Roxy moved through the water sluggishly. Her tail flicked just enough to keep her moving forward, but there was no grace in it, no energy.
Nimue swam beside her, nervously twisting a strand of pearls around her fingers.
She didn't know why Roxy was being this way.
And was only nervous that this would annoy Nerissa.
"It is... it is just ahead," Nimue whispered, trying to fill the oppressive silence. "Mother has opened the East Wing. It gets the most currents. Very healthy for the hatchling."
Roxy didn't answer. She didn't care about currents. She didn't care about the view.
They turned a corner, passing two stone-faced guards who bowed low.
The double doors to the new nursery were open.
Inside, it was a hive of activity. Artisans were carving intricate reliefs of sea turtles and dolphins into the soft coral walls.
Weavers were draping swaths of iridescent sea-silk from the ceiling, creating a canopy that shimmered like the surface of the water.
