It becameatail.
ChapterEighteen
Isamaria
Isa’s eyeswidened as the magic began to spread up her form. She looked down in amazement as her gown began to glow. “Noway.”
Things were quickly changing. Poseidon’s magic modified her form, and Isa felt her legs knitting together into something new. Her dress melded to her body, sequins becoming sapphire scales and fins. The blue magic swirled all around her in a tornado, and Isa could handle it no longer. She dove off theboard.
Isa put her hands in front of her in an arrow and swam through the water more quickly than she ever had. Her tail was powerful, propelling her through the sea faster than even a boat could sail. She swam for what felt like forever, joy and excitement coursing through her unmatched by anything she’d ever felt in herentirelife.
When she finally stopped, she ran her fingers through her wet locks. Her hair was still blue. She turned around to see Adrian and Poseidon had kept up with her. She did a backflip in joy, spinning like a top within the ocean’sdepths.
“I’m a mermaid,” she whispered, her childhood fantasy become reality. “A realmermaid.”
Adrian’s mouth was open. “Dad, youdidthis?”
“Of course, I did,” Poseidon said. “She has to be a mermaid if she’s going to move to Aquatica and become yourqueen.”
There was a pause. Adrian looked at Isa. “Do you want to move toAquatica?”
Isa smiled slightly. “I don’t know. What’sitlike?”
Adrian swam forward and took Isa’s hand. “I’llshowyou.”
* * *
Amorningof touring the merpeople city had Isa hooked. Everywhere she went, there was more to see. She had trouble taking in the fact that this was all real. There were hundreds upon hundreds of merpeople living in Aquatica, and the city was absolutelybreathtaking.
Adrian’s mother was more than welcoming… she felt like the mother Isa had never had. Ianthe wrapped Isa in a hug immediately the moment she saw her. Ianthe took Isa aside privately and discussed her job as the Mistress of the Waves, and what would be expected of Isa if she became Adrian’squeen.
Ianthe was more than willing to take Isa on as her apprentice, but still, the task seemed daunting. Isa wasn’t so sure she could do it, but Ianthe was certain she was up tothetask.
She was supportive. Involved. It was more than her father everhadbeen.
Ianthe almost felt like the mother Isa hadneverhad.
Still, Isa hesitated. It was… a lot. A huge responsibility, that was for sure. Isa had always wanted to save ocean creatures as a marine biologist, but if she accepted the title of queen, she’d be able to save all of them. It would be her literal job, to safeguard the ocean from the dangers of humans and protect sea life from becomingdestroyed.
She just… wasn’t sure if shecould.
Isa had the perfect time with Adrian. Yes, she wanted to stay here. But she wasn’t sure if it was the right decision. She had school and responsibilities back home, not to mention her father. Could she really give that all up to become queen of themermaids?
She wasn’t going to lie, it sounded reallytempting.
At the end of the day, Poseidon was looking expectantly at her in the throne room. “Well? Have you made your decision,child?”
Adrian’s eyes were locked on her. The look he gave her was begging her tosayyes.
Isa didn’t know what to say. Poseidon wasn’t the type of guy youtoldno.
Ianthe stepped in. “Perhaps she needs some time to think it over, dear,” she said gently. “She has a life back on land,aswell.”
Adrian’s face became crestfallen, and it hurt Isa. Poseidon rubbed his beard and said, “You’re right. You are free to return to land, Isa— your legs shall reform and you’ll be able to become human for as long as you’d like. You too, Adrian,” Poseidon added. “Stavros’ spell is broken. You may now walk upon land anytime you wish— though since you were not born human, the time limit is still in place. My magic can only gosofar.”
Adrian nodded. He wasn’t about to complain, not after everything that had happened. Isa reached out her hand toholdhim.
“Come with me?” Isa asked Adrian. He nodded and followed her out of the palacegates.
