Page 24 of Entangled

“Men, we’re going to put together an army to storm their castle at daybreak. I will take those two sea nymphs from them, and then I’ll have three!”

“Yes! You’ll hold all the power,” agreed Drell with a satisfied smile. “That, my lord, is a brilliant idea. Now, you are thinking like a king.”

“I agree. It is exactly what King Sethor would have done,” said Farrimond. “I’ll start organizing an attack party anon.” Farrimond bowed and headed away.

“Yes.” Sebastian nodded, trying to feel good about this decision, even though something in his gut told him not to agree with these two. “Be sure to post a guard at my solar door so the sea nymph doesn’t escape,” he called out to Farrimond.

“I am pleased you listened to my advice,” said Drell with a low chuckle. “I knew you’d find your footing sooner or later.”

“Then you think I’m really doing the right thing by going after the other sea nymphs?” asked Sebastian, having a wavering moment.

“Oh, I do,” Drell answered. “You have taken the proper action expected of a strong king. I am happy to say that I wholeheartedly approve of your decision.”

“Approve,” Sebastian mumbled, walking away. It only brought to mind Merrow’s accusation of him doing things only to be accepted by others. She didn’t know what she was talking about. The sea nymph had no idea how hard it was to be king. He’d challenge anyone to try to do this job.

He pulled the charm out of his pouch, looking down at it, letting out a deep sigh. He was doing the right thing, he told himself. A king had responsibilities. The ruler of Macada Castle didn’t need a sea nymph getting in his head and confusing his mind. It was only a game she played with him. One to control him. Sebastian would never let anyone manipulate him, especially not a woman.

He raised his hand in the air, ready to throw down the damned shell charm and crush it beneath his heel. But just as he got ready to do so, he stopped. He pulled his hand back and looked at the vulnerable little shell in his hand, about to be crushed and having no way to stop his violent action. This charm was a part of Merrow she’d told him. By destroying it, he had no idea if he’d be hurting or possibly even killing a part of Merrow as well.

Thoughts of the kiss he shared with Merrow flitted through his brain. She was vulnerable and it was all his fault. When he controlled her, she had no way to stop things from happening. Was it right? He wondered. Sebastian, who had wanted her badly, now realized he only wanted her if she wanted him too. If he kept controlling her with this shell, he’d never know the true answer.

He lifted his hand again, meaning to throw down the shell and smash it once more. Then again, he stopped.

What if by smashing this charm that was so connected to her emotions and actions, he somehow kept her from ever feeling anything again? If that happened, he’d never forgive himself. She was so filled with life, and that was one thing he really liked about her. The poor girl didn’t have anything much besides her feelings and emotions. Now he knew he couldn’t smash the charm because Merrow didn’t deserve to be hurt…or possibly to die.

He slowly slid the charm back into his pouch, heading for his chair near the fire to spend the night. He could never go back to his own bed to sleep now. Not when he knew Merrow was in it.

It was his decision, but he couldn’t be intimate with her again without first knowing the truth…if she could ever want him in the same way that he wanted her.