"Okay... lid is in place," Lance carefully made sure to keep the fresh water from spilling out and placed the jar in his pouch. He sighed in exhaustion and took a moment to rest from performing the water purification spell. Once Lance had everything he needed, he dived back underwater and headed for his bedroom window.
"Prince Lance-"
"GEEIIH-!" He jolted and spun around. "Oh... good morning, Jasmine."
The head servant bowed and gave a polite smile. "Good morning, your highness. The king and queen have requested your presence in the throne room."
Lance pouted, glancing to the window. "Now..?"
"I'm afraid so, your highness. The matter seems very urgent."
"Well... okay, fine." He set his satchel down in the corner and followed Jasmine down the hall. "Do you know what they want?"
"I may have an idea, but it's out of my place to say, sir."
"Jasmine, you know I hate the whole prince thing and how I'm higher above you, yada yada yada. I consider you as my friend, an equal, you can be yourself around me." He gave a playful wink, "And just call me Lance."
She blinked at him and then blushed, turning her face away. "It isn't proper, your highness."
"But-"
"Please," she opened the door, still hiding her red face, "your parents are waiting."
Lance hummed, then begrudgingly swam through the entrance.
"But..." she touched his wrist, "thank you for saying that... Lance."
He smiled brightly, "I'll see y-"
"Lance!" The king's voice echoed in the prince's ears.
"Yep! Coming!" Quickly swimming inside, the doors shut behind him. "Eee! I swear, why are there always some big scary doors that close by themselves?"
"Lance." The king impatiently tried again, his voice being accompanied by the queen's giggle. "Please, won't you enter---quietly---this time?"
"...yeah, sure." Lance cleared his throat and swam forward, but he caught sight of more merfolk, especially one with long white hair and pretty green seafoam eyes. "What's..."
"I'd like to introduce King Alfor and his daughter, Princess Allura."
Lance frowned curiously. "You mean from the Northern boarder?"
"Correct."
Princess Allura looked to Lance, then gave a friendly wave. "Greetings, Prince Lance. It's wonderful to meet you."
"