From the Depths

With the precious gift he had given her, she was able to make it up the cliffside without too much trouble. The later in the evening it seemed to be, the fewer people that were around the castle, convenient for her. She’d managed to slip back in through her bedroom window well before dawn broke.

She’d laid awake in her bed for hours, unable to sleep. Her heart, her mind and her body were not able to calm down after the evening she had just had. Rendrick had opened up to her so much, and what’s more, she had discovered something about herself that she thought she would never find.

Her life was far too short to worry about boys, dating or marriage. Never in her life had she been interested in men or women, she was even still a virgin. Much to her mother's dismay, and not for a lack of trying on the parent's part. But she saw it as something that she could hold onto, like a bargaining chip if she ever needed it. In this day and age, someone would pay a high price for such a woman, even if it was simply for one night. Of course, her mother had made it a point to never allow her to do such a thing even in their worst of times.

Why were these through raising now? He was a siren! there was no way they could have a romantic relationship... was that the reason? There were no expectations from her or him. Shaking her head she tried to clear it.

Stop! You need to stop and go to sleep!

When she had drifted off, she’d undoubtedly dreamt of him.

The feel of his hands caressing her body.

The taste of his lips on hers, the tender kisses across her skin.

He explored her, finding her most sensitive places until she was shivering, gasping and trembling with pleasure.

Her dreams were of the desires that she refused to admit to herself.

He whispered in her ear to scream his name-

She woke up abruptly, her eyes widening with the sudden realization of what she had just left behind in her dreams. Her stomach sank, she felt utterly disgusted with herself.

He had poured his heart and soul out, telling her what had happened to him, and here she was dreaming of him taking her to new heights. She was despicable. He had been used and abused, thrown away like trash. How could she even be thinking such things in the first place!? The man had been through enough.

Trying to occupy her mind in some other way, she’d spent the morning very carefully turning the shell he had given her into a necklace. One that now hung around her neck safely beneath her clothes.

A knock sounded on her door. Though she had been expecting it she still jumped out of her skin, her hand on her heart. She was up, dressed and ready for the day, though she was sure she was only working on maybe four hours of sleep at this point. The heavy bags under her eyes were evidence of that.

She answered to find Henry’s stern face peering down at her. Not waiting to be invited, he pushed passed her into the room before turning to face her with a glare.

“Good morning to you too...” She muttered shutting the door behind him. It looked like he had a thing or two to say...

“The little stunt you pulled yesterday has everyone talking.” He started.

She sighed, here we go. “Isn’t that a good thing?” She asked innocently.

“Not when the King asks to see us both! You’ve only been here for what, a week?” He sighed running his hand through his hair. “And you’re already causing problems.”

“I didn’t mean anything by it, you know that. I was merely going to give you a piece of my mind, but things escalated -wait the King? Why?”

“Pretty sure the asshole that’s in for my job whispered in his ear, so we need to come up with a story and fast!”

“We don’t need a story. Just don’t mention the bits about us pretending with each other.”

“You want to admit to being my fuck buddy?”

“I have already to the rest of your men as of last night.”

He stared at her unbelieving. “You would really... do that?”

“If it saves both our heads, yes! I assume he wants to see us now?” She picked up her notes from her desk and the report that was due, she was sure he would also ask for an update.

He nodded, a stern look replacing his slight shock in an instant.

Thankfully with her having been up early and ready they could leave right away. The walked briskly through the halls with little chit chat but he did ask;

"What do you mean by a piece of your mind?"

"I wanted to scold you for hurting my mother when you seemed so hell-bent on my health. Then I overheard your conversation."

"Oh." Was all he responded with.

"Why didn't you tell me that you were from my village?" She questioned pushing the matter.

"Does it matter? I'm still the King's pawn."

She cringed. The conversation fell silent again as they approached King’s usual location at this time of day, the dining hall, it was after all breakfast time. Much to her delight the food hadn’t been served yet and he was simply sitting waiting for them to arrive.

“Miss Riverton.” King Haith used her maiden name, taking her by surprise. Only her mother would call her by her full name when she was in deep shit.

“My Lord?” She curtsied in greeting taking a small step forward.

“I would like to speak to you alone for a moment.”

She had chills, dread filled her every fibre, Henry remained his professional self and exited the room with a nod. The light click of the door lock made her flinch as her nerves rose. She waited to be spoken to, she’d learnt her lesson all too well.

