown flew behind her like wings. She rounded the corners in the sleepy palace and arrived at the west halls in no time. She could hear nothing but the sounds of her own heart beating and her blood rushing past her ears. The air in her lungs came out in small puffs as she hid behind one of the pillars and peeked out.

The west halls had only one bed chamber suitable for a guest. It had large wooden double doors that were hand-crafted by the best carvers in Azmeera. As Meera peered around the large column, she noticed three men dressed in dark red armor standing outside. The doors were open and Saraphina, Queen Iris's prettiest chambermaid entered with a tray of fruits and drinks. Meera's eyes narrowed at the girl's neatly brushed hair and painted cheeks.

It was no secret that men wanted Saraphina. Ozmen was told on many occasions to not flirt with her. When he did not follow the advice, Iris took the girl as her chambermaid to keep her away from her son. Meera wondered how her cousin felt about his mother sending Saraphina into Eryx's chamber.

"What are you doing?" Naya whispered from behind as she draped a pashmina shawl around Meera and covered her up. "You're still in your nightgown."

"Have you seen Eryx?" Meera asked, not taking her eyes off of the men standing outside the door talking to one another. "Is it one of them?"

Before Naya could answer, sounds of heavy footsteps and the clanking of armor filled the halls. The three men standing outside stilled and turned to face towards the end of the hall. Their heads lowered and Naya immediately pulled Meera back into the shadows behind the column.

"Good morning, your grace," one of them said.

Meera and Naya looked at one another, holding their breath. They couldn't see much, but their ears filled with the sounds of swords against armor and footsteps. Meera gripped the shawl tightly as she inched closer to the wall. Her bare feet moved over the cool marble floors without making a sound. She looked down to make sure her nightgown wasn't peeking out when all the sounds stopped.

"Is everything okay, your grace?" A soldier asked.

Meera gasped silently as the back of her neck began to warm uncontrollably. Her hand flew to her skin and she bit down on her bottom lip to keep herself from making any sounds.

"Helios."

The deep voice spoke the name and it rippled out as if it was spoken over the still surface of a tranquil lake. Meera's heart froze and all the blood turned ice cold in her veils, envisioning the disruption the voice caused.

Naya's hand found her's in the darkness and she gripped it tightly. Before either girl could look at one another, the shrill cry of a falcon filled the air. Naya and Meera's eyes widened as the bird's wings began to slice through the air. They looked up and caught its shadow against the high walls.

"He seems restless," a woman's voice spoke.

"He can sense someone's presence," the deep voice spoke again. "What is it, sweet boy?"

The falcon let out another sharp wailing sound. Meera's heart lodged into her throat. She heard one set of footsteps turn towards the column she was hiding behind. Naya squeezed her hand so tight she feared the girl's nails might imprint on her skin permanently. As the footsteps grew closer, the warmth on the back of Meera's neck traveled farther down her back.

"Your grace?" Someone spoke up. "Would you like for us to search the halls?"

"No," the deep voice spoke again. His footsteps paused and then turned away. "Take Helios with you back to the ship. I'll send for him when I need him."

"Yes, your grace."

Naya's hands began to loosen up. Her chest rose and fell much slower as Meera stood pressed against the wall. They waited until the doors of the chamber closed and the rest of the men marched away before disappearing down the hall.

Naya let out a heavy sigh and looked up at Meera with annoyance, "Really?"

"No one told you to follow me," Meera said.

"If you had been caught frolicking around the palace in your nightgown, who do you think would have gotten their head chopped off?"

"Frolicking?" Meera gasped. "That's a dangerous accusation."

"No more dangerous than what you just did," Naya said, grabbing Meera's arm and tugging. "Let's go, Princess. We need to leave. That was very close."

"Did I hear him correctly?" Meera asked, letting Naya pull her away from the west hall through the shadows. "Did he name his falcon Helios?"

"He can call him whatever he wants," Naya said. "None of my business and none of your business. Now, would you like to wash your hair before the flowers, Princess?"

