The Guppy Prince Page 3

  “Would Father understand? If I went and told him?”

  Ervin blew out a stream of bubbles. “No. Lord Eades is having too much fun searching for your future spouse.”

  Dover scowled. “Why does he focus on me?” Ten of his twelve siblings were unmarried, including the heir, his sister Talia.

  Ervin’s eyes grew cold. “I have my suspicions and fervently hope they aren’t true.” His expression softened. “Don’t worry about that now. You need to find your mate. Your father’s assistant told me the King expects you to move here by the end of the month, so that doesn’t give you much time.”

  Dover bit his lip. “Shauna said she’d help me.”

  Ervin grinned. “Good. I won’t ask any more questions. The less I know the better. Just make sure you are mated by the end of the month. A claimed mate is sacrosanct to all species, and Lord Eades will simply have to suck it up.”

  Dover smiled wide. “I, uh, have to go.”

  Ervin chuckled. “Let’s get your crown first. I told your mother we would.”

  They swam to the treasury entrance, shifting as they left the water. A guard handed Dover a sarong and he knotted it at his waist.

  Ervin waited for him patiently. All the servants wore plain black sarongs whether they wore their tail or their legs. Searching for clothes took time that they simply didn’t have.

  They walked into the huge vaulted room and Dover sighed happily. “So many shinies.”

  A deep chuckle drew his attention to the back. His brother Kai stood with Talia next to the display of crowns. “It’s nice to see you, little brother.”

  Talia smiled nervously. “Are you moving in already? I was sure you would treasure the month Father gave you.”

  “No,” Dover shook his head hard. “I just have to get my crown.”

  Talia tried to hide her grin. “You, Kai, and Kit are the only princes I know that hate wearing crowns. I still remember getting my first one.” Her red hair was as bright as Kit’s, and her crown of chocolate pearls and tulip shells was only a little smaller than Queen Kelby’s.

  Kai plucked a slender band of white seashells and polished white coral. “Here it is.”

  “Thanks.” Dover put it on his head and grunted, hating the weight. “What are you two doing here?”

  Talia scowled. “The Coalswells are being obnoxious. We’re picking out some trinket to send their king.”

  “Why are they upset this time?” Dover had only met a few of the merfolk from the Northern Silver Isles. Their capital was Coalswell Tides and rumor said it was a dark and nasty place.

  “Father is attempting to arrange a peace treaty with them,” Kai said, shaking his head. “It seems pointless since King Nerio is as stubborn as Father, and I hear his son isn’t much better.”

  “To seal the treaty, the Coalswells are insisting on a marriage between their prince and one of Father’s children,” Talia said.

  “Why would Father not agree with that?” Dover scratched his head under his crown. He really hoped he didn’t lose it again. It was always embarrassing when someone found it and brought it to Ervin.

  “The Coalswells insist that Prince Tack gets to choose his prince or princess.” Kai patted Talia on the back. “He’ll choose Talia, then suddenly the Silver Isles are united under his rule.”

  Dover made a face. “Why his rule? Talia could take over everything.”

  His eldest sister grinned. “Hell yeah, I could.”

  Kai laughed. “Father doesn’t want to take the chance.”

  “Politics.” Dover groaned. “I don’t want to leave my creek and waterfall.”

  Talia snorted. “There are times I wish I could go live with you.”

  Dover laughed. “You’re always welcome.” His laughter died suddenly. “Well, at least for another month.”

  Kai winced and picked up a delicate gold lariat necklace with a large heart-cut emerald pendant. He handed it to Talia. “This will work.”

  Talia gave him one more smile, then left. He could picture her summoning her red and white striped lionfish tail and swimming straight to the throne room. Their father usually met with the Coalswells there.

  Dover squeaked when Kai pulled him into a hug. His eldest brother wasn’t exactly the touchy-feely type. “I’m sorry Lord Eades has targeted you, little brother. Talia and I are trying to talk Father out of this whole mess.”

  “Thanks.” Dover awkwardly patted Kai’s back.

  Kai stepped back. “Come on. I’ll swim you home.”

  Dover looked behind him and Ervin smiled at him and nodded. “I’ll see you soon, Prince Dover.”

