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

The Queen’s carriage came up the lane in a vision of cream and jade trim; Peter Jones, fisherman, gulped.


The carriage slowed, though, rumbling to a near halt before reaching them; Peter had just begun to wonder about potential problems or reluctance when Cadence laughed and took a step forward, holding out hands. “Your Majesty. Good to see you, Lyssa.”


The nearest escort-rider dropped reins, hopped down from her mare, shook out long corkscrews of black hair, and ran over to take Cade’s hands; the Queen, dressed in practical if fancifully embroidered trousers and a quilted jacket, kissed her errant councilor on one cheek and demanded, “Cadence, what haveyou been up to?”


Chapter 52