by Anna Santos
“And my crew?”
Leonard looks at the sand. “Nothing. Julian can fill you in on the details once he's able to speak. Maybe they were taken prisoner by the Vampire King's men.”
“If they were, they are as good as dead. We know that they don't take prisoners.”
Leonard steps forward with an eager expression. “We need to send word to the king and start a conversation. We need to understand why they are attacking us so close to our home.”
“We need to start building more warships and cannons to defend ourselves.”
“I'll increase the patrols and double the guards at night.”
“Please send word to the princess to stay in our uncle's fortress. A royal ship coming in this direction is an easy target.”
Leonard nods. “As you please, milord.”
Sighing, I come to terms with the fact that my sea goddess isn't coming back. “I'll go see Julian. After, I'll talk with the elders to brainstorm about what needs to be done to protect our men and cargo from this new threat.”
Chapter 6—Debutant Ball
SPENDING TIME WITH my friends and sisters used to be enough for me to be happy. Now, I spend my days sighing and longing to see my human. It’s been two days since I’ve last seen him. Sybil has been watching me like a shark. There’s no way I can sneak away so many times. Dad is getting suspicious, and I have to help with the preparations for the Coral Festival. Merfolk from all around the world are coming to dance, sing, and see the jellyfish perform. It’s the most important social event of the year. It’s also when the single mermen show up to have the first glimpse of the new mermaid debutants.
“What are you doing here on your own?” Dana shows up behind me and giggles. Her long, blonde hair floats with the current and tangles itself in a wave of curls. I shrug and point at the preparations. “I believe this year it will be amazing. I can’t wait to see all the new debutants and the handsome males that are coming. Last year, I danced with a gorgeous prince. His name was Petrus, I believe.”
I smile. “You always have a huge line of males who want to dance with you.”
“You don’t do bad for yourself either. Do you remember your debut two years ago? You had several princes interested in you.”
“My heart is taken.” I swirl around and swim away.
Dana follows close behind. “Have you seen your human?”
“Are you going to tell Father?”
“Of course not. I fancied a human once. But it wasn’t anything special. We had some fun.”
I halt and turn to her.
She stops before we crash into one another. With wide eyes, she inquires, “What did I say?”
Grabbing her hands, I blurt out, “How were you able to speak to him?”
“Oh, you are too young to know the human languages. Dad taught me several changes of tides ago. It’s necessary for the type of work that I do.”
I frown. “What type of work?”
She averts her eyes and shrugs. “You know. Traveling to other sea kingdoms and parlay. Keep the humans away from our borders.”
I follow her line of sight and narrow my eyes at her. “We have guards for that.”
“There are matters that need to be handled in a more persuasively way.” Dana’s expression became serious. Something unusual for her normally bubbly personality. Giggling, she wraps her arm around my shoulders and we keep swimming down the path that takes us far away from the palace. “Do you think Sibyl will find a husband this time around?”
I laugh. “I don’t think there’s a merman in all the ocean who doesn’t feel threatened by her.”
She raises her chin. “Yes, she has the cold princess stigma going against her. I guess being the oldest makes her grumpier. Still, she’ll need to find a suitable husband if she wants to be queen someday.”
“Father is still young...”
“Father can’t rule forever.”
I look at the white sand and little seahorses. “I’ve always loved living here with you. But my human can’t live with us. He’s my fated mate.”
“Are you sure?”
I look at her. “Sure about what?”
“I’ve lived longer than you. Finding our mates outside the sea isn’t usual. We all learn about this when we are growing up. Yet you should ask yourself if it’s worth claiming the human as yours if it means losing your home and your family.”
My heart hurts inside my chest. “He seems kind. We aren’t able to communicate, but he was gentle with me.”
Fisting her hand, she shoves her arm forward. “You’re my little sister. I would rip his heart out if he did you any harm. Still, humans can’t be trusted. They don’t understand what a fated mate is as we do. They don’t live as long as we do either.”
