Clouds Over the Sea

Chapter 11: In the Heat of Training

The next morning felt heavier.

Elowyn woke with the lingering sensation of Thorn's touch still shimmering on her skin, despite the hours that had passed since he left her room. She hadn't been able to get the feeling of him out of her mind, his minty breath, the warmth of his body, the intensity of his gaze. The thoughts only grew more difficult to ignore as the day unfolded before her.

But there was no time to indulge in these thoughts—not today. She had a purpose, and she would need to focus if she were to have any hope of overcoming the Abyssal King's curse.

Elowyn sat on the edge of her bed, her hands resting in her lap. From her window, she could see the endless expanse of water, shimmering with the faint glow of bioluminescent fish drifting by. Through the thick glass, the kingdom sprawled beneath the ocean, the coral towers and iridescent spires of the palace rising like the bones of a forgotten leviathan from the ocean floor. Yet all she could feel was the weight of the water pressing down on her, a constant reminder that she was no longer in the world she had once known.

A soft knock echoed against the door, the sound muffled by the deep currents outside.

"Princess Elowyn?" Ayla's voice filtered through, warm and respectful. "It's time for your first lesson in diplomacy. His Highness and the royal advisors are waiting for you."

Elowyn took a steadying breath, pushing her thoughts aside. Today was not about the strange, confusing pull she felt when Thorn was near. It was about duty—about being the leader this kingdom needed. She had no time to dwell on her emotions.

"Thank you, Ayla," Elowyn replied, smoothing the folds of her gown. She straightened her back, forcing away the nagging unease that threatened to settle in her chest.

Ayla entered the room, her movements graceful, her long black hair swirling around her like a dark cloud of ink in the water. The faint shimmer of sea pearls adorned her robes, their delicate glow blending with the soft blue light that streamed through the water. Her sharp gaze studied Elowyn for a moment, as though sensing the undercurrent of doubt that Elowyn hadn't yet voiced.

"I'll accompany you," Ayla said, her tone gentle yet firm. "It's never easy, being thrust into this world, I know. But you will find your place, Princess. In time."

Elowyn forced a smile. "I hope so."

The two women left her chambers, moving down the winding corridors of the palace, which seemed to shift and sway with the motion of the water. The walls were lined with bioluminescent plants and delicate coral, their colors shifting with the light. Every so often, schools of fish swam by, their scales shimmering like shards of glass in the water, illuminating the path before them. The gentle flow of water against the palace windows created a soft, rhythmic hum, almost like the lullaby of the ocean itself.

They arrived at the royal council room, a vast chamber surrounded by large, circular windows that overlooked the deep sea. The room was filled with high-ranking members of the royal court, each one busy with whispered conversations. Elowyn noticed Veylon, Thorn's royal advisor, at the far end of the room, his hawk-like eyes scanning the proceedings. Elowyn had only met him in passing, but he always made her uneasy. His gaze was sharp, calculating.

Thorn stood at the center of the room, his back to the windows, facing the assembled advisors with a quiet authority. His presence commanded attention even without a word. As Elowyn entered, his eyes flicked to her for a brief moment, and she felt the weight of his gaze settle on her, like the ocean pressing down on the deepest trenches.

"Princess Elowyn," Veylon greeted her with a practiced bow. His voice was smooth, carefully measured, but there was an edge to it that Elowyn didn't quite trust. "It's good to see you. We've been awaiting your presence."