Rigel walked out onto the balcony overlooking the water. He took a deep breath in of the salty sea air. In spite of his angry aquatic neighbors, he loved this view and the smell of the water on the wind.

The door behind him creaked opened. “Father?”

With a smile, Rigel turned around and opened his arms to embrace Raine.

“The guests are arriving.”

“Tell the musicians to strike up a tune, and let’s go and welcome our visitors.”

Raine nodded and walked back through the door. As Rigel followed her into the house, the band struck up a song. His daughter and Lady Aurora joined him as he walked to the front door. “Welcome! Welcome everyone.” He shook hands with the individuals who passed by. “It’s good to see you Lucio and Helena. I’m so glad that you were able to make it this evening. How are the little ones?”

He barely listened to their responses as he made his way through the pleasantries by rote. “Ah, Dahlia, how are you this evening? Raine has already been swept off onto the dance floor, but I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to see you.” At last, the line dwindled. “Welcome Garrick. Have you fully recovered from our adventures at sea?”

“Well enough to join the dance.”

Rigel clapped the younger man on the back as he wove through the crowd to the dance floor. Rigel peaked in to the ballroom. Derrin and Raine were dancing. His daughter’s cheeks were flushed already, though from the heat or from Derrin affection he couldn’t say. Frowning, he beckoned a servant over. “It’s getting quite hot in here. Douse the flames before we all over heat.”

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With a nod, the man darted over to the fireplace and grabbed a poker to spread out the logs.

Satisfied that the heat would dissipate slowly, Rigel turned and followed his uncle out onto the balcony. “Let’s leave the dancing to those with younger legs.” He stretched his arms and breathed deep of the cool air. “How long has it been since you and I have danced at a ball?”

His uncle leaned against the railing and laughed. “Danced? I’d say twenty years.”

“Twenty? No, it can’t be that long.” He racked his brain for the last time he saw his uncle dance. “It was when Lucio and Helena married.” He looked up as he thought back. “That was only fifteen years ago.”

His uncle shook his head. “You weren’t married yet, and certainly not expecting to be a father anytime soon.”

The water splashed down below them and his uncle walked back into the ballroom. Rigel watched him go back through the open door and waved as Garrick stepped out to join him at the rail. They studied the water for a moment before Garrick pointed. “There’s a fin. Those beasts can’t even leave alone on shore.” He snarled. “Let me go find something to teach them a lesson they won’t forget. On boats they might have the upper hand but here…” his voice trailed off as he walked away from the edge.

“Leave them be,” said Rigel.

Garrick spun and faced him. His mouth hung open. “Leave them?”

Rigel nodded. “We are attempting to woo Derrin into the fold, he’ll not like it if our finned spies are harmed.”

Garrick crossed his arms.

“Come Garrick, that scowl has no place at a ball.”

With a huff, Garrick threw his hands up in the air and stalked back into the building.

Rigel followed him in. But in the chaos of the swirling dresses and noise of chatter, he lost sight of the younger man almost immediately.