‘No. If she were an orca then maybe, if she were aggressive.’Neacel sounded just as giddy as Rory felt. Perhaps he was considering the same idea.‘But humpbacks are very peaceful. It would be an atrocity to hurt one.’
‘Good.’
Rory sang a note of appreciation to their new allies. Acha swam a trail around the leatherback while the whale motherhummed her accord with the plan. Together, they all turned toward the palace.
Rory flexed his spines. ‘Let’s crash a wedding.’
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Fionn waited in total darkness in the wings of the throne room. He was blindfolded, floating in a sitting position with his hands clasped demurely in his lap like a good little prince awaiting his fate.
He hadn’t been allowed to see or speak to anyone before the blindfold was secured tightly around his head. Not even Brudus or Drostan, who he was told were already at their places by the throne. Only the Court Shaman and two guards had been present to help him with his preparation. Then the guards were instructed to hold the kelp curtain around him while he was escorted into the throne room.
There’d been barely a ripple of acknowledgment at his entrance. Despite his despondency, Fionn had hoped for at least a little more pomp and ceremony in his farewell. Something to show that his family cared.
Instead it turned out to be a cold affair. He overheard an exchange between the Shaman and a coarse, hissing voice that Fionn presumed to be the Redfolk ambassador. The Redfolk was admonishing the Shaman for presenting Fionn at such a late hour. The Red King did not like to be kept waiting, apparently.
‘I shall summon my king and his assembly,’ the slithery voice announced.
The tinkling of clam bells and clacking of cockle castanets filled the hall. A gentle whirlpool current took hold of the water,swirling around the congregation to lead to a point opposite the throne. Although Fionn couldn’t see this, he felt the rush of movement as the whirlpool portal opened. Warm water flooded into their cold ocean, hinting at the fae climate beyond.
A small crowd of bodies pushed this current of warmth further into the throne room. Fionn’s skin prickled at the sensation. He guessed the Redfolk would have brought a similar-sized contingent as their Bluefolk welcome party. It likely consisted of the royal family of the betrothed, some noble officials, and almost certainly a band of bodyguards.
‘Hail, and well met, brothers of the Silver Ocean,’ said the Blue King, rising to Fionn’s left. ‘Peace to all your kin.’
One of the Redfolk responded in a deep, growling song that put Fionn in mind of a predator. ‘Well met, brothers of the Green Sea. Peace to all your kin.’
That was surely the Red King, Rhiath.
There was a pregnant pause in which Fionn imagined the two parties sizing each other up. The Blue King broke it first. ‘I do not see my brother among you. How does he fare?’
Fionn struggled to gauge his father’s tone. It was flat, devoid of any offence, yet it seemed to hold a barb.
‘He is in good health,’ the growling Red King answered. ‘He has borne three children to my nephew’s line.’
‘I was promised we would see him on this occasion.’ Now the Blue King’s voice became terse. ‘I would like more than letters to prove that Drest is living well.’
‘Do you not trust us?’ There was a smug lilt to the Red King’s reply. ‘I assure you, he has remained home on personal business. He shall write you another letter shortly.’
Fionn’s father didn’t respond. The silence stretched out for an uncomfortably long time. Fionn fought to keep from inclining his head in his father’s direction. Drest’s name was hardly ever mentioned in the palace. As First Prince of his generation, he’dbeen married off before Fionn was born. It had never occurred to Fionn whether the king ever worried about his older brother at all.
Fionn couldn’t read the mood of the room. None of this was right. The prolonged hush was disturbing. Where were the rambling speeches they’d rehearsed? Surely the Redfolk would be insulted if this standoff went on any longer. Someone had to do something.
The water began to taste foul.
‘Hail, brothers,’ Fionn found himself announcing, completely breaking protocol. ‘We’re honoured by your kinship and ready to re-seal the bond of loyalty today.’
He grimaced at the lie, glad they couldn’t see his expression beyond the curtain. Still, Fionn kept his back straight as he sensed the attention of the room turn on him.
Perhaps there was a sneer in the answering Redfolk growl. ‘You have a good son, King Aonghas. I am sure he will do your family proud.’
‘Get on with it,’ the Blue King snapped back, making Fionn flinch. He’d never heard his father speak in anger; only aloof disinterest or cold disappointment. ‘We shall all be glad to see the back of this day.’
Fionn’s throat tightened. Could he not wait to be rid of him?
‘Bring your prince forth,’ drawled the Red King.
Two bodies appeared at Fionn’s sides. Gentle hands reached beyond the curtain to guide him forward.
