In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens (most motivational books txt) 📕

“Good. I was worried. I don’t know what she asked of you. What you had to do.”

Tal bit his lip. “I may have doomed my descendants. I gave her my blood.”

“Tal—”

“I’m sorry. I… I couldn’t let you go. Not when there was a chance. I know you didn’t want me to interfere. I know giving her my blood was reckless. But, Athlen, I—”

Athlen grabbed the front of Tal’s shirt with his hand and tugged him down into the surf. Tal toppled easily, falling to his back as the waves rolled over his feet and legs. Athlen hovered over him, his tail a gold-and-red arch. He cupped Tal’s cheek in his webbed hand, then pressed his mouth to Tal’s in a tender kiss.

“You’re my beloved,” Athlen said, his voice a vibration against Tal’s lips.

“And you’re mine.”

They kissed, and kissed, and Tal would’ve thought it a fairy tale if not for the sand in his collar, and the water in his boots, and the ache of his body. But he wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

“I think I lost the shark’s tooth,” Tal said when they broke for breath.

“I’ll find you another.” Athlen bumped his nose to Tal’s. “I’ll find you a thousand if that’s what you want.”

“One will do.”

Athlen laughed and kissed him again.

Tal sank into it—happy, loved, and unafraid.

20

Are you nervous, Tally?”

Tal stiffened. He ran a hand through his hair. Athlen tsked and smoothed it down with his hand. “No. Should I be nervous? Are you nervous?”

“I’m not nervous,” Kest said, though his constant straightening of his waistcoat and the fiddling with his buttons belied his statement. He blew out a breath. “I’m not nervous.”

Athlen peeked around the curtain that separated them from the crowd. “Oh! There’s Dara!” he said with a smile. “And a lot of other people wearing so many different colors.”

“The colors of their kingdoms,” Tal said. His hands shook. Despite being integral to the planning of the whole event, and asserting when and how he wanted to make his speech, he was still nervous. He’d not had the experiences his siblings had, and this was his first foray into public politics. But he was certain that announcing himself and revealing his magic was the right thing, and he’d been adamant that he’d speak for himself and not hide behind his mother or sister. However, all the planning and the assertions didn’t mean he wasn’t anxious. “Ambassadors from the entire continent are out there, and a few of the islands sent representatives as well.”

“Well, you invited them all,” Kest said with a smirk. “I would’ve been fine with a small wedding.”

Athlen took Tal’s hand and squeezed. “They’re here to meet you.”

“To test me,” Tal sighed. He rolled his tense shoulders. “To speak with me,” he amended. “I’m sure they’ll have questions, and they’ll want assurances. Maybe even demonstrations.”

Kest gripped Tal’s shoulder. “We’ll all be with you. It’s a good thing, Tally. You’ll be fine. And there are guards everywhere. Also, you’re made of fire. No one will try anything in the home of the last great mage.”

“Not great,” Tal said under his breath. “Not yet. Still learning.”

Kest poked his finger into Tal’s chest. “The mage who bargained with the sea witch and lived and is betrothed to the last merman. They’re intrigued more than frightened. Trust me.”

“I do trust you. I’m just—”

“Nervous?” Athlen smiled. “You’ll be wonderful, Tal,” he said, allowing the curtain to fall back into place. He kissed Tal’s cheek. Tal’s signet ring glinted in the light, nestled against the fine cloth of Athlen’s shirt. Athlen wiggled his toes against the stone. “Do you want to practice again?”

“Maybe the ending?”

“Go on.”

Tal pressed his fingertips to the new shark’s tooth hanging from a cord below his collarbones, then cleared his throat. “I was naïve when I left on my coming-of-age tour of my kingdom, scared to be myself, afraid that my family and the people of our kingdom couldn’t accept the dichotomy of me, but I’m not afraid anymore. My character is strong. My family is with me. My magic is powerful. I’ve found someone who loves me for all my parts, not despite them. And I am ready to be a part of the world.” Tal rolled his shoulders. “And then I’ll light all the torches and candles.”

“Don’t light anything on fire, if you please,” Kest said. “Not on my wedding day, thank you.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Hey!” Garrett whispered, sneaking in the back door of the waiting area. “I tried to keep her out, but she wouldn’t listen to me.”

“Move out of the way, Commander.” Shay shouldered her way through the door, her dress trailing behind her, getting caught in the hinge.

“Shay!” Isa hissed. “Will you stop? You’re ruining your train.”

Corrie appeared as well. “Do you have your bouquet, Shay? I can’t find it in the dressing room.”

“Shay, it’s bad luck for Kest to see you before the ceremony.” Garrett attempted to squeeze between Shay and Kest to block their view. “You shouldn’t be back here.”

Shay swatted Garrett with her flowers. “Commander, I say this with utmost respect, but mind your own business. Now, move. I want to see my future husband. He’s nervous.”

“I’m not nervous!”

“Tal is the one who is nervous,” Athlen corrected.

All their heads swiveled in his direction, and Tal rolled his eyes. “Beloved,” he said, “that was not necessary.”

Athlen grinned. “They’re your family. They love you. They’re concerned.”

“You’re a little green, Tally. You’re not going to throw up, are you? Should we make the front row move?” Garrett elbowed him. Tal narrowed his eyes.

“Is everyone in here?” Emerick squeezed in through the door. He gave Tal a wide-eyed look, still slightly skittish around him, not accustomed to magic brothers-in-law yet. Emerick had been living in the castle for the past few months and was easing into their lives. “The queen is looking for all of you.”

“Dearest, this is a momentous occasion, and we’re all enjoying it. Mother can wait a few more minutes.”

“I’ll let