I swam slowly through the coral archways of the palace, my mind churning like the tides. I should have felt elated to welcome my future husband, but instead, my heart was heavy as a sunken anchor. Kaimana's face appeared in my mind, his warm brown eyes crinkling with laughter, so different from Keanu's cold stare. I pictured his strong, sun-browned arms embracing me as we watched the sunset shimmer on the ocean's surface. A bittersweet ache filled my chest.
"There you are!" I turned to see my best friend Wikolia swimming toward me, her turquoise tail swishing. "Keanu's delegation has settled in the east wing," Wikolia said, her voice lowered conspiratorially. "I peeked in on them unpacking. You should see all the gold and jewels they brought!"
I nodded absently, my thoughts still adrift. Wikolia cocked her head. "You don't seem excited. I thought you'd be thrilled to meet your future husband finally."
"I...I don't know." I turned away. "Keanu is nothing like I imagined. His eyes are so cold, so calculating. And he seems arrogant, like he sees only his wants and needs." I pictured Kaimana again, with his warm smile and selfless spirit.
Wikolia squeezed my shoulder reassuringly. "Give him time. An alliance between our tribes would be invaluable. And who knows? Maybe he'll surprise you."
I sighed, wishing I could share my friend's optimism. But the more I saw of Keanu, the more I feared our union would only lead to sorrow.
"You're right, Wikolia," I said, straightening my shoulders. "I shouldn't judge Keanu too quickly. There is still much I do not know about him." Wikolia smiled encouragingly. "That's the spirit! Now come on, your father is waiting to present you to the delegation formally."
I allowed Wikolia to link arms with me and lead me down the coral hallway toward the grand hall. My heart felt heavy, but I kept my face serene. I would do my duty, no matter the cost.
As we entered the hall, I saw my father floating at the head of the room, his crown glinting in the filtered sunlight. A hush fell over the gathered Merfolk as I glided forward. I felt hundreds of eyes on me, but I did not falter. At the front of the hall stood Keanu, his handsome face impassive. I stopped before him and curtsied gracefully. His cold blue eyes raked over me appraisingly.
"Princess Kalena," he said, taking my hand. "The rumors of your beauty do not do you justice." His words were polite, but his tone was detached. I suppressed a shiver at his touch.
"Prince Keanu," I replied evenly. "Welcome to Lalo'Kai." I had done my duty. Now, I could only hope my heart would follow.
I felt Keanu's grip on my hand tightens slightly, his fingertips pressing into my skin. I resisted the urge to pull away, maintaining my polite smile through sheer force of will. "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance finally," Keanu said, though his flat tone conveyed no sincerity. "I look forward to getting to know the mermaid who will soon be my wife."
Wife. The word was like a stone dropping into my stomach. I swallowed hard. "Likewise," I managed. "I hope we may find happiness together." Keanu's eyes narrowed fractionally. "Happiness is overrated. What matters is power." He released my hand. I flexed my fingers discreetly under the cover of my flowing sleeves, disturbed by his words.
Just then, my father swam forward. "Come, let us dine together and celebrate this joyous union!" Keanu's face transformed into a charming smile. "Of course. Lead the way." As the Merfolk migrated toward the banquet hall, I drifted along numbly. I felt detached from my body, watching a scene play out rather than living it.
Wikolia appeared at my side, linking our arms once more. "Are you alright?" she whispered. I shook myself. "I'm fine," I lied. "Just...overwhelmed." In truth, I wanted nothing more than to flee into Kaimana's robust and loving embrace. But I had a duty to uphold, no matter how it might tear me asunder. With an aching heart, I entered the banquet hall at Keanu's side.
I forced a smile as Keanu, and I swam into the lavishly decorated banquet hall, followed by the members of his delegation. Servants rushed to and fro, preparing the long table set with colorful corals and pearlescent shells. My people gathered around, their eyes alight with fascination as they took in the foreign prince and his entourage.
Murmurs rippled through the merfolk as they studied Keanu's appearance - his muscular physique, the markings on his arms declaring his exploits, his regal bearing. I noticed the mermaids eyeing him appreciatively, tittering behind their hands.
My jaw tightened. Meanwhile, the mermen observed him with more skepticism. I caught whispers questioning his motives and whether he could be trusted. Others seemed impressed by his commanding presence, regarding him as a strong leader for our united kingdoms. I peered at Keanu from the corner of my eye.
