The Sea Taketh (Alex Singer)

by Teresa Rae

  “Did you accept his proposal?”

  “Of course, I didn’t even have to think about it. I love the big guy! But, I’m surprised you didn’t make Christian sweat it out a bit longer.” She raises an eyebrow.

  “He set me up. He challenged me to a contest, of sorts, and I lost.”

  “You got engaged because you lost a bet?” She bursts out laughing. “I’ve got to give it to Christian, he’s good! It’s good for you to have someone who keeps you on your toes.”

  “Do you know when we’re planning to return to Maine?” I get out of bed.

  “No, but the place is a madhouse. All of the workers returned during the night and they’ve worked nonstop since they got here. No one’s saying a word, but something’s up.”

  “I hope we can escape to do some sightseeing. I would really like to go to Copenhagen to see the sights.”

  After a quick shower, I walk to breakfast wearing jeans and the beautiful white cashmere sweater Han and Sonia gave me for Christmas. It’s disconcerting to have the staff back at the cottage. It’s even more disconcerting to have them incline their heads as I pass.

  “Alexandra, did you sleep well?” Christian meets me outside the breakfast room.

  “Surprisingly well,” I reply. “The flowers were very kind, but you shouldn’t waste your money.”

  “Have you already forgotten our agreement?” He smiles impishly. “I am finally able to spoil you as I wish; which reminds me...” He takes a familiar velvet box out of his back pocket and removes the diamond bracelet in it. He clasps it around my wrist, smiling continuously.

  “You’re enjoying this too much,” I say.

  “Oh, this is just the tip of the iceberg.”

  I pull my hand away before he can kiss it. Pressing him to the wall, I passionately put my lips to his.

  “I want to go to Copenhagen,” I whisper before kissing him, again.

  He moves the hair out of my face. “Copenhagen?”

  “Yes, I want you to take me Copenhagen. We’ve spent too much time in this house.”

  “I’m expecting guests tonight.”

  “It’s a short drive, and we can eat breakfast in the car on the way.”I kiss him a third time.

  He blows softly, and the doors to the breakfast room open. Servants take platters of food back to the kitchen.

  “What’s going on?” Jen asks.

  Sven puts an arm around her. “We’re going to Copenhagen.”

  * * *

  Snowflakes flutter as they fall ferociously. Few people follow the path in front of us. I am grateful for the sparse crowds and falling snow. A silent hush descends on the walkway.

  “She’s very beautiful,” I say, looking at the sculpture of The Little Mermaid in the bay before us.

  “He was one of the few sculptors to get it right. Notice her legs and fins?” Christian points at the bronze girl.

  “Did you know her?” I ask. Normally I would consider this a ridiculous question, but if Christian is an immortal high prince, then why couldn’t he personally have known the little mermaid?

  “Yes, I knew her.” He stares at the sculpture.

  “Was she a member of your family?”

  He shakes his head, and snowflakes fall from his hair. “No, she was a princess from the North Sea.”

  “It’s a tragic story. Why didn’t she just share her immortality with her human prince?”

  “Because he wouldn’t give up his kingdom to be with her,” he squeezes my hand.

  “If she was immortal and willing to make him immortal, why couldn’t he share her immortality and rule his kingdom?”

  “There’s an important detail missing from the story. An immortal sea creature has difficulty permanently living on land. By taking her immortality, he would have tied himself to the ocean.”

  I watch his breath swirl in the air.

  “I don’t understand?” I say.

  “Think of the water cycle,” he says. “Water from the ocean evaporates. The moisture gathers into clouds, and they are blown over land. When those clouds come to mountains, the water condenses and falls as rain. The rain gathers into streams and the streams become rivers. Rivers travel down mountains, through valleys, and back to the oceans. Water returns to the ocean.”

  “Except for permanent glaciers, they stay frozen,” I interject.

  He lifts a gloved hand and watches the snowflakes accumulate. “The ocean is patient, eventually all water returns to it. Had the prince accepted the little mermaid’s immortality, he would have had to have joined her under the waves, or the ocean would have forcefully claimed him.”

