Esmeralda
I swam fast, desperately tumbling over nothing in an attempt to get away from Islanda - to run from the brewing war. I had felt compelled to fight against Violet, and I had lost. I made the choice to run - my mind that was, my body had just followed - and now I couldn't go back. My form had changed back to its previous appeal but the shame of what I had done would stay with me forever. I had to start over, but how? where? I didn't know anyone from other places and I had ceased exploring at a young age. No matter how strong I was, the idea of starting over all alone, was the most terrifying thing I had ever done.
The rush of the water, stirred up by the war, pushed me further and further away into unknown territories. I had little knowledge of the sea, outside of Islander, and now I was forced to explore a new world and find a new home. There was no other choice. "Maybe a neighbouring city will take pity and let me in." I thought, catapulting myself against the currents.
I swam for days, before the outline of a city came into view. I swam faster, my heart pounding. Relief fell over me like waves. A place to rest couldn't have come at a better time. I was tired of swimming out sharks in competition for food and not having the certainty of protection from a kingdom. I was weakening and losing condition.
The nearer I grew to the city, the louder the sounds of singing became. A choir of voices. I adored music - this would be a perfect fit for me. I drew closer, letting the music caress my ears like little fluttering fish. But as I got too close, the music stopped and an abundance of heads snapped around at once, gasping in unison at my appearance.
Did I look that bad? Sure, I had been travelling for a few days and hadn't had my usual luxury of grooming, but come on. "Who are you and what do you want?" The Mer leading the choir sneered at me. Her brown hair flowed freely in the water behind her. She was beautiful. Her skin glowed a few shades darker than my own and her blue eyes sat in perfect contrast.
"I...I am just looking for somewhere to stay." I stammered.
"Go back to your own kingdom, where you belong." She stood up straight, asserting dominance over me. I cowered in her wake.
"I can't." I said quietly, looking down to avoid the judgemental glances.
"Well, you're not welcome here. Keep moving." She ended our encounter and went back to conducting the choir. I swam away fast to avoid them witnessing my heart break into two. I had never felt so rejected - even when I had lost the battle with Violet and had exiled myself, assuming no one would want me there.
I swam fast as the tears flowed freely behind me, along with the hope for a better future.
After days of swimming, I saw another kingdom. I was at the end of my rope. I didn't know if I should even bother trying again.
Only, this time, as I got closer, the city seemed empty. I slowed my pace, cautiously taking it in. It looked different to Islanda, but somewhat familiar. The city structure was a light pink, rather than a pearl like my home. Maybe it had been deserted when the war happened. I drifted in further, taking it all in. Seaweed swayed and coral glared back at me. I felt a sense of danger - an eeriness to this place. I clutched at my arm anxiously, and then I heard a slight ripple in the current. My instincts had been correct. I turned around quickly, spinning until I saw the location of the sudden movement. A merman. He was dark skinned, with green eyes. He was handsome- it was undeniable. I hadn't seen anyone like him before. I pulled away shyly as he swam closer. "Hello." He said politely, cautiousness coated his words.
"Hello", I mimicked.
He moved closer again. "Are you one of the former residents of this place?" He darted toward me excitedly, taking me by surprise. I fleeted backward.
"I'm sorry," He was quick to apologise. "I haven't seen anyone else in such a long time. I'm happy to have company."
"Y.. you mean, this place is deserted?" I suddenly felt bolder, standing up tall.
"It appears that way... I mean, I found this place about a week ago and no one showed up until today. So, you 're not from here either?" He tilted his head quizzically.
I had a decision to make... I could lie and have the upper hand, or tell him the truth. Yes, I'm from here."
"Oh, why didn't you say so before?" He seemed suspicious.
"I wanted to make sure you weren't dangerous first." I pushed myself closer.
"And, what did you decide?" He crossed his arms with raised brows.
"I think you 're okay." I lifted my head so that I could look down at him. Asserting dominance was key.
"Where have you been? I have been here all week alone..." His large eyes were narrowing.
"I was washed away during the war."
"Alright then." He said proudly, chuffing as he uncrossed his arms from his body, revealing a muscled chest. He was quite charming.
"What's your name?" I eyed him, trying not to get lost in his beauty. He would make all the girls go wild, back home. Luckily there weren't any here besides me.
"Louie." He responded, eyes darting around before landing back on me. "What's yours?"
"Esmeralda." I responded, my voice distant.
"So where should we start, Esmeralda?" He looked around excitedly.
"What do you mean?" I followed his gaze back to the empty kingdom.
"Well, where should we start with rebuilding this place? I want to settle in right away, so we can start living our lives again."
I felt an unusual burst of excitement and giddiness. I could start a new life here instead of trying to make it up to Violet. We could both have the chance to be queen.
I had been struggling with my feelings ever since I left. I could return and apologise, or I could start over...
Maybe I found myself attracted to him, but my desire for revenge was much greater. I would give him up and my shot at a little happiness for a chance at revenge. A bigger happiness than love - the chance to rule a kingdom of my own. "Not so fast." I paused. The sense of anticipation needed to build, I wanted to get him hooked on the idea that I was about to propose. "I have a different plan for you."
"Oh?" His brows furrowed.
"Let me tell you a story..."
I had filled him in on the story of the war. From Violet being family, to her stealing my crown from under me. Though I had twisted a few details, what he knew was the same as I did, although this was our home and Violet had taken my crown and my entire kingdom with her to Islanda. They had believed her lie, that she was the rightful queen and kicked me out... leaving me for death to claim. My story was enough to send him into a heartfelt rage and sympathy for me. It was enough to fuel his desire to help me and get revenge on Violet by working his way into her heart and the kingdom, coming back to me with information and eventually, my people. A deep-seated plan that would take time, but would reward me in the long run.
"Okay, I will do it." He said with good intention and commitment. This was much easier than I had anticipated. I could always count on a man's protective instinct to cave to a woman's sadness. To try and be the healer.
"You will do what?" I cocked my head. I wanted to know that he knew exactly what I expected of him.
"I will get your kingdom back." His eyes bore into mine.
"Excellent." My lips instinctively curled up into a wicked grin as chills shot up my body.
Over the next few days we devised a plan. Louie would go to Islanda and watch any activity and report back with all of Violet's secrets. That was as far as it was to go for now. No contact was needed. We would go from there and devise a plan to take her down from the inside. I would stay here and rebuild the kingdom from the ground up.