"What?" Meera asked, her mind still stuck on the wailing sound the falcon had made.

"Queen Iris had roses picked for you today," Naya said, guiding Meera into her room and shutting the door.

"Just do my hair."

"Yes, of course," Naya nodded. "Change out of your nightgown first and then have a seat."

Meera walked over to the bowl of fresh water and plunged her hands inside. She splashed it against her face before grabbing one of the towels and dabbing her face dry. Despite the sunlight pouring into her room through the balcony and large windows, Meera's head remained in a dark cloud. She went through the motions of her morning as her thoughts replayed the events of the night before over and over again. Sitting on her balcony, Meera held the roses in her hands as Naya braided her hair and pushed each flower in between the folds. Her skin shivered as if someone was watching her. She looked around and below at the palace lawns but could not see anyone. Her brows furrowed as she let her braided hair hang behind her and walked back inside.

________________________

As the day progressed and preparations for the engagement were carried out, Meera couldn't help but notice the look of worry on Ozmen's face. He barely stopped to speak to her. Many times she watched him march up and down the halls with two of his soldiers following him around. His ring-clad hand remained at the hilt of his swords at all times.

"Ozmen," Meera called to him, running up the lawn to fall in steps beside him. "What's going on?"

"Nothing for you to worry about," Ozmen smiled, but his eyes still scanned the high walls of the palace.

"What is it?" Meera frowned. "You made almost ten trips to see your father."

"Worry about tonight, Meera," Ozmen said. "All will be taken care of."

"Is it Eryx?" Meera grabbed her cousin's arm to stop him. "Is he upset about his ship?"

Ozmen hesitated. He looked down at Meera's hand and then back up into her inquisitive brown eyes.

"It's not him," Ozmen finally said. "It's his men."

Meera let go of Ozmen's hand and stepped to the side. She waited for the man to speak as she took a seat on the edge of the railing.

"There have been fights between Eryx's men and the locals all over the island," Ozmen said. "At brothels, bars, theatres...it's getting out of hand."

"How long does he plan on staying?" Meera asked with a deep frown.

"We don't know," Ozmen shook his head. "Could be until after the wedding or before."

"Does he know what his men are doing?"

"Yes," Ozmen nodded.

"And?" Meera arched her brow. "What is he doing about it?"

"What can anyone do about it," Ozmen said. "What can I do about it? Eryx and I have asked our men to be civil with one another but there's still tension in the air."

"There should be consequences," Meera said. "They are guests here."

"We're the host," Ozmen reminded her. "Our men should do better too."

"I hope this shows him that we don't want him or his men here," Meera said. "Do you think he knows?"

"He's not a foolish man, Meera," Ozmen shook his head. "He's....calculating and observant. Of course, he knows he's not wanted here. But I think that just makes him feel better because he knows we can't do anything to stop him."

"That's not true," Meera said stubbornly. "We're not defenseless."

"I've seen his men, Meera," Ozmen whistled. "I've seen what they did to the ones they got into fights with."

Meera's shoulders sank, "So what do you suggest we all do?"

"Just keep our heads up and a smile on our faces for as long as he stays here," Ozmen said. "Why are you out here, anyway? Shouldn't you be off getting ready for tonight?"

"Marcella and June are still fighting over the tiaras," Meera said.

"And you don't care which one you wear?" Ozmen asked. "You're the bride."

"They're all very beautiful to me," Meera said. "I would be happy with any of them."

"If only my sisters thought the same," Ozmen rolled his eyes. "But do hurry and start to get ready. Henry won't be too patient tonight."

Despite the tension on her shoulders, Meera felt her cheeks blush. She swiftly rose from where she perched on the railing and bowed her head to Ozmen.

"I suppose the next time I see you, you'll be Princess Meera of Silverkeeps," Ozmen said. "I'll have to bow to you."

"Make sure your crown doesn't slide off and hang around your neck," Meera teased. "You might want to ask Marcella to hold it on your head."

Ozmen chuckled, shaking his head, "Go on, Princess. Worry about your crown."

