Free Damarian (A Merman's Kiss Novel) by Dee J. Stone Page A

a moment, I fear it is Father and prepare myself for the harsh words I know he will send my way, but my body relaxes when my brother Kiander appears in the entryway.
    “Damarian,” he says.
    “Brother, why are you awake at this hour?”
    He enters my room and floats before me. “I could not sleep. I saw you arrive.”
    I study him for a few moments, wondering what troublesome thoughts he carries that inhibit him from having a restful sleep. Though he is only twelve moons my junior, I am not extremely close to him. He and I share many of the same features, such as our noses and shape of our eyes, which we have inherited from Father. I am taller than him, and my shoulders are broader.
    “What troubles you?” I ask.
    “Where have you been?”
    “It does not matter where I have been. What troubles you?”
    He shrugs, turning away from me. “That does not matter. I wish to know where you have been all day.”
    “Brother—”
    He turns around. “It is not becoming for you to disappear in such a manner! Father grows upset. Mother worries. Zarya worries as well. We could not sense you. We…” His voice wavers. “I was worried you were injured.”
    I move closer and hold out my hand. “Kiander—”
    “I understand you enjoy exploring. But you cannot travel so far from home. Father states the humans venture deeper into the ocean in their ridiculous vessels. The king and queen worry one day they will build a vessel strong enough to break through our barriers.”
    I am at his side and place my hand on his shoulder. “The humans will never invade our home. You have no need to worry over that.” I gently squeeze his shoulder and smile. “It is not necessary for you to entertain such thoughts, for it is the duty of the king and queen to ascertain that the children of the sea are well protected.” I swallow. “It shall be my duty. And I promise you we will be safe.”
    Kiander does not utter a word. He merely stares down at the sea floor. Then he swims toward the exit. Before he leaves, he looks back at me. “I do not want you to get injured.”
    “I will not, Brother. I assure you I will not.”
    He gives me a small smile before heading to his room. I wish he didn’t worry so. He has always behaved in this manner. Syd shares many of the same qualities as Kiander, how they burden themselves with manners they need not be bothered with, and how they easily grasp problems many do not realize. Once I become king, all the troubles will fall on my shoulders. Mine and Princess Flora’s.
    The princess. My mate. Now that I am back in the sea, I have returned to the reality of my life. It causes my stomach to twist in an uncomfortable manner.
    ***
    As my body stirs from its slumber, I feel someone in my arms. My eyes shoot open and stare down at Zarya nestled on my chest. She lies above my seaweed, clearly not comfortable. I move the seaweed aside and attempt to stretch them over her, but my actions cause her to awaken.
    She blinks at me. “Dammy?”
    I shift the seaweed to cover her. “Go back to sleep, Zarya. I apologize for waking you.”
    “But it is morning and I have already woken.”
    She is quite energetic in the mornings. Normally it does not bother me, but I am extremely exhausted. Perhaps the shift from child of the sea to human, and human to child of the sea has exhausted my body.
    “You have gone exploring again without me!” She pouts.
    I stroke the top of her head. “I apologize. I shall ask Father if I may take you with me tomorrow.”
    She beams. “Thank you!” She leaps out of my shell and does a small somersault. “Wait until I inform Syd and Syndin! They will be so envious.” She dashes out. It is not long before I hear her announce the news to the family.
    Then I hear Father’s voice, and trepidation enters me. I do not wish to meet his wrath. I am certain he is quite enraged with me. But I suppose there is no use in prolonging this. He and Mother must be aware that I have returned home.
    Once