Kingdom of Salt by Shiulie Ghosh

Author:Shiulie Ghosh [Ghosh, Shiulie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aero Productions
Published: 2020-05-19T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

I watched the stone plop into the water, then picked up another one and threw it as hard as I could. Finn was sitting quietly next to me. He hadn’t said a word since we left the study.

We were in the furthest corner of the beach, well away from the villas. This was where an outdoor yoga terrace would eventually be built for the resort; it was the best place to watch the sun rise.

I saw the dawn rays glinting off the water, and thought it was ironic that just as I got over my fear of the sea, I had to stay away from it.

Eventually I broke the silence.

“Tell me about the telepathy,” I asked. “When Mama spoke to me in my mind, it felt strange. Can all Cetaeans do that?”

“The Syreni can. They are powerful telepaths. It is how they communicate among themselves underwater. But the Maren are more limited. They can only exchange thoughts with those they feel connected to. Family, friends, people they care about.”

“So she feels close to me. Funny way of showing it. Do you think she did the right thing? Pretending to kill herself?”

“I think she was protecting you. And be honest, Ash Mitra. She was not leaving you in a bad place. You have a home, a father who loves you, good friends, and a strong alpha male who wants to bond with you.”

“Alpha…?” I cast him a sidelong glance. “You mean Josh?”

He nodded.

“I admit at first I did not think he was worthy of someone of royal blood. But he is a natural leader and he stands his ground. He undoubtedly cares for you. He will make an acceptable mate.”

My temper threatened to boil over again. I hurled another stone into the sea.

“Why does everyone keep telling me what I should do? Be human, stay on land, marry Josh. I wish someone would ask me what I wanted for a change.”

“What do you want?”

I watched another stone plop into the sea, then decisively stood up.

“I want to go for one last swim, before I have to give it up altogether.”

Alarm crossed Finn’s face.

“That is unwise. If Syreni are nearby…”

“So come with me. You’re a pretty strong alpha male yourself, you can be my bodyguard.”

“I cannot permit this. You heard the command of the Lady Delphina.”

“She’s not the boss of me. Besides, I’m a member of the royal family, aren’t I? So technically, I can order you to let me swim.”

He glowered down at me, a muscle working in his jaw.

“Are you challenging me, Ash Mitra? Do you think I will allow you to endanger yourself?”

“Finn, you won’t be around forever. You said it yourself, as soon as you fix your boat you’re leaving. And your boat is nearly finished, isn’t it? So either I can swim one last time while you’re here, or I can wait till you’re gone and go in alone. Which will it be?”

Turning my back on his furious glare, I slipped off my dress and waded out in my underwear.

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