Meera stuck out her tongue at her cousin before turning on her feet and hurrying off towards the halls. As she entered the grand foyer, she stopped to admire the servants scurrying around with flowers, candles, and gold trays full of powdery sweets. It all reminded Meera of her mother. Everything was always an elaborate affair. Meera knew months and weeks were put into each event the palace hosted. Queen Leena was a patron of fine luxury.

Standing in the foyer and thinking about her mother, Meera began to feel a pinch at the center of her heart. Her throat tightened and a shiver crawled up her back. She knew if her parents were alive, they would have spared no expense for her wedding. It would have been the event of the century. Neftali and Iris never compared Meera to their daughters. They always made sure she had everything she could want or needed. But the warmth of Meera's parents could never be replaced.

"You do know you have to get ready for tonight, right?" Naya asked from where she stood in the middle of the stairwell. "Or are you planning on becoming a bride dressed in those clothes?"

"Maybe I am," Meera teased. "Maybe I'll be the beggar queen. I'll dance around in my torn slippers and throw twigs into my hair."

"Prince Henry will run for the hills," Naya said. "He's here to take home a princess."

"He can take Marcella," Meera laughed. "If I'm not good enough without my silk dresses and rose-scented skin."

"We don't have time for this, Princess," Naya clicked her tongue. She hurried down the steps and grabbed Meera's arm. "Your hair needs to be washed. You need to bathe and dress. There's so much to d-"

Like a bad omen, Eryx's falcon, Helios, swooped through the foyer and perched on top of the stairs. Its wings sprawled out and it puffed its chest up. Meera stared at it with her curious eyes. She pulled away from Naya and stepped towards the bird.

"What are you doing?" Naya asked, grabbing her hand. "It can probably kill on command."

"It's a bird, Naya," Meera said, shaking her off.

Turning back around, Meera stepped up and inched closer to the top of the stairwell. The falcon watched her approach silently. He did not move a feather. At that moment, he was the charmer and Meera was the snake enchanted by his eyes.

"Pretty bird...." Meera said quietly. She held out her hand with caution. Ever so slightly, Helios moved a bit closer as if he was on guard too. His bead-like black eyes never left Meera.

"Princess," Naya whispered from behind. "Don't go nea-"

Meera jumped in fright as Helios spread his wings and lunged forward. His sharp beak pinched the edge of her finger and tore off the skin before he flew off. Meera yelped in pain and clutched her hand to her chest. She looked overhead as Helios flew straight out the window and vanished.

"I told you!" Naya rushed up to Meera's side. "Let me see. How bad is it? Do you still have a finger?"

Meera hissed in pain as the girl took her hand to examine the cute. Her eyes watered and the tips of her cheeks began to heat like burning coals. Her finger was starting to throb in pain. She could feel the warm blood pouring out and running down her forearm.

"Let's get this cleaned," Naya said. "This is just what you needed!"

Meera didn't speak as Naya began to pull her up the stairs. Her heart hammered inside of her chest as she thought about how she could see her reflection in Helios's eyes. It was as if he had been searching for her and knew exactly who she was. Meera didn't know how, but she was sure the falcon could pick her out in a crowded room.

As Meera followed Naya to her room, the pressure the girl applied to the wound stopped the blood from rushing out. Meera's dress was covered in dripping blood and her sleeves were stained red. The tears in her eyes had fallen without her permission, making the situation appear worse than it all was. When Iris saw Meera, things grew more complicated.

"What happened?" The queen stood up from where she sat with her feet soaking in a golden pot of rose water and milk.

Meera and Naya froze as they entered the room and found all of her family members present. Marcella looked up with concern as June rolled over on the bed and sat up.

"It was the falcon," Naya said before Meera could stop her. "Prince Eryx's falcon. It attacked her!"

"How bad is it?" Marcella rushed over to take a closer look at Meera's hand.

"It's nothing crazy," Meera said, trying to pull away. "I just have to wash it."

"That seems like a lot of blood," June said, staring at Meera's dress.

