SWNOVELS Rescued By The Merman: Chapter 12
As I make my way back to the shore, I find Gerold waiting for me beside my chair. I smile to myself when I feel the barest hint of Errik’s fin brush against my arm. He thinks I don’t know that he always escorts me back to the shore.
I sigh in frustration. I cannot believe I almost kissed him. I have to protect my heart. Errik and I cannot be together. It would never work.
And yet… I cannot stay away from him, and I certainly can’t stop thinking of him.
A small splash draws my attention and I see his tail emerge from the water and then disappear as he dives back beneath the surface.
Gerold must notice it too because when he helps me into my chair, he arches a brow. “Was that a Mer tail I saw just now?”
“Yes. His name is Errik. He’s been swimming with me.”
“Errik,” he repeats the name to himself as if committing it to memory. “Is this your mysterious Merman that rescued you?” he asks teasingly.
I laugh. “Actually, he is.”
Gerold’s expression falls. “Well, why have I not met him yet? I would like to thank him for saving my dear sister.”
“His people know that many of ours are afraid of them. So, they try to avoid us… for the most part.”
“Understandable,” he murmurs. His gaze slides to mine. “I have news to share with you.”
“What is it?”
“King Henrick will be arriving soon. He is coming to meet with you. To see if you might be agreeable to marrying him.”
I turn to my brother. “Does he know I’m still unable to walk?”
Gerold nods.
“And… he still wants to marry me?”
“Yes.”
I blink at Gerold, stunned.
He takes my hand. “Not everyone is shallow like Prince Edwyrd.”
I give him a faint smile.
He continues. “Remember: you do not have to marry King Henrick if you do not wish. But… it would not hurt to meet with him. If nothing else, perhaps he could become an ally. Besides being known for how cold it is there, his kingdom is also known for its wealth.”
I swallow thickly and allow my gaze to sweep over our city as Gerold pushes my chair up the path back to the castle. Everywhere there is still evidence of the damage wrought by the dragon. Our people work tirelessly to rebuild, but our coffers are low. A marriage to Henrick would be a boon to our kingdom.
It would also help us to fortify our defenses. It is known far and wide that our city has suffered greatly. Gerold is constantly worried about the threat of pirates.
When I reach my room, I wheel myself out to the balcony overlooking the sea. I cast my gaze out to the water. Silver moonlight shines down upon the waves, casting shimmering reflections across the surface. The crisp saline breeze blows gently through my hair, and I sigh heavily as my thoughts turn to Errik.
I wish I were Mer or that he was human. I almost kissed him today. I certainly wanted to. But we’re too different, he and I. A Mer and a human cannot be together. Not like that anyway. Besides… why would he want me? Errik is the most handsome man I’ve ever seen; I’m sure he could have his pick of beautiful mermaids.
I know it would be impossible between us, but I cannot help but dream.