Deleted Scenes Part 3

*SPOILER WARNING* Do not read this post unless you have read Forbidden Sea.






For those who were wondering how it was possible for Jendayi's kingdom in the Caribbean Sea to get along without her for a hundred years, the answer to this question was originally included in the story but had to be taken out for pacing reasons.


ORIGINAL SCENE AS IT WAS BEFORE EDITING:

"You said you ruled the Caribbean Sea. Who is running things while you are away?" I asked.

Jendayi continued to study the mosaic as she answered. "My brother was willing to take up the crown while I performed this service for our royal cousin."

"Why you?" My question made Jendayi finally turn toward me. "That is a far distance to come just to play matchmaker."

"Her majesty, my cousin, said I was the only one she trusted with the important task of finding brides for her sons." Jendayi's voice was warm and wistful as her thoughts turned to those she loved. "Because of my noble blood I am, let us say, more adept than most of my kind at reading the hearts of men even while they are yet on the land."

"More than your brother?" I asked.

"Much more than my brother."


Though I do not say so in the book, I had always imagined the power of seeing the future to be a trait found dominantly in females rather than males. There are a few mermen born with the gift but not many. Even the Crown Prince Dasarian does not have this gift and his powers are great. The Sea Queen has some of this gift, of course, but Jendayi's powers of foresight are much greater than hers. This was one of the reasons she chose her younger cousin for the job. This is also the reason Jendayi believes she always knows best and nobody better tell her differently!