"Go tell King Neftali I would like to speak to him," Iris said to one of the maids.

"No, ple-" Meera stepped forward but Iris held up her hand.

"He can't have that wild bird flying around in here," the queen shook her head.

"Why won't he put it in a cage?" Marcella asked.

"I'll have the king speak to him right now," Iris said. "This is unacceptable."

"Please," Meera stepped in front of her aunt. "It won't end in our favor. Ozmen said Eryx was too difficult to work with. Let's not create any more problems for him or uncle."

"Meera, you were attacked," Iris said, her face pinching with disapproval.

"It was my fault," Meera shook her head. "I walked up to Helios. I probably frightened hi-"

"Helios?" Marcella arched her dark brow.

"That's what he calls the damn thing," Iris muttered. Marcella laughed and her cheeks warmed with a hint of red. "I don't like the thing flying around inside the palace."

Amidst the chatter of the group, Meera felt a rising sense of anxiety. She attempted to deflect the attention, expressing reluctance about the situation.

"Aunt Iris, we really shouldn't-" she began, only to be cut off by Iris, who seemed determined to address the matter.

"It's not just for you, Meera," Iris interrupted. "The servants have been complaining, too."

"We're not so happy about his men either," Naya said with bitterness. "What do they feed their children in Voreios? These men are giants."

"I find them rather attractive," June said walking back to where she had been lounging on the cousins. "Something about those broad shoulders and rugged good looks. What do you think, Marcella?"

"June," Iris's voice was laced with a warning. She did not seem too pleased to be hearing about her daughter's taste in men.

The persistent discomfort in Meera's hand, a consequence of the bird bite, lingered as Naya guided her toward the golden urli. Despite Meera's attempts to downplay the injury, Naya expressed concern about Prince Henry's potential reaction.

"I am too scared to find out what Prince Henry will have to say about this."

"It's just a cut," Meera clicked her tongue, resisting the attention. "I've gotten many of them before."

"Yes, but never on your ringer finger on the day of your engagement," Naya frowned.

"What?" Meera exclaimed, staring down at her hand. The unexpected wound brought forth a concern she hadn't anticipated. "I...."

"It's going to hurt when Henry puts on that ring," Marcella remarked as she walked up to where the girls stood beside the water. "Naya, go get some aloe. I'll help Meera wash."

Meera's anxiety deepened, a knot forming in her stomach as she contemplated the unforeseen challenges arising on the day of her engagement. What would everyone think when she presented her hand to Henry with the ugly white bandage around her finger?

"Don't worry," Marcella nudged her cousin with her shoulder when she noticed the worry lines on Meera's forehead. "I'm sure Henry will be gentle."

_____________________

As the night unfolded, the grandeur of the engagement celebration took center stage. The rhythmic beats of drums resonated loudly in the front lawns. Performers adorned in vibrant attire danced, captivating the attention of arriving guests with their mesmerizing movements and daring fire tricks by the entrance. The air was alive and it danced with the music.

On her balcony, Meera observed the spectacle below, her heart pounding in her chest. The colors, the drumbeats, and the flickering flames blended into a whirlwind making her feel breathless. A subtle hint of worry began to tug at her. It loomed over her head like a dark cloud. She couldn't stop the way her eyes continuously shifted towards the red sails she could see past all the homes by the harbor.

And every time Meera's eyes caught the sail, she swore it was like being bit by Helios all over again. A jolt of pain would shoot through her spine. Her finger would begin to throb and pulse as if to remind her she was being watched.

Every beat of the drum seemed to echo in Meera's heart. She shifted nervously, the soft jingles of her adorned ornaments harmonizing with the lively rhythm of the drums. The mingling scents of incense and floral arrangements shrouded her as she leaned over the balcony once more.

On the lawn below, Marcella, June, and Ozmen cheerfully greeted all the guests. They gracefully welcomed Prince Henry's mother into the palace, their laughter mingling with the celebration around them. Ozmen, ever the jester, playfully teased Henry about his impending transition from bachelorhood. Henry, sharing Meera's nervousness, cast a glance toward the balcony. Their eyes met, and he offered her a small, simple reassuring smile.

