Page 73 of In Rising Tides

“We’re going to do your hair,” Lorelai said, and lifted the gown. “And dress you for the ceremony.”

Lyra glanced down at the lilac kylix she wore for her breakfast with Drystan. It was simple, but also intricately embroidered with seashells and rising waves.

Lyra pointed at her kylix and then made a confused face.

“They’re not appropriate for ceremonies. Mermaids are to be covered in a way that does not attract the male gaze,” Ondine answered with a sneer.

Lorelai gaped at Ondine’s harsh tone before snapping her mouth shut.

But Ondine’s clear distaste for Lyra was not surprising. Seraphina wasn’t exactly a friend anymore.

Lyra rose from bed, throwing back the blankets before floating to the vanity to take a seat. She sat with a wince.

Ondine and Lorelai tugged the white dress over Lyra’s head, careful around the collar, and then fastened the buttons that stretched all the way down the back.

The sleeves ballooned out, giving the illusion of a bell. It covered her completely from shoulder to wrist, and her neck down to the tips of her fins. It reminded her of a mortal dress but more sterile, like some kind of religious figure.

Lyra glared at the amount of fabric before meeting Lorelai’s eyes in the mirror.

Lorelai’s lips pressed into a thin line. “It will be uncomfortable at first. But the Tidal Master requires it.”

Ondine smiled a happy, satisfied smile at Lyra’s obvious discomfort. “It is wonderful what he has done for us all,” she mused.

Lorelai’s hands stilled for a heartbeat before Ondine continued on. “The ceremonies are now held once a week to observe the tides. Modesty has been restored, and those who don’t observe the olde ways are punished—as they should be.”

She spoke with the kind of vigor that Lyra would have about her favorite book. But it was Ondine’s words that had little bells ringing in Lyra’s ears.

Modesty has returned?

Since when had it left?

Olde ways? Punishment?

Lyra met Lorelai’s gaze in the mirror and tilted her head just a fraction.

“Our princess has been gone and does not know of all the new changes, Ondine.”

Ondine beamed. “I would be happy to explain, of course. Aegir has heard the word of our god. He is the mouthpiece, and we must listen. Even as females, we should sing Ennosidas’ praises!”

Lyra pressed her lips into a thin line to keep from reacting with disgust.

“It’s because we haven’t that we have been punished,” Ondine muttered. “Lorelai’s parents were killed in the earthquake, as were many others. It is our judgement.”

Lorelai trembled as she continued working. Lyra understood now why she had chosen not to explain these new ways to her—she was in pain.

“My own parents were beheaded. All my siblings serve the crown or Aegir in some fashion now for repentance. As we should.” Ondine nodded in an appreciative way.

Lyra stilled, not having expected that answer. Her parents were murdered, and she gladly served the people who had done it?

It grew quiet, and Lyra pondered the direction this conversation had taken.

Religion was already a tricky beast to face.

It preyed on the poor and gave righteous conviction to the powerful. They wielded it as a sword against all who stood against them and their power. Trying to refute their claims was impossible.

People never liked to be proven wrong and would cling to their beliefs despite facts rather than face their own falsehoods.

The tugging on her scalp increased as Ondine and Lorelai twisted the braids up into a large bun. Her face was pulled tight as they placed the pins.