“If only I could talk to him...”
Dana propels her body forward and halts in front of me with a grin. “Forget him for tonight and have fun. Dance with the mermen and enjoy the perks of being a single mermaid princess. If you still wish to go after your human after tonight, then I won’t stop you.”
I bit my lower lip. “Sybil might tell Dad. She’s been watching me like a shark.”
“Leaving at night is also pointless. We’ll be very busy tonight with the party. You can sneak out in the morning when everybody is asleep and meet with your human again.” Her face becomes solemn as she places her hands on my shoulders. “How does he know how to meet you if you can’t speak?”
I look around. “He seems to wait for me in the mornings, and I have no way to tell him when I can see him.”
“Then it’s safe to assume that he wants to see you as much as you want to see him.”
I nod. “He kissed me.”
Dana frowns. “Did you like it?”
I smile. “It was perfect. It was better than I could have imagined.” I swirl around and giggle, creating bubbles around us.
She swims back and touches her long, blonde hair. With pondering eyes, she caresses her chin. “The place where you meet him, I’m concerned.”
I stand still and move closer to her. “Why?”
“It’s the land of the Lycans. Your lover might be dangerous. Do you know if he’s a shapeshifter?”
I shook my head. “What is that?”
The sound of a shockwave reaches our ears, and we look into the distance as a whirlpool comes our way.
Putting my arms around my chest, I watch as Father arrives with his guards from whatever kingdom he went to visit.
Dana swims closer and places her arm around my shoulders. “Look happy, or he’ll be suspicious.”
I force a smile as my father and his guards swim slower in the direction of the palace. As his imponent figure approaches, I wonder what he would think if I told him that I was in love with a human.
Father’s smile is contagious. He’s also broad-shouldered and handsome with black hair and eyes as deep and blue as the sea. He’s ageless and nothing like the statues that humans made for him a long time ago. My sisters and I are born from different mothers. Mermen can be as seductive as the females, and many women have fallen for the king’s charm.
Dad opens his arms as he heads toward us. “What are my beautiful children doing here? Shouldn’t you be home getting ready for tonight’s party?”
Dana and I rush to hug him.
“We were just talking about what to wear tonight,” Dana says.
“I brought you gifts from the Pearl Sea Kingdom.”
We turn around as Dad escorts us to the palace.
Dana claps her hands. “They make the best necklaces and hairbands. Please tell me that you brought me a hairband.”
Dad chuckles, and I wonder what put him in such a good mood.
LOOKING AT THE MERMEN princes and all the mermaids smiling and flirting made me realize that the only one I wanted to speak and dance with at that party was my human. I didn't have fun.
Discretely, I stay in the corners watching others dance and smile while sighing and daydreaming of him. I wonder if he likes dancing. Doe
s he like to hear others sing? I love to sing. My father always says I have the prettiest voice in all the oceans. I sang for our guests tonight.
Now, all I wish is to return to my quarters and wait for the morning, so I can see my love. Yet I have a line of suitors wishing to dance. Dana seems amused and swirls around the ball, flirting and twirling her gorgeous, long hair. I might sing well, but she's a better dancer. Everybody knows that.
After indulging a few royals, I swim to the window in the highest tower of our coral palace. The moonlight finds its way through the water, and I wonder if my love is looking at the sky and thinking about me. The memory of his kisses lingers on my lips. My heart beats faster with longing.
The whales swim on the outskirts, patrolling our border. They speak of ships not far away and of wars that light the sky in the night. Like many others, humans look like dangerous creatures to them—the destroyers of balance. Do I really want to give up my tail to have legs?
AS SOON AS THE SILENCE falls in the sea and everybody is asleep, I sneak out and swim fast to my human's island. I might not see him. But, I need to leave before Father and my sister increase security.
