NATALIA
"SIT DOWN, RUBY. You too, July," I heard the Queen say.
We are in a private room now, which they call the family room. Here we all are: The Royal Couple, Aunt Trix, Aunt Alex, Ely, and me. And the newly arrived walk-out girls, July and Ruby.
I felt the burning stares of July, but as usual, I couldn't look at her. One hand is also tightly gripped around my right hand. It was Ely's hands that were warning me, as if to say, "Don't do anything stupid."You know what I can do."
I hate her so much!
Juls, I'm sorry. I need to do this.
My heart is crying and screaming. It is not the same as the song, but honestly, my heart is really crying. I want to tell the truth to the creatures that are here. I want to explain everything, but Ely's warning is always ringing in my head. Ugh! It's so frustrating to think that I can't do anything! Even now, I am a slave to a creature. I am so not like this!
"Now we're complete. Ely, you can speak now. Explain everything to us about this engagement of yours and Natalia." The Queen spoke. Wow, she really looks like Shizuma. Nice!
"Thank you for giving me a chance to speak, dear Queen and dear King," Ely gave respect and recognition to the royal couple. "As I've said earlier, Natalia and I love each other. I met her ten days ago when she was frustratingly scolding Polo, you know, my friend the seahorse. Because she's new to the fact that she's like me." Shit! Will she really reveal my true identity? In front of July! Shit!
"She's what, Ely?" It was Aunt Trixie.
"That she's a mermaid." Oh god. I raised my head and looked at Ely with a disbelieving look. "It's okay, hun, it's not new to us," Ely said, looking at me with that possessive look.
This was the time I looked in July's direction. And just like what I'm expecting to see, a shocked expression is written all over her face. Oh lord.
"I helped Natalia to realize that it's not bad to be a mermaid or supernatural. It's a privilege because we're not ordinary creatures and we're special. Till then, she accepted but still hid it from her friend July, the truth being that Natalia didn't want July to change her mind about her. Natalia didn't want her to be scared of her, so she remained silent about it. Besides, Natalia doesn't want to lose her lady guard's respect for her because she's still the President's daughter. Even if the agent finds out that the President's daughter is a mermaid, the agent still has no choice but to respect it because she is only one of Natalia's paid bodyguards." Ely stressed the word paid.
I saw how July clenched her teeth. God, July can be feisty sometimes, but what can she do against Ely?
"Okay, Ely. Based on what you said, you helped Natalia realize she could accept her true self. Is that enough reason for her to marry you?" Aunt Alex asked.
"No, Auntie. The main reason is that Natalia and I are mates. We're really the ones for each other," Ely said.
Mates? According to July, it's another term for "girlfriend." Shit, Ely! We haven't even been close! Ugh!
"Liar!" Huh? "You are a liar, Ely!" Finally, July speaks out.
Oh god, I saw how she fiercely looked at Ely now. If it's possible to look with electricity coming from their eyes, literally, maybe someone will get killed by now.
"Excuse me, agent? I think you're being rude. It's not your time to talk yet," Ely said calmly.
"Your Majesty, I'm sorry for being violent. But Princess Ely lied when she said her mate is Natalia," July said firmly but full of determination. Then she turned her gaze to me. "Because Natalia is my Luna. I'm the first who has imprinted on this beautiful woman before Ely met her."
I felt a strange flow of electricity in my whole being. I think that's because of what July said. But what? Wolf? Imprint?
"You imprinted but she didn't agree to be your mate, July. You didn't even have the guts to tell her you were a wolf. You lied to her and then you imprinted without her permission. I'm sorry, but Natalia agreed to be my mate. It's too late for you, dude."
"No. Even though I didn't ask her if she wanted to be my mate. It's enough reason, ladies and gentlemen, that Natalia willingly gave herself to me. I mean, she does love me and not Ely."
How could this happen to me? Why are there a lot of complications taking place now? I know my hair is really long. I mean, I'm super beautiful to snatch these beautiful beauties, but I feel sorry for innocent creatures that have nothing to do with the heart problem of the three of us. God, this is so embarrassing.
And July is a freaking wolf? What should be my reaction to this?
"Natalia loves me," Ely claimed, and gave me another look and her threatening smile. "In fact, she agreed for me to ask for her hand in front of her father. That's why I invited him here." What? Did she bring my father here? "Bring the president here," Ely commanded a chambermaid, who immediately complied.
I don't know what my reaction might be. I feel a mixture of nervousness and excitement because, a few days later, I am able to see my father, who is definitely very worried about me.
