Damarian (A Merman's Kiss Novel) Read online

  Damarian

  By

  Dee J. Stone

  Copyright © 2016 Dee J. Stone.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any form without written permission from the author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to real life, movies, television, games, or books is entirely coincidental and was not intended by the author.

  Titles by Dee J. Stone:

  Young Adult Superhero Series:

  No Ordinary Hero (Keepers of Justice, Book 1)

  Hero’s Revenge (Keepers of Justice, Book 2)

  Hero Reborn (Keepers of Justice, Book 3)

  No Ordinary Villain (Keepers of Justice, Book 4)

  Villain’s Choice (Keepers of Justice, Book 5)

  Blue Masked Hero

  Young Adult Romance:

  Cruiser (Cruiser & Lex, Book 1)

  Second Chance (Cruiser & Lex, Book 2)

  Forever (Cruiser & Lex, Book 3)

  Cruiser & Lex: The Complete Series Box Set

  Chasing Sam

  Young Adult Paranormal:

  Emily’s Curse

  Paranormal Romance:

  Merman’s Kiss (Merman’s Kiss, Book 1)

  Merman’s Touch (Merman’s Kiss, Book 2)

  Merman’s Bond (Merman’s Kiss, Book 3)

  Merman’s Love (Merman’s Kiss, Book 4)

  Damarian (A Merman’s Kiss Novel)

  Falling for the Genie (Genie’s Love, Book 1)

  Loving the Genie (Genie’s Love, Book 2)

  Keeping the Genie (Genie’s Love, Book 3)

  Email the author at [email protected].

  For more information and updates on new releases, check out Dee J. Stone here: https://deejstone.wordpress.com. Or follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

  Damarian

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Excerpt from Falling for the Genie

  About the Author

  Author’s note:

  It is highly recommended that you read the first four books in the Merman’s Kiss series before diving into this one to avoid spoilers. Enjoy!

  Chapter One

  Eteria. The palace that is home to the royal family. And to the princess who shall soon be my mate.

  Father and Mother come to a halt near the entrance to the capital city, and Father places a firm hand on my shoulder. “Damarian, you understand the importance of this gathering.”

  I stare at the large palace that is created from many shades of sapphire crystals, some identical to the color of the scales on my tail. “Yes, Father, I understand.”

  He leans closer. “The Violets have worn the crown for far too long. It is time it returns to where it belongs.”

  He has instilled this in me since I was a fry. How the crown rightfully belongs to the Sapphire clan, to my family. How Father is the rightful king, and I the prince. How it is time I correct this by mating with Princess Flora and uniting the clans.

  Mother swims around me to rest her hands on my shoulders. She peers into my eyes in a way only a mother can. “It is understandable to feel apprehensive.” She presses her lips to my forehead. “Everything will be all right.”

  I do not feel as though there are butterflyfish in my stomach. I feel…I am not quite certain. I have visited the palace many times over the moons, as I have been betrothed to the princess since I was a fry. She and I have not seen each other in a while, and now that we have reached maturity, Father and King Palaemon have decided it is time. Still, it is not nerves I feel. I am not certain I feel anything at all.

  “Quite some time has passed,” Father states. “It is still possible King Palaemon and Queen Lamara may change their minds. You must prove that you are indeed the ideal mate for their daughter.”

  How am I to know I am the ideal mate for the princess? Because Father and the royal family have declared it?

  “We must hurry or we will be late,” I mumble.

  It appears as though Father wishes to say more, but he motions for Mother and me to follow him to the entrance to Eteria. We are nearing the palace, for I see many Violet tails and hammerhead sharks swimming about. A few ogle us. It is not common for a child of the sea who is not Violet to enter the palace, but that is not the only reason they stare. It is because they know who we are. Everyone knows who we are, or more specifically, who I am.

  A Violet member of the Guard swims before us as we approach the palace. “State your reason for visiting the palace,” he commands.

  Father slightly bows his head. “I am Syren of the Sapphire clan. I am here with my mate, Kiandra, and my son Damarian, to meet with the king, queen, and princess.”

  The Guard nods. “They are expecting you.”

  Another Violet Guard leads us into the palace. Father’s jaw tightens when he observes its interior. It is the most exquisite thing I have ever laid eyes upon. Though I have seen this place many times, I am always amazed at its beauty. Sapphire crystals, of all different shades. Not Violet, for the crown does not truly belong to their clan.

  The Violet Guard escorts us to a large room at the back of the palace, where the royal family sits on thrones made of sapphire crystals. Two large hammerhead sharks are stationed on each side. As we approach, the three of us and the Guard spread our arms over our heads and bring our palms together, lowering our heads. When my body is back to its original position, my eyes immediately land on Princess Flora’s face. I have not seen her in many moons, and she has changed significantly. Though she has always been quite pretty, she is beautiful now. Her long, brown hair flows behind her in lovely waves and her blue eyes, though identical to all the children of the sea, sparkle. On her head sits a tiara with sapphire, violet, emerald, ruby, and diamond crystals. A similar, although much larger, tiara and crown sit on her parents’ heads, though the crystals are in greater abundance.