“Come now child, you are not in trouble, quite the opposite in fact.” Haith smiled and motioned for her to come closer. “Your reports are very informative, the few times I have visited the treasure on the beach I have confirmed your findings. You, my dear, are an asset.”

Wait, he’d visited the Siren without her being there? That would make sense, he would want to make sure that she wasn’t lying and for whatever reason the King wanted to keep Rendrick close and under his watchful eye.

She walked to his side as instructed. When he raised a hand she couldn't help but stiffen. His fingers grasped her chin, “And I protect my assets.” He tilted her head side to side, inspecting her.

Her eyes widened as she realized what he was doing, he was checking for more marks on her skin.

“Some rumours have been going around the Knights of late, Sir Henry has finally taken an interest in a woman. You wouldn’t happen to be that woman would you?” He quirred.

“I-I am.” She put on a slightly flustered act. “I’m sorry my Lord, I will stop seeing him if you so wish it.”

The King shook his head. “On the contrary, he is my most trusted knight and a good young man.”

That’s not exactly how she would describe him, though she kept her thoughts to herself. There was no denying that the Knight was growing on her.

“Has he forced you? Has he hurt you?” He questioned.

She found it odd that he would care about her well-being so much, what was his play, and why? The siren was special yes, but to what degree did the King hold him that he would be so concerned with her? Something didn’t feel right, she’d have to get to the bottom of it later. Right now, she was trying not to shake like a leaf under the revolting hold of his aggressive hands.

This was the point she had to truly act. “Oh, no my Lord, quite the opposite.” She forced a little giggle. “He’s strong and dependable, I must admit I am quite smitten, though I think it is just a fling for him.”

Haith raised a brow at that. “I was going to warn you not to get your heart broken, but perhaps... I don’t need to.”

“I must admit it is not to my liking if he were to lay with another, but he is a Knight. He serves and protects this land and you, my Lord. Far be it for me to take away his spoils if he is rewarded them.”

Haith laughed finally letting her go. “If only every man could find a woman like you. Perhaps you will be his reward after your duties are complete.”

Her head snapped up, looking at him in complete shock. When her duties are complete? What did he mean? “My Lord?”

“Most of the other knights have wives and families. Though many are unhappy, he would be deranged to let you go. I will see to it, don’t you worry. I look after those that are useful.” Haith raised his elaborately decorated staff that had been leaning against his chair and stomped it on the group twice.

Henry entered, it must have been a signal she realized. But wasn't this room meant to be soundproof?

“Henry my boy, I have found out something interesting.” The King smirked as he caught the Knight glance in her direction.

“How do you feel about Miss Riverton?” He asked.

Henry clearly looked confused. “She is an exceptional worker, she has a passion for her work and compassion for those around her. Though she can be quite... bossy at times and stern.”

Haith laughed again, his booming voice echoing through the hall. “Come now my boy, not that.”

Henry stiffened, his eyes darting to her again. “Well... I-”

“You’ve never been hesitant before, do you care for her?” His tone was mocking.

Kirea stood completely still, her eyes locked on Henry. She faked a little gasp at the mention of him caring for her. Inside she was screaming for him to play along, they could get through this if only he played along!

His head panned to her, his mouth opening slightly as he watched her hand clench over her chest. Looking her in the eyes he responded. “I do.” He turned back to his King. “I truly do my Lord.”

What took her by surprise was that his words didn't feel like a lie. The sincerity in his voice had her second-guessing herself.

The King burst from his chair in pure delight, very nearly toppling her over. “Then it’s settled! You two are now engaged, you can wed after the red moon!”

Kirea shot the King a confused expression only to have eyes widen. The red moon was approaching? Many cultures and religions believed that the strongest 'magic' could be performed under the red moon, or as others called it, the blood moon. The sudden announcement of engagement not even phasing her, but this. This was a lead she could follow through with, this could give her answers as to the reason why the King wanted the Siren.

“How you two could be boning and not talking about your feelings! Ha! What a matchmaker I am.” The King strode over to Henry who looked just as shocked as she felt, probably for a different reason though. Patting him on the back like a proud father his grin was utterly menacing.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that this was a crucial piece of information. She couldn’t stop the pit in her stomach from forming.

“Anyway, back to business. There are two weeks left until the treasure must be ready.” The King turned his attention back to her. “His progress is coming along nicely, he will be in full health by then?”

“For the red moon?” She questioned.

She didn’t know how but the King’s grin widened. “You my girl, catch on quick.”

She felt sick.