Visions (On Hold)

Oceans: Jeremy

I waited in silence, fearful, for my father to begin. He looked me in the eye, nodded and began.

"We have gathered here today to witness the ultimate decision of the court. It has been rumered among you that Jeremy of the royal line is to be banished. Others have said that he is to be imprisoned, but I am here to put these rumors to rest." He looked me square in the eye. "This man is to receive the ultimate punishment." I felt the blood run from my face and my heart dropped. My own father was condemning me. I was terrified.

"No! You can't make me! Please, I am your son! A prince!" I screamed, but my father ignored me and continued on.

"This man, a mere child, has broken our greatest law. A law that not only protects our people, but preserves our people." He paused for effect and the crowd filling the courtroom gasped although they already knew.

"It is known among all dwellers of the sea, whether animal or citizen, that we may never show ourselves to humans, and yet this boy of sixteen rotations has broken the law."

"Please." I whispered. I didn't think I could bear this any longer. But my plea was drowned out by the sound of a protesting crowd that was quickly turning into a mob.

"For his crimes," the king boomed over the din. "He will receive the ultimate punishment! Let it be as it has been among our ancestors for thousands of years. Banishment!"

The crowed cheered but I felt myself dying already. Banished by my own father. This is my legacy. I'm such a failure to my mother.

"Jeremy of the royal line, as king of the sea, I banish you to the depths of the ocean as our ancestors have done before us. May you die quickly and painlessly. But!" He shouted, clearly enjoying drawing out this as long as he possibly could. "You will be given one last chance to redeem yourself. What is it that you say to me?" I shook before him. This was tearing me apart from the inside out.

I swallowed. The crowd stilled and my father's gaze seemed to cut right into my soul. His eyes were merciless and cold. What could I say to him? To these people? I looked down at my feet, in respect of standing before the throne and I quickly decided what to say.

"Forgive me father." I sobbed as a  single tear ran down my cheek. It was simple. I knew that no matter what I said my father's fury would not be contained, not even on me.

I knew from the hardness in his eyes that he would not forgive me. Ever. He couldn't let my mistake go, otherwise his power would be diminished.

He stood from his chair and straightened his back. I mouthed the words I knew he was going to say to him and saw something that looked like regret flash across his face, but he regained his composure before anyone noticed.

"Jeremy of the royal line, you are banished."

My fate had been sealed.