Meera did her best to offer him some reassurance as well. But when she tried to smile, a gust of warm air from the sea whispered past her ear.

Her heart stilled as she gripped the rich fabric of her dress. She looked up towards the harbor with her heart lodged into her throat.

"Are you ready?"

Naya pushed the doors open with a bright smile on her face.

"Prince Henry is here," she said, heading towards Mila. "Have you seen him? By the Gods, his looks can kill."

Meera's weary eyes shifted towards the girl. She parted her lips to speak but the words were caught in the dryness of her throat.

"What's wrong?" Naya's smile slipped noticing the worry on Meera's face.

"Something's wrong," Meera managed to say.

"What do you mean?" Naya stepped closer.

"I......" Meera looked towards the sea once more. "I can't tell. But something is not right."

"Meera," Naya's voice softened. "I think you're just nervous."

"No," Meera shook her head. "This is different."

"What can be wrong?" Naya asked. "Everyone is here. Henry is waiting for you. The night is beautiful."

"There are no stars in the sky," Meera said.

"Maybe it will rain," Naya shrugged.

Meera shook her head once more. The sea was too restless for a mere rain. She could feel the waves beating against the shore like a nervous soul. It was like a frightened child.

"Is Sion here?" Meera looked over her shoulder towards Naya.

"Yes," Naya nodded. "He's blessing the rings. Your uncle and Henry's father is with him."

"I need to speak to him," Meera pushed to her feet.

"Are you crazy?" Naya frowned. "You can't walk in like that. King Neftali will escort you down. Princess Marcella and Princess June will be holding your veil. You can't just barge in like a wildling."

"Well, tell them to get on with it then!" Meera clicked her tongue in frustration.

"My, my," Naya laughed. "Aren't we eager to marry the prince"

"Naya," Meera warned. "Go tell them I'm ready."

"Ready for the true love's kiss," Naya sighed and batted her lashes. "You haven't kissed him yet, have you?"

"I don't see why that matters right now, Naya."

"I saw you that night on the balcony with him," Naya teased. "I was sure you were going to let him kiss you. Such a naughty princess."

"I haven't kissed him," Meera declared. "I know my limits. Now go and tell them I'm ready. I need to speak to Sion."

With a great sigh, Naya nodded, "As you wish. I'll let Princess Marcella know."

"Thank you," Meera swallowed back the lump- in her throat. Raising her hand, she adjusted the tiara on her head and watched Naya leave the room.

Once she was alone, Meera walked back to the balcony. Her eyes scanned the horizon, taking in its darkness. The sea hummed through her veins, speaking to her, pleading with her....warning her. Meera's hand began to tremble. A hollowness took over her heart. The breeze that was once tranquil and nurturing to the soul now felt like a bad omen. It carried with it a scent of danger.

Standing in the open air, Meera began to yearn for the ocean. She felt restless like a bird inside a cage. Her feet began to move and soon she found herself pacing.

"Meera?" Marcella entered the room and paused at the door. "We're ready for you."

With a simple nod, Meera gathered the fabric of her dress and stepped away from the balcony. Her heart felt too heavy to move as she followed Marcella out of her room and away from the view of the ocean.

"Henry won't stop looking at the door," Marcella teased. "He's very impatient."

Meera remained silent. She stared straight ahead as they made their way down the stairs and towards the grand hall. Neftali was waiting for the girls to arrive. When his eyes caught sight of Meera, a small smile came over his worn features.

"You look beautiful," he said, taking Meera's hands and kissing her cheeks. "I wish your father and mother were here to see this day."

"Me too," Meera uttered quietly.

"Yohan would have been so proud of you," Neftali choked with emotion. "You have brought honor to us all, Meera. Silverkeep is blessed to have you as their next queen."

"Thank you," Meera squeezed her uncle's hand.

