Griff laughed. “Think you’ll find time to fit in some firefighting amidst all those Imperial duties?”
John raised an eyebrow. “Why do you think I didn’t allow them to make me Knight-Commander in addition to everything else?”
*John.* Neridia’s mental voice held an undercurrent of laughter. *There are a couple of knights here who are very worried about the fact that you’re currently taking on an entire army of land-shifters single-handed. Should I send in reinforcements?*
John chuckled under his breath. *Hold for a moment, my heart. Let me ensure we do not accidentally start a war.*
Catching Griff and Chase’s curious looks, he explained, “The Empress approaches, along with the rest of our group. My brothers, I am overwhelmed by your, ah, enthusiasm, but I fear that the other sea dragons may find it a little too overwhelming. This is the first time any of them have ever ventured on land, and the first time they have met dry-landers.”
“Don’t worry, everyone’s been briefed to keep their distance.” Chase gestured at the assembled crowd. “But pretty much every shifter in Brighton is dying of curiosity. None of us have ever met any other sea dragons, after all. Are they all like you?”
“Wait for a moment.” John turned, taking a few steps back into the surf. “And you will be able to judge for yourself.”
*All is in readiness, my heart,* he sent to Neridia. He hesitated, glancing back at the crowd. *But…there are a great many people here. Do you wish me to send them away?*
*No, it’s fine.* He could tell that she was touched by his concern, but unruffled herself. *I am the Pearl Empress. It’s natural that they want to see me.*
Her sleek head broke through the waters, rising high into the air. Voices stilled all along the beach, every shifter turning in her direction. Neridia met their stares calmly, allowing them to look their fill.
Someone started to clap. The applause speed like fire through the crowd. Neridia dipped her regal head in acknowledgement, accepting the acclaim as her due. Then she shimmered, shrinking down into human form.
“They’re still clapping,” Neridia murmured in his ear, as she smiled and waved at the crowd.
“You are still the Empress,” he replied, taking her hand. “Come. Our friends are waiting to welcome us.”
Tucking her hand through his arm, he escorted her up the beach. Somewhat to his own relief, the applause faded after a few moments, shifters going back to enjoying the party. He was used to dry-landers staring at him…but not cheering while they did so.
“Chase! Griff!” Neridia greeted them with hugs, laughing. “What is all of this?”
“You’re royalty now. You have to expect people to break out the bunting when you appear.” Chase hugged her back. “Is this proper protocol? Shouldn’t we be bowing?”
“That was one of the first things I banned. I hate people staring at my feet when I’m trying to talk to them.” Neridia hesitated, glancing back at the ocean. “John, I think everyone else is too scared to come out. Can you go give them some encouragement?”
John bowed in acknowledgement. “As you command, my Empress.”
“He still bows,” he heard Griff say, as he headed down the beach.
“He’s John,” Neridia replied wryly. “The sea itself can’t change his course…”
Smiling to himself, John waded back into the water. A couple of the Empress’s escort had worked up the nerve to take human form, though they were still chin-deep in the sea. Shading his eyes, John picked out his sister’s indigo hair, half-hidden amidst the waves.
“Frightened, little sister?” he called. “I thought you were eager to finally walk on land.”
As he had hoped, his brotherly taunt drew her out of the waves. Jane strode out with chin up and shoulders squared, the
wet silk of her formal sarong clinging to her legs. Despite her bold posture, her turquoise eyes darted over the crowd nervously.
“There are so many people here!” she whispered, taking his hand. “Why has the entire city turned out to greet us?”
“I am afraid this is just a small gathering, my sister.” John tightened his fingers on hers reassuringly. “I was overwhelmed too, when I first walked on land and realized how numerous the dry-landers truly are. Do not be intimidated. I will be here to help you adjust.”
A few more sea dragons were taking tentative steps up the beach, following Jane’s example. Griff, who seemed to have volunteered for the role of ambassador, went to meet them. John relaxed, knowing that he could trust in his oath-brother’s combination of eagle perception and lion charisma to make the nervous sea dragons feel at home.
“Let us go up to the house,” John said, indicating the large villa overlooking the private cove. “All should be in readiness. You can rest. You don’t have to plunge into the human world all at once.”
Jane took a deep breath, throwing back her shoulders. Some of the usual sparkle returned to her eyes. “Thank you, little brother, but no. I’m not going to waste a single day. I’ve come onto land to find my mate, and that’s what I’m going to do.”
She let go of his hand, clearly intent on starting the search right there and then. John let out his breath in a long-suffering sigh.