A Mermaid's Legacy- Sebastian Sallow x MC x Ominis Gaunt

Chapter 37- Another Wave

Alaric POV

I'm not proud of it, but I found myself relieved upon hearing Yvaine's rejection of both Sebastian and Ominis. It wasn't my intention to eavesdrop on their conversation; invading her privacy is something I'd never allow myself. My interactions with her have always been respectful, distant even. I had only sought Ominis to discuss the newfound revelations concerning his family.

Her time spent on land, living as a human, has clearly left its mark on her, affecting her in ways I, as a merman, can only begin to comprehend. Our extended lifespans grant us a certain detachment from fleeting human emotions, allowing us to remain composed even in the face of turmoil. This stark contrast often baffles me; how humans can be swept away by emotions so easily, while we remain steadfast in our reserve.

With every return to the Realm, Yvaine seemed to drift further away from me, like a tide gradually receding from the shore. Her honesty was a quality I valued immensely; she could have concealed her inner struggles, yet she chose to confide in me. She was my princess, my future queen – I would serve her without question, in any role she deemed fit. Over the millennia, our bond had deepened, transforming us into not only monarch and subject, but also close companions.

The shift within her didn't escape my notice – a yearning for something beyond the boundaries of our world. I wasn't blind to her affectionate connection with both Ominis and Sebastian. As for myself, I harbored a quiet affection for her, a sentiment that, much like our merfolk existence, remained submerged beneath a composed exterior. I'd allowed myself to hope over the years, to envision a love that might blossom. Each encounter with her only heightened the pedestal upon which I placed her, a pedestal made of affection, respect, friendship and a hope that she might one day feel the same way.

Yet even if she didn't find herself falling for me, I vowed to cherish our relationship in any capacity. Her presence alone was a gift, and I would remain steadfast in my loyalty, always ready to stand by her side, even if it meant disguising the true depths of my emotions.

From their mortal perspectives, Ominis and Sebastian might cherish her in their limited ways, yet they could never grasp the weight she bore. Deep within those captivating purple eyes resided a unique form of suffering, a pain that could never be wholly assuaged. It fell to me to stand by her side, to offer what solace I could in the face of her unspoken torment.

Supporting her and safeguarding our realm were imperatives that I took to heart. It was our collective purpose to uphold our responsibilities and honor our roles. But as time flowed onward, a profound understanding crystallized within me: my duty extended beyond the kingdom we served. Yvaine was not just the Realm princess I was bound to protect; she had become my personal duty, an irreplaceable part of my existence.

As the waves of her uncertainty and longing crashed upon the shores of my own heart, I found myself navigating a treacherous sea of emotions. Our interactions were always characterized by a respectful distance, an unspoken boundary that held my deepest sentiments at bay. My affection for her was like the ocean depths, hidden beneath calm waters, its depth known only to the tides and the moon.

I proceeded to my quarters, ensuring not to intrude on Yvaine's personal space. I resolved to converse with Ominis the following day and we arranged to convene in the main archives.

"Mind that scroll, it's from the Library of Alexandria," I cautioned as Ominis nearly toppled a stack of ancient scrolls.

"Apologies, I didn't notice," he replied, evoking a chuckle from Alaric.

"No harm done. Our archives are enchanted, but it's wise to exercise caution, particularly with texts as old as these."

"What did you wish to discuss with me? Though I can hazard a guess," Ominis inquired.