The family room door opened and my father appeared.
"Dad!" I could no longer restrain myself and I ran into him for a hug.
"Natalia, My God, I thought I lost you too. Thank God you're alive, sweetie." My father hugged me tightly too.
He caressed my back. I could feel him missing me. Even though I bitch at my father, I know he loves me very much. So I know he really misses his one and only daughter.
"Daddy..." was all that came out of my mouth.
Honestly, I wanted to cry, but I just held back because I didn't want to make a scene.
"Hush, sweetie. Daddy's here. Oh, baby, I'm sorry, Daddy was late." My father continued to caress my back as he gave me small kisses on my head.
"Ahem... Mr. President," Ely interrupted.
"Ah yeah..." My father's grip on me loosened. "I'm sorry. I'm just really happy that you found my daughter. Thank you so much for keeping my daughter safe in your kingdom. I've always known Marion City's area of responsibility is such a safe place."
"You're welcome, Mr. President," Ely continued. Looking pleased and accomplished, "I'm Elizabeth Damian, princess of Serenity, a mer kingdom."
Dad wasn't surprised at all! Does he know that supernatural beings exist? Well, based on his reaction, I think he knew about their existence. And why not? His daughter is a mermaid. God, how could he hide this from me? For twenty-one years, he hid this important thing from me. Ugh. I want to confront him, but I know this is not the perfect time.
"Serenity? Yes, I'm familiar with that place. My late wife also used to live there." My father's face got sad as he mentioned and remembered my mother. I know he still longs for her, but what can we do? She left us.
"Really? That explains the origin of Natalia here. I bet your wife is as beautiful as your daughter, Mr. President." Ely is such a douche. Ugh.
"Indeed, she is," my father said sadly. This is what I'm saying: it's a sensitive subject for my Daddy, and hell with Ely for relieving Dad of mom's memory.
I looked badly at Ely. This mermaid is interjecting too much. She already controlled me and now she's making my father sad. What a wicked creature she is!
"Uhh, sorry, Mr. President," Ely uttered as she saw how badly I looked at her. I thought the bitch was super insensitive. It's a good thing she wasn't that slow. My father just nodded and smiled, but there was still a trace of sadness in his eyes. "But anyway, I invited you here, sir, to formally ask for the hand of your daughter. She eagerly wanted to get married when we mated. So, as respectful as I am, I want your approval, sir. But as if you have a choice, because your brat daughter here is head over heels and so in love with me." Then she plastered an Ely smirk again. I saw Ruby scowl while the other royals were amazed at what Ely was saying.
When I looked at July, her face turned red as she looked at Ely angrily. Oh god, I smell double triple hundred trouble.
Dad looked at me as if asking if the mermaid princess was telling the truth. I was astounded. I don't know what to say.
"She won't marry you!" and I heard my true lover's voice. She said it weakly but firmly and full of authority. "Because that girl you're claiming is mine!"
Aww...
~*~
JULY
"AGENT MERCADO!" I knew my face was full of anger, but seeing the president recognizing me since he entered the room made me stop my outburst. "God, July, thank God you're alive too." I calmed down more when he approached me, and like a father who saw his child, he hugged me with a trace of joy. "Lio is so worried about you. They can't reach your wolf."
At this mention of my father's name, I suddenly felt emptiness and loneliness. I miss my family too, my pack, but I can't let this fight of love go to waste. Not with this mermaid princess who's claiming my girl.
"I know you won't leave my child, July. Thank you so much," he added before stepping back.
"No worries, sir. I can never leave your child because she is very special to me. She is my Luna, and it is not true what the mermaid princess says that Natalia is her mate. Natalia is my mate. I love her and I know she feels the same way about me. "
When I said those words, I was just looking at Natalia, while she was also staring. You can see the softening of her reaction on her face because of what I said.
"I love you, Natalia. I love you so much. And no matter what Ely does to you, don't give up. Babe, if anything, I'm ready to fight you, even if it will risk my life."
I know I'm pouring all my feelings on Natalia in front of everybody, but I don't care anymore. She needs to know my true feelings because if I don't do that, it might be too late.
I saw the mixed reaction on Natalia's face. Fear, doubt, longing, love. That's what bothers me the most. To see her scared. To whom? Why? Where? In the short time that Natalia and I have been together, I can say that somehow I already know her. I know she doesn't like what's going on, but she just agrees like a puppy. Why? Why?
"That's insane!" Crazy Ely interrupted. "You have no right to my fiancée, wolf! She's already destined for me!"