  “Claimed him?”

  Christian shakes the snow off his glove. We watch it fall into the water below. “All immortal sea creatures, who turn their backs on the ocean, lose their immortality. Then the ocean claims them in death, dragging them to its depths. They can buy some time on land, but the results are always the same. Like droplets of rain, we must make the cycle back to the ocean. This is how we retain our immortality and our lives. A life lived on land means certain death for us.”

  “And you want me to choose immortality, permanently linking me to the ocean?”

  “We are all linked to the ocean, regardless. However, yes, I want you to choose to spend eternity with me.”

  I let his words sink in. If I want to be with Christian, I will have to choose to live in the ocean because he can never permanently live on land. It would mean a death sentence to him.

  “You’ve known all along that I would have to live in the ocean to be with you,” I say, quietly.

  He stares at the statue before us. “Do you know what happened to her?”

  “She joined the daughters of the air, spending three hundred years trying to earn her immortality,” I answer.

  “That’s what was written, but we are both aware that she was already immortal. In reality, she died. She married her prince, renounced her family and all merfolk, and became mortal. She lived as a human, and drowned when she was swept into the sea. It’s not a dramatic or romantic ending, just the cold, hard truth. Fairytales seldom tell the truth.” He takes a deep breath. “Merfolk tell their children the story of the little mermaid as a warning. In our culture, it has a profound moral: stay far away from humans. I, too, bought into the idea that the little mermaid experienced a serious lap in judgment. I didn’t understand how she could knowingly walk towards death…” He pauses slightly. “…and then I fell in love with you. Believe me when I say that I would do anything to be with you. Unfortunately, I do not have the luxury of indulging my selfish nature. I must think about the billions of merfolk in my realm, even if it brings me utter misery.”

  He silently walks back to the waiting limo. Sven opens the door, and he disappears inside.

  I scrutinize the little mermaid on her rock pedestal. The solemn look on her face is one of sadness; sadness for all she is leaving behind. She knew what she was giving up, and she made the decision to choose love. After a closer look, I find that there is more than just sadness on the little mermaid’s face. There is also hope as she sits in quiet contemplation. The snow falls around me and my silent companion, and I shiver.

  Walking to the limo, Sven opens the door. Christian puts away his phone when I sit next to him. He moves the heating vents so they blow hot air on me.

  “You should have tried one of those red hotdogs,” Jen says to Sven as he climbs in. “Mine was great.”

  “You know I don’t eat anything questionable, besides, I’m saving room for dinner tonight,” he says, wrapping an arm around her.

  “Yeah, what’s the deal with all the fuss?”

  “My parents have commanded that I organize a dinner in order to give them the opportunity to meet Alexandra and Thomas,” Christian answers.

  “What time is this meal?” Gramps asks as he watches Copenhagen pass by the window.

  “Six o’clock,” he says.

  “That’s only ninety minutes from now,” I interject, looking at my wat
ch.

  “Yes, that’s precisely why we’re headed back to the cottage as we speak.”

  * * *

  The corridor is completely lined with bowing merfolk when we enter the cottage, indicating that it’s a pretty big deal that Christian’s parents are coming to visit. It doesn’t take an expert on mer-culture to see that the High King and Queen are very important and powerful.

  Kerstin charges when she sees us.

  “Where have you two been?” she whispers to us. “We’ve been waiting for over an hour!”

  “Dinner is not for another forty-five minutes,” Christian says, looking at his watch.

  “Mother insisted on coming early to apologize.”

  “Tsunamis! Kerstin, please assist Alexandra while I go speak with Mother and Father.”

  “It would be my pleasure!” Kerstin takes my arm and practically drags me down the corridor.

  “It’s not good to make your parents wait, is it?” I ask as she pulls me into my room.

  “No, Father is High King of the Atlantic Realm and very busy.” She blows through her lips and several mermaids appear out of nowhere.

