As she decided, she immediately started her plans.
And soon her invitations were sent out, thanks to Nimue who didn't suspect a single thing.
"A private gathering," the royal messengers had announced to the eligible bachelorettes of the Pearl Caste. "The Queen wishes to bond with the future of the court."
In reality, it was an audition.
Roxy floated in the center of her private receiving chamber in the Pearl Wing, a manic smile plastered on her face. The room was filled with the scent of roasted shrimp and sweet tea. Music drifted from the corner where a hired musician played.
Scattered around the room were six of the most beautiful mermaids in the Spires. They were young, their scales vibrant, their hair groomed into the soft waves Roxy had taught them.
They giggled and preened, stealing glances at the corner of the room.
There, hovering like a thundercloud in a clear sky, was King Caspian.