  Dover was happy that Kai wanted to swim with him, but he kind of wished he wasn’t there, so Dover could get a hug from Ervin.

  Kai and he left the treasury, but they stopped for a few minutes for Kai to talk to the guards. Dover’s brother would most likely be Talia’s general once she became Queen of the Southern Silver Isles. He was a fierce warrior and utterly loyal to his family.

  Eventually they reached the waterline and summoned their tails. Kai’s tiger-shark tail had dark-brown stripes that matched his hair and eyes. A strip of rubbery tiger-shark skin ran down the middle of his back to meet the top of his tail.

  Kai could swim much faster than Dover but kept it slow as they left the castle and swam toward the mouth of the Isles River. This route had more traffic, but at least he didn’t have to go back to the royal beach.

  “I notice you haven’t been to the council meetings in months.” Kai swam with a predatory grace that Dover tried to emulate.

  “There’s no reason for me to go.” Dover hated those meetings. Lord Eades led them and the head of each of the noble families attended. The point of the meetings was to advise King Ren on policy revision, or as it really was, they advised the King to not revise any policies.

  “Father has been listening to Lord Eades’ advice lately, so Talia and I are trying to be more vocal,” Kai said. “We want everyone in the kingdom to have a voice. That means you too.”

  Dover reached out and tugged his brother’s dorsal fin. “No one hears my voice, Kai. There’s no point in even trying.”

  Eventually the brackish water turned to fresh water. A sleek shape swam toward them, and a few seconds later Chubber plastered his chubby brown body to Dover’s back.

  Kai smiled, eyes soft. “I thought your otter stayed in your pond.”

  “It’s not a pond,” Dover said, scowling. “It’s a creek and waterfall.”

  “Sorry.” Kai didn’t look very sorry.

  “Chubber usually goes where I go. He’s my companion.” Something shiny caught his eye and Dover slowed and swam toward the bottom of the riverbed. “Oh, that pebble is so pretty.”

  The small rock was smooth and a very light blue. Dover picked it up and admired it for a moment. It would look perfect with his collection. But… he turned to find Kai watching him fondly and held the pebble out. “Here. This is for you.”

  Kai looked surprised. “Oh. Thanks, Dover.”

  “It may not be a fancy gem, but it’s just as pretty as one.”

  “It’s beautiful,” Kai agreed, nodding, and Dover thought Kai might be telling the truth.

  “What else is happening at court?” Dover asked, as they started swimming again.

  His creek was one of many that connected the Isles River to one of the large lakes that were scattered around the inland of the main island. They would swim together until they reached Dover’s waterfall. Then Dover would have to take the stairs that lined the cliff to get home since Kai didn’t like it when he jumped off the top of the waterfall.

  “The pearl farms are doing well,” Kai said. “Lord Eades keeps pushing Father to expand the farms closer to the Deep.”

  Dover shuddered. “That’s not a good idea.”

  Kai’s face grew hard. “No, it’s not. One curse from the Sea Witch six generations ago is still haunting our kingdom. The Deep should be avoided. Fortunately, Father is standing firm on that.”


  The Deep was a large and very deep trench that separated the Northern and Southern Silver Isles. The merfolk that inhabited the Deep were tentacle tailed and very elusive. Dover had always wondered how they lived down in their trench, but he was neither curious nor stupid enough to go ask.

  “Tourism is up in Latch Bay too,” Kai continued. “Father still won’t let it expand to the rest of the islands, but at least he’s letting humans into Latch Bay now. The nobles don’t want the rest of the world to think Father is speciesist.”

  “I don’t understand why he hates humans so much.” Dover wrinkled his nose, then spotted Romeu swimming beneath him. “Crocodile shifters are so much worse.”

  The huge scaly saltwater crocodile beneath him whacked him with his tail and he giggled.

  Kai glared at the shifter and drew his blade. “How dare you touch a prince.”

  Dover groaned and pushed his brother. “Romeu is my friend, Kai. We were just playing.”

  Romeu dipped his head, then swam quickly in the opposite direction.

