Vanessa's childhood and her years in Vesuvia before the plague

Vanessa's childhood

In Atlantis, the message of joy had dispersed around the underwater city and mutters of locals rifled in mer with elation. Banners and posters decorated the reefs; sea lanterns illuminated the deep blue oceans with shades of gold and purple- a symbol of renewed hope and royalty.

"Have you heard... Queen Cordelia and King Loki's first child has been born!" an elderly merwoman gossiped to her friend beside her.

"Yes, of course! Finally, the King has a descendent to the throne. What's their name?" the frail women questioned.

"Vanessa, a beautiful name don't you think? However the poor mermaid... she has a lot of duties to withhold as she grows up,". The two women nodded as they continued to swim through the city's vibrant coral marketplace .

Not too far from the bustling crowds was the Alantis palace which surrounded the city. It's external walls were made out of glistening gold and plastered with pieces of exquisite coral and pearls- emphasising its luxury. Inside the royal residence, the aura was filled with exuberance as sea servants gilded around in the building's water with a bright smile on their faces. A group of nurses had huddled together while wading through the palace, carrying a miniature seashell top for the newborn. One of the servants held up the tiny lilac top and cooed along with the other mermaids, "How adorable!". Finally, they reached Queen and King океан who were cradling the sleeping Vanessa. Carefully, the servants dressed the newborn into the royal mermaid outfit that had been an heirloom for every royal queen that was born.

Queen Cordelia gleamed as she propped Vanessa's head onto her shoulder. Cautiously, Vanessa awoke from her slumber to reveal her glittering lilac eyes.

Cordelia glared at her daughter while whispering to Loki, "We mustn't slack on teaching her how to rule Loki," the Queen stammered assertively, "we should have her be taught straight away or else it will be too late- she has to learn quickly."

"Okay darling, how should we do that?" Loki muttered as he busily observed scrolls of business letters- having no care into admiring his child.

"Well I don't have time to teach her, I've got to do my royal duties! How about you?" Cordelia snapped at Loki, who had finally looked up from the scroll in agitation.

"I don't either! Can you see how much work I have to do? I have better things to do than teach the baby how to rule!" Loki exclaimed as he waved the scroll in his hand.

After a second of silence, Cordeli remarked with a smirk on her face, "I know what to do...JUDAS! MALACHAI!". As her voice boomed, the courtiers of the palace immediately swam to the two rulers.

"What's wrong my majesty? Is there anything you need?" Judas murmured as he bowed before them.

"I need you to do a favour for us. It will test your loyalty but this is urgent,"

"Of course my majesty, anything for you- we will not fail!" Malachi mumbled as they awaited for their orders from Cordelia.

Cordelia smiled slyly as she continued, "As you both are the courtiers, I would like you to care for Vanessa. You can be light with her now as she is just a newborn but as she grows- she will hold a grudge. So be strict on her, ridicule her, reprimand her- do whatever to discipline Vanessa! She must be up to scratch to carry on the lineage after Loki. Do you understand?"

Judas and Malachi looked at each other as they realised the huge task on their hands.

"Of course my majesty! We will both raise her to become the future queen you both want. It's our duty after all," Judas uttered with a forced smile on his face.

Cordelia rolled her eyes and bitterly proclaimed, "Good, now take this baby from my arms and put her away from my sight. I cannot be distracted by her wails and cries okay? We will take her when we have royal visits in the city and the servants will take her when she needs to be fed. Other than that, she's yours to raise,".