MY STEP-MOTHER IS MY MATE

THE PRINCE'S RETURN AND ATLANTIS' WELCOME

Staring at the almost weightless Bident that he had dragged across the floor back then in his hands, The prince of Atlantis couldn't help but smile bitterly at the memories it brought; Both pleasant ones and those far opposite of it. He couldn't even say if that was him in his past as he had become a totally different person from his past self.

Caspian was brought out of his thoughts when he heard the conch being blown. The castle's main gates were opened by the guards and Caspian's coach rowed in. The coach soon came to a halt and Caspian stepped out.

To his surprise, the castle looked desolate and the Tritons that roamed about on a natural tide were all nowhere to be seen.

Caspian only hoped his family still lived here. He had been away for far too long and anything could have happened, but seeing the way the guards reacted and still addressed him, he knew they were still there. He also knew the kingdom wasn't at war since he would have been informed beforehand as a Vice-general of the Atlantis' Warriors. He took deep breaths and opened the castle's entrance gate.

*creak*

*tink*

Light flooded his sight and he had to raise an arm to avoid being blinded. Subtle ball music started playing before he knew anything and he couldn't help but heave a deep sigh.

'A surprise welcome party? really, did they have to go to this extent?'

Caspian adjusted his posture with his eyes closed, he tugged his coat and took deep breaths. He was back home and he had to face how people viewed him in the past in his current self. All these while that he was away, he never gave regard to those who called him a Monster, he knew they were only scared of the unknown. But here in Atlantis which was his origin, he couldn't get over the feeling of submersion that had always been thrown at him by this kingdom since childhood, he didn't know if it was the Merfolks or if it was the spirit of the Kingdom.

Caspian however wore a big smile at the warm welcome he was given by the members of the Royal family, including the Tritons and the maids. He walked with confident steps towards the throne far off in the hall as people cheered him on.

"Welcome back, Your highness"

" Thank you, Mrs. Ivette"

" I'm looking forward to sparring with you, Your highness" The Tritons welcomed him in their own way. The Warrior way per se.

Caspian greeted each and every one with a happy smile on his face. He didn't care about the past events nor did he care about the fact that they were only doing this by the King's order. He didn't know some Tritons or maids and they were also a bit reserved since they never met him, he still nodded towards them as they bowed.

He soon reached the throne and he could see the three that he had been so eager to meet. Looking straight ahead, he saw the tired look of the once fierce King and a few tiny strands of white in his hair. The over-80-year-old king was now wearing out bit by bit. Caspian knew there was still time since the total life expectancy of a Merman could reach 2 to 3 centuries, some could even reach the threshold of a millennium after attaining 'Spirithood'.

He looked to the left to see his adversary sent down from above who still looked as gracious as ever. Seeing the gentle smile on her face, he couldn't help but wonder if she was still that caring Queen that made blunders in the process of making peace. Lastly he looked further to the left of the Queen to see that his little princess had grown to be a beautiful young lady. She had a noble form around her and she sat elegantly on the smaller throne. seeing that she had lost the ever-gleeful and excited glint in her eyes from when she was younger, Caspian knew he had a lot of catching up to do and only wondered if she still remembered him.

Caspian lowered his head and was about to go on his knees when he felt two huge hands of a Merman hold his shoulders.

"Welcome, son!"

His ever-cold and coarse voice cannot be mistaken. Caspian was shocked to see the King act this way. He always thought he was never emotional and was strict with discipline.

'There are a lot of things that I didn't know when I was young Caspian thought to himself.

He wouldn't be surprised if he hugged him at this moment as it would be totally normal. However, he didn't as he was still a King before a father in the presence of so many folks around.

" Welcome home, Prince Caspian, we have heard tales about your accomplishments and I am really proud of you" Queen Cordelia stepped forward and extended the back of her hand towards him. Seeing this, The king released his over-excited grip on his son and let him go honor the Queen's politeness. He then realized he wasn't supposed to act this way.

'Well .. Quirks of a king. Good thing nobody can walk up to me and blame me hehe!' the King grinned joyfully to himself in his mind.

He couldn't get over the feeling of seeing his great son that had brought him so much pride. He was a young and talented legend and was feared far and wide in the whole depths. He was so excited when a message was sent from the kingdom's gate that he had returned. He thought he might be pranked but no one would dare try that. Plenty years of a warrior living without War could turn one into a doting father.

"Yes, your Majesty, I have returned. And I am extremely pleased that Her Majesty feels that way towards my humble self" he bowed then took her hand gently and gave it a soft kiss. Queen Cordelia's mind shortly traveled back to the words of mother seer but she quickly dispersed the thought. As an elder woman, she maintained her composure without the slightest blunder.

Caspian was placing back The Queen's hand gently but he let it go abruptly when he saw his beautiful sister giving a curtsy towards him. but only the King and of course, the Queen herself were close enough to notice.

"Congratulations on your safe return, Your highness, prince Caspian"

Caspian all these while on his voyage back to Atlantis had been thinking of how this moment would be. Would she jump at him and give him a tight hug? Would they just stare at each other and keep laughing or crying? Would they shake hands or would she slap him hard in the face for taking so long to come back home? Caspian had thought of all possibilities but he wasn't sure he thought this could happen.

The princess sounded cold and distant. As if, he was nothing but an additional piece to the family. Caspian's smile froze on his face momentarily and he couldn't help but stare at the princess as if she had just spoken the wrong dialogue that wasn't in the script.

He was lost and didn't know what to say in return. He thought he was prepared for this moment and believed that the outcome of whatever happened would be great.

" er.. um... thanks... I guess" He muttered and kept staring at her as she turned and returned to sit on her throne. He wished that he could observe himself from a third person's view at this moment, to see if he wasn't clad in kelp.

The hall grew silent as everyone watched the scene unfold.

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