Neftali's kind words would have brought tears to Meera's eyes if it weren't for the worry and anxiety that gripped her heart. Meera could barely hear anything over the sounds of the waves miles away.

"Shall we?" Neftali offered Meera his arm. "Girl?"

"We're ready," Marcella gathered Meera's long white veil and smiled towards her father.

"Deep breaths, dear," Neftali chuckled. He patted Meera's hand on his arm and gestured for the guards to open the heavy double doors.

The doors to the grand hall opened slowly, revealing an opulent scene that unfolded like a dream. The orchestra commenced a soft, enchanting tune, casting a magical blanket over the celebration. A hush fell over the vast space, silencing the chatter and drawing all eyes toward the entrance where Meera stood with the king by her side.

King Neftali, regal and poised, led the way with unwavering confidence, and Meera, though feeling a flutter of nerves, followed suit. Her feet moved in rhythm with the monarch's, guided by an unspoken understanding as they made their entrance into the heart of the celebration.

The grand hall, a vision of extravagance, was adorned with a cascade of flowers that dripped from every corner. The gold accents on the chandeliers shimmered like drops of crystal, casting a warm glow over the scene. Lavish floral arrangements enveloped the guests, their fragrance adding to the intoxicating atmosphere. The marble floors below reflected the shimmering lights from the wall sconces, creating a dance of illumination that added to the grandeur of the occasion.

As Meera glided through the enchanting spectacle, the eyes of the assembled guests remained fixed on her, captivated by the ethereal beauty and grace she exuded. Her thick, dark brown hair cascaded in loose waves, framing her face like a regal crown. Her full lips wore a soft, subtle smile that did not reach her big enchanting brown eyes.

Dressed in a white ballgown, Meera resembled a celestial being. The dress, with its flowing silhouette and intricate details, shimmered with each step, catching the light in a breathtaking dance that mirrored the sparkle in her eyes. Around her neck, a diamond necklace embraced a vivid red ruby pendant, a striking contrast against the pristine white of her gown. The gemstone's rich hue accentuated Meera's regal presence, its vibrant red mirroring the flush on her cheeks.

Meera's eyes swept over the guests until they came to rest upon Henry. His charming, warm smile caught her attention as he stepped forward and met her halfway to the center of the room.

"Here we are," Neftali said. "Henry? She's all your's."

"Thank you, your grace," Henry bowed his head.

"Sion?" Neftali looked towards the old man standing beside the queen. "Bring the rings."

Meera's heart leaped up. Her eyes widened as she caught sight of Sion stepping forward with the tray of red roses and two gold rings.

"Sion," she whispered, trying to catch the man's attention.

"Congratulations, Princess," Sion smiled and bowed his head.

Meera stepped away from her uncle and drew closer to the priest. She grabbed his hand and leaned towards his ear.

"Something is wrong," Meera declared in a hushed voice.

"What do you mean?" Sion frowned.

"The sea..." Meera lowered her voice even more. "It's.....it's calling me."

"Meera?"

Sion and Meera looked up as Henry held out his hand towards her. He looked puzzled by the way she held onto the old man's hand. His brows furrowed and he tilted his head slightly.

"Come this way," he said, taking Meera's hand and leading her away from Sion. "My parents are waiting."

"Just a moment, please-" Meera tried but Henry's hand tightened.

"Everyone's waiting, Princess," Henry said patiently. "Including me."

Meera's chest began to tighten. She couldn't get the nervous out of her body as Henry pulled her closer and turned her towards his parents. She quickly looked over her shoulder towards Sion, her eyes begging him to come speak to her. He was the only one she could share her worries with.

"What were you talking to him about?" Henry asked, nudging her forward.

"Nothing," Meera shook her head. "Just asking him to place extra offerings from us for the gods tonight."

"I'm sure my mother took care of it all," Henry chuckled. "No need to worry."

"Right, yes," Meera cleared her throat.

Pushing down the worry that swam through her system, Meera came to a stop before the King and Queen of Silverkeep and lowered herself in a deep curtsy.