  I feel as though I’m attacked by an octopus as I’m readied for dinner. When the mermaids finish, I scrutinize my black dress. It is a long, silk gown ornamented with diamonds.

  “It’s very beautiful,” I say.

  “And very expensive,” Kerstin says, chocking up slightly at the sight of me. “But my brother wouldn’t hear of his fiancée wearing anything less.”

  “What can I expect from this dinner?” I inspect my upswept hair.

  “You can expect a thorough interrogation and assessment. After all, you are engaged to a high prince.”

  * * *

  Haunting harp music echoes through the corridor. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I’m far more nervous than even before a fashion show. Forcing myself to breathe, I follow Kerstin into the sitting room.

  Candlelight flickers across the walls, the scent of roses tickles the nose, and polite laughter can be heard.

  Christian meets me at the door, and I am shocked by his appearance. He is dressed in a white uniform with dark blue pants. Medals and a royal insignia decorate his chest. Being at ease in his attire, with his head held high, I know that this is the real him. Yes, he is able to let his hair down, but he is a leader in his realm. Power simply emanates from him. I can’t believe I didn’t see it earlier.

  “Why aren’t you wearing shoes?” I point to his feet.

  He smiles. “Merfolk only wear shoes when they are in the presence of humans.”

  “So you don’t mind that I’m wearing these?” I lift up the skirt of my gown and show him the fluffy, pink slippers hidden underneath. Kerstin gasps in shock.

  Christian laughs loudly, picking me up in an eager embrace. “Marjory is correct when she refers to you as the ‘smart beauty!’ I’m glad that your feet will remain warm during the course of the evening.”

  Someone clears their throat behind us.

  “My apologies, Father,” Christian turns around. I follow his example.

  Kerstin was correct when she said that Christian looks very much like his father. The High King has bright blue eyes and blond hair like Christian. However, he is a head shorter than his son. Being immortal, they could easily be mistaken for brothers instead of father and son. Still, there is an undeniable power emanating from him. The Atlantic High King is not to be trifled with.

  “Father, I would like to present you to my fiancée, Alexandra Singer. Alexandra, allow me to present you to my father, High King Kelp of the Atlantic Realm.”

  Before I can incline my head, I am caught up in the High King’s arms. He tenderly kisses each of my cheeks. He may be powerful, but he is also kind. Kerstin was right. We will get along just fine.

  “Alexandra, I must say that it is an absolute pleasure to meet you!” he says. “And I must tell you that, had we known about you earlier, we would have made the journey to visit you in Maine.”

  “My son is very protective of his privacy, too protective at times,” Christian’s mother says as she joins us. In contrast to our earlier meeting, she looks me up and down, scrutinizing every detail.

  “I have every right to be protective of my privacy,” Christian says, wrapping an arm around my waist. “Mother, allow me to formally introduce you to my fiancée, Alexandra Singer. Alexandra, this is my mother, High Queen Miriam.”

  “I would like to apologize to you for my inexcusable behavior, yesterday,” says High Queen Miriam. “I assure you, my actions were due to my surprise not disappointment.”

  “I have already forgotten about it,” I say, trying to be polite. I suspect her explanation isn’t true but reason with myself that it’s best if we put the whole episode behind us.

  “Thank you for your graciousness, Alexandra.” She, too, hugs me and kisses my cheeks. Directing me to the sofa, she says, “Now, we would like to hear all about you.”

  The High King and Queen spend the next hour grilling me about every aspect of my life. They ask me about school, modeling, and Seaside. I imagine meeting your fiancé’s parents is difficult, but knowing High Queen Miriam and High King Kelp are older than the Roman Empire makes them a hundred fold more intimidating. I am extremely grateful when we finally move to the dining room for dinner.

  “Where’s everyone else?” I whisper to Christian when I see that only Gramps is waiting for us.

  “The Realm knows my family is here, so the cottage is on lockdown. Henrik, Sven, Sonia, and Jen are in the security room,” he replies.