Once I arrive, I lay my head on a rock and close my eyes. The tide lulls me to sleep. The beach is empty, the ships are anchored, and the humans remain asleep. I only wake up when the sun is high in the sky and seaweed covers my back.
I yawn and stretch. Using my fingers, I brush my tangled, black hair. My mouth feels dry and my arms hurt. I blink and stare at the shore. No one. I might as well swim there and use my legs to explore. The dress I’m wearing keeps twisting around my tail and makes moving harder.
I shriek in frustration as a figure moves on the beach. Stopping, I gaze at the figure that sat up. He’s covering his eyes with his hand to conceal the sun that blinds his face. My heart stops beating, and I increase the pace. It's him. It must be him. Was he sleeping on the shore? Is he waiting for me?
He removes his coat and his boots before facing the waves that crash in the surf. We meet close to the shore, and my hands reach for his face as my lips search for his. Serenity hits me when our mouths touch and our bodies lean against one another. The urgency consumes us. I can barely breathe, and I don't care. I've dreamed of this moment anxiously.
“I've missed you,” I voice.
He frowns at the strident sound but smiles. Language is still a barrier.
“I want to speak to you. I need you to understand...” My hands grab his face tighter as my eyes squint with sadness. “I need to know you want me too. I wish I could tell you who I am and where I live.”
He understands nothing, but he caresses my cheek and brings my hand against his heart. I feel the fast throbbing and smile. Leaning my head, I listen to it. It beats so fast! Just like mine.
Looking at him, I memorize his attractive features. His mouth searches for mine, and we kiss and float, exploring the happiness of being together. We swim and play. Going farther away from the shore, I show him the underwater beauty that populates the crystal waters near his island. I breathe air to his mouth, so he can be underwater for longer. I create air bubbles that allow him to breathe and see all the colorful fish and the corals that bloom around us. We are tiny in the vastness of the ocean. He seems to enjoy our subaquatic excursion. I wish I could keep him with me forever. Yet, he can’t breathe underwater.
If I go to live on dry land, I need him to understand me. Only the Sea Witch can help me.
Chapter 7—The Sea Witch
THE KING SPEAKS, “I have great news. I've spoken with the Sea Witch, and the Fates have decided that these next tides are when my daughters find their destined mates. I can't be happier and more excited for the tournament to start. Next week might be the day that Sybil or Dana find a suitable husband.”
Sybil looks at Dana who rolls her eyes and giggles.
“Sibyl can go first because she's older. I’m in no hurry to get married,” Dana professes.
“Maybe Mirella finds first,” Sybil claims.
I recoil back and conceal my nerves as I watch Dad.
“Mirella is the youngest and has time to find a mate. You, on the other hand, my firstborn, need to marry if you wish to have children. I'm still planning to rule for tides to come, but there are other kingdoms in need of a strong queen. Prince Devon will participate again this year. He's hoping to impress you once more.”
Sybil fists her hands. “I have no wish to marry that buffoon. He's cocky, unpleasant, and chases after any pretty tail.”
Father frowns and rests his head on his hand. “This year, princes from the south will join the feast. Maybe one catches your eye.”
Sybil folds her arms. “I don't need a male to rule over me. I'm the daughter of a demi-God. I'm stronger, faster, and cleverer than any of them.”
“Even so my child, life can be lonely.”
“You've never remarried, Dad. Then why do you think we should look for a companion?”
“I have my beautiful daughters in my life. What better joy than children to keep me company? But my heart craves more... I just... It's complicated, dear daughter. Sometimes, the one we want can't be with us.”
“I can't wait to marry,” I dare to say.
Everybody looks at me.
“I want to be happy and have someone to share my thoughts and dreams with. I want to have children... I might be young, but I believe in love.”
“Of course, you do,” Sybil grumbles. “But there's more to life than to procreate.”
“My husband will be kind, and we...”
“Enough. This isn't a competition. Let's all get ready for the tournament,” Dana proposes, squeezing my shoulders. “I want to see the fighters and cheer for them.”
