* * *
I stood at the alter that was set up in the foyer of Lord Breylan’s palace, Milton holding both of our hands. Above us was the mural of the sea, a cruel reminder of everything that I had lost. All I could think about was how malicious Lord Breylan was. I looked into his eyes, ignoring Milton’s words of love and honor, and made sure that Lord Breylan knew my true feelings. He smiled, showing perfect teeth, and squeezed my hand. He knew my thoughts. Lord Breylan’s other hand gripped the leather bag that was attached to the belt at his waist. I knew that inside the bag were the burned remnants of my past. Tears stung my eyes. I wanted nothing more than to go back in time and hide my sealskin better. If I had done so, then this barbaric man wouldn’t have me.
The ceremony ended sooner than I anticipated. I retreated to my room as my new, unwanted husband ate, drank, and got merry with the wenches. I was now allowed to come and go from the palace as I chose, even though I was enslaved to the man that I was now forced to call husband. He knew that I could run away, but he would always know where I was. If I did run, he would find me. I quickly changed into a simple dark blue dress and pulled on my hooded cloak. I needed to go down to the beach.
The ocean waves lapped up to shore, smoothing out the sand that had been disturbed by footprints and sandcastles. Although night was my favorite time on the beach, I also enjoyed the afternoon sun that shone through the clouds and warmed my face. It seemed like I was all alone in the world, seeing the ocean and its beach before man had come and ruined it like they had ruined so much. The world was a beautiful place until man arrived.
I longed to go home. I longed to go back to the place where everything was pristine and untouched by man. My bare feet on the sand were a cruel reminder of what I had lost. I clutched my cloak closer around me, even though the barest hint of winter was months away. I felt so alone. So lost.
I spun around as I heard someone clear their throat. The man behind me looked like a younger version of Lord Breylan. He bowed low to me, although his eyes never left mine. Such anger shown in those eyes.
“Do I call you mother now?” he growled.
“Excuse me?”
“Do I call you mother?”
It didn’t surprise me that Lord Breylan had children. I shook my head and turned my eyes back to the sea. A seal jumped out of the water and my heart stopped. I knew her and she knew me. I knew that she could sense that I was no longer a true selkie. That I was now trapped in my human form. I thought back to the Salver’s root that was on the desk in my temporary room and wondered if Altan was still alive.
“What should I call you?” he asked. His voice softened, but the anger was still there.
“They called me Salena,” I whispered, my eyes still on the seals in the water.
“Salena. It’s such a beautiful name.” His eyes followed mine. We stood there on the ocean’s shore, watching my kin play.
“What do they call you?” I finally asked.
“Arlin.”
“It’s a pleasure, Lord Arlin.”
I turned and walked back up to the palace. The sight of the playing seals was becoming too much to bear. Lord Arlin ran up beside me.
“Not Lord Arlin,” he said. “Just Arlin. I may be his child, but I am not his heir.”
“Why not?” I asked. His anger flared up and I realized that it wasn’t all for me.
“He wants a selkie for the throne. I am merely human.”
“You have nothing to worry about,” I said. Rage filled me as I realized what tonight entailed. “If I have my way there will be no children.”
Arlin stopped walking and I turned to him. His eyes were on the ground, thinking very hard about something. He looked up and said, “I have a question for you.”
He walked over to me and cupped my face in his hands. Magick flowed through me and for the first time since my pelt had been taken, I didn’t feel Lord Breylan’s presence in me.
“Will you help me?” I asked.
“Help you with what?”
“I don’t belong here. I want to go back to the sea.”
“I would like to help,” said Arlin softly.
“Verna will die under Lord Breylan’s rule,” I said, trying to convince him. I needed this sorcerer’s help.
“I don’t want to see Verna go to waste,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve never wanted to become king, but I will try for Verna.”
I understood his sentiments. I had never wanted to become the mate of the leader of a selkie harem, but love did odd things sometimes. I nodded in agreement.
“What do I need to do?” Arlin asked.
“I need to get my pelt away from your father.” My eyes burned as tears threatened to fill my eyes. “But he burned it. My sealskin is ashes now.”
“You just get it away from him, I’ll take care of the rest.”
“And your father?”
“And I’ll take care of my father.”
We didn’t say another word as we walked back up towards Verna. We both knew that tonight was going to be interesting.