Page 107 of Sea's Secret

She whipped her head up, looking me directly in my eyes. The look she gave me was astonishing.

“What?” she asked, surprised.

I chuckled, brushing her cheek. “You will make a wonderful mother. You should have as many children as you desire; they shall be incredibly blessed with you as their mother.”

“Thank you, but I need to find them a father first. I thought I was ready for that part of my life, and then–although I am happy I discovered the truth–I am far away from it yet again,” she said as if in defeat.

An image flashed before my eyes: me sitting on the beach beside her with three children at our feet. It went away as quickly as it came. I had always enjoyed when I was able to help children find relief from their pain, using my curse. If I was not a cursed pirate, but a cursed prince, I would have a similar dream of a family with a load of children to take upon my ship and travel the world together, exploring.

I could create an entire crew, I thought with a smile.

But such a thing was not possible. The best I could hope for was my own crew and ship as far away from Walden and Veeto as I could get.

“You would make a wonderful father,” she whispered. “I hope you have a daughter so you do not lose your braiding skills,” she said with a smile.

“A father?” I was surprised. I could not say anything. I was too consumed with my thoughts and feelings. Not only because of the things she was saying, but because of the never ending need–or desire–that I had for her. That I wanted to make all those dreams come true for her, but with me beside her. I meant what I said when I kissed her. I was selfish enough to keep her even if she could be with someone better suited, someone who could help her create the family and life she wanted.

I suddenly heard something faint inside of me. There was something inside of me that started to sing, just for her. If I had a soul, I would have argued that it felt like my soul.

“Yes, and I dare say, even though you tease that you are wicked, you would do a fine job of it, better than my betrothed would have; I am sure of it.”

I could not contain the irritation I had for whoever that merman was. He was an idiot, a blasted fool. But I was also grateful that he had chased her away.

Without that, would she have ever found me? I would be very sad to have never met Meria.

“I am so sorry for what he did to you,” I said, trying to contain my irritation to my fists, which were clenched painfully at my sides.

“He broke–” she shook her head. “I gave him so much.”

“I–” But before I could say anything, the door to the cabin swung open.

Sands was going to walk the plank.

“What is it?” I growled.

“We have arrived, and I am afraid we can not stay in one place, so the boat is circling the island where the Mirror Sea is located.”

“And that has you scared so senseless that you had to barge into my room when I just might have been having my way with my mermaid?”

“Sorry, Nick, I assumed you were still bedridden.”

“You are lucky we are dressed!” I snapped. I knew Sands would not take offense. He knew me too well. I was hoping my words would rattle Meria. I so liked to shock her.

Meria gasped, trying to push me away. “Dominick!”

“What, Meria? You are a mermaid, and I can never be sure what you will or will not be wearing.”

“Stop it!” she said, covering her cheeks.

I laughed. I felt so different, so light. There was no pain keeping a smile from my mouth.

“Save the poor maiden embarrassment. I know you did nothing with her, except maybe steal a few kisses,” Sands reprimanded me; then he smiled at Meria with a wink.

That annoyed me, and I moved to block his view of her wearing only my shirt, though it was long enough to be considered a dress of sorts.

“Prepare a boat. We shall head to the island, and you shall stay here to make sure the boat and crew are well,” I said.

“Of course, yes.” He saluted, then left the room, closing the door behind him.