“I'm sure you'll have a legion of admirers fighting to impress you,” Sybil mutters.
“I'm sure I'll incite them to fight until their last breath,” Dana retorts. Placing her hands together and leaning them against her cheek, she adds, “What's more romantic than a male willing to give his life for you?”
“I'm sure all these princes would be the first to run in the face of real danger. They fight for sport. The real warriors are the ones risking their lives to protect us,” Sybil argues.
“Not every male is worthy of my daughters’ hands,” my father adds to the conversation. “Last night’s ball was a success. I’m sure everybody will talk about it in the seven seas for a long time. Mirella sang beautifully.” Dad gazes directly at me with his blue eyes and leans forward. “My daughter, you don’t seem as happy as you usually are. I noticed that you didn’t want to dance with your suitors. Is everything all right?”
I force a smile. “Everything is fine, Father.”
“You would tell me if something was troubling you, right?”
I bow my head slightly. “Of course.”
He places his hands on the arms of his throne. “Good. Now that this meeting is over, we can have a family dinner and play a shell game before going to bed.” Getting up from his seat, he summons his trident and grabs it with his right hand. His wavy, dark hair dances with the current as he propels forward and places his hand under my chin. “You’ve grown into a beautiful young woman. You don’t need to fear your sisters’ beauty. The one suited for you won’t look at anyone else.”
“Father, why does everybody fear the Sea Witch?”
His eyes narrow before he answers. “Because not everybody is willing to offer what she asks in return.”
“What did she ask you in return for what she told you about our fate?”
My father smiles, showing his pearly teeth. Brushing my cheek with his fingers, he replies, “It’s a secret, child. But it isn’t anything that isn’t beneficial for both of us. We have a deal, and you don’t need to worry about the Sea Witch.”
EVERYBODY IN MY KINGDOM knows that we shouldn’t go to where the Sea Witch lives. It’s a dark and lifeless place with whirlwinds and dangerous sea monsters.
I grew up listening to the scariest tales of how she ate
little mermaids and used their colorful scales to make clothes that she would wear. I hope none of those tales are true because I was swimming to her domains, ready to offer her a deal. Love gives me the courage I need to face her. Plus, she had told my father that my sisters and I would find our fated mates. I’m sure I’ve found mine. Now, I need the language barrier to be removed. There’s just something gnawing at my heart. What if Father doesn’t believe that my human is suited to be my husband?
I slow down to catch my breath and pull the improvised bag with the gold and precious jewels that I’ve gathered to offer to the witch. Maybe this is enough but if not, I have more where these came from.
Looking at the vastness of the ocean before me, I gather the strength to keep going. I pierce the water and follow the currents that will take me to the Sea Witch’s island. Sharks surround it, and I have to manipulate water to force them to back off. The underwater cave is dark and murky. As I swim up, my eyes catch the glimpse of light on the surface. My head pops out first, and I circle around, analyzing where I am.
It seems that I need to continue on foot. Torches in the wall illuminate the corridors, but everything is eerily quiet. Once I have feet, I walk carefully as the rocks hurt my soles and the cold bites my flesh.
Terrifying sounds pierce my ears. I hope it’s just the wind howling. I use the wall to help me stand and walk in the direction of the light at the end of the corridor.
A few minutes later, I’m greeted by a generous fire and a sumptuously furnished room that looked like it could belong in a palace. Not what I was expecting to find. There was a cauldron on the fire, a bed in the corner with many fur covers, several shelves lined with leather-bound books, and vials filled with plants and animal remains.
“Hello. Is anyone here?” I gasp when my voice echoes in the cave. “I mean you no harm.”
A swirl of purple and black smoke materializes a figure before me. “What harm could you do to me, little princess?”
“Hi. Are you the Sea Witch?” I blink several times, taking in the image of the young woman with brown hair and copper eyes that stare back at me. She’s wearing a long, ruby dress fit for a queen.