A Tail of Love - Book One: Forever Fins

Forever Fins-Ten

I did not sleep at all. I was trying to talk with Eli like he did yesterday, but it did not work. His trial would start today. I would have to plea on his behalf if he was going to live. I swam to the courtroom, Daddy was there, and other members of the court were starting to filter in. When everyone was seated, Daddy called the court to order. "Today we are trying Elias Keoki Clevaltin Carver for crimes against this kingdom, my niece, Princess Finnora, and my daughter Princess Aura. We are also trying Aris Rostal Clevaltin for trespassing in the kingdom. Send them in."

The guards opened the doors and they pulled Eli and Aris into the room. Eli met my eyes, but I did not hear him. "Aris Rostal Clevaltin, Please come forward so we may begin your trial." Aris swam forward and awaited Daddy to start. Eli and the guards sat down.

"Your crimes include trespassing in the palace and cooperating with a criminal who was trying to harm my family. What do you have to say in your defense?" Aris calmly responded.

"Your majesty as I told you when I arrived, I didn't come armed, I surrendered without a fight. I came here only to make sure that my grandson was alive. After all the few remaining selkie's need their prince." Daddy's eyes widened.

"Elias is your prince?" Aris nodded.

"I am queen by bond only so I cannot be true ruler, my son Arras, was king but he and his wife, Lana died in a shipwreck about seven years ago. I'm sure your daughter remembers, after all she was there, she saved Eli's life."

Daddy turned to me. "Is this true?" I nodded.

"As I said, I cannot be queen, and as of now Eli cannot be king." Daddy seemed curious.

"And why is that?" Aris looked at me.

"Because his mate hasn't bonded with him yet." I knew she was talking about Finny. Daddy got that look in his eyes and I knew he was angry.

"Finnora is not his mate, I severed the bond when he went to the dungeons." Aris smiled.

"No worries your majesty your niece is not Eli's mate." Something about the way she said that made me worried, but Daddy visibly relaxed.

"That is good. Still you trespassed and are conspiring with Elias to harm my family." Aris shook her head.

"Your majesty as I said before I came unarmed and I surrendered without argue, if I were trying to hurt your family or trespass would I have gone through the trouble?"

Daddy thought about that for a minute. "I suppose not. Very well, you are cleared of all charges. Elias Keoki Clevaltin Carver, please come forward to begin your trial." Eli got up and swam to where Aris stood. "Elias Keoki Clevaltin Carver you are tried with plotting to harm my family. What do you say in your defense?" Eli looked at me.

"I would never harm ya' or your family." Daddy narrowed his eyes in disbelief.

"And why would that be?" Eli looked back at me.

"Because I love your daughter and I wish her ta be my mate." Daddy was angry again.

"NEVER! YOU WILL NOT TOUCH MY DAUGHTER! Guards!" Aris stood up.

"Your majesty if I may ask one thing before you decide to kill Eli?" Daddy nodded. "Princess Aura will you show your father your necklace please?" I took off my necklace and handed it to Aris.

She handed it to Daddy. He took it quizzically. "Thank you. Eli would you show them?" He nodded. Eli lifted up his shirt.

"What is the meaning of thi-" Daddy stopped talking when he saw it. A pitch black mark on Eli's side that was the exact shape of my necklace.