"You look beautiful," Queen Ada stepped forward and kissed Meera's cheeks. "I am almost tempted to take you home with us tonight."

"Don't give Henry any new ideas," Ozmen teased.

"Father?" Henry looked towards King Darwin. "Do we have your blessing?"

A proud smile flashed across Darwin's face. He gave a hearty laugh as he patted his son's shoulder.

"You have all my blessings," he said. "Give her the ring."

Meera felt her hands begin to tremble. She could feel all eyes on her as Henry turned to face her in front of his and her family. Her stomach tightened and her chest begged for air.

"Princess?" Henry waited.

"Yes?" Meera looked up.

"Your hand," Henry gestured towards her hand, a small smile on his lips.

Meera's head began to sway. She felt lightheaded as Marcella took her hand and placed it on Henry's. Instantly, the smile on Henry's face dropped upon seeing the bandage on Meera's finger.

"What happened?" He asked.

"I..." Meera looked at her hand. "I cut myself."

"On that finger of all places?" Henry tried to tease but the disappointment in his eyes was evident.

"It was an accident," Meera frowned, finding Henry's irritation uncalled for. "They tend to happen."

"Yes, of course," Henry gave her a tight lip smile. "My apologies."

"It's alright," Ada comforted her son. "The ring will still fit."

"Just be gentle," Marcella said.

Nodding, Henry picked up the ring from the tray and slipped it onto Meera's finger. He held her hand delicately as he pushed it past the bandage and let it rest.

The grand hall erupted in cheers. The orchestra seamlessly transitioned into a lively and upbeat tune that resonated through the grandeur of the space. The hall buzzed with the joyous chatter of guests. Marcella pulled Meera into a tight embrace while Ozmen congratulated Henry and his parents. Everyone around them raised their drinks to the newly engaged couple and shouted their well wishes. Within minutes, the celebration took on a life of its own.

Ladies dressed in their finest sink lined the dance floor while all the handsome men eagerly waited to ask them to dance. The new couple was whisked away to the front of the room where they stood and thanked everyone for their well wishes. On the dance floor, elegant couples twirled gracefully, their laughter intermingling with the melodies of the orchestra. The air was filled with the clinking of glasses, the clatter of heels, and the rhythmic beat of footsteps.

The drinks flowed freely. Crystal glasses glinted in the warm glow of the chandeliers, reflecting like mirrors. Marcella and June swept up in the contagious energy, pulled Meera into the heart of the celebration.

"Here comes the bride," Marcella sang as she pulled Meera to the center of the room. "Dance, Meera. It's your night!"

"Marcella-" Meera shook her head.

She didn't know how to tell her cousin she was in no mood to dance. Her skin crawled with an energy she had never experienced before. It made her stomach feel funny and her bones ache. Meera was about to return to Henry when her gaze suddenly caught a pair of dark eyes watching her from the entrance of the hall.

Gotcha.

Meera gasped audibly as a strange voice spoke out in her mind.

She stilled like a rock, her heartbeat echoing in her ears. A magnetic force seemed to draw her gaze to the man making his way through the crowd. His piercing eyes, intense and unreadable, bore into her. The atmosphere thickened with an unspoken tension.

Meera was incapable of looking away from the man. She watched his strong sharp jaw clench as he grew closer and closer. His eyes made her want to hide. It felt as if he could read her soul, his gaze unwavering as if he could unravel the depths of her being with a single glance.

As the man took the last step towards her, Meera felt a hand fall on her back. She jumped in fright as Henry came to stand beside her.

"So nice of you to join us," Henry said with polite hospitality. "Welcome, Prince Eryx."

Meera's eyes instinctively found their way back to the enigmatic figure...Eryx.

The room seemed to shift subtly as the spotlight of attention settled on the mysterious newcomer. Eryx, in turn, observed her with an intensity that left Meera feeling self-conscious, as if he could discern the innermost thoughts that churned beneath her facade.

Eryx let a measured second pass, his gaze lingering on Meera before he gracefully redirected his attention to Henry.

