the little mermaid | jellal fernandes [discontinued]

Chapter 13- Happiness Looks Good on You

"Ugh..." a voice groans. Long nails rhythmically tap against a smooth black table, creating tiny dents. "In love with a human... oh, I'm sure Granddaddy will love that... His precious granddaughter..."

It laughs loudly, and snickers follow of two, almost identical, creatures.

They watch the (h/c)-haired girl in the glass orb, as her Prince limps away with his companion. The thing scoffs at her (e/c) eyes, filled with longing.

"Oh sweetie... I'll teach you that love doesn't last long."

*

That happiness stayed for far too long.

So long, that every mermaid and mermen that passed me had send me a strange look.

Princess (y/n), third in line, wasn't known for her dreamy gazes and cheery replies.

No, she was level-headed and spunky, fierce in front of the court on every occasion. Always has a counterattack, never starstruck or suprised for longer than a few seconds.

She was nicknamed, after many widespread rumors, 'the Fire of the Ocean'.

"I object," I reply coolly, my arms stiff in my lap. But no one noticed, I was trained in etiquette until I could do it in my sleep.

I eye the governor from the Indian Ocean, who glared straight back.

"And why, my lady?" the judge spoke, luring at me behind a dark beard.

The courtroom was an area in the palace more mellow than others. Simple, with tall seats made from gold found deep underground. They all curved into a circle so we could see each other, the floor very far under us.

"Earlier, you did not mention the approval of your citizens. If you want to clear and area and rebuild, you first must ask the civilians if they comply."

"It's not their land," the governor fires back, his forked tongue coming into view as he hisses.

I stare back calmly. "What about the noise? The pollution in the water that will stream their way? It's not about the land, governor. It's about if they favor such an action and will settle with the benefits that you suggested."

"And if they do agree?" his temper flares again, and I try hard to hold back my sigh. Politicians, yuck.

"Then you have your permission."

The snakeman's eyes go to Makarov, awaiting the approval of his King. Gramps nods, the only response he'll ever need to give.

I haven't looked at him since three days ago, when the fight happened.

"Thank you for your input (y/n)," the older man adds, trying to catch my attention. I say nothing back, keeping my eyes straight ahead. Erza nods in agreement, and I know she would have said the same. The governor from the Indian Ocean glares at me and my disrespect for the wise ruler. His purple skin glints along with the sunlight.

He never liked me.

Governors came and went, visiting the palace and staying overnight. I've known each one, but this one was a piece of work. The snakeman never appreciated the jokes I cracked, or the pranks I'd do on Evergreen. He had repeatedly stated that I was brash and reckless, and to be removed from the Council.

One day, I'll crumble under this pressure.

As if sensing my thoughts, Lucy gives my hand a cute squeeze.

I turn and give her a smile, unbelievably thankful that she always had my back during these conferences. It was hard, so hard.

The usual chorus of 'ending of meeting' meets my ears, and me and Lucy swim away.