When the Royal Consort spoke, though, his words were utterly unexpected. “Master Shark…does she wish to come?”
He hesitated for a moment, caught off-guard. “We have not yet discussed it. But we are mates. We must be together.”
The Royal Consort nodded fractionally, as if he’d been expecting this answer. He touched the Empress’s shoulder.
“My heart,” he said softly. “May I speak with the Master Shark alone for a moment?”
The Empress narrowed her eyes at him. “John, don’t you even think about objecting based on some silly tradition. We have sea shifters venturing onto land now. It’s only right that we should welcome other shifters here in return.”
He shook his head, the golden charms braided into his hair catching the light. “I have no objection to that. But nonetheless there are security concerns that I must discuss with him, warrior to warrior. I am Imperial Champion as well as your Consort. It is a matter of duty.”
The Empress gave him an unconvinced look, but gave way. “I look forward to meeting your mate, Master Shark. I’ll be in contact to sort out the practicalities.”
The Royal Consort waited a few moments, until she had left the room. “Master Shark,” he said, his tone hardening, “if your mate does not want to come to Atlantis, will you stay with her on land?”
The question hit him like a blow. He had been so focused on pursuing his mate, he had not given much thought to what he would do if he caught her.
What if Martha didn’t wish to come to Atlantis?
“That,” he said coldly, not letting any hint of the sudden doubt he felt show in his expression, “is not a matter for your concern.”
“With respect, Master Shark, it is.” The sea dragon didn’t flinch at all from his glare. “I am responsible for the Empress’s well-being. And she needs you. The Pearl Empire needs you.”
He could not deny the truth of the Royal Consort’s words. The Pearl Empress had only reclaimed her throne recently. There were still too many enemies circling round her, hunting any opportunity to tear her down.
And he had sworn an oath to her father that he would protect her with his life.
“I am sorry,” the Royal Consort said softly, when he didn’t speak. “I know full well what it is to be caught between duty and love. And in truth, I cannot tell you to pick duty over your mate. I tried to do that, and I know now that it would have destroyed me utterly, had I succeeded.”
It was even harder than usual to force words out of his tight throat. “Then what would you have me do?”
“You must persuade your mate to come to Atlantis. For the sake of my mate.” The Royal Consort met his eyes levelly. “For all our sakes.”
Chapter 11
Martha jerked awake to an unholy shrieking rattling her eardrums.
“Mother of God!” Only the tangled sheets stopped her from falling out of bed. She thrashed to free herself, heart pounding. “Is there a fire?”
Finn was already awake, sitting up in bed with his back against the wall. Silently, he pointed at her vibrating cellphone.
“Oh.” Sitting up herself, Martha caught the device before it walked itself off the dresser. She cleared her throat, rubbing at her sticky eyes. “Hello?”
“Ma!” Martha’s heart leaped at the panic in Nita’s voice. “Are you sick? What’s wrong? Do you need to come home?”
Finn cocked his head, clearly about to ask a question. Martha slapped a hand across his mouth before he could speak, worried that Nita would overhear him.
“Nothing’s wrong,” Martha said into the phone. “What’s the matter? Why are you calling?”
“Because you haven’t called us for a whole day! We thought something must have happened to you!”
“Oh.” Martha glanced guiltily at Finn. “Sorry, honey. I was, um, busy.”
She felt his lips twitch in amusement against her palm. She pressed down harder, mouthing: Keep quiet, you.
“Ma,” Nita said, sounding suspicious. “You’re always busy, and it’s never stopped you from finding time to check up on everyone. You call us six times a day, and then suddenly nothing? What’s going on?”
“Nothing!” Martha yelped, trying not to look at the naked seven-foot hunk of muscle next to her. “Nothing’s going on. Just enjoying a nice peaceful vacation, like you wanted.”