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

“No. As an ambassador. He’s your son, isn’t he? Let him come learn about land. I’ll stay here. We’ve already said. In trade.”


“I wouldn’t mind,” Nerein said, looking at Jeremiah.


The Sea King studied Cade’s face. “You have the authority to promise all this.”


“I’ve got Queen Lyssa’s royal seal somewhere on a charter. I’m a member of the Council. The Queen listens to me. AndI’m famous.” Technically all these words were true. He listened to himself tap-dance on water; he heard the beat of his pulse in his veins, and he knew he was alive.


And he knew, too, that he’d make this work. No doubt admitted. No other outcome. Cadence Bell was a crafter of stories, and this was a good one; Cadence Bell would tell the best story of his life, and Jeremiah would walk free back to shore.


The King’s attention shifted: away from him, toward a newer or more familiar target. “Jeremiah Carver. You helped our son once. You’ve kept our secret.”


Chapter 24