Of Poseidon 02: Of Triton

give you some anitbiotics for that, too, in case you have an underlying infection I’m not seeing.”
    “Will anti-buttocks close up the hole?”
    Dr. Milligan gives her a smile brimming with pity. “I’m afraid not.”
    Awkwardness creeps into the room and spreads like a vapor. We’re all thinking our own thoughts, and we’re all staring at Rayna while we do it.
    Apparently Dr. Milligan’s thoughts get the better of him. “Emma, why on earth would your mother chloroform yourself and Rayna?”
    Rachel fluffs her hair and pulls it to one side in a very Italian, very flirty way. “Oh, Dr. Milligan. Have we got some juicy gossip for you.”

12

    THE POSEIDON Trackers bow to Galen as he passes them at the entrance of the cave. He nods an acknowledgment and continues on his way. When he reaches Nalia’s chamber, the two Triton Trackers keeping guard move to block him from entering. Everyone has gone mad . Six months ago, a Tracker wouldn’t dare stall him from going anywhere.
    Besides all that, he wonders what Emma would say if she found out he allowed her mother to be imprisoned in her own territory. But Grom and Antonis both agree that this is best, to show cooperation and to show respect for the traditions of the Law. That being inconvenienced now is for the greater good later.
    Galen is not entirely convinced that any greater good looms in their future.
    Galen holds up the string of dead fish in his hand. “I’ve come to give Her Majesty food.”
    “The newcomer is well fed, Highness. She is not in need of more food.”
    Galen shakes his head. Before, no one would have dared to deny his request. Not to mention that these Trackers are too young to even know whether Nalia is a newcomer or the true Poseidon heir. Like Galen, they were born after she disappeared and therefore have never sensed her until her reappearance.
    Which means they are relying upon information told to them. Fed to them by Jagen and Romul. Grom is right. Solid food is for mature ones. Not young fools like these.
    Under the circumstances, Galen cannot afford to be charitable to insolent tadpoles. To show any kind of weakness right now would be a mistake. Cooperation, yes. Weakness, no. The questions Jagen and Romul have raised delve deeper than the identity of Nalia. They are questioning whether or not the Royals can be trusted. Whether or not the Royals are fit to rule.
    Galen makes what Emma calls his “or else” face. “I’m not asking, Tracker. Move aside.”
    This seems to unnerve the young guard. His face falls. “We … We were told to allow no visitors, Highness, aside from King Antonis.”
    “Antonis or Grom has forbidden me to visit? I find that unlikely.” He dares them with his eyes to name Jagen or Romul. They get the point: Royals are still Royals. Royals are still to be obeyed. The Trackers move aside and bow.
    Galen finds Nalia gliding along the cavern walls, muttering to herself. Though he knows she’s sensed him for some time, and maybe even heard his conversation with the Trackers, she only looks up when Galen speaks. “I’ve brought you some fish,” he says.
    She crosses her arms. “Why hasn’t Grom come for me?”
    Galen steals a quick glance back at the guards. “Surely you remember attacking his new mate?” He’s certain that if she had her human legs, she would stomp her foot at that moment. But Grom is doing the right thing. Keeping the peace, and showing objectivity by allowing Nalia to be detained until her identity is decided upon. As far as everyone is concerned, she is a newcomer who has assaulted the Triton queen. Until she is proven to be the Poseidon heir, Jagen has announced her a threat to his daughter’s safety.
    This is why Galen is glad the throne has fallen to Grom. If Emma were imprisoned, he’d have already gone mad, done something drastic and reckless. If things get worse, he still might. Grom is still too euphoric to see the depths of what is happening here. Antonis, too, it seems.
    Galen’s heart aches for them both.
    “Stop calling her his mate. And she’s lucky she brought that many protectors with her. And she’s lucky I didn’t have my lionfish—”
    Galen holds out the fish again. “You should really eat.” Right now what Nalia says is treason. Paca is still a Triton queen at the moment. Everything she says can be used against her at the tribunal. And Galen has no doubt the Trackers outside have been instructed to listen intently.
    She turns away from him.