Page 56 of Sea's Secret

“She is your mother, too!” he shouted.

“No–my mother did not want me. She sent me off, and that made me who I am. My mother is not the same mother you know. She is not mine. I have not had a mother for a very long time,” I said and felt Meria's small hand upon my arm. I turned to look at her light blue eyes.

“Dominick, are you well?” she whispered.

“As lovely as this chat has been,” I said, turning from Meria to Peter, “We have plans.” I took Meria’s hand in mine and nearly tugged her from the dungeon. Once we were on deck, I breathed in a fresh breath of salty air and let go of Meria’s hand.

“I am so sorry.”

“It would have come out, eventually. It is fine, Meria. How are you?” I said, using my free hand to brush my hair out of my face.

“I am fine, but do you not want to talk about what just happened? Your brother—you haven’t seen him in so long, and so much was said.”

“I have no use for talking about feelings, Meria,” I grunted.

“Really?” she asked, crossing her arms and putting her nose in the air. Her long white-pink curls draped around her, a mess again, and in grave need of a comb. She was such a beauty–so enchanting to look at. I had a hard time focusing.

“Really. Now, let me show you where you will be staying.” I motioned for her to follow me, and she did. We walked to the captain’s quarters, which I thought about giving to her, but that might not have given the right impression to the crew, if the only maiden on board had the captain’s quarters. She could, then, be used as a bargaining chip against me. I did not need any harm coming to her.

“You are stubborn,” she mumbled as we walked. When I reached the small door to the right of the captain’s quarters, I opened it for her. I was sure that was where the Prince had been staying, as it was quite fine in design and dressings.

“I am not sure what all is here, but make yourself at home.”

“We need more water to make myself ‘at home,’” Meria said with a laugh.

“Did you just jest, Meria?” I said with a crooked smile. I enjoyed the humor, which pulled me away from the emotions my brother had stirred up.

“I think, I did–” she said, covering her mouth with her hand.

I walked over and gently moved her hand from her mouth. I do not know what came over me, but I took longer than I should have to let her hand go. I drew a circle with my thumb on her wrist, then slowly let go of her hand, then her fingers, till they slipped from my gloved grasp.

“I liked that jest, keep it up. We may have you voicing all the things you have locked up in that head of yours, soon.”

“Unlikely–it seems I am only comfortable with you.”

“Well, we can remedy that. You have to speak your mind, Meria, or else everyone, for your entire life, will use you.”

“Like your old captain used your curse?” she asked. I saw fear flicker in her eyes for a second. But it was true. I let Veeto control me for way too long.

“Yes, Meria, and I want better for you than what I have had.” I stepped back and walked to the door.

“Dominick–” she said. I turned around and tried not to notice all the beauty that emanated from her as she stood before me. I wondered for a second what it would be like to kiss Meria, her pretty, pink, soft lips–and running my hands through those beautiful white-pink, messy curls as I did so– “Do you think there is a chance that he lied to you?”

“Veeto? Yes, he lied all the time,” I said, confused at the question.

“I mean–” She walked closer, and I held my breath as her hand caressed my chest. “Is it possible that your mother, actually, never sent you away?”

“That is not possible.”

“Why not?”

“Because–you do not know the things you are speaking about,” I said, taking another step back.

“I am sorry–I just–”

“It’s fine. I have to go. Have a good evening. I am next door if you need something. I hope the swaying of the ship on the sea will help you sleep.” I bowed my head and escaped through the door.

My mind was reeling. I walked the deck once, then went back into my cabin, where there were plenty of books and maps of the Misted Seas. However, I tried, and failed in my attempt to read them.