  A feeling nestles in my stomach as she and I stare into each other’s eyes. It is not excitement or joy. It is unease. She, who is no more than twenty-four moons my junior, is to be my mate. Though she and I have shared many times together, I do not know her.

  Her eyes rake over me, from the top of my golden hair that sweeps my shoulders, down my chest, and to my sapphire tail and fin. A pleased smile appears on her face.

  King Palaemon rises off his throne and spreads out his hands. “Greetings, Syren, Kiandra, and Damarian of the Sapphire clan. My queen and daughter are pleased to receive you as our guests.”

  The three of us bow again. �
��Thank you, my king,” Father says.

  “Let us eat,” Queen Lamara says.

  Father, Mother, and I follow the royal family to another room. The princess turns her head and looks at me. I am not certain what expression lies in her eyes, and before I have a chance to discern it, she whips her head forward and continues into a room. This is where the royal family feasts. There is a large table made of sapphire crystals sitting in the center with ten crystal chairs. King Palaemon sits at the head, his wife settles on his right, and the princess takes his left.

  “Please be seated,” Queen Lamara says.

  I am set to lower myself in the chair next to Mother, when Princess Flora says, “I think it is befitting for my future mate to sit near me.”

  Though I have dined many times at Princess Flora’s side, it did not hold a significant meaning then, for we were only fry. But it is extremely different now. The purpose of this meeting is to move things in motion. The princess and I have now reached the age to mate and Father claims there is no reason to wait any longer. It is my duty to return the crown to where it rightfully belongs, even if it requires me to mate with a female I am not acquainted with. I am not certain how we lost it, but it is believed to have transpired during the battle many moons ago.

  She smiles as I sit near her, and I return it, though it feels forced. It is not my intention for it to appear that way—this is her duty as much as it is mine—but I cannot help the emptiness that lies inside me. In my heart. Would another child of the sea in my place feel overjoyed at the prospect of mating with the princess and taking the crown?

  Manta rays drift in, carrying delicacies on their backs. Father’s lips grow thin again. Manta rays only serve the royal family. We wait until the king, queen, and princess acquire a fish before reaching for our own. As soon as my teeth sink into the flesh, I cannot help but sigh in pleasure. This is the most scrumptious fish I have eaten in all my moons. I do not recognize the breed—the hunters for the royal family must have swum quite a distance to retrieve this fish. The rest of the children of the sea do not travel too far out, except for those who enjoy exploring, such as myself. But I have yet to discover such a scrumptious breed.

  Father and King Palaemon begin debating whether we should expand the border or place more sharks at the entrance to the colonies. It seems the humans have ventured too far out in their peculiar vessels that enable them to invade our sea. Mother and Queen Lamara bend close and talk about matters which interest females, such as family life. Princess Flora and I remain silent, and the only sounds are from chewing our food.

  After a few moments, the princess says, “Will you not speak to me?”

  I swallow and turn to her. “I apologize, Your Highness. I am afraid I cannot think of anything to say.”

  She reaches for another fish. “That is all right. Is there anything you would like to ask me?”

  My gaze falls to the half-eaten fish in my hand. I shall be mated to Princess Flora for all eternity, and it is time I learn all I can about her. Father would be pleased to know I am making an effort to acquaint myself with her. When I glance at him, I notice his head is bent toward the king as they whisper to one another. My heart starts to race. I am certain they are discussing the princess and me, our future.

  I turn back to her. “What interests you?”

  “Interests? Surely my people are of the upmost importance. Will they not be to you?”

  I nearly choke on my fish. “Yes—of course. But I refer to interests outside the duty of the princess, or queen. Activities you enjoy doing in privacy.”

  Her eyebrows lower toward her nose. “I am afraid I do not understand.”

  “My sister enjoys spending her days with her friends. I am not certain what they do, but they seem to enjoy themselves.”

  Her eyes drop to her fish and she takes a small bite. “I do not have friends.”

  I do not know what to say. I suppose this is normal for the heir to the crown.

  We sit in an uncomfortable silence, until Princess Flora says, “What is it that you enjoy?”

  “Exploring.”

  Her eyes narrow slightly, as though she is studying me intently. “I imagine you enjoy it very much. The expression on your face has changed.”

  “Yes, very much so.”

  She continues studying me. “I suppose it would be difficult to stop.”

  “Stop?”

  “Yes, for when you take the crown you will no longer be able to explore. It is the responsibility of the Scouts to explore the deep ocean, not the king.”

