Louie
I had still been avoiding Violet and she was starting to get suspicious. "Are you sure you didn't take it?" She grilled me. She had tried asking passive-aggressively, angrily, without condescension, and now hopelessly. "I promise I didn't take it." I sighed. Lie number, three? Who knows.. I've lost count. "Then why have you been avoiding me?" She asked sadly. "Have you changed your mind about the wedding?"
"Of Course not." I hurried to reassure her. I couldn't lose my place next to her on the throne. That is when I knew the distancing had to stop. I would take the necklace to show Esmeralda and then I would bring it back and give it to Violet... until we were married.
"I am as excited for the wedding as you are, and I will help you find that necklace if it's the last thing I do." I smiled reassuringly, rubbing her hand under the pad of my thumb.
"Thank you." She sighed, nestling into me. Her warmth oozed into my skin, bringing back the feeling of family and love. It was something I had missed greatly and longed for ever since I had been banished from my home. I pushed her away gently, I couldn't let feelings cloud my judgment. Being king was the goal. "Go along now. Be with Isla and the baby. See if she needs anything."
She narrowed her eyes only for a few seconds before smiling, "Good idea."
I watched as she moved on out of sight before letting out a deep breath and opening my palm. The necklace glowed within it.
I swam as fast as I could to Esmeralda. She was waiting for me. "Where have you been?" her face was a manic display of emotions, all falling to rest when I opened my palm, letting the necklace dangle from my finger. She sighed, trailing her hand behind her to welcome me into Vallea. "I'm going to marry Violet." I blurted, Esmeralda quickly whirling around and snatching the necklace from my grasp. I instantly felt the power drain away. "Who is that?" I asked as another mer came up behind her, taking the chance to snatch back the necklace. Esmeralda glared at me but wouldn't do anything about it, I knew that much. She needed me to have it to get what she wanted. "Don't worry about her." She glared at the other mer who quickly fled out of sight. "I'm still on your side, Esmeralda." My words met her pained expression. "This will make us stronger." I tried to assure her but she had retreated to her throne, sadness all over her face. "I'll be back." I gave her one last look before darting off back to Islanda.
