The slam of the giant clamshell door echoed through the coral halls as I stormed out. How dare my father accept that human into our kingdom? After everything we've done to keep our world secret, he's just going to let some outsider waltz in here and steal my bride? My fists clenched and unclenched as I swam, my navy tail beating furiously to propel me forward.
I needed to get away, to go somewhere I could actually be listened to. Kai'Uli. Home. I whistled sharply, calling my seahorse to me. Within moments, he appeared, ready to bear me away from here. As I sped off, I glanced back once at Lalo'Kai. You haven't seen the last of me, old man. Just wait.
It wasn't long before the familiar coral spires of Kai'Uli came into view, the guards swimming out to greet us. I wasted no time, heading straight for the throne room. My father, King Kamalani, looked up in surprise as I entered.
I returned to Kai'Uli, entering my father's coral palace. I did not wait to be announced, barging straight into the throne room. King Kamalani looked up, surprise crossing his regal features. He sat upon his peridot throne, his blue eyes narrowed at my impertinence.
"Keanu, back so soon?" he asked.
I swam right up to the dais. "Father, Ailani has lost his mind. He's allowing a human to live among us!"
Shock rippled across Kamalani's face. "A human? In Lalo'Kai?"
"Yes!" I cried. "All because his precious daughter took a liking to him. Never mind that she's betrothed to me!"
Kamalani frowned. "This is...unexpected. Surely, Ailani understands the risks."
"Oh, he understands, alright," I seethed. "He just doesn't care! He never respected our alliance, and now he insults us like this!"
I could see the gears turning in my father's mind. Insulting one kingdom risked offending them all. And having humans discover us could expose everything we've worked so hard to protect.
Finally, he met my gaze. "Keanu, ready the warriors. Before the next full moon, we kill the sand flea and make Lalo"Kai ours!"
Triumph surged through me. Finally, someone was listening. With Kai'Uli at my side, I would show everyone what true power looked like. Starting with Lalo'Kai.
I nodded firmly at my father's command. "I will gather our best warriors and strategists. We will make Lalo'Kai pay for this insult."
As I turned to leave, my father called out. "Keanu, wait."
I paused, looking back at him expectantly.
"I know you have...personal reasons for wanting this," Kamalani said carefully. "But we cannot act rashly. War always comes at a cost."
I bristled, swimming back toward the dais. "You think this is about Kaimana? I couldn't care less about that human."
Kamalani raised an eyebrow. "Couldn't you?"
"No!" I insisted. "This is about our kingdom's honor. Our power and status among the merfolk."
But my father was right, and we both knew it. Jealousy burned within me since I'd seen how Kalena looked at Kaimana. She was meant to be mine.
Kamalani sighed. "I understand your feelings, my son. But we must be strategic in our response. I do not want open war with Lalo'Kai."
Clenching my fists, I relented. As much as I wanted to storm Lalo'Kai that instant, I needed to convince my father first.
"You're right," I said through gritted teeth. "We should plan carefully. But Kaimana cannot remain among us. His presence puts all merfolk at risk."
Kamalani nodded slowly. "I will send a message to Ailani. Demand he remove the human, or face the consequences."
It wasn't everything I wanted. But it was a start. With Kaimana gone, Kalena would be mine for the taking. And nothing would stand in my way.
My father called for his royal scribe and began dictating a message to King Ailani. The sharp edge of anger still simmered within me as I listened.
"Tell King Ailani that the presence of the human Kaimana in Lalo'Kai poses a grave threat to all merfolk," my father recited. "He must be removed at once. If he remains, Kai'Uli will have no choice but to take action."
It was bold but not bold enough. I swam closer and put a hand on my father's shoulder.
"With respect, the message should be stronger," I said. "We cannot allow Ailani to refuse."
Kamalani fixed me with a stern look. "And what would you have me say?"
"That if Kaimana is not banished within three sunrises, Kai'Uli's army will storm Lalo'Kai and remove him by force."
The scribe's eyes widened, but he transcribed my words without hesitation. Kamalani tensed, clearly displeased with the ultimatum.
"Keanu, you go too far," he warned. "We must handle this diplomatically."
