Elizabeth's heart weighed heavily with grief as she remembered first hearing the news of the queen and king's passing. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she felt a lump forming in her throat, making it difficult to breathe. She gulped for air, she had known Queen Oralie and King Orace for as long as she could remember. They had always treated her like family. The thought of them being gone, of the kingdom losing such great rulers, was almost too much to bear.
She glanced around the room they were in, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. The walls were adorned with intricate seashells, reflecting the opulence and elegance of the palace. Sunlight streamed in through the large window casting soft rays of light across the room. But no amount of sunlight could dispel the darkness that had settled in Elizabeth's heart. The plush velvet furniture would have looked inviting and comforting, she wandered and landed on a painting on the wall—a portrait of the royal family, captured in happier times. Queen Oralie's warm smile and King Orace's kind eyes gazed back at her, etching memories of laughter and joy in Elizabeth's mind.
Elizabeth's mind raced with thoughts of what they could do next, how they could reclaim the kingdom for its rightful heir – Princess Diana Gemwater. As they discussed their next course of action, the door to the room creaked open. Luseal, the quiet girl from the stables, stood there hesitantly, her eyes filled with concern and a glimmer of determination.
"I overheard what happened," she said softly. "I want to help."
Elizabeth looked at Luseal, surprised yet touched by her offer. Though they hadn't interacted much, Elizabeth knew that Luseal's heart was pure, and her connection with the sea creatures could prove invaluable in their mission.
"We welcome your help, Luseal," Theodore said, giving her a reassuring smile.
The unexpected addition of Luseal to their group brought a renewed sense of hope to Elizabeth. Diana gave a weak smile to Luseal before slipping out of consciousness.
Elizabeth sat softly on the edge of the marble bed and put a hand on Diana's forehead, Diana was burning. She motioned to Theodore before jumping up as a crash echoed throughout the hexagonal room.
Jasper, Meria and Captian Hunter appeared before them, blocking the doorway.
Written by Zilin
YOU ARE READING
Hunted
FantasyWritten in collaboration with Yong ( @WriterandReader_Yong), Juline, and Lucia. Having a magical ability and having to hide it is never easy - even when you're a merfolk.