  At first, it feels as though she has slapped me across the face. But then her words sink into my mind and I realize the truth. Exploring is not terribly dangerous, for the sea is quite peaceful, but there are always threats lurking about. The threat of humans, of their wastes and traps. The threat of rogue sharks. This is the reason King Palaemon sends out a party to explore. But even if it wasn’t slightly dangerous, I doubt the kingdom would allow their king to swim around and explore.

  “You are correct, Princess.” My voice is hoarse and my gaze lowers to the fish bones before me.

  “Perhaps if you were not destined to be king, you might have joined the Scouts.”

  “Yes,” I mutter. “Perhaps.” I raise my eyes to her. “What do you suppose you would enjoy doing if you were not destined to be queen?”

  Her eyes widen in shock and surprise, as though it is absurd for one to ask her such a question.

  “I do not know,” she finally says. “This is the only life I have known.”

  I am about to respond, when a Sapphire swims into the room. It is a bit odd to see a Sapphire tail in here, other than my parents and me, for many do not visit the palace. I recognize this child as Callen, head of the Guard. King Palaemon and Queen Lamara asked him to lead the Guard when they witnessed his keen instinct and intelligence. He also shares a close, strong bond with his great white shark.

  He bows before the king and queen. “I am sorry for the interruption, but I am afraid I have pressing matters to discuss with you.”

  King Palaemon wears an irritated expression. “Is it the dolphins again?”

  “They cannot reach a conclusion on their own.”

  King Palaemon scowls. “I am afraid I must bid my guests goodbye and see to the matter. It is not pleasant to be around impatient dolphins.”

  Father does not wear a satisfied expression on his face. I gather he has not finished discussing my future with the king.

  King Palaemon presses his lips to his queen’s forehead and then his daughter’s. “Please see that our guests are seen out.”

  “The dolphins wish to meet with you personally,” Callen informs the king as they swim to the exit of the room. “They refused to speak to me.”

  The last I hear is the king sigh.

  I turn to Princess Flora. “There is trouble with the dolphins?”

  She waves her hand. “Trivial matters, not something we should fret over. They constantly ask Father to put peace between them, but when he arrives, they have already made peace on their own.” She rolls her eyes. “I suppose the responsibility shall soon fall on our shoulders.”

  I tear my gaze from hers. “Yes, I suppose it shall.”

  Chapter Two

  “Dammy?”

  I stop at the exit to the Sapphire colony and turn around to face my little sister, Zarya. She surges toward me and wraps her tail around mine. “Do you travel once again to Eteria? Will you see the princess?”

  “Why have you awakened so early?”

  She rubs her eyes. “You were quite noisy when you left.”

  I had asked Mother of the whereabouts of Father, and when she informed me he had gone to speak to King Palaemon, I had a need to leave. To make sense of my thoughts. They refused to allow me to sleep last night, and it seems they will not leave my head now, either.

  “I apologize,” I say, “but you should not have left home. You are aware Mother does not like you swimming alone.”

  She po
uts. “I am not that young.”

  “You are still a fry.” I kiss her forehead. “I will return soon, all right? Now hurry home before Mother grows worrisome.”

  She sighs. “All right. Will you tell Princess Flora hello for me?”

  I nod, my throat constricting. I do not enjoy lying to anyone, especially Zarya, but I cannot tell her where I am indeed traveling to. I trail her, and once I ascertain she has safely returned home, I leave the colony.

  The Sentinel sharks, who guard the entrance to the entire colony of the children of the sea, eye me as I head for the exit, but they do not stop me from leaving. It is their job to monitor who enters, not leaves.

  Damarian, to where do you travel?

  My swimming once again comes to a halt as the familiar voice enters my mind. When I look to my left, I see the small great white shark heading in my direction.

  You are leaving the colony? he asks. Allow me to accompany you.

  Are you not needed with the other sharks who are training as Sentinels?

  It is all right. I am still able to accompany you on your travel.

  King Palaemon assigned our family a great white shark, Vinx, many moons ago, before my siblings and I entered this world. It is customary for one shark to serve each home, unless one is a member of the Guard or Scouts, or the royal family. But at times, a shark may choose a child of the sea as his or her master. That was the case with Fiske. One day, I had been swimming far from the colony and came across Fiske, who seemed very curious about me. It was not long before he and I grew close. He is not my official protector, which is why he is training to be a Sentinel as well.

  It is my wish to be in solitude, I tell him.

  He swims closer to me and looks at me with intense eyes. You are to travel to the surface again?

  My gaze drops to my tail.

  Damarian, I do not need to tell you how dangerous that is. If King Palaemon—

  I am not concerned with what the king thinks, I nearly snap.

  His eyes grow soft. Forgive me. I understand you have many thoughts in your head.

  I move closer to nuzzle my nose with his. Forgive me for my harsh words. I only wish to be alone.