Love Beyond Tides

Glimpses of Regality

The King erupted into hearty laughter, a boisterous sound that reverberated through the royal court, accompanied by joyous howls from the merfolk in attendance. "She desires to join us? Well, well, it has been ages since a human showed interest in our submerged abode," the King remarked, adjusting his posture to gaze directly at the human presence behind his son. "But does she possess the fortitude required?"

"I firmly believe so," Thassasalin replied with unwavering confidence.

The King, a figure of authority with eyes as deep as the abyss, hummed contemplatively. "You've voiced your desires, my son," he declared, "However, the regulations of our realm must be upheld. Until Diana successfully navigates the trials, she shall remain an outsider."

As the King pronounced his decision, Thassasalin exhaled a breath he hadn't realised he was holding. His father had approved for Diana to face the trials. Meanwhile, Diana, standing in the midst of the opulent court, found her eyes widening in incredulity.

Trials? He didn't mention anything about the trials!

The air in the grand chamber buzzed with a mixture of excitement and hushed conversations, as the fate of the human in their midst became the subject of animated discussion. Diana, now confronted with the unforeseen prospect of trials, exchanged a perplexed glance with Thassasalin, her mind racing to comprehend what awaited her in the submerged kingdom.

"Diana, was it?" The King's deep voice addressed her.

"Aye, sir," she responded quickly and respectfully. Diana gazed at the King with meek eyes, then lowered her head, unsure if it was proper for her to maintain eye contact.

The King took a moment to appraise her, his gaze unwavering. "It is a great honour to meet you, Diana." His smile seemed intended to comfort her. "You are not of our kind, but I sense a courage in you that most land-dwellers do not possess. I trust that my son's judgement has not been misplaced."

Despite her fear, her determination shone through.

"Do not be afraid, my dear," the King continued in a calming tone. "It is customary for any outsider who wishes to become a part of our kingdom to undergo three trials." He held up three fingers. "The first trial tests your physical strength and ability to adapt here. The second trial will assess your intellectual and spiritual prowess. Finally, the third trial scrutinizes your emotional capacity. These trials are integral to our traditions and the harmony we uphold."

"Clear as the open sea," she nodded, her demeanor tinged with a hint of despondency.

"Fear not," he swiftly added, his voice a soothing balm, "You shall be bestowed with guidance from our esteemed mentors and subjected to thorough training in readiness for each trial. Should you be prepared for the ensuing challenges, then we bid you welcome with open arms."

"I'll be learnin' with utmost dedication and show me mettle!"

A spark of determination roared to life within her, and the king felt a swell of admiration for the human before him. "I am certain that you shall, Diana," he declared. Then, turning his gaze back to his son, he continued, "Since she is under your charge, I entrust you with the responsibility of selecting a mentor."

"Consider it done," Thassasalin hummed, accepting the weight of the responsibility placed upon him.

"Now, begone, both of you," the King declared with a regal wave of his hand.

As Thassasalin guided Diana out, the King took note of her tattered clothing. Yet, she bore neither the demeanour of a downtrodden soul nor the reckless fearlessness nor cowardice he has so often witnessed in pirates. Instead, she stood as a simple girl, her spirit adorned with an abundance of courage.

"I dare say, she shall prove a splendid addition to our kingdom," the King chuckled to himself, envisioning the potential she held.

As the grand doors gracefully closed behind Diana, she cast a reproachful glare in the direction of Thassasalin. "Why, may I ask, did ye not bestow upon me the wisdom of these oncomin' tribulations?"

"Oh?" he responded with an arched brow. A subtle smirk playing upon his features recognizing her sudden politeness. "I do recall mentioning that my aid would come at a cost. Your innate ability to discern impending danger shall undoubtedly prove invaluable during these trials."

Despite her vexation, a reluctant acknowledgement crept into her sigh. "Ye've already spared me from the clutches of fate once. I reckon I can manage this bit for me new guise."

He tenderly squeezed Diana's shoulder and extended to her a small, consoling smile. "Now, to appoint you a mentor... I have a specific individual in mind."

Thassasalin maintaining a firm grip on Diana's hand, ushered her along, his patience for the human's leisurely pace long exhausted. Abruptly, he pulled her closer, surprising her first with the sudden proximity and then with the realisation that she stood nearly two heads shorter than him.

"Incline your eyes to rest and hold your breath", he hummed, his directive delivered with an air of assured command.

She complied without hesitation. A subtle smile graced Thassasalin's countenance as he tightened one hand around Diana's midsection while the other provided a protective shield for her head. With a strategic tilt of his body, they sliced through the water, an overwhelming force pressing against Diana's form, reminiscent of the time when she had teetered on the brink of drowning, and he had swiftly spirited her away to the hidden grotto. She enveloped her arms around his middle, steadfastly weathering the formidable force that assailed them.

"You can open your eyes now."

