Land folks! Whenever anyone talked about land folks, they were often described as complex creatures that tackled little tasks or difficulties each day. Some of these people called it chores. Others described their actions as work. The leisure things were hobbies. There were so many names and too many fascinating things.
Those activities were not as dangerous as fighting sharks. Nonetheless, it was just as terrifying. The greatest part was with each activity, it was just as rewarding in the end. For example, cooking. Land folks would gather all the ingredients from powders to leaves. Eventually, these ingredients were used to turn into mouth-watering feasts that exploded with flavors in my mouth.I groaned just thinking about it. The best thing of all was when we got to that point where we could cook, we became something greater. An inventor. A creator. Now, here I was, standing in Prince Mitchalus's kitchen about to become something greater.A smile"When you feel her presence call to her. At that moment, you'll see where she is. You will then be able to communicate with her," Aqualia's voice faded away as I tugged on the shimmering silver line in my mind.Once my eyes opened, I spotted Shelly. An indecisive feeling took over. A happy sensation mixed with anger. "Shelly, what the fuck?"Her eyes widened and took me in.That didn't stop me, I continued anyways, "You've got me all stressed out! Here I am all concerned, and you didn't even think to call to let me know you're okay. What kind of guardian does such an irresponsible thing?"I stood there awaiting the witty response she would often utter but to my dismay, it never came. That was when I started observing my environment.Crystal-like rocks bordered us in a small area. Casting my eyes down, the chalk white sand of the sea floor stared back up at me. Spears tightly bound together with what resembled seaweed closed off
"Look, I get your touching story, man," I rested my hand over my chest. "My heart goes out to you and your family. I do, but how does keeping me in this cave help you to be the 'King of Kings'?"Gramps was well known. Everyone wanted to be him. They all wanted to be the King of Kings. It was both amusing and annoying. I would have given these powers away a long time ago if it was possible.At that, the crowned merman laughed. It almost sounded evil. I was not too sure, I was too occupied with his girlfriend to pay much attention to him. She stared at me with more fascination than before. The hair on my skin stood on end."You will find out why you are here," he answered.I tried to not notice how the mermaid observed me. It didn't help when a chill ran down my spine."You can't do this without being punished," Shelly gritted out. "That power is not meant to be yours. What about your daughter? What will she think when she finds o
When we were young, we believed love was like a fairy tale. Then we were teenagers and we read about Romeo and Juliet or watched Titanic and love became a joke.Why would I choose to die because of my love for another? How great should our love be if one was willing to sacrifice themself for that person?I didn't believe that type of love existed. I cared about others: my friends and family, but to die for them was another situation. For the past few days, the thought swirled in my head. My resolve regarding this paled. Marvelon was my best friend. If he was dying, would I have given my life to save his? Before I could never answer that question, never pause on a steady yes.At least until now.There was a split second in time when the answer became prominent. The need to do whatever it takes to ensure that person's safety surfaced and could not be quelled. That moment when nothing else mattered but keeping that person safe. At all costs.
We all watched Alex pass the barrier to follow his mate. He couldn't be leaving when King Marvelon was like this. No, Alex promised we would protect him together. But, the sight of Alex walking away made me realize this was over. After all, it was his mate. Alex has yearned for her for so long. It was only natural he would leave with her. I couldn't say I was upset. If the tables were turned maybe my actions would be the same. Even while being upset with Prince Mitchalus, I couldn't get the willpower to not fulfill his needs."Fesel?" Prince Mitchalus's pleading got my attention. He banged on the magical barrier that trapped us from saving anyone outside the cage. "Fesel, please don't leave. Don't me."If this was some other time, then maybe jealousy would have consumed me. My mate begged for another mermaid not to leave, it was laughable. But, my emotions were running low. My tears were only falling for the man curled in a ball beside me. I had no right to be
For the past few days, things have remained the same. The majority of the day was spent in bed. My mouth faced the difficulty of eating once per day. Anything more than that seemed a bother. Even taking a shower was tiring. But, at least, I was doing something. King Marvelon laid in the same spot every day. He only ate when Mia nagged him about it. Taking a shower had the same result.I stretched out my limbs. The cool of the tiles seeped through my exposed skin.The place has gotten quiet without Alex. No laughter or explanations resided here. With Guardian Shelliot gone all workloads have been passed down to Mia and Martin. They took turns coming into King Marvelon's room to force us to do one thing or the other.I didn't care much for them but did what they asked, so they would leave me alone. It was better that way. Mia wanted to talk about this or the other and the usual desire to listen to her was gone. All I wanted was to not be bothered.
I opened my eyes to sobbing. Aqualia tossed in the bed. Her eyes were still closed, yet the tears ran down her cheeks. I clasped her arm and pulled her into my arms.She snuggled into me, crying harder. "They're all dead. I'm alone. How can this be?"My grip tightened. This has become our morning routine. Aqualia would wake me with her cries of being alone. She confessed to me a while back that some mermaid showed her what transpired in the ocean. It didn't turn out as she hoped. Ever since, when she closed her eyes, it was the replay of the scenery she witnessed.Though I have not had a nightmare since Fel and I mated, I could still recall the deaths of my…Aqualia trembled and curled into the warmth of my body. The tears still flowed but her sobs stopped.Sometimes I wished the tears would come for me. No matter how hard I tried, they were all dried. The pain of my loss had numbed my emotions. I couldn't laugh or yell o
A few more days passed and things remained the same. Well, not so much. King Marvelon decided to go back to school. Though he looked like a ghost, he still tried to study and all that stuff land folks did for their educational programs. He had this idea about wanting to graduate. I researched what it meant and it was something land folks did at the end of these school days. It was similar to the process merfolks did for the Guard Ceremonies but had a slight difference, nonetheless.I tried not to ponder too much on such a thing. It didn't matter anyway. With King Marvelon gone most of the day, I spent my time out at the beach. The bed felt too big and empty without him. Mia appeared happier these days. I couldn't tell if it was because King Marvelon was out of bed or not. She was just less annoying.King Marvelon rolled on his side. "I have a class in the afternoon today."I stared at the hair dangling from his forehead. "Oh, okay."This s
I followed Prince Mitchalus into Alex's old room. It was much different than before. The mattress was void of any sheets and the pillows were in the middle of the bed. The remaining of the other things were in the same position as before. It was as if no one had been in this room for months. I couldn't help but wonder where Jayel slept or what he did in this room. If he even came in here.Prince Mitchalus perched on the edge of the mattress. He said nothing but observed me.I closed the door behind me and hugged myself. "I thought you said you wanted to talk."He patted the spot beside him on the bed. I hesitated at first but decided to comply. The thing would run smoother that way. The faster this conversation went, the sooner he would leave."What's going on between you and Marv?" Prince Mitchalus asked as soon as my bottom touched the bed.I gave the calmest answer that came to mind. "He's my King. If there was anything more