Tidal Vortex-Book One

Chapter Ten

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Connor and I walk on the beach towards the sea, as waves wash ashore in an even calming rhythm. The feeling of warm sand between my toes feels heavenly. Silence sits heavily between us as we walk towards the ocean. He walks a few steps ahead of me, grumbling under his breath, as if in a hurry to get this over with and put some space between us. Finally, I had to say something. I can't stay silent a minute longer. I run ahead of him, then stop in his path with my hands planted upon my slender hips.

"Quit grumbling! You think I've had it easy all my life? You don't even know me! You have made it startlingly clear that you dislike me."

"Well, you definitely will have it easy now. What I don't like is royalty who think everything should just be handed to them. Do you have any idea how lucky sirens born into royalty are? From birth they have privilege, and everything is just given to them."

"Oh, and you think I have been given privilege since birth?"

"I don't know, but you sure will have privilege now. Atlantis doesn't offer the non-royal population any privileges or standings within our society. We grow up to become guards, or workers to maintain the city. Then we die. That's it! There's no special treatment for us," Connor says as he clenches his fists at his side.

"If you're so mad about this, why haven't you talked to my father about it?"

"As if a King would take advice from a mere guard! Not only that, but any changes would have to be approved by the council, and they wouldn't want to lose their power over the massive population. Regardless, it's not that I don't like you."

"Oh, don't even bother denying it. It has been clear from the start that you carry a lot of disdain towards me, just because I'm a royal. I overheard everything you told Bianca, and I know you think I'm some spoiled princess. If the council is such a power-hungry group of royals, maybe it's time they make a new council."

We start walking again slowly as we both work through our issues with each other.

I clench my fists at my side as I feel hot anger rising within myself. "Why the heck hasn't my father rallied the guards and the other gods to fight against the corrupt council if they're such a fucking problem!" I wave my hands in exasperation some more, except this time, my anger is directed at this council that's making the majority of the siren population live less valued and meaningful lives. "This is absolutely fucking stupid! It's only as complicated as you make it! Kick them old fucking fools out to the curb and take away their ability to make official decisions, that destroy lives."

Connor stops walking and turns, looking at me shock clear on his face at my fresh outburst. I stop standing still, staring him in the eyes. Maybe he was shocked that I cared about the siren people. He looked at the ground, appearing to be a little ashamed of his own part in being prickly towards me. Connor runs his hand through his dark hair in frustration.

"If only it was that easy! Sadly, it's a lot more complicated than just making a new council. I admit I am jealous of the opportunities you will just be given with no questions asked. My experiences with being belittled and picked on by royals higher up the food chain than myself hasn't helped form my opinion of royals. I, however, am sorry that I've been harsh and judgmental to you."

"Well, thank you for your apology. I can promise that if I ever come into power, things will change. I'm sorry for blowing up at you the other night. Regardless of there being truth in my words, it was all said in anger," I say in a calmer tone of voice. "I'm glad you're sorry but there are things about me that you need to understand."

Connor closes his eyes and takes a deep breath then lets it out slowly. Upon opening his green eyes, we both turn and start walking side by side down the beach towards the water.