Once upon a time, on a rocky island with enchantment under the ocean ... Cadence Bell left the windswept Northern Isles and his parents’ inn for the theaters and royal masques and glitter of Londre, swearing he’d make his fortune as a playwright and poet, trading fish stew and rain for fame and adoration and a place at the Queen’s Court. Now his parents are gone and Cade’s inheritance brings him back home, where he’d never wanted to return. But magic lurks beneath the waves, a stray pearl might be a key to another world, and even the quiet local schoolteacher has secrets of his own. Jeremiah Carver never meant to hide secrets. But he promised to tell no one about the other world he’s seen, and he keeps his word. Even if that means concealing magic from Cadence Bell. Which is difficult, since Cade’s not only a dazzling literary success, but also the person Jeremiah’s loved from afar since their years-ago childhood. And he’s afraid he’s falling for Cade all over again now. When Cadence falls under the siren spell of the ocean’s magic, Jeremiah has to make a choice and return to a world he’s left behind once before to rescue his heart from the sea.

Cadence and the Pearl

“As long as we remain below.” A small copper fish peeked out of sea-foam hair; the King stroked it with a finger, and it swam free. “We are safe while we are secluded. Hidden. Protected. You were invited; you heard us; you came. You will remain as well, and never leave.”


To Cade this sounded eminently reasonable; he nodded.


“Our world is at your disposal.” The Sea King moved away, a dismissal; tossed back more words his direction like skipping-stones: “You may have any unoccupied chamber you would like. The libraries are in the east rooms; someone will guide you. You may find something of interest to fill your time.”


“Thank you,” Cade said to the sea, “thank you—”


They were gone. He got to his feet, vaguely embarrassed and ungraceful. His hair fanned out around his face, blending with ocean; a good sign, he decided. He could stay here.


Chapter 15