  Kai flushed. “I’m sorry, Dover. Will you offer him my apologies?”

  “Sure. He likes to come sulk in my creek when his wife kicks him out of the house so she can bake in peace. He says chocolate chips are like an aphrodisiac to him.”

  Kai laughed. “You make the most interesting friends.”

  The next morning, Dover ran around the house, shoving his favorite shinies into a waterproof knapsack.

  “Don’t forget to pack clothes, bluetail,” Shauna said, as she diced up papaya. “We have one hour before the ship leaves.”

  “I can’t believe you talked someone into sneaking one of King Ren’s sons off the isles.” Nami carefully helped Chubber pack his own little bag full of pebbles.

  “The ship’s captain is a friend.” Shauna blushed lightly.

  Nami and Dover exchanged looks. “Shauna? How good of a friend is this ship’s captain?”

  “That’s absolutely none of your business, now is it?”

  “No, ma’am,” he mumbled.

  Shauna laughed. “Good boy. Now, George will get you to the United States. He’s heading to South Carolina and will guide you wherever the call takes you after he’s checked in with his niece.”

  “You have money, right? What about your passport?” Nami strapped Chubber’s bag around the otter. “Oh, yeah. I meant to ask. Why is Chubber wearing your crown around his waist?”

  Dover shrugged. “It got stuck. I don’t think I have a passport or any cash.”

  Shauna shook her head. “Check the bookshelf in your bedroom, bluetail. That’s where all your important papers are. Nami, help me get Dover’s crown off Chubber.”

  They barely made it to the Latch Bay docks in time to catch the ship. Dover pulled his hat down to hide his face, then shoved Chubber back down into his shirt.

  “I don’t know why I can’t go with him,” Nami said, close to tears. “Mom, he’s never been off the isles. Are you sure we can trust this man?”

  Dover narrowed his eyes. “You haven’t been off the isles either.”

  Shauna patted each of them on the shoulder. “It will be alright, Nami. You need to stay here and help cover for Dover, and I would trust George with my life. Do you really think I’d send our bluetail out into the world alone?”

  Nami sighed. “No. I just don’t want to say goodbye.” She hugged Dover. “I’m going to miss you while you’re gone.”

  Dover’s eyes watered and he struggled not to cry. Nami and he had been best friends since they were babies.

  An older beaver shifter approached and Dover let go of Nami. Shauna hugged him next and handed him a small cooler. “I packed your favorites in there. Eat it quick and don’t hesitate to ask George for help if you need it. He truly is a good man.”

  “I’ll keep an eye on your boy, Shauna.” George nodded to him and grinned. “Do you know anything about ships, kid?”

  Dover blinked. “Uh, they float?”

  George laughed. “This will be fun. Come on aboard, sailor.”

  Chapter 4

  A week after the party, Ben finally had a couple of days off. Hurricane season usually slowed the tourists down a bit and the restaurant staff could finally take a deep breath and relax.

  “Otis, you want to go fishing?”

  Ben’s dog tilted his head and grinned. “Woof.”

  “Let’s go. Maybe we can catch something tasty for dinner.” Ben gathered up his fishing gear and packed some water and snacks for the two of them. The marina was about a mile away and Ben stored his small fishing boat there.

  Ben and Otis took their time walking down the private beach. As they passed Hester’s house, Ben saw the witch napping on her back deck. Her familiar, Nettle, lounged on the railing. The cat watched him with wise eyes that sent a shiver down his back.

  Nettle waited until they were in front of the house, then gave a god-awful screech.

  Hester startled at the loud noise, waking up and looking around.

  “Meow.”

  “Fuck, I almost missed him. Thanks, Nettle.” Hester hopped out of her deck chair and waved her arms. “Ben, Otis needs to stay with me today.”

  Ben frowned. He had been promising Otis a fishing day for two weeks now. “Why?”

  Hester gave him a stern look and settled her hands on her hips. “Because I said so. Otis, come here, boy.”

  Otis looked at him and Ben reluctantly nodded. He knew Hester had to have a good reason. The curly haired dog ran to Hester, then woofed softly at Nettle.

