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“They're monsters, sire. Terrifying creatures that prey on the undersea races. I've never seen one, but I've heard they are disgusting.”

“Even more so now,” Sero said. “They've grown spikes on their heads.” He looked at Jucai. “I don't know what this means, but it can't be good.”

“No, I don't expect so.” Jucai closed the bag. “Dispose of it, Brother. I don't want this to ruin our celebration.”

“Got it.” Sero hauled up the bag and headed for the door.

“Wait!” Saric cried.

We all went still, every gaze shifting toward him.

The King cleared his throat, “Uh, I'd like to see it, if I may?”

“I'd rather not open it in here again,” Sero said, a wicked gleam in his eyes. “Would you mind accompanying me todispose of it, Your Majesty? I'll bring you back to the celebration afterward.”

“Yes! I mean, uh, I wouldn't mind at all.” He hurried past us to Sero.

Jucai and I watched the two of them leave, heads bent together as they spoke.

“I thought King Saric was straight?” Jucai asked.

“He is. Always has been.” I glanced at Lady Seysara, his consort.

She was watching the men leave as well, her hand lifted to touch the green chain of scales around her throat—the symbol of her status as the King's consort.

“Well, now that you've met my brother,” Jucai said. “It feels as if my world is complete. Come, Mate, let us dance.”

“Dance? Dance where?”

He led me through a door and into an adjoining room. Inside were more of my dread, dancing with Sea Dragons. The music lifted my heart, and all thoughts of King Saric and my new brother vanished. Only Jucai remained.

I should have known he'd be a masterful dancer. Jucai excelled at everything he did. Within his arms, I floated across a polished red coral floor, the scent of salt and cinnamon reminding me that I was where I belonged. On a balcony above us, musicians played, and dancers swirled around us. I had never been happier.

“Nadar, my mate.” Jucai twirled me into an alcove.

Leaning against the cool marble wall, I smiled at him. “Yes, Jucai, my mate?”

“There is something that I've just realized I've left unsaid.”

“What is it?”

“I have told you I'm yours, called you my love, and mated you, but I've yet to say the most important thing.”

My breath caught. I knew what he was going to say, and I couldn't wait to hear it. Jucai was right. He'd said everything but those three words. I let it go, not wanting to hear it from him if I had to harass him into it. And as I held my breath, I realized I hadn't said it either. I'd been waiting for him, as if I needed his permission.

I blurted out, “I love you.”

Jucai's tender expression went annoyed. “Damn it all, Nadar! I was going to say it first!”

Chuckling, I pulled him closer. “Then say it. I've been waiting.”

The Sea King slipped back into tenderness, and his hands slid up my back. “I love you, my daring diplomat.”

“Forever, my sea king.”

“Yes, forever.”

I had feared this. Prayed for it to pass me by. But the Gods knew best. The one man I thought would never make a suitable mate was now the one man I couldn't live without. I didn't regret fighting the magic or the trials we had to overcome. It was all necessary to bring us together.

Our story would never end, nor would our love. The bird had mated the fish, and after overcoming our differences, we knew we could conquer anything. Rebellion, abduction, and magic disruption hadn't stopped us. Jucai could lose his crown and kingdom, and we'd still endure. Even if the mating magic failed, we wouldn't fail. It had drawn us together, but now that we had each other, magic was unnecessary.

Love is more powerful than all the magic in existence.