Lilophea-2: Consort of the Sea King. Natalia Yacobson

clung to her and managed to drag her across the bay window.

      “It’s the black elf,” Lilophea complained to the spirit, who must have been watching.

      “Yes, I hadn’t considered it. I’m sorry. He’s strengthened his position in the country since I last flew here. Not long ago he was just a mentor, and now he’s gone so wild. Too bad the Jasper Bridge is beyond me. I don’t come here much. I only took you to the ball.”

      “Will Morgen’s black net hold him for a while?” Lilophea was agitated.

      “Weren’t they sent here for you?”

      “What is it for?”

      “Why should they? The underwater tsar has his own politics. There is been a lot of maneuvers. I’ve been flying here for centuries, and I’ve seen it all.”

      “And Seal destroyed whole fleets?”

      “What’s it to you? All your wealth is in the underwater kingdom. The more ships with valuable cargo are sunk, the richer you will be, Your Majesty!”

      “But it’s cruel!”

      “But it’s profitable.”

      “You sound just like Seal. And like my father’s second minister Baldwin. And also like… Morrin.”

      He was a privateer, so he thought profit was worth a man’s life. Only as she looked into his kind, youthful face, she never once thought of that.

      “Don’t worry! Aquilania’s ships, barques, brigantines, caravels, and even little fishing boats are safe. Your husband has a treaty with Aquilania until you escape.”

      “But I’ve already escaped.”

      “All you did was go for a walk. That’s what I call it, and the other bridge spirits will agree with me when questioned. I’m friends with everyone here, and we’ll all support you. Just don’t go back. It’s so boring here without you.”