A subtle note of mirth seemed to underscore his words. Diana, a blend of wonder and bemusement, complied and distanced herself from the merman's embrace. At that moment, she marvelled at the resilience of her jaw and the tenacity of the pearl nestled beneath her tongue. It's a miracle he hasn't lost either.

Before her unfolded a merfolk community, replete with manor-like residences tinted in hues of blue-green, the very essence of the ocean breathed into the structures made of coral. The residences varied in their allocation of yard space. Some, with meagre expenses, while those fortunate enough to boast sizable grounds were enclosed by mysterious fences. Diana had no guesses of the material. What stood as a commonality among them were the elevated staircases leading to front doors, each residence perched high above the underwater thoroughfares. Illuminating the sidewalks were coral lamp posts, similar to the ones in the town. An odd shape moved by her feet, so Diana looked up. Above her, fish and assorted sea creatures danced in carefree exuberance, their presence casting a dappled shadow upon her surroundings.

What beautiful tranquillity.

"Keep moving," Thassasalin tugged her, urging her to follow and Diana complied.

"When were ye plannin' on lettin' me in on the secret that ye be a royal scion?" Diana inquired her tone, a mixture of curiosity and mock offence.

Thassasalin, with a bemused glint in his eyes, responded, "My apologies, Diana. I harboured no intention to either startle you or burden you prematurely with such weighty knowledge."

Her eye betrayed a subtle twitch of irritation, followed by a theatrical huff. "Aye, stand I before a prince akin to the legendary figures of Triton or Poseidon from the tales of yonder?"

"Indeed," with a genial smile he acknowledged her astute observation. "Much like the gods you reference from human mythology, my father holds a position of sovereignty in our aquatic realm. His dominion extends as deep as Triton's, and his command is capable of guiding the tides themselves. Except he is our kingdom's king. We have two other kingdoms as neighbours."

Diana, demonstrating an understanding hum, absorbed this revelation.

They reached a grand residence, standing as a testament to opulence among the underwater abodes. This stately dwelling, distinguished from its counterparts by a lavish front yard and an ornate garden, exuded an air of affluence. Its exterior, adorned with intricate coral patterns and resplendent shells, bespoke the wealth and aesthetic taste of its occupants. The front yard, a verdant expanse teeming with vibrant marine flora, lent an air of tranquillity to the surroundings. The entrance, approached by an imposing staircase, beckoned like a regal gateway to a realm of refined elegance beneath the waves. In that verdant garden, there toiled a merfolk.

Thassasalin beckoned to this denizen of the depths. "Pray, convey to Merea that I await her presence," implored Thassasalin, his voice carrying the weight of oceanic depths.

The gardener, startled from his maritime tasks, swiftly turned and genuflected before the enigmatic Thassasalin. With an inclination of his head, he hurried away to fulfil the merman's request. Upon his return, two other merfolk accompanied him.

Leading the aquatic procession was a mermaid of imposing stature, her silhouette resembling a regal sentinel of the sea. With a pixie-like coiffure of short grey hair and azure eyes that bore an otherworldly elven allure, she exuded an aura of enchantment. Below her waist, a resplendent betta fish tail unfolded, its scales mirroring the hibiscus with ethereal spots of white. Beside her, a youthful mermaid, vibrant and exuberant, mirrored the gleeful countenance of Diana herself. Radiating joy like the sun's rays dappling upon the ocean's surface, she flashed a wide, gleaming smile. Cascading golden curls framed her face, accentuating her youthful charm. Below her waist, a betta fish tail of grace and beauty extended, its scales shimmering in a captivating gradient from silver to pink.

"I extend my salutations to the second prince," The elder intoned with a regal nod.

Thassasalin acknowledged with a warm smile. "Raise your head," he encouraged. Then he turned to Diana, "This is Marea and her daughter Lila."

The mermaids look to Diana. So, she extended a gesture of camaraderie. "I be Diana," she declared, her voice blending with the gentle murmurs of the sea.

Thassasalin turned to the denizen, Marea, with a proposition. "She wishes to join us. Will you be willing to resume the mantle of tutor?"

Marea's discerning gaze shifted to Diana, a contemplative expression softening into a warm smile. "Of course," she affirmed. She then directed her attention to the prince, seeking clarification. "I suppose she'll be staying here?"

Thassasalin confirmed, "That was the intention, yes."

Before Diana could articulate her sentiments, the vivacious blonde burst forth, seizing Diana's hand with infectious enthusiasm. "Hi, I'm Lila!" She greeted Diana again, cheerfully.

"Lila, please," Marea intervened gently, drawing her daughter away. "I apologise for this child. She's just excited. It's not often we have human guests here, so it's quite thrilling for us."

Gratitude welled within Diana, a burgeoning appreciation for the gracious reception extended by the mother and daughter. "Thank you," she expressed sincerely.