I nodded solemnly as Ailani poured out his regrets. The anguish in his voice was unmistakable - losing Kalena had shattered him. As his advisor, it pained me to see him suffer so.
"I understand, my king," I said gently. "What happened between you and Kalena was born of fear and worry for her safety. But she is your daughter, and there is still hope of reconciliation."
Ailani looked up, a fragile hope dawning in his eyes. "You really think she would forgive me after I drove her away?"
"Of course. Kalena knows you only want what is best for her and the kingdom." I placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I will find Kalena and ask her to speak with you openly. The love between you remains if you both give it a chance."
Ailani nodded, though uncertainty still lined his face.
"I will request she bring the surface-dweller as well," I added. "Though you disapprove, the surface-dweller clearly means much to her; if you accept him, it will go far in healing the rift with Kalena."
At this, Ailani frowned but did not protest. I knew it would take time for him to welcome a surface-dweller into his family. But for now, getting Kalena to return was the priority.
"I will do all I can, old friend," I promised. "Have faith. Your daughter's good heart will prevail if we compassionately appeal to it."
With that, I left to begin my search, determined to carry out this mission of reconciliation. The fate of Lalo'Kai's royal family rested upon it.
I hurriedly left Ailani's chambers, my tail propelling me swiftly through the coral corridors. Finding the princess was of the utmost urgency. The longer she remained estranged from her father, the deeper the rift between them would become.
I knew all too well how Ailani's overprotectiveness could drive Kalena away. She was headstrong, just like her mother had been. But she also had a gentle heart that could be softened if approached correctly.
Surfacing above the palace, I scanned the turquoise waters. Kalena was likely with the surface-dweller boy, Kaimana. Their bond grew stronger by the day, though Ailani refused to accept it.
I would seek them out to appeal to Kalena's sense of duty and love for her people. Remind her that her rightful place was in Lalo'Kai, beside her father. With time and understanding, their wounds could heal.
The surface-dweller's role was less clear to me. But I would not stand in the way if he made the princess happy. All that mattered was bringing Kalena home for her and Ailani's sake.
With purpose, I swam off in search of the pair. I only hoped to make Kalena see reason before it was too late. The fate of the Kingdom could depend on it.