THE OCEAN CROWN

up her legs a sensation her mother had warned her about but for which no warning could have adequately prepared her

d, his voice low as he supported her along the

ld secure lodging. However, Ariel's difficulty with walking was significantly slowing their progress. Each step was

n ears without the muffling effect of water. Speaking in air required differen

o the main road into town," Sebast

ith it the distant rumble of thunder. Both looked up to see dark

tian muttered.

ending her sprawling onto the wet sand. Sebastian attempted to help her up, but his human form lacked the strength t

houted over the howling wind. "Retur

uldn't. This challenge this storm felt like a test. If she retreated at the

led back. "W

aked through her simple dress, making the fabric cling uncomfortably to her skin. Another n

ransformation, the pain, the effort of walking it had all drained her completely. As darkness edged her vis

assistance?" A woman's voice,

y a dappled gray horse. Holding the reins was an elderly woman, her silver hair tucke

they had rehearsed. "Thank heavens! Yes, my sister and

beside Ariel, pushing back wet strands of hair from the princess's face. "Poor dea

ked two nights ago. My sister... she hit her head.

hrough the lie. But then her expression softened. "Well, you both need shel

g his real name as they'd decide

et her into the c

uth covered her with a rough woolen blanket that smelled of herb

r of ocean currents, a comforting familiarity in this strange new world. Through half-lidded eyes

red, noticing her curious

liff overlooking the sea. Despite her exhaustion, Ariel couldn't help but admire its picturesque

announced. "It's not

rthy fragrances. A fire crackled in a stone hearth, casting dancing shadows on walls decorated with colorful tapestries. Shelves lin

chair near the fire, where she sank g

rned with simple garments a nightdress for Ariel and a shirt and trousers for Sebas

el out of her wet dress. The elderly woman clucked her ton

d." She gently patted Ariel dry with a soft cloth before helpi

ter and adding a handful of dried flowers that released

ined, guiding Ariel's feet into th

's aching feet. She sighed involun

" the wo

g her voice. Thank y

mured, shaking her head. What a te

osely on his frame. We're extremely grateful for your help," he said

ition to travel, and the festival's accommodations are likely ful

t could work in their favor. Being hosted by a local would provide valua

stian said carefully. "But w

but it's a long journey." She smiled at Ariel. "It would be nice to have company, especially with the Tide mere Festival underway. I rarely atten

amiliar smell both comforting and disconcerting to Ariel, who had

ered. "We can use this time to prepare

re was something comforting about the elderly woman, a gentle strength that

n bowls of steaming stew before them. "

human artifacts but uncertain of its proper use. She glanced at Sebastian, who su

her tongue was overwhelming salty, rich, complex in a way that underwater food

ed her host. "I've never ta

vious pride. "The secret is the se

d most of the conversation, crafting a careful story of a merchant vessel caught in a stor

ember anything, dear?" R

st... fragments. Faces with

peace to return. Other times..." She paused, her expression thoughtful. "Other times, what w

Ariel marveled at how quickly their circumstances had changed.

doorway. "Tomorrow is a new d

ind their host, Ariel

three months, you must return to Oceania with a human husband of noble blood. G

oonlight reflecting off the distant sea h

an teach me what I need to know about being hu

rangely brighter and more distant from this side of the water's surface. Ariel's