Siren's Kiss

01: The Seven Seas

A gray, impenetrable wall of fog hovered in the distance, and from somewhere came the faint sound of children, singing cheerfully and dancing in the shoreline. A little girl with strawberry blonde hair stood near the sand, gazing at the sea, still singing yet frowning a little---

Suddenly, a massive ship emerged from the grey, appearing as a marvel of maritime craftsmanship and mystical beauty. This vessel was known as the Coral Serenade and it glided through the water with effortless grace, its sleek hull cutting through the waves like a knife through silk.

At first glance, the ship itself resembled a creature of the ocean, its prow adorned with intricate carvings of sea serpents and mythical creatures that seemed to come alive in the shifting light. The hull was painted in iridescent hues of blue and green, reminiscent of the vibrant coral reefs that teemed with life beneath the waves.

As the ship drew closer, its true splendor became even more apparent. The deck was lined with delicate seashells and pearls, arranged in elaborate patterns that glistened in the sunlight. Tendrils of seaweed and kelp adored the rigging, swaying gently in the ocean breeze like the hair of a mermaid. But perhaps the most breathtaking sight of all was the ship's sails, woven from the finest silk dyed in shades of azure and emerald, billowing majestically in the wind. At the front, a dozen kelpies---shape-changing, aquatic creatures resembling grey and white horses---pulled the ship, adding to its magical allure.

Although enchanting in its appearance, the maidenhead looming sent a clear message that this was no ordinary fleet. It was dauntless, formidable, and frightening with twenty-five gun ports on the side and rail guns to boot.

King Cyraeni, a dashing man whose exact age remained indistinguishable, royalty to the core, glared sternly at the approaching army who had detected their arrival from afar. This army was part of the order of Templars, headed by one of the Seven Grandmasters, Lucius Shadowbane. Standing beside him was the Templar Commander of the First Order, Rowan Nicolaus, a man of obvious high station, imbuing an aura of cold authority and strict discipline.

The Templars were often clad in their formidable armor adorned with elaborate designs and symbols that further emphasized their arduous presence. However, King Cyraeni wasn't at all intimidated. On each of his sides stood his prominent companions: Commander Triton, Head of the Siren Kingdom's elite guards, and Captain Merror, Leader of the Siren Kingdom's fleet. Behind them was the awe-inspiring force, dressed in armors crafted from shimmering scales decked with coral and pearls, blending seamlessly into their underwater environment. Yet despite their armor looking decorative, it was highly functional, designed to withstand the pressures of the deep sea and the rigors of battle. Each guard carried a trident, the traditional weapon of the Siren Kingdom, forged from the strongest and most resilient sea metals. Templars knew better than to rage war against the Siren Kingdom knowing that in addition to their tridents, these underwater dwellers were skilled in the use of nets, harpoons, and other maritime weaponry.

"Your Majesty," Lucius Shadowbane stepped forward, smiling broadly and bowing his head lightly. "Welcome to Sanctum Aeternum. We've been expecting you..."

"Indeed?" There was a hint of dry sarcasm in King Cyraeni's voice. If Lucius noticed, he gave no sign since his grin remained firmly in place. The king proceeded, "You're not the High Sentinel. Where is he?"

Lucius's expression twinged a little but smiled even more pleasantly, further annoying the king. "Please, follow us. We've prepared a meal just for you and your companions," he gestured for the king, but his gaze shifted quickly to the figure standing on the ship. "I see you've brought your wife... and your daughter. What a lovely surprise."

At the deck of the ship stood Queen Nerissa, a vision of rare beauty and stunning self-possession that propelled her to prominence. Her skin had a luminescent quality that seemed to glow brighter than the sun. Her lips naturally tinted in a soft pink, often curled into a serene, knowing smile. Lucius had seen her a couple of times during private gatherings between Templars and the Siren Kingdom and had never grown tired of her beauty. Rumor suggested that she was the exact replica of her son, the infamous Prince Ciel, the most sought omega across the Seven Seas.