The Kiss That Saved Me (The Tidal Kiss Trilogy Book 2) by Kristy Nicolle

people here I know haven’t been on land for centuries.” She nods and turns as the crowd begins to disperse and waiters descend. She grabs a champagne flute off a silver tray and takes a slug.
    “Who was that guy?” she asks me and I shake my head.
    “Vex, apparently.”  
    “I wonder what he wanted.” She looks scared and I place a gloved hand onto her alabaster shoulder.
    “Nothing good I’m sure. I love your dress by the way,” I distract her, changing the subject. She looks down at the halter necked, lilac silk sheath that covers her slim figure.
    “Thanks…it’s a little more subtle than yours though.” She twists her mouth and I laugh.
    “Tell me about it.” I can feel Orion reach out from behind me and grab my hand.
    “Hey, Sophia. It’s so nice to see you here.” Sophia bows her head and curtsies.
    “Oh, no need for that,” he says and puts his hand out to pull up her chin. She blushes scarlet and I laugh silently to myself. Good God Sophia, could you be more obvious?  
    “Callie, there are people who want to congratulate us.” He puts his hand around my corseted waist and I look apologetically at Sophia.
    “Sorry… duty calls.”
    “It’s okay, I’ve monopolised enough of the Crowned Ruler’s time.” She smiles back at me and winks, turning away. I watch her beehive of auburn hair disappear and I wonder if she’s leaving already. It must be uncomfortable for her, being here alone. I’m grateful she came for me and vow to send her a bouquet of sea flowers when I return to the city. Orion walks me across the room and over to a woman with caramel coloured skin and shiny black hair. He moves his head towards mine.
    “Take your gloves off,” he whispers and I furrow my brow.
    “Why?” I ask him and he sighs.
    “Just do it, you’ll see why.” I slip my gloves off as he asked and look at the woman before me. She’s in a yellow floor length dress and has large, beautiful brown eyes. She moves forward and grips my hand.
    Hello Callie. It’s lovely to finally meet you. I hear her voice ring clear in my mind but her lips remain closed.
    “Hello,” I reply back, slightly shell shocked.
    “This is Fahima. Ghazi’s wife,” Orion elaborates and I understand why he wanted me to touch her directly. He wanted me to absorb her telepathic ability so we could talk.
    “It’s lovely to meet you!” I exclaim and she nods, her hand still in mine.
    You look very beautiful.   She compliments and I smile at her.
    “So do you,” I reply. I watch Fahima examine my face for a moment. She looks slightly worried as she says finally.
    You’ll look after my husband. He is in your service now.
    “Of course, but as you know Ghazi can take care of himself. Your husband truly is a skilled warrior,” I acknowledge, remembering Ghazi ripping apart Psirens as they overtook the city.
    Thank you Your Highness.
    “Please, it’s just Callie,” I remind her and she nods. Marina is moving toward us, a scarlet tornado of excitement.
    “It’s time for your first dance as Rulers,” she reminds us as Fahima turns and moves away toward the back of the room.
    “Okay. Did you get my selection?” I ask her and she nods.
    “Yes, Gabriel’s Oboe?” she replies questioning me and I smile.
    “Yes. That’s what we decided in the end.”  
    “Very well,” she moves past me, grabbing a glass off a passing waiter’s tray and ascending onto the height of the stage. She clinks her glass against the edge of the throne in an impatient flurry and stands before the room which has now fallen into silence.  
    “Please clear the dance floor for our new King and Queen,” she beams with a wide smile. The mer start to move outward, clearing the dance floor and turning to face Orion and I, who are left standing together alone, the centre of attention. The half orchestra starts to play and Marina downs the glass of champagne in her hand in one masculine glug. Orion steps toward me and places his hand around my waist.