Huh! What is she saying? This woman is crazy. If it weren't for their territory, I would have torn her neck earlier and buried my high fangs all over her body so that she would disappear from the face of the earth. Grr. I'm sorry, I am just so angry with this mermaid.
"You have no proof, princess," I mocked her when I said my last words.
Ely looked at me intensely. Our colleagues there just looked back and forth at Ely and me.
"I do have!" Ely answered in high pitch. "I have witnesses to our romance!"
"Psh. You're making stories, your highness," I mocked.
"I don't! Polo, Crabby, and Goldy are my witnesses."
"Then where are they?"
"In the sea! They can't come on land because they're sea creatures."
"Ooh. Don't tell me they're talking sea creatures?" I laughed at her.
I looked at the creatures in that room and expected them to laugh with me, but I only saw all of them, mirroring Ely's reaction. What is that? Truth. Their reaction is serious for those who seem to agree with what Ely said.
"You're kidding me, right? Okay, I get it that mermaids do exist. Natalia is, and I accept that because I love her so much. That's why I'm willing to fight for her no matter what, but give me a good fight, princess. Don't makeup stories. Talking sea creatures? I bet the crabby that you're talking about is a crab. Eff! Talking crab? What the hell? And Goldy? A fish, perhaps? Wow, can that be my pet? I love fish. What about Polo? What the fuck? Is that a starfish, perhaps? What else can they do, huh? Back tumbling and flipping in the air?" I know I'm out of line, but what the hell, what can I do? I can't imagine those talking sea creatures.
"What?" My voice was loud when I said that. They were still silent, and they were all oddly looking at me. As if I committed a crime by rambling a while ago.
"That's all true, Juls. Except for Polo. He's not a starfish, he's a seahorse," Ruby said.
"For real?" Damn it. I just made one mistake, just for Polo. Nice! "Okay. Fine. Given that the talking sea creatures are real, so, where are they, majesty?"
"I told you, they can't go on the land."
"Then you don't have any witnesses then!" She is so annoying. "You're just kidding us!" I don't care if I'm losing my manners with this woman. The hell I care about her!
~*~
THIRD PERSON
"CALM DOWN, GIRLS." Finally, the king spoke. "Let's talk about this properly." The two fell silent. But they are still looking at each other as if they want to rip off each other's heads. "Mr. President, it's an honor that you have visited our kingdom. I am so sorry for what you have witnessed. This is not the daily activity we have here in Faerie Landia. I assure you."
"It's okay. I'm glad I'm here and I'm happy that my daughter is here," the president said.
The king nodded and smiled, then he faced the two creatures who were still glaring at each other.
"Enough, girls. What you're doing is very childish. Nothing good will happen if we go through this in a fight. No one wants to beat you. So, I have a proposition for both of you, girls." This caught the attention of the two maidens. "Let's make this an official fight. Whoever wins the challenges I'm going to put to them will win the heart of the President's daughter. So that no one will be a sour loser at the end of this battle. We will have rules too. I'll make sure to be fair and square. Do you agree with me, girls? "
"Yes, your highness," the two replied, glaring at each other again.
"Good. But first, what can you say about this, Mr. President? Besides, your daughter is the prize of the brave warriors," the King said, laughing.
He really finds it so childish. Which? With what the two girls are doing now. But what else can he do? The two ladies are just in love. The sad thing is that they only love one woman. Tsk. Love can really be a pain in the ass sometimes.
"It will depend on Natalia here, your highness. I can't force my daughter. She is old enough and she has the freedom to decide for herself," the president said.
"Very well then, Natalia. What can you say about this matter? Do you agree with this?" The King turns to the brat.
A trace of confusion can be seen on Natalia's face. She first looked at July, who looked at her lovingly, and the brat's heart melted in an instant. But when she turned her gaze to Ely, who was looking at the brat full of obsession with a warning look. Ely nodded to the brat and then Natalia spoke.
"N-no problem, your highness. I-I agree," the brat replied.
"Okay, then. So, we will start this love battle of yours, ladies. "But first, Ely," he asked the mermaid princess, "do your father and sister know about Natalia?"
Before the questioner got his answer, there were creatures that immediately entered that room.
"What should I know about, Ely?" asked the woman who had just appeared.
"S-sister Ev..." A trace of fear on the part of the mermaid princess's face can be seen when she looked at the woman she called Sister Ev.
"What did you do this time, Ely?" asked another newcomer, who was a woman also.
"S-sister Amor..." It was evident that Ely was scared of these women.