"Congratulations," he uttered in a voice that resonated with an alluring quality. "Here's to new beginnings."

As the words reached Meera's ears, a shiver ran down her spine. The velvety tones of Eryx's voice seemed to create an invisible thread that drew attention and sparked an unfamiliar tension. All she could do was stare as Eryx's attention shifted back to her.

"Congratulations, Meera."

Eryx spoke her name with a familiarity that seemed to echo through time itself. The words slid effortlessly from his lips, each syllable carrying a weight that wrapped around Meera's senses like sparks from a wildfire, leaving her skin tingling with an electrifying heat.

"Thank you," Meera managed to say, her voice barely audible as she swallowed against the sudden dryness in her throat.

"Please," Henry gestured, stepping aside to guide Eryx towards the rest of the family, but Eryx's gaze remained anchored on Meera.

"May I have this dance?" he asked, his voice cutting through the air.

Meera's eyes widened in disbelief, her surroundings blurring as if the world itself was holding its breath. The room felt oppressive, the air thick with anticipation. She could sense the weight of everyone's eyes on her, waiting for her response.

"Meera?" Henry's voice broke through the haze, a subtle reminder of her present reality.

Her eyes flickered toward her fiancé, watching as he gestured politely towards Eryx, who stood patiently, his piercing gaze fixed solely on her. The room seemed too narrow.

With great effort, Meera gave one small nod of her head.

As Eryx took her hand, the first contact sent a shock through Meera, making her jump as if touched by an unseen force. She gasped, feeling a current surge through her body. As her skin caught on fire from his touch, Meera watched the colors in Eryx's eyes ripple like a still lake suddenly thrown into chaos by a tossed rock. She didn't know what to make of it as he led her to the dance floor and guided her hand to his shoulder. The song began and Eryx took the lead.

Bathed in the soft glow of chandeliers, Meera and Eryx glided across the dance floor in a waltz, their movements synchronized as if they shared a secret language known only to them.

Meera's gown flowed gracefully with each twirl, a cascade of silk and lace that mirrored the flow of the dance. Her eyes, wide and luminous, held a mixture of uncertainty and curiosity as they remained locked onto Eryx's intense gaze. The air between them crackled with unspoken tension, a palpable energy that sparked and lingered.

Eryx guided Meera through the dance with a commanding allure. His eyes bore into hers with an intensity that seemed to strip away any walls Meera tried to build in front of him.

As they twirled and turned, the world around them blurred into a hazy backdrop, leaving only the echo of the music. The dance became a silent conversation until Eryx shattered the silence.

"I apologize for Helios," he said.

Meera's brow knit in a tapestry of confusion. Eryx gracefully adjusted his hand, directing his attention to Meera's injured finger with a simple tap.

"Oh," Meera's gaze descended to her hand, where pain and curiosity converged. "How did you?"

"I smelled your blood on his talons," Eryx explained.

Meera's eyes widened. "Blood doesn't possess a scent," she asserted, her frown deepening in skepticism.

"Ours does," Eryx replied, his words lingering in the air like an unspoken secret.

"What do you mean?" Meera's perplexity swelled, and she probed. "Vorean blood?"

"No," A subtle shake of Eryx's head accompanied his response.

A shadow of unease crept over Meera as she grappled with the strange exchange.

"Are you trying to fool me, Your Highness?" she questioned, a disquiet settling within her.

"Have you ever been fooled, your majesty?" Eryx asked.

"No," Meera pressed her lips together. "Seems as though you need another round of lessons. My uncle is his majesty. He's the sovereign."

"You're very easily fooled, Meera," Eryx replied.

"I beg your pardon?" Meera stopped moving her feet.

Eryx slowly lowered his arms and dropped Meera's hand. He found her glaring eyes amusing as he stepped back and bowed his head.

"My heartfelt congratulations to you, Your Majesty," he said before straightening up and turning on his heels to walk away. 

What do you think so far? What does Eryx mean? And why is the sea calling to Meera?