Into the Ocean

Chapter Five

Rowan led me around the palace toward the backside as he kept his distance from other Water Breathers. We finally reached an entrance into the palace, there were no doors just openings around the castle.

We entered and he led me down a hallway that was decorated with furniture made of coral, seaweed, clams, shells and even starfish. Well that's cool they decorate with living things too. We made a bunch of left turns and right turns then we went down a hallway that was uphill, finally we reached an entrance that was draped with long strands of seaweed curtains.

We went through them and into a room decorated like the rest of the castle with a huge clam with spongy sea plants inside. It was at a corner of the room, I assumed it's a bed.

Is this your room? I thought to him.

Yup. Welcome to my home. He took my hand. Now I need to ask you, would you feel safe here alone? It would only take a few minutes.

Well, where are you going to go? I was feeling a little uneasy at the idea of staying alone here. What if someone came in? Surely they'll freak out just as I did when I first saw Rowan.

I need to go declare my wish to the king as is the custom. I'll come get you once the...uh panic settles. To be honest I have no idea how he would react. Matter of fact, I think I will need much longer then a few minutes. Sorry.

I let out a sigh. Yes, I'll be fine here. I smiled for reassurance.

Okay, good. He swam closer and wrapped his arms around my waist bringing me closer to him.

Gosh how I wish I could kiss you right now. He thought as he settled for kissing the top of my head.

I know. I wish I could to. My lips can't even touch him because of this stupid mask.

I should go now. He swam out the room with bubbles trailing him.

I looked around his room for a bit, then tried out his bed. It was surprisingly soft, the water made the plants all squishy which was soft on my skin. Laying there I started to realize how tired I really was. Guess all that swimming takes a toll on your body. I soon started dazing off and fell asleep.

*****
Rowan's POV

I hope Milah's okay, she looked a little worried when I left her. I swam down the hall heading towards the King's throne room.

Rowan?! Oh my is that really you?

Caught by surprise I jumped at the voice.

Oh! I'm sorry did I frighten you?

I turned around to see a female Water Breather with long sandy brown hair, a peach colored tail, and emerald green eyes. She was giggling at my reaction.

Oh hello Marina, sorry I wasn't expecting seeing anyone around.

It's been so long since I've seen you, how are you? Oh and happy birthday! She opened her arms leaning in for a hug.

Thank you Marina I'm actually on my way to ask the King for my wish. I said as I pulled away from her embrace.

So what are you going to ask for this year?

Umm... Well it's a big request that's for sure, but I rather not say now.

Okay no worries I understand. Well it was nice seeing you again, feels like your not around much these days. She leaned in for another hug.

Yeah, I've just been busy. It's nice seeing you too.

Alright then, I'll leave you to your plans. Until next time.

Bye. I waved as she swam away. Wow now that I think of it, it really does feel as if I hadn't been around lately. I continued swimming until I reached the seaweed curtains at the throne room. I took a deep breathe of water. Well here goes nothing.

As I entered the room I swam down the long aisle, getting closer to the King as he was sitting in his throne.

Hello your majesty. I said as I bowed. He was King Curren of the seven seas. A powerful Water Breather who looked over the ocean and cared for all its creatures. He was gentle yet mighty at the same time. He wore a crown filled with gleaming gems and pearls, his tail was a lavender color, and he had grey eyes.

Hello my boy. He said with a loud booming voice, yet still his voice carried a loving father like tone.

Happy birthday. I assume your here for your gift.

Yes your majesty, but I'm afraid it is a big request and I only have the courage to ask you because of your kind and understanding heart.

Well what is it? King Curren asked with his eyebrows raised in curiosity. Well I originally planned on wishing for permission for Milah to be welcomed here, but now I have a better idea.

I took another deep breathe of water.
Your majesty.... I am requesting that you give a human the ability to transform willingly to a Water Breather. There it was done, I've said it.