My mind is a whirlwind of guilt as I pace the confines of my chambers, each passing moment amplifying the weight of my failure. How could I have let Savanna end up in this condition? She's down here, in my Kingdom , cold and unconscious and it's my fault. I had hurriedly ordered blankets, piling on every kelp weave I could find, hoping they'd provide some semblance of warmth. But I knew they wouldn't be enough for a human. That's why I had a few seal pups brought in from the children's petting zoo, their warmth a desperate measure against the chill of the ocean.
The image of Savanna waking up to find herself enveloped in a mound of woven blankets and accompanied by three curious seal pups makes me chuckle. I can almost picture the confusion on her face as she takes in her surroundings. But the humor fades quickly as I remind myself why I'm here, why every moment matters. My gaze lingering on her necklace that allows her to breathe the same as merfolk do. I can't shake the thought that if I don't act soon, Zander will try to take her. The idea of him laying claim to her sends a shiver down my spine, and I find myself considering the unthinkable: waging war to protect her. The very thought is madness, but for her, I would do it without hesitation.
Just then, the door swings open, and in walks Opal, the doctor. She looks young maybe mid 30's, but I know better; she's over 350 years old. Her youthful appearance is deceiving. She glances at Savanna, then back at me, her expression shifting from curiosity to concern.
"Opal, when will she wake?" I ask, urgency lacing my voice.
She pauses, assessing the situation. "I'm not sure, Sire. Tell me, why was I dragged from my chamber by your knights claiming we had an unconscious royal? She is just a human."
I run a hand through my braids, a blush creeping over my cheeks. "Well, she's not a royal yet, however, she will be my Queen." The finality in my tone brooks no argument.
"Oh, I see." Her brow furrows as she studies Savanna. "From the looks of it, she just fell unconscious from shock. She can wake up slowly on her own, but it may take hours."
My heart races at the thought. Hours? That won't do. She has to kiss me before midnight! "Wake her and tell her to kiss me!" I demand, the urgency spilling over into my voice.
Opal's gaze shifts to one of concern. "Sire, are you alright?" She steps closer, placing a hand on my forehead. "You don't seem warm."
I glare at her, frustration boiling beneath the surface. "I'm fine! But if she doesn't kiss me, we go to war with the Sea Witch!" My voice is louder than intended, echoing off the walls, and I can see the worry etched on her face, but I'm beyond caring. I need Savanna to wake up. I need her to be safe.
"Alright Sire, I'll do as you ask." She reaches into her bag and breaks open a package right under Savanna's nose, she gasps. "I'll be leaving, call if you need me, Sire." Opal steps out the room, closing the door slowly. "Wait Opal! I need you to tell her, you know what I said before?" I call after her. She doesn't even bother to open the door. "Sire, I've known you since you were a little boy, you have never seemed like this kind of person before but still I can't bring myself to tell this young girl to kiss you. If she chooses to kiss you that is fine but she has to want to." Opal yells through the closed door. A kiss doesn't mean the same thing to human as it dose to merfolk. When a merperson kisses another they become bound to one another a connection is formed and with that connection comes deep understanding of one another. Something that unites your souls, it's how we marry and become husband and wife. But if she kisses me it will only break the deal I made with Zander for the necklace! It won't marry us, will it? I ponder. Savanna stirred in the bed and I turn towards her. All I can see her bright green eyes….. glaring at me.