Page 133 of Sea's Secret

“So you have kissed her?” Peter said with a laugh.

“Go about your business. We set sail for Walden,” Dominick said as he took my hand and pulled me to the back of the ship and into the cabin. How did he know that was all that I wanted, to be in that cabin with him. Maybe he did not know, maybe he simply wanted that, too. My heart fluttered, so many feelings curling and sloshing around inside of me. I loved that pirate so much. “Sorry about him. I’m sure you know about siblings,” he said as we stepped inside. Then he grabbed a linen towel and wiped his face free of seawater. I remembered, then, that we could not be alone in the cabin, for that was where the Pixie Isle children slept. Most of them were still sleeping–and if not, they were still in there, sitting or laying around, obviously still exhausted from all they had endured. I did not blame them at all.

“Yes, the worst,” I said, looking at him as he smiled. “–but also the best,” I added with a smirk.

He gave a knowing grin. “I want to help the children before they return. I think I can take away their pain and help them have a better life once back in Walden.”

“But all that pain is life experience, and it builds who they are; maybe this is the path the Creator wanted for them. I have already helped them as much as I believe they should be helped. All pain is not necessarily a bad thing.”

He nodded and added: “I cannot remove their memories, just be a balm for them for a time, although I do wish I could take it all away.”

“I understand, and I am sure that your gift will be a great relief for them. Thank you, Dominick, for being so kind.”

“Your mother–” he said tenderly. “I am so happy that you found her. Are you sure you do not wish to stay?”

“I will have plenty of time to catch up with her, I am sure. Although it felt like a goodbye of sorts, I know that she will be in my future. I am needed here, now,” I interrupted him, motioning to the children. “But tell me, you really do not know where your sister is?”

“No, I do not.”

“And yet, we are still sailing to Walden?”

“Yes,”

“Where you plan to meet with your mother?”

“Yes.”

“Why this sudden change? You were so set on finding your sister–so you could have your revenge, of sorts.”

“The Mirror Sea changed me a little. I–I did not pull out my desire–I pulled out yours.”

“You what?” I gasped.

“How could you leave your greatest desire, Meria? You wanted so badly to find your mother and save your people. What star did you take instead?” he asked, looking at me, so confused. I bit my lip. I was not yet ready to tell him. I could not tell him or else he would not let me do it–heal him–break his curse.

“I–I needed something else, Dominick–something infinitely more important for my future.”

“What?” he nearly begged, stepping closer to me. We were whispering, but then and there was not the place nor time to have such a conversation, with all those suffering children around us. There was a moan, and we both turned to look upon a little boy who was shaking.

“We shall speak of this later,” Dominick said as he turned to me and waited for me to nod before he took off his gloves, and I stood beside him as, one by one, he took on the pains of the children.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Dominick

It was the moment I had been waiting for. The moment when I would face my mother.

Is it true what the sea dragon had said about her? I wondered. About her feelings for me? I trusted that I did not need Layla. I hoped I was right.

“All will be well, Dom. More than well, actually. You have no idea how much we have missed you.” I could not respond to him; I was too focused on what was going to happen–on what could happen. I tried to put a shield around my heart and get ready for a cool mother with hate in her eyes.

“Do you want me to come with you?” Meria asked at my other side as the ship was tied down and the crew began to leave it, enthusiastically. Peter must have told them not to speak to anyone about me taking over the ship. Captain William had a hard time letting me keep the ship under my command, but once Peter explained that I was Crown Prince Dominick, he had said nothing more, which, from what I had noticed about Captain William, was a feat for him. I wished him well, and was grateful my brother had a loyal friend.

“Yes, I always wish you to be with me,” I answered her, taking her hand without thinking. My words came out in a clear tone, as if it were as obvious as the sky was blue.

To me, it was. I knew there were so many things unspoken between us. So much had happened, and we never had the chance to discuss several very important matters. We would, eventually, because I had so many things to tell her.

Peter chuckled. “Mother is kinder than the dragon I heard you two faced.” He patted my back, and I watched him with Meria’s hand in mine as he walked hand-in-hand with his Gwendolyn off of the ship, down to the dock, and then into a carriage marked, Walden.