They worry about me being alone, but perhaps that’s what I’ve always desired. Space. To set out on my own and flourish, living by no rules except the ones I set for myself. It’s why I’ve remained in residence at Sunshell Palace for all this time, away from their prying eyes and gentle urgings.
If I’m being honest, the time out here has begun to lose its sparkle. I envy my parents’ love—anyone would. It would be a dream to find that sort of connection for myself one day. They would be very displeased to learn how I’ve spent my nights: donning the physique of a human man and debauching myself with any human I could find up and down the coastline. The pleasure had been great, but after each interaction, I couldn't help but feel like I was missing something.
I would hate to admit that my parents were right—that I was lonely. However, how could I find someone to fit more permanently into my life? My father had taken my mother against her will. She came to love him quickly and gave up her human life to be with him eternally. Was there another such woman out there for me who would be willing to make the same sacrifice?
If there was, I certainly hadn’t found her yet. I had never been with a human in my true form—the sentiments expressed by many of them were that my kind were decidedly unwelcome.
The golden sun glows brightly overhead. The heat warms my scales as I sun myself on a floating piece of driftwood. My mind is made up as I breathe in the salty air. This will be my last dayhere. In the morning, I will return to my parents’ palace and face the questions about my future head-on.
I have neglected my royal duties as Prince of the Darksea for long enough.
A flash of white glimmers on the horizon. Sliding into the water, my vision catches on a protruding rock. The waves have nearly completely swallowed it. Humans linger on the dock staring at the rock with determination. I haven’t drifted this far down the bay in some time. I prefer to stick to the more rural shanty towns rather than take my chances in the populated city.
The villagers point at the rock, and my curiosity is piqued. Diving beneath the water, I quickly swim over to the boulder. It’s far enough away that none of them can reach me if I surface.
As I approach, my eyes widen at the sight beneath the waves. Thin white fabric floats around two delicate knees. Heavy iron chains lock around two slender ankles.
Waves lap at her nose. The young woman’s face is nearly completely submerged in the water. Her golden hair floats around her like a halo. What is the meaning of all this? The scene before me makes no sense.
Through the water, voices float to me from the dock. A merman’s hearing is unparalleled.
“There must be something wrong with her,” a woman’s voice spits.
“Or the Kraken has truly forsaken us, and even a human bride won’t appease him,” a deeper voice offers.
“Whatever the case,” the woman responds, “it is a pity to lose a girl so young. Blacktide will have much to answer for.”
A sacrifice for my father? He would not want such a thing. Not to mention my mother would be enraged at the treatment of this poor girl. She looks asleep, her head lulls against the rock as the waves cover her face completely. Whoever she is, she is beautiful.
I must act fast.
Slicing through the water, I make quick work of breaking apart the bindings around her ankles. The water slides down my body as I plant my feet next to hers. There are a few gasps that ring out behind me, but I pay them little mind. The human’s lips have gone blue. With a growl, I summon a wave to cover us from the prying eyes of the villagers.
Making quick work of the biddings on her wrists, her delicate arms fall limply to her sides. Without her tether, she falls into my open arms. She weighs nothing, lighter than a rainbow fish. Her skin glows—as luminous as a deep sea pearl.
She is young, but a girl she is certainly not. Golden skin greets my eyes. Her body is all soft curves. The fullness of her chest and hips and the slight curve of her stomach are on display in her soaked shift. I can nearly make out the shade of pink her nipples are. I snarl at myself. There is no time for gawking.
I can admire her beauty more when she begins to draw breath.
The faint pattering of her heart reminds me of the task at hand. Angry welts decorate her shoulders. The tip of her upturned nose is crimson. The skin around her wrists and ankles is red, irritated by the salt water. They’ll need to be cleaned to avoid infection.
Using my magic, I summon the water from her lungs, drawing it out and through her full lips. She chokes, coughing awake as she spits up the salty water. Once it is out and she’s breathing deeply again, I marvel at the sight of her once more. Eyes the color of sapphires stare back at me. They are wary but not afraid.
She has not removed my arms from around her, but to be fair, I'm not so certain she could stand on her own. The press of her body against mine is a delight. I have never seen her before. I’d remember a beauty as bewitching as hers.
Golden lashes flutter on her cheeks as she blinks at me. Cracked lips part as her tongue snakes out to lick them.
“Thank you.”
Her voice is hoarse but sounds like music to me.
“You’re welcome.”
Searching for something better to say, I watch a serene smile come over her face. She leans back, allowing me to support her weight. With a deep breath, she drops her arms to her sides.
“I’m ready to go now. I’m ready for the pain to be over.” Her blue eyes meet mine. “Will you stay with me? Until the end?”
Her words click, and protectiveness surges through me. This is not her end—far from it. The little human in my arms doesn't know it yet, but this is the beginning of the rest of her life. This powerful desire to claim her—this need to shield her from harm and provide for her is something I’ve never felt before. However, I’ve heard about these feelings all my life.
