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. Does 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.”