Page 23 of Tangled Sails

“Not a problem, but shouldn’t you be looking for a way to get her home?” she asked gently.

I gestured to Lyri, who looked up to where the gardener pointed at the branches of a tree, probably looking for a bird. Her smile was so wide, I could not imagine it getting any bigger. “Does she look like someone who is missing her home?”

“That does not mean no one is missing her.”

The thought of her aunt filled my chest with hot anger. “They are not my concern. She is. And until she gives me some indication that she wishes to return to wherever she came from, I certainly won’t be the one to push her away.”

“You like her.”

“I do.”

My mother rested her hand on my arm, pulling my gaze to meet hers. “Is it more than that?”

“What? Of course not. I haven’t even had time to get to know her.” I’d been too busy trying to find Melody. Each evening, I’d taken my small boat and gone out on the water, hoping to catch a glimpse of her, just like I’d been doing for the past several weeks. With my father’s failing health, the mystery of the mermaid who’d saved my life was the best distraction I could think of. Though, as I watched Lyri trying to coax a bird closer, I had to admit that she was a close second. “There is nothing more, I assure you.”

“Then why are you staring at her?”

I sighed. “She fascinates me,” I admitted, knowing I couldn’t lie to my mother. “I won’t pretend otherwise, but that doesn’t mean I truly know her.” I stopped speaking, my own words slapping me in the face. Was I talking about Lyri? Or was I talking about Melody?

“She’s a sweet girl, Tav, and I see the appeal, but if you are going to spend time with a young woman, she should at least be a suitable one.”

I swallowed, uncomfortable with the mere suggestion of not spending time with her, which was disconcerting in and of itself. “I thought you would enjoy having Lyri here. You’re always lamenting your lack of a daughter.”

“Yes, but what I and this kingdom need is an actual daughter.”

I bit my tongue, hoping she wasn’t going to say what I suspected she would.

“Someone like Princess Saria.”

A frustrated sigh burst past my teeth. “Not you too. I am not on the hunt for a wife.”

“I know it’s not ideal, but you must take this visit seriously. Promise me that you will honestly consider Princess Saria as an option.”

“I can’t think about entertaining a young lady right now.”

“Then stop giving the entire kingdom reason to think that you are.”

The undertone of accusation gave me pause. “What are you talking about? I’m not the one who invited Her Highness here.”

“I’m not speaking of Princess Saria.” She lifted her brow and then looked pointedly toward the window.

“You’re talking about Lyrielle?”

“Of course I am.” Her voice snapped with impatience. “People talk, Tavric, especially about you. And having a young woman here as your guest, a woman whose origins we don’t even know, is—”

“I know her origins,” I blurted, interrupting her.

She raised one elegant brow in a challenge. “Do tell.”

I cursed myself, realizing there was no going back now. If I wanted Lyri to stay, I had to give my mother a reason to continue welcoming her, so I reached into my pocket and pulled out the necklace Martin had given me. “This belongs to her,” I told my mother as I handed it over.

Her face showed confusion, which quickly turned to curiosity, as she took the pendant in hand and studied it. Then her eyes widened and a short gasp sounded between us. “Is this what I think it is?”

I swallowed, unprepared for this conversation even though I’d dangled the bait like an impulsive fool. “What do you think it is?”

She narrowed her eyes at me. “Do not act ignorant, Tavric. I can see by your face that you know exactly what I mean.” She was silent, waiting for me to speak, but I didn’t. She lifted the hand that held the necklace and let it sway in front of my face. “She’s royalty?”

I sighed. “I don’t know, Mama. I don’t recognize the crest. Do you? Perhaps it’s from an old family who died out, and that necklace is just an antiquated relic now.”