BOUNDED

V

My nerves were at an all-time high making all my senses extremely heightened, I could hear everything around me, the muttering voices of the people in the city, the sound of the creatures around, I could hear the little patter of some crabs on the sand, the machinery of the guards weapons were ringing in my ear as well. Not able to put up with it, my hands slam against my ear in an attempt to drown out the sounds but it was fruitless, my whole body was trembling, I bit my lip as hard as I could to try to calm my nerves which didn't help as well.

The castle of Benera was in front of me but why do I feel like this? I made it here, I should be happy but that's not the case, I need to calm myself, they won't take me serious if I show up trembling like a coward. 

'This way princess', the guard from the wall says as he moved aside bowing. I step out the hydra towards the castle, as I passed, the guards slowly bowed their heads as they always did on my previous visits, my nerves were beginning to settle as I repeatedly told myself to calm down, we reached a green door towards the end of the hall, the guard who'd taken over the one on the wall knocked it twice, it was swung open revealing a group of people seated around a table.

'Your royal ministries', he bowed before walking in, 'the princess of Azarthis has payed us a visit', he announces, bowing before taking his leave. The men at the table all get up, bowing their heads slightly at me before offering me a seat, I put on a confident facade as I nod my head crossing my right arm over my chest as response before taking the seat, they all return to their seats as well.

'The queen will be with you right away', one of them speaks up, he had a weird expression on his face, he looked bothered but he was trying to mask it, 'whatever they were talking about must be the reason', I thought.

'Very well', I respond, nodding my head downwards understandingly. I maintained a neutral expression as my mentor had taught me, I let my eyes wander around the room, the table was a bit long and square consisting of iron and gallium, I could tell from the composition, it was painted a dark grey, the chairs were made of the same element but cushioned to make it soft, there were multiple glowing lamps surrounding the room making it bright, the king's throne was elevated and beside it was his wife's, they have no heir yet. A door to my left opens snapping me out of my thoughts as the queen and the consort waltz in.

'You may take your leave', the queen orders them, all at once, they get up and leave. I stood from my place as they approached me, the consort helping his wife settle in before he seats himself, I take my seat as well.

'Princess', the queen speaks up bowing her head at me, all the royal courtesy I'm receiving making me uncomfortable, 'where are your parents? Surely they haven't decided you are old enough to represent them here? She questions with raised eyebrows. She looked gorgeous in her scale dress, grey hair cascading to her back, black slits staring me down, her claws sat on top of the table, her usually light skin looking pale. My eyebrows furrowed as I noticed a freshly healing cut over her shoulder.

'According to the treaty agreed upon between our two kingdoms, Azarthis and Benera, we are in debt to come to your assistance in your time of need and vice versa. Few days ago, the accursed showed up, they had me at their mercy but father saved me.

'Of course he did', she mutters her eyes narrowing further.

'I escaped but something happened, my parents and the kingdom is at risk, I'm here to demand your help, your kingdom is in our debt, this is the time to repay those debts, your army and our forces will be able to take down the mermaids.' I finish

'MERMAIDS! She exclaims, 'that's impossible, you said accursed? I was hoping you weren't referring to that specie', disgust seeping through her voice.

'They've been missing for decades now, why are they here now? I find it hard to believe they were too much for his majesty to handle, considering he banished them in the first place.'

'I don't know, that is why I'm here, please, I just need you to send your army, if everything is fine, they return, if not, they help us.' I respond.

'Very well princess, the kingdom of Benera extends its hand to you, we will send our soldiers, how much time to assemble the troops Dravis? She questions her husband, I'd forgotten he was in the room altogether. For sirens, the female rules and the male.... well they male around. 

'We'll need three days to assemble the troop' he replies.

'Make it one, we can't afford to waste time, if Azarthis is in danger, our kingdom is doomed as well, send the troops out first thing tomorrow, he nods his head in response,

'very well my queen, as you wish, he rubs her hand before taking his leave. I felt like a huge rock had been lifted off my shoulders, I did it! 

'We welcome you to stay here till our troops return, its too dangerous for you to return now, keeping you safe is part of our treaty, a maid will be with you shortly, make yourself comfortable, she got up to leave.

'Actually, I have somewhere to be first, I'll be back right after', I say remembering Zaria.

'I'm sorry princess, its impossible to let you out the castle, if anything happens to you, his majesty will come for my head himself, we can help you with anything you need.' She frowns, staring into my soul.

'It can wait', I smile thinly, there is no way I'm revealing Zaria to them, she scares me a bit and I know she is serious about me not leaving, I have no choice but to stay. I sigh watching her retreating tail as she exited the room.

A maid had brought me to the room I'll be staying in, there were two guards outside the door, the room was good enough, there wasn't much in it, The crib was towards the left corner of the room, beautiful sea shells adorned it, four white touch-sensitive lamps lighted the room up, I'd been offered new clothes to change into, they didn't really fit considering they were siren garments. I take off my clothes, switching my tail to gallions, my body screams in delight as it stretches, taking its original form once again, it felt really good, I need a massage, I thought as I layed on the crib, I was so tired I drifted straight to sleep.

I woke up feeling really good, thoughts invading my head, everything will be fine now as soon as they return. With everything solved, my parents will be here to take me home, I'll get Zaria and we'll leave. A smile creeps unto my lips, I change again, gathering my hair which was floating around, I make my way out the room, the guards outside bow, one of them guiding me to the dining room. It was enough to seat 20 sirens. 

The aroma of food hits my nose immediately the servants walk in with the dishes, I waited till they left before digging in, I haven't had good food in days so I went all out, I ate the octopus first, then the crab legs, shrimp next and finally the sea weed mullet. As part of my royal etiquette I couldn't eat everything but I was full anyway. I head back to my room to rest more.

The queen had some maids give me a proper royal refreshment, the massage I was craving, new clothes, more food, a good scrub. The atmosphere in the castle was strange but I felt at ease, I had nothing to worry about, I could've sworn I kept receiving these looks but I didn't think about it at all. The soldiers had been sent out already, I really wanted to go see Zaria but I knew better, so I've just been hanging around the castle doing a bit of exploring. 

I've been sleeping frequently throughout the day, the journey really drained me, a gulp of hayaat is much needed but I left everything at the ship, the only thing on me right now is the dagger. I have to sneak there somehow, I'll wait till nightfall, I thought to myself.

It was finally nightfall, I had waited for the period the guard watching me would switch, I announced I'd be returning to my room to take a nap, he probably relayed the message to the other guard, so instead of him coming to the garden to watch me, he probably headed to my room. I was out already, I just need to sneak away without getting caught. 'I really hope I don't get caught'. I thought to myself.

Author's note

Hey guys, our princess is finally safe, she got the help she came for so what next? Stick around to find out. Not exactly my best chapter, I was kinda sleepy in the middle of writing it 🥲. Anyways I hope you liked it. Thanks for reading my book.