The Mermaids Madness

with only slightly less speed. The familiar salty mist of the sea sprinkled her skin, and the gulls cried out in greeting.
    Prince Varisto stood waiting at the end of the dock. He met her with a slight bow, which Danielle returned.
    “I didn’t expect to find you still here,” Danielle said.
    Varisto shrugged. “I’m aware of your plans, Princess. As prince of Hilad, I thought you might want to ask my permission before invading my nation a second time.”
    “You’ve been in touch with your father?” Danielle watched him closely, but his face was stone. “The emperor still refuses to grant permission for any ship to encroach on Hiladi waters.”
    Varisto watched as Snow stepped lightly from the carriage. “My father’s priorities . . . do not match my own. Were you to sail with an escort, one captained by a Hiladi noble, he could hardly object. Lirea knows me and my ship. My presence will assure your safety.”
    Talia helped the queen down, while the king assisted from within the carriage. Once Bea was down, the king passed her a polished black cane. Beatrice held both the cane and Talia’s arm for support. “Your ship would never keep up, I’m afraid.”
    Varisto stared at the Phillipa . “So instead you will take a single ship against Morveren and her air spirits? A ship that has already endured at least two attacks, to my knowledge? I’m amazed she still floats.”
    “My ship heals quickly, Prince Varisto.” Beatrice waved to Captain Hephyra.
    “Then let me join you on your ship,” Varisto said again.
    King Theodore stepped out and studied Varisto. “I’ve spent much of the night trying to negotiate with your father. You would defy his wishes?”
    “It’s my duty, both as a prince and as a brother, and—” He blushed and turned away.
    “What is it?” Danielle asked.
    Varisto shook his head. “Gustan was always the better warrior. Not once was I allowed to forget that fact. All my life I dreamed that one day I would be the one to come to his rescue.”
    Theodore’s mouth remained set, but Danielle thought she saw his eyes wrinkle with what could have been amusement. He glanced at the queen, who nodded. To Varisto, he said, “As you say, it would be improper for Lorindar to invade your nation again without permission.”
    “Thank you.” Varisto’s lips tightened into a smile. “And when I see my brother again in the next life, I plan to make sure he knows exactly how his little brother had to save him.”

    Danielle found Captain Hephyra waiting at the top of the ladder when she boarded the Phillipa . The dryad held a thick cudgel in one hand, and her eyes were a darker green than Danielle remembered.
    “I remember that one,” Hephyra said, jabbing her weapon at Varisto. “That’s the bastard who attacked my ship, may lightning split his mainmast. What in the name of the king’s right ball is he—”
    “He’s here as my guest,” Beatrice said. She climbed slowly, using both hands to pull herself up each rung. Talia and Snow climbed behind, ready to catch her should she fall, but Beatrice made it without help. She took her cane from Talia, then stepped toward Hephyra. “I trust you’ll treat him with the same care and respect you would me.”
    “But he—”
    Beatrice rapped her cane against the deck. “Is my ship ready?”
    “He attacked my—”
    “We’re in a hurry, Captain,” Bea said.
    Hephyra threw up her hands. “The rudder’s repaired. She’s not stocked for a long voyage, but we’ve managed to load some basic supplies, including four barrels of guts for the princess’ shark friends. As long as you don’t plan to stay at sea for more than a few days, we can cast off any time you’re ready.”
    Varisto ran a hand along the rail, then grimaced. He used his teeth to pull a splinter from his palm. Hephyra lowered her head, smiling slightly before turning away.
    Danielle tossed a line down to Lannadae, who was swimming beside the ship. “It’s time!”
    “Let me swim for a while,” the mermaid shouted. “I can keep up with any human ship.”
    “Not this one.” Frail as she was, Beatrice’s smile had lost none of its mischief. She leaned heavily on her cane as she made her way to the back of the ship. Once there, she took the wheel with both hands. Some of her pain seemed to slip away. She straightened, and her breathing eased. “Captain?”
    “Anchors are raised, Your Majesty,” said Hephyra. If she resented Beatrice’s mastery of her ship, she