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As I pass her, lances up Her attendants look up, too, and I feel their gazes onmy place at the end of the table

Their attention must catch the notice of the other allery of assele eye in the rooht delivering a speech in English class was terrifying

Tellin passes behindhis place at my side One pair of eyes in the roo Gadus, does not look pleased Tellin was not even certain if his father would be here to participate in the council Not only because Acropora’s king is ill, dying fro that are slowly but surely destroying his entire kingdos and queens for so long Until recently, he was too proud to allow even his son to ask for help It seems he’s still not entirely thrilled at the idea

I haven’t seen King Gadus for several years, but he looks decades older than the last ti, his cheeks are hollow, and his skin is looser than it should be But he’s here and--if the si look in his brown eyes is any indication--ready for a fight

I grip the stone table with both hands, squeezing tight to give h Myerly, then with annoyed anticipation Everything Shannen taughtDaddy toldQuince said to help ht faint

I’ve never thought of myself as a coward--except where h that see now--but I really don’t think I can do this My muscles tense, and I’m ready to bolt for the door, when I feel a pressure on ers slip over mine

I stare at our hands, and it’s like a wave of calm washes up and over me Instantly, my heart rate slows, and I can practically feel the adrenaline inaway

I look up at hi, and I feel it It’s like his calm certainty becoht now

Taking control of my emotions, I look up and face some of the most powerful merfolk in the seven seas I suck in a deep breath, prepare the words in my mind, and open my mouth to speak

"Wel--"

"What in all the oceans is this about?"

Everyone turns to look at the door, where Queen Du into the roo, beautiful hair swirls around her, creating an aura of silvery white The look on her face is as stark as the arctic world she rules Stony and cold