Page 70 of Mermaid on Heels
“Exactly,” he confirmed with a nod. “Not many people in the castle—although they know of its existence—aren’t allowed to go in there. Nor do they know where it is located. I’ve personally never taken anyone in there—like I told you yesterday, you were the first and only one. So—”
“Luke,” she interrupted him gently, her own eyes softening. “I appreciate it so much. And I understand how important it is to you, so you do not have to tell me—”
“Oh Liriya, you are more important to me than that garden,” Luke cut her off with a small grin. “And you’re the only one I want to have the access to it, apart from my family and I; you’ll know why when we reach the center of the maze; that is where your surprise is. You can come in here whenever you want, bring your sisters with you; just don’t tell the others. It will be our secret.”
“And what if I get lost?”
“You won’t get lost, my dear Liriya.”
Liriya fought her smile at that. “Okay then, if you trust me—”
“I trust you.”
Liriya lost her breath at the earnestness and intensity swimming together in his ocean-blue eyes so that she couldn’t help her next words. “And I trust you.”
“I know.” He squeezed her hand. “Now, let’s go.”
Luke led her further inside the maze, and Liriya admitted herself that itdidlook scary to have towering walls surrounding you, with no glimpse of the world other than the sky—which wasn’t really helpful.
There were lanterns hanging from the branches above, lighting their path, and Luke told her that they were enchanted. The maze itself was enchanted. The hedges needn’t be trimmed or maintained to keep the maze’s design sharp and clear.
Then Luke revealed her the key to navigate through the maze, and Liriya was amazed.
All one had to do was take the same direction; a right turn at every intersection. She didn’t believe it easily, because it sounded so effortless and in contrast with the stories of people getting lost in labyrinths.
Until their pathway widened into an opening.
Luke’s surprise awaited her there; a majestic fountain nestled amid the lush garden—although, Liriya wouldn’t have known itwasa fountain if she hadn’t seen one in the square of Delkaria marketplace before.
However, that one was absolutely nothing in comparison to this.
The fountain’s base was a massive stone pedestal, intricately carved with depictions of ocean waves, seaweed, and playful dolphins that frolicked amidst the sculpted currents. At the fountain’s pinnacle, rising from the shimmering pool of water, was the most breathtaking sight.
A colossal mermaid statue, carved from the finest alabaster, extended her elegant form towards the heavens. Her tail curled gracefully beneath her, mimicking the gentle curve of a seashell. Her long, flowing tresses of stone caught the moonlight and shimmered like liquid silver. Her eyes, masterfully sculpted, held a hauntingly lifelike quality, as if they might blink at any moment.
In her arms, the mermaid cradled an iridescent seashell that served as a basin for the water. From this shell, a steady cascade of water poured forth in a mesmerizing display, splashing melodiously into the pool below.
Liriya gripped Luke’s arm with her other hand. She couldn’t believe her eyes. What was she seeing?
A mermaid plucked from the depths of the ocean and frozen in time as a guardian spirit of the garden? The moonlight played on her alabaster form, casting subtle shadows that seemed to make her come alive.
“Luke…”
“I know, but it’s not what you think it is. It is a statue, carved out of stone. It’s perfectly lifeless.” A twinge of amusement threaded his words.
“But… how is it possible?” Liriya’s voice was barely audible as she stared breathlessly at the statue, entranced by it.
“My father had it made for my mother as a gift for their second anniversary. He hired the most talented sculptor in the entire continent to make this, and Mother was…” Luke laughed softly with a shake of his head. “Father used to say that she almost cried when she saw it. She even thought it was a real mermaid who turned to stone or ice or something.”
“So you are saying it is not?”
“Of course, it’s not.” Luke looked at her in disbelief. “What? You thought I, or whoever placed it here, was a monster at heart to even…” He paused and shook his head as if he couldn’t even bear the thought of it. “You’re unbelievable, Liriya.”
“No, I… I didn’t mean… I just…” Liriya stumbled on her words and tore her gaze from the mermaid to him. “I am so sorry. Please do not be offended, I know you would not do such a thing, or your father. I know you will not tolerate it if it happened for real. I—”
“Liriya,” he called her gently, clasping a hand on hers that was clutching on his arm. “I’m not offended. But you, my dear, look like you’re going to catch a fit.”
“I am alright.” Liriya released her death grip from him and took several deep breaths. “I am alright. I just—ohblame the sculptor for making this statue look so drastically lifelike!” She forced a laugh to assure Luke that she was all right. She didn’t want him to be upset that his surprise frightened her.