  “Don’t you think it’s odd to have them working while we’re eating?”

  “They loath formal occasions and are much happier where they are.” He kisses my hand. It’s interesting how much his level of formalness has increased since I first met him. I guess it goes with the territory.

  “They’ve got the right idea,” I grumble under my breath.

  Christian laughs, lovingly kissing my lips. “We are going to enjoy a delightful meal with my family. I even determined the menu with you in mind.”

  The meal is unlike anything I’ve eaten before. Seven courses of the richest, most fattening dishes, all made with seafood, are served. I eat small bites of each course, so I’m not stuffed before dessert. The merfolk devour everything without a second thought. Gramps, however, is more interested in celebrating our engagement than eating. He empties glass after glass of the Kelps’ expensive wine.

  “I do so like fresh oranges,” High Queen Miriam says as she eats a dish of orange sorbet.

  “That is the reason there are two cases in route to the castle for you and Father for Christmas,” Christian tells her. “They are from Alexandra and me. I had pineapples and mangoes delivered to Grandmother and Grandfather.”

  I wrinkle my nose. I thought merfolk liked seafood. Christian sees my expression and takes my hand.

  “Produce is very expensive in Atlantis. I send fresh fruits and vegetables to my family whenever I have the chance,” he explains.

  “While we’re on the subject of Christmas gifts,” says the High King. “Christian, your mother and I are gifting a text of Homer’s to you as we know of your fascination of his poetry.”

  “Where did you locate it?” he asks before sipping his wine. I no longer wonder why he behaves like a spoiled brat at times. His parents gift him with priceless artifacts.

  “In an ancient shipwreck in the Mediterranean,” he replies. “It was written on a clay jar.”

  “Thank you for your thoughtfulness. I look forward to reading it.”

  “Yes, and we also have a gift for Alexandra,” High Queen Miriam interjects, forcing a smile in my direction. “We would like to put your mind to ease. We will finance your college education.”

  Kerstin squeals. “Alex, you just have to go to the University of Atlantis! That’s where I’m going. We can spend our free-time together!”

  “Mother, that is very thoughtful of you. However, I plan on financing
Alexandra’s education,” Christian says.

  “Oh, no,” exclaims the High King. “Your money is to be used for your enjoyment. With how hard you work, you aren’t to want for anything. Your mother and I are delighted to have a second daughter joining the family, and nothing would make us happier than to ensure Alexandra receives a quality education.”

  Loud, uncontrollable wailing erupts next to me. “My g-girl will be f-fine!” Gramps sobs, drunkenly. He puts his head on the table and wipes his eyes on the tablecloth.

  “Gramps, it’s all right,” I say to him. “Do you want to go to bed?”

  He shakes his head as he continues to bawl.

  “Thomas, it’s been a long day,” Christian says. “Perhaps it’s best if you go get some rest.”

  “A-anything for you…” Gramps stops talking and a loud snore finishes the sentence.

  Christian gestures for a couple mermen to take Gramps to his room.

  High Queen Miriam shakes her head. “The poor man, it’s a shame he’s made such a fool of himself.”

  Fact # 16 – Merfolk are prejudiced against humans.

  Proof – Christian’s mother!

  I completely lose it and break my own rule of thinking before speaking. I immediately push away my dessert and stand. “Excuse my grandfather for not having been born with the advantages of merfolk. Yes, he’s nothing but a human, but he’s a remarkable human! He was born into a poor family and has worked day in and day out since he was a child. He was blessed to find the love of his life with he was still a young man only to tragically lose her after only a few short years of marriage. Then he raised my mother by himself only to lose her, and my dad, too. Gramps wasn’t blessed with immortality, but he’s done incredibly with mortality. Everyone in our village respects and likes him. He’s a good and honest man. This is the first time I’ve seen him drunk, and the only reason he indulged is because he’s celebrating my engagement to Christian. He’s so happy to add Christian to our family that, yes, he went a little overboard, but I believe he deserves some empathy!”