Fragile Skins

Chapter eight: Castle

The Hippocampi swam smoothly through the water. M swam behind the carriage as it was only big enough for one person. The outline of a large castle loomed in the distance. As the outline grew the beautiful castle could be seen, it looked like massive shells piled on each other and it was surrounded by a vibrant coral reef. The entrance was a grand u-shaped driveway the the carriage pulled up the 20 foot doorway on. On either side of the door was a mermaid guard with bamboo shark bodies. M unlocked Sachiel's handcuffs and he rubbed the red line around his wrist from them being slightly too tight.
"Welcome back young prince." The guards spoke and looked almost identical.
"Take him to his father." M directed the twins who grabbed Sachiel's arms and pulled him inside. They swam into the extravagant throne room. The walls were made of tiny shells and a long blue carpet was rolled all the way past large columns made of stone painted white to the throne made of giant shells. The flag of the Reef Kingdom, a hippocampus surrounded by seaweed on a blue background was hung on every wall. On the throne was a large mermaid, Sachiel's father. He looked down angrily on his son. A woman was sat next to him as the throne was wide enough for two.
"Sachiel!" Sach cringed at the shrill voice. A young mermaid dashed forward. She kept having to pull her long bangs out of her face. She embraces Sachiel in a hug he did not return. "I'm so glad you're back! I was starting to think I would never be able to marry you!" She was Sach's betrothed.
"Maddy!" Sachiel's father spoke, " back away." She slowly let go and returned to the side of the throne. "If you are going to be a queen you must show some restraint."
"Yes sir." She said loudly.
"Now Sachiel." Sachiel looked up at his looming father, "this little stunt of yours knocked us back days of wedding planning." He said angrily.
"Yes father." Sachiel said looking down at the floor.
"I'm going to have to punish you."
"Yes father."
"Good now go to your room."
"Yes father." Sachiel swam out of the room and up a large flight of spiral stairs. He pushed open a wooden door and entered a large room. There was a rectangular sand pit to sleep in, an old dressing table with white paint peeling off of it, and two closet doors next to a small window. There was too much empty space and it made Sachiel feel small. The wedding was moved to tomorrow to prevent Sachiel from running off again. The night was long and Sachiel couldn't sleep but eventually it ended.
"Wake up sweetie." Sachiel opened his eyes and saw his mother standing over him. "The whole kingdom is out to watch the wedding." She rubbed his back soothingly. He grunted and turned away. "I wish it didn't have to be like this." Then she left. Sachiel slowly rolled out of bed. Three stylists his mom must have sent rushed into the room. Their pulled his hair back so tight his scalp hurt and covered his freckles with a thick paste the same color as his pale skin. They fit him into an itchy tuxedo shirt and tie. The stylists moved him out to a small room behind the grand hall where the wedding would take place. Crowds of chattering people stood in the hall wearing their finest clothes. Per the ancient transition Sachiel's father would oversee the wedding.