"Your coronation ceremony was beautiful," Samuel says as he enters Clara's chambers. He meets her on the balcony, taking in the rebuilt Kingdom of Latistan below.
"Thank you," Clara returns, motioning for him to sit with her. "And thank you for everything that you've for my people."
"No need to thank me," Samuel returns, but she holds up a hand to stop him from continuing.
"I am committed to rebuilding the relationship between our people, and I want to discuss the trade deal you had proposed back in Meridian so that we can agree as we work to integrate into the world."
"Yeah... of course," Samuel returns, surprised at the reason she had called him. He had believed she had not been too fond of the idea when he had proposed it.
"Great, because I had a few ideas," Clara returns with a smile.
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Axel watches Finn as she aims for a hole, staying out of sight so as not to distract her from her task. Not that Finn couldn't have drawn out the snail and collected the shell had he approached before she finished.
"Stop sneaking, Ax," Finn calls, not bothering to turn around. "You're not as stealthy as you think."
"Rude," Axel returns, emerging from the seaweed and swimming up beside her.
"Are you here for a goodbye?" Finn asks, and Axel caught the hint of sadness in her tone.
"It's not goodbye," Axel bumps her shoulder, "it's just a see you later."
"You're moving to Meridian, Ax. It's a goodbye."
Axel pursed his lips at her response, not wanting to minimize how she was feeling, yet working to keep his own emotions in check.
"Figures I would lose you to human, of everything that could've driven you away from Latistan," Finn jokes. Axel quirks at her attempt to lighten the mood.
"Hold up," Axel returns, turning to face her. "If what I saw at my wedding was any sign, you'll be back in Meridian soon enough."
Finn's mouth drops in shock at the mention of the evening, reaching up to smack Axel's chest.
"Just promise that you will send messenger krill every day," Finn says, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"I promise," Axel returns, letting his own head rest on Finn's, "You know you can come visit whenever you want, right?"
"I know," Finn returns, her voice heavy, "but my parents are still recovering from the battle and right now I have to be here with them."
"Yeah, I get it," Axel sighs, reaching his hand over to hug her. "I'm going to miss you though."
"Me too."
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"I think we have come to a beneficial agreement," Clara states as she gathers their materials.
"I do as well," Samuel returns, reaching out to take her hand, "I will take this back to the council and we can make it official the next time you visit Meridian."
"It's a deal," Clara returns with a smile and Samuel heads out of the room, making his way down the hall.
As he nears a corner, another body emerges, slamming into him and knocking them both back.
"Sorry," Bast says, reaching out to help him up, "I wasn't looking where I was going."
"It's okay," Samuel returns, helping him collect his items. "It can't be easy transitioning from guard to consort."
YOU ARE READING
Under The Sea
RomanceAxel has spent his entire life trapped by the rules that govern his species, taught to fear humans and avoid them at all costs. His father has strived his entire life to keep him within the walls of their Kingdom where he is safe. But Axel's curiosi...