His face was stoic, giving nothing away as he surveyed the crowd. Our peoples had been separated for centuries; what did he think of my kingdom? Did he feel the same apprehension I held toward him? My musings were interrupted as horns sounded, signaling the start of the welcoming ceremony.
I felt Kaimana's robust and loving embrace. But I had a duty to uphold, no matter how it might tear me asunder. With an aching heart, I entered the banquet hall at Keanu's side. I forced a smile as Keanu, and I swam into the lavishly decorated banquet hall, followed by the members of his delegation. Servants rushed to and fro, preparing the long table set with colorful corals and pearlescent shells.
My people gathered around, their eyes alight with fascination as they took in the foreign prince and his entourage. Murmurs rippled through the merfolk as they studied Keanu's appearance - his muscular physique, the markings on his arms declaring his exploits, his regal bearing. I noticed the mermaids eyeing him appreciatively, tittering behind their hands. My jaw tightened.
Meanwhile, the mermen observed him with more skepticism. I caught whispers questioning his motives and whether he could be trusted. Others seemed impressed by his commanding presence, regarding him as a strong leader for our united kingdoms. I peered at Keanu from the corner of my eye. His face was stoic, giving nothing away as he surveyed the crowd; what did he think of my kingdom? Did he feel the same apprehension I held toward him?
My musings were interrupted as horns sounded, signaling the start of the welcoming ceremony. I straightened, girding myself as all eyes turned toward me and the merman at my side - the future king and queen of our realms. It was time to greet my people with a prince I did not love.
I addressed the gathered merfolk, welcoming Keanu and his entourage to Lalo'Kai. I spoke of unity and a new era for our kingdoms, but the words felt hollow. My gaze flickered to Keanu. His expression remained impassive, yet a coldness in his blue eyes sent a shiver down my spine.
After the formalities concluded, Keanu turned to me with a chilling smile. "Well done," he murmured. "You play the part of the dutiful princess nicely."
I bristled at his condescending tone. "I do what I must for my people," I replied evenly.
Keanu moved closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "But we both know your heart lies elsewhere." Disdain dripped from his words.
I stiffened. "It matters not how I feel," I said with quiet defiance. "I have responsibilities here."
Keanu's smile faded, his eyes hardening. "See that you remember them." With that subtle threat, he turned away, leaving me shaken. I watched his broad back recede into the crowd, unease swirling within me.
Making excuses, I slipped from the welcoming ceremony and swam towards the surface, emerging in a secluded lagoon surrounded by soaring cliffs. I floated there, allowing the gentle motion of the water to soothe me. This place never failed to calm my spirit. Closing my eyes, I inhaled the crisp ocean air, listening to the cries of seabirds overhead.
I sighed, sinking below the surface once more. However, I felt terrible about Keanu and could not forget my duty. My people depended on my leadership. I must face the future bravely, no matter where it leads. With renewed resolve, I turned back towards the palace. It was time to return to the celebrations and to Keanu's side.
I swam slowly back towards the palace, my turquoise tail propelling me gracefully through the water. As I approached, raucous music and laughter drifted out to greet me. The banquet was in full swing. I paused outside the soaring archway leading into the grand hall, steeling myself. Then, with my head held high, I entered.
The scene within nearly took my breath away. Long tables laden with extravagant foods lined the hall, glittered with a thousand luminous coral chandeliers. Merfolk filled the space, dancing and conversing animatedly. Keanu sat at the head of the room on an ornate throne of abalone shell and twisted driftwood.
He was resplendent in an embroidered tunic, a king's ransom of gold and jewels adorning his neck and wrists. I glided over to take my own seat beside him. "Ah, there you are," Keanu said, flashing his brilliant smile. "I was concerned you might not join us." His tone was light, but his sharp gaze pierced me knowingly.
I inclined my head. "Apologies, my prince. I needed some time to reflect after today's long journey." Keanu nodded, appeased.
As he returned to his goblet of wine, I let my eyes drift over the revelry. How I wished I could lose myself in the joyful chaos, leaving behind the weight of uncertainty. But I knew the choice that lay ahead could not be avoided. I will discuss the engagement with Keanu and my father tomorrow.
My path forward would be decided. But tonight, the future was still unwritten. For a few more precious hours, my heart remained my own. I closed my eyes, savoring this last moment of possibility before the tides of change swept me away.
Once the palace was sound asleep in their beds, I snuck out to meet with Kaimana at our cove.