Beneath the Waves (Ocean Song Book 1)

Chapter 27: Confouding Thoughts

Prince Oceanus releases a tired sigh as yet another report about Vilmaris comes in. King Neptune has been trying to gain an understanding as to what's happening within the kingdom's wall, but has been consistently met with little success. Not even Mandara was able to tell them much in regards to the kingdom since its secrets are so well-kept. The Vilmarisan Queen remains silent and she has made no move to quell the aggression seen in the Great Protectors.

However, there yet be another concern that, oddly enough for him, weighs quite heavily on his mind. It doesn't take long for his thoughts to drift back to this morning, when he summoned Pelagios to his office.

He had entered the room and proceeded into a swift bow as he said, "What is it you require of me, my Prince?"

He had been going over the recent morning reports in regards to the sudden disturbance in the Azarian Trench, which was supposed to be under the watchful gaze of the three warriors of the sun. Pelagios's entrance drew his attention away from the documents as he stared at him for a single moment before speaking. "I would have you accompany our guests to the surface this afternoon." Pelagios then looked up at him with a curious look in his eyes.

"The surface, Your Highness?"

"Indeed. It is imperative that their safety be guaranteed, now that we are aware of the nature of their arrival to our world."

"Of course, Your Highness."

"And be sure to return before it grows dark. You know that we do not last long on land."

Pelagios nodded his head in understanding as a sudden image passed through the Prince's mind. An image of a creamy blonde mermaid with eyes as blue as the ocean. He recalled quite vividly the first time her bright smile came into his vision, but quickly dismissed her from his mind as he dismissed Pelagios to go and seek out his young charges.

All of a sudden, a knock sounds at the doors to his office, effectively dispelling the thoughts from this morning. Before he can even say a word, the Lady Delmara comes bustling into his office in a flurry of sea flowers and pearls. It takes all of his willpower not to sigh and bid her leave. The life of royalty is not an easy one, especially when one has to deal with a particularly troublesome political marriage. Such a bothersome woman makes the stubborn Serena all the more preferable for company.

Lady Delmara comes to a halt before his desk with a bright smile on her face as she asks, "Which of these do you think would look best in my hair, Oceanus?"

He rubs his temple as he sets down the documents from Mandara sent to him by his father, King Neptune. He then looks up at Lady Delmara and says, "I care not for which you choose, Lady Delmara. Do whatever you wish, but I have work to attend to."

However, Lady Delmara doesn't seem to pleased with his answers as her plump red lips twist into a displeased frown.

"Is it too much to ask that you show at least a little measure of enthusiasm for our ceremony? It seems as though that I am the only one who is excited for it, while you do not seem to hold any interest at all!"

Honestly, he doesn't even give this marriage a second thought. As far as he's concerned, this is purely a political exchange meant for nothing more than the benefit of the kingdom. By strengthening ties between the royal and noble factions, it would prevent any feelings of mistrust from the latter. Though, Lady Delmara doesn't see it that way, nor does she even think of it as such. In her mind, this was him expressing some fictional love for her.

"Unfortunately, Lady Delmara, it is a lot to ask when the sea may very well be facing another war," he says sharply which results in her flinching away as she finally takes notice of the rather equally as sharp look he's giving her.