I withdrew my hand. "There is no more time for diplomacy. Ailani has insulted our kingdom by allowing this human into his court. He must face the consequences."
Kamalani studied me for a long moment. I could see the struggle in his eyes - he wanted to avoid outright war, but he also wished to appease me.
Finally, he turned back to the scribe. "Send the message as my son commanded."
Triumph surged through me. At last, we would put Ailani in his place. And I would have my revenge against Kaimana.
"Father, I know you have reservations," I said, swimming closer once the scribe had left. "But this is necessary. Kaimana's presence threatens everything we have built in Kai'Uli."
Kamalani sighed deeply, the weight of his crown seeming to press down on him. "I understand your concerns, my son. But war must always be a last resort. There may still be a way to resolve this peacefully."
I clenched my fists, anger rising in me again. Why couldn't Father see that diplomacy would get us nowhere with Ailani?
"Peaceful resolutions are for the weak," I spat. "Kai'Uli's power comes from strength and decisiveness. If we allow this insult to go unanswered, we invite more slights against us."
Kamalani studied me, his expression unreadable. "Power through force and domination is but one path. There are others." He swam closer, putting his hands on my shoulders. "I know you seek only to protect Kai'Uli. But we must not let anger cloud our judgment. As the future king, you will need wisdom as much as strength."
I wrestled with his words. Part of me knew he spoke the truth - but I could not let go of the fury burning within me. Kaimana had to pay for humiliating me. And I would make sure he did, one way or another.
"I...understand, Father," I said finally. "But trust that I will do whatever is necessary to defend Kai'Uli's honor."
Kamalani searched my face a moment longer before nodding. "So be it. I know you will lead us well when the time comes. You will be a great king, my son. Of that, I have no doubt."
When my time came, all would know the true power of Kai'Uli. And Kaimana would regret the day he crossed me.
I stormed away from my father, my blood boiling. How could he not see reason? Kaimana's insult could not go unpunished.
I swam out to the balcony overlooking the kingdom, my fists clenched. The words I had exchanged with my father echoed in my mind. He wanted patience and diplomacy. But all I felt was the burning humiliation of Kaimana's rejection.
My father joined me on the balcony. "Keanu, let us discuss this rationally-"
"There is nothing to discuss!" I snarled, whirling to face him. "Kaimana has made a fool of me for the last time. I will make him pay."
"Declaring war is no small matter," my father said gravely. "It will put both kingdoms at great risk."
"I don't care about risk!" I shouted. "All I can think about is wiping that smug grin off Kaimana's face. No one refuses the prince of Kai'Uli!"
My father frowned, concern in his eyes. "This jealousy and hunger for power does not become you, my son. I fear it will lead you down a dark path."
I laughed bitterly. "The only path I care about leads to Kaimana's defeat. Now stand with me against Lalo'Kai or stand aside!"
My father was silent for a long moment. Finally, he spoke, resignation in his voice. "If war is truly your wish, then so be it. We will prepare the armada at once."
Triumph surged through me. At last, Kaimana would get what he deserved. And all would know the might of Kai'Uli's fury.
I nodded, a fierce grin spreading across my face as the reality sank in - my father had agreed to declare war on Lalo'Kai. After years of humiliation and rejection, I would finally have my revenge against Kaimana.
"Thank you, Father," I said. "At last, we will remind those Lalo'Kai fools of their rightful place."
My father sighed, his expression grave. "Do not let vengeance consume you, my son. War always comes at a price."
I waved his concerns aside impatiently. "Once Lalo'Kai is crushed beneath my fist, King Ailani will have no choice but to relinquish the throne. And Kalena..." I smirked as I imagined her beautiful face. "She will be mine."
"And what of our people?" my father asked quietly. "They will suffer greatly in this conflict."
"A price I am willing to pay," I said coldly.
My father studied me for a long moment, then turned away, a shadow passing over his face. He swam from the balcony without another word, leaving me alone with my triumphant thoughts.
I was thrilled with anticipation, my heart pounding. Let the war begin! Kaimana's days were numbered now. Lalo'Kai would fall, and I would claim what was rightfully mine.