  “Do I need to stay home?” Ben didn’t much want to fish without Otis. He’d call Eloise, but her uncle had docked in Port Charleston yesterday and was driving down today for a visit.

  “No,” Hester hesitated for a moment. “No. You go on. We can’t change things too much, now can we?”

  Ben gave her a dry look. “Am I supposed to answer that?”

  Hester chuckled. “Go have fun, Benny. I’ll take care of Otis.”

  Ben finished the walk to the marina alone. He waved at a few familiar faces along the way, but kept to himself like usual.

  His boat was small, just about twenty-five feet long, but he never went too far offshore in it. After uncovering the boat and refueling, He headed away from the marina and smiled, enjoying the salty air and the bright sunlight. He had really needed this.

  He liked the simple repetition of his job, but he didn’t like the lack of windows back in the dish room. He wished he could work outdoors, but there weren’t a lot of jobs around town.

  Gotta work to pay the bills, he thought with a shrug.

  About ten miles away from shore, he baited some lines and tossed them into the water, before slowly steering the boat south. This was one of his favorite ways to fish offshore.

  A few hours later, Ben had caught a twenty-pound Mahi Mahi and three average-sized mackerel. He looked up at the sky. He was enjoying the peace and quiet, but clouds were gathering for what looked like a late afternoon storm and he didn’t want to be there when it arrived. He stored the fish in a cooler in the small engine cubby and started home.

  He was five miles from the marina when the storm hit. One moment the sea was rocky, but manageable, and the next moment a massive wave crashed over his ship. He kept his footing and pushed forward, trying to keep the boat steady.

  The second wave brought something with it, likely a bottle or some other debris. All Ben remembered was the pain as something struck his head. Then he was in the water, sinking beneath the waves as the salt stung his eyes and his vision dimmed.

  Before he lost consciousness, Ben saw him – a blue-tailed angel.

  The static-filled voice on the radio woke Ben. “You’ll be fine, kid. The storm’s dying down, and we have your coordinates. I have my niece’s fishing boat. I’m coming to get you.”

  “He’s bleeding all over the place, George.” The voice sounded close to tears. “I just found him.”

  “See what you can do to stop the bleeding. We�
�ll be there soon.”

  Ben moved his head and pain shot through him. “Fuck.”

  A young man moved into his eyesight. The slender, well-muscled stranger was completely naked with smooth, sun-kissed skin and dark blue hair. His eyes were full of tears and Ben reached out, not liking the idea of the man crying.

  “You’re going to be alright. George said so and he knows everything about everything.” The young man knelt beside him. “The storm’s over and your catch is still here. All the stuff on the deck went over though.”

  Ben moaned when the man lifted his head and put a life jacket under it. “Where did you come from?” He remembered a blue and silver tail whipping through the churning water.

  The man blinked. “Uh, I fell... No, I jumped from a plane and landed during the storm. Then I saw you fall off your boat. Shew, I’m happy you were here or I’d just be floating around.”

  Ben tried not to laugh, knowing it would make his head feel worse. The merman was a horrible liar. “I didn’t think any merfolk lived around here.”

  The man swallowed. “I wouldn’t know about that. I’m human. See my human legs?” He stretched out one of his bare legs and wiggled his toes, but Ben’s eyes were drawn to the semi-hard dick between the man’s legs.

  “Why are you naked if you’re human?”

  The stranger whined and Ben felt guilty for pushing the merman to reveal something he obviously didn’t want to. “My clothes were heavy when I landed, so I took them off.”

  Ben gave him a half-smile. “Okay. My name is Ben.”

  The man practically glowed with happiness and mouthed Ben silently.

  “What’s your name?”

  “Oh, yeah. I’m Dover.” He looked around the tiny cabin. “I like your boat, or is it called a ship? George got mad when I called his ship a boat, but I don’t know why.”

  Ben smiled softly. “It’s a boat.”

  Dover lifted the lid on the cooler under the small bench and gave a little wiggle. “I like Mahi Mahi. I’ll grill it for you when we get home. It’s really good with this pineapple sauce I make. You’ll love it. Oh, where do you live? Is there water nearby? Do you like otters? Chubber will be upset if you don’t.”