Page 23 of Entangled

“Why not? Afraid of hearing the truth?”

“I told you, I’m not afraid of anything. Especially not you!” He opened the door and started to step out, but stopped. He turned and headed back into the room. For a minute, she thought he was coming back to her. To either kiss her again or mayhap slap her, she wasn’t sure which. But he walked right past her without even slowing, only stopping when he got to the bed.

“You’re never getting this back.” Sebastian scooped up the shell charm from the bed and dropped it back into the pouch at his side. Then he continued to make his way back to the door. He stopped and spoke to her without turning his head to see her. “I’m locking the door and posting a guard so don’t get any smart ideas.” Then he finally turned his head ever so slowly, his eyes scaring her by their intensity. His loving or lustful gaze was gone. Now his eyes were filled with anger and revenge.

“Why are you looking at me that way?” she asked in a mere whisper.

“You, sea nymph, are never leaving Macada Castle, so just forget about ever going home.”

Sebastian hurried down to the great hall, motioning for his advisor and his captain of the guard to join him at the dais.

“What is it, my king?” asked Farrimond.

“I thought you’d already retired for the evening,” said Drell. “Is there something I can do for you?”

Farrimond had a tankard of ale in his hand. Sebastian ripped it away from him and took a long drink, throwing the metal cup to the side. “What kind of king do you two see me as?”

Drell and Farrimond exchanged glances. “My lord? I’m afraid we don’t understand the question,” said Drell, seeming reluctant to answer.

“You know exactly what I mean. Am I a strong king like my uncle was when he ruled?”

“I’m afraid you can’t compare the two of you.” Farrimond looked to the ground and shifted his weight, saying no more.

“You two think I am weak. Don’t you?” Neither of them answered and that only made Sebastian even more furious. “Answer me!” he yelled, getting the attention of every man in the great hall.

“You know I only hold the highest regards for you, my lord,” said Drell. “However, you don’t seem to listen to my advice the way your uncle did. That, I’m sorry to say, does seem a little reckless.”

“Reckless?” He looked at his head soldier next. “What about you, Farrimond? How do you see me?”

“Permission to speak freely, my lord?”

“Of course, you fool! I asked a question, now give me your answer.”

“As a soldier, you were fearless. Very strong with a blade in your hand. You fought to the bitter end and took orders well from your king. I’d say you were the perfect soldier.”

“And now? Now that I’m king?” asked Sebastian, pressing the man to answer his question.

“Well, you don’t seem to want to fight anymore.” Farrimond’s eyes flashed up and then back to the ground.

“What does that mean?” asked Sebastian. “Of course, I do. I just haven’t had an opportunity to do so yet, that’s all.”

“I think having that damned elf and the bothersome Blackseed brothers right here in your courtyard was the perfect opportunity for a battle, yet you didn’t take it. My lord,” Drell quickly added the last part, probably trying to sound respectful, even though to Sebastian it seemed as if the man were chastising him instead.

“Battle? On what grounds?” he asked. “They didn’t do anything to threaten me. They only asked about the sea nymph, that’s all.”

“The elf did manifest a cleaver,” Farrimond mumbled.

“They want the sea nymph, and won’t stop until they get her,” Drell explained. “If I were you, my king, I’d storm their castle right away.Take their two sea nymphs instead. Do it, before you discover they’ve stolen yours from right under your nose.”

“And you know they will,” added Farrimond, nodding.

“Do you really believe they will do that?” Sebastian asked his men.They both nodded. Perhaps Sebastian should listen to them after all. They had many years of experience between them, yet he was new at being king and truly had a lot to learn.

“They won’t have a chance to steal my sea nymph because I won’t let them,” he told them, shaking his head.

“You…won’t?” asked Farrimond, exchanging glances with Sebastian’s advisor.

“Why not?” asked Drell.