Rising Tides [Klance Ver]

Chapter 10: The Storm Before the Calm

As the days of preparation for the Festival of Tides continued, Lance felt an increasing sense of urgency in the air, as if the ocean itself was holding its breath. The merfolk were busy, crafting intricate decorations and rehearsing dances, but beneath the surface, Lance sensed an unease that left him feeling restless. Keith had become more withdrawn, often disappearing for hours at a time, lost in his thoughts and responsibilities. On one particularly bright morning, Lance found himself wandering through the bustling market of Aqualis, vibrant with colors and the lively sounds of merfolk bartering and laughing. Allura had urged him to explore, and although he enjoyed the lively atmosphere, his mind was still preoccupied with Keith.

"Hey, Lance!" Allura called out, swimming up beside him. Her pink tail shimmered in the sunlight. "You look like you've seen a ghost! What's up?"

"I'm just worried about Keith," Lance admitted, his voice low. "He seems more stressed than ever. It's like he's carrying the weight of Aqualis on his shoulders."

Allura frowned, her expression serious. "He does have a lot of pressure. Ever since our parents passed, he's taken on the role of leader. Sometimes, I wish he would let me help him more."

"Maybe he doesn't know how to ask for help," Lance suggested, glancing at the stalls filled with colorful trinkets and fresh sea produce. "He's so focused on his duties."

Allura sighed, looking out at the sparkling water. "You might be right. He can be so stubborn. Maybe you should talk to him."

"I've tried, but he just brushes me off," Lance replied, feeling a mix of frustration and longing. "I want to understand him better, but it's like he puts up walls every time I get close."

Allura nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "Maybe you can find a way to show him you're there for him. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words."

Determined to reach Keith, Lance decided to prepare something special for the prince. He spent the rest of the day gathering materials from the vibrant market—glimmering shells, colorful coral pieces, and sparkling sea glass. He envisioned creating a small gift that represented Aqualis and the bond they were forming. As dusk approached, he returned to the palace, his heart racing with excitement. Allura was busy helping organize decorations for the festival, so Lance slipped away to Keith's study, hoping to find the prince alone.

He knocked gently on the door, and to his relief, Keith's voice came from within. "Come in."

As Lance entered, he found Keith seated at his desk, the faint glow of bioluminescent plants illuminating the room. The prince looked up, his dark eyes searching Lance's face. "What brings you here?"

"I wanted to check on you," Lance said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I know things have been stressful with the festival coming up, so I thought I'd bring you something."

Keith raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"

Lance took a deep breath and revealed the small collection of ocean treasures he had gathered. "I made this for you. It's a little representation of Aqualis—its beauty and strength. I thought it might remind you that you don't have to shoulder everything alone."

Keith's expression softened as he examined the items. "You... made this for me?" His voice held a note of surprise, as if he hadn't expected such a gesture.

"Yeah," Lance replied, feeling a rush of warmth at the prince's reaction. "I know it's not much, but I wanted you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what."

For a moment, Keith remained silent, the tension in the air thickening. Finally, he looked up, his dark eyes meeting Lance's. "Thank you, Lance. It's beautiful. It's just... difficult to accept help when you're used to being the one in charge."

"I get that," Lance said, stepping closer. "But you don't have to do everything alone. You have people who care about you—Allura, the merfolk, and me."

Keith's expression shifted, a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability crossing his features. "It's hard to let go of the burden sometimes. I feel like I have to protect everyone, especially with the rumors of unrest growing among the tribes."

Lance's heart sank. "What kind of unrest?"

Keith sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "There are whispers of dissent among some of the tribes. They believe that our leadership has grown weak since our parents' passing. They question my authority and whether I'm fit to lead. I've been trying to navigate the situation without causing more problems, but it's exhausting."

Lance felt a surge of determination. "You're doing your best, Keith. That's all anyone can ask for. And if there are those who question you, maybe they need to see what you've built here in Aqualis. This festival is a chance to unite everyone."

Keith looked at Lance, surprise flickering in his gaze. "You really believe that?"

"I do," Lance replied firmly. "The festival is a celebration of your culture and your leadership. It's an opportunity for everyone to come together and see how incredible Aqualis truly is."

Keith seemed to consider Lance's words, his expression softening. "Perhaps you're right. Maybe I've been too focused on the negatives."

Just then, a loud crash echoed from outside, and both Lance and Keith turned toward the door. Allura burst in, her eyes wide with excitement. "You won't believe what just happened! The preparations for the festival are getting wild!"

"What do you mean?" Keith asked, his brow furrowing with concern.

"A giant wave came crashing down near the entrance, and it sent half of our decorations flying!" Allura exclaimed, laughter spilling from her lips. "But everyone is pitching in to help! It's a total mess, but it's bringing the community together!"

Keith chuckled, the tension in the room easing. "Alright, let's go help."

As they followed Allura outside, Lance felt a renewed sense of purpose. The energy in Aqualis was electric, and he could see the merfolk rallying together to restore the decorations and prepare for the festival. In that moment, he realized that despite the challenges Keith faced, the spirit of Aqualis was strong. While they worked, Lance glanced at Keith, who was engaging with the merfolk, a hint of a smile on his lips. For the first time, Lance saw a flicker of the prince he had been searching for—the warmth and passion hidden beneath the cool exterior.

As they wrapped up their work for the evening, Keith approached Lance, his expression earnest. "Thank you for being here, Lance. You've shown me a different perspective, and I appreciate it more than I can say."

Lance felt his heart race at the sincerity in Keith's eyes. "I'm glad I could help. I believe in you, Keith. You're going to be an amazing leader for Aqualis."

With that, the two shared a moment, their eyes locking in an understanding that transcended words. The air was thick with possibilities, and Lance felt a warmth spreading through him as the connection between them deepened. As they stood side by side, watching the sun set over the vibrant city of Aqualis, Lance realized that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he would face them with Keith by his side. Together, they would navigate the storm and embrace the beauty of their growing bond, a friendship blossoming in the depths of the ocean.