Depths

King Titus

Once we got close to the castle, I could see hundreds mermen and mermaids swimming about. Minding their own business.

I was overwhelmed by the multitude of colors and everything going on around me. Merchants were selling forks and spoons and various hair clips and broaches.

I looked up at Torrin, unsure of what to do. He grabbed my hand as he swam towards the castles doors.

"I'm here to see King Titus. I am Torrin, Shwarm. I am delivering the new comer." Torrin recited, as if he's said it millions of times before. The guard gave a quick nod to the other guard on the other side of the front entrance. At the same time, they swung open the double doors.

Torrin swam forward, toting me because he hadn't let go of my hand yet. I swam in a slow circle, taking in everything around me.

We were in a large foyer with four different hallways. The hallway to the north was decorated with golden shells and statues. It was...beautiful, if that's how a hallway could be described. The east hallway was a dark grey and screams could be heard from the depths of it. There were skulls and skeletal remains scattered across the floor. The west hallway was green and was decorated with a multitude of green sea plants. The last hallway was placed between the north and west hallways. It was narrow and shorted than the others and was a pink color. There was a crying sound. Almost like...babies.

I glanced up at Torrin, unsure of what to do next. He moved his head quickly, signaling for me to followed him. We swam through the north hallway towards a great room. This room was also golden and there were dolphins swimming around. In the center of the room, the was a giant throne, with more dolphins and shells engraved on the sides. Sitting in the throne was the king. King Titus.

He looked like any mermaid king that's portrayed in movies and cartoons. Except for the fact that he looked 25 years younger. He had long brown hair that flowed around his faced and a scruffy, hipster type look to his face. He almost looked like Jesus with an electric blue/green tail. He looked about 8 and a half feet tall and held a trident in his hand.

I looked down at me, obviously bored. He snapped his fingers and a servant rushed passed us with an elegant crown balancing on the top of a cake platter with rings on the bottom and middle parts. The servant placed the tray on a small table next to the throne, bowed, and hurried out. King Titus picked up the crown and placed it on his head.

"Torrin," he said while observing his fingernails. "Where did you happen to find this one?"

"Your Highness, I found her.." he was saying but was cut off by the king.

"I obviously don't care. She isn't from a coastal place. Any sea-scum could sea that. She's pretty. But not pretty enough to be my queen. She could be a mate. Yes! She will be another of my mates." He explained.

I have him a confused, horrified, type of look. "Do I have a say in this? And you also called me ugly! I don't want to...mate with you." I told him stubbornly.

The water churned and moved in violent waves. His eyes turned stormy and he glared at me. Torrin's eyes looked down at the ground.

"You will do as I as I say! I am your king and you must not disrespect me!" his voice thundered through the room. "Torrin! Remove her out of my sight! Take her to the rooms!"

(A/N) Sorry for the late update! I was super busy with the new school year! next update will hopefully be soon.

I plan to update the second book of That Summer around September 25-30th. It's called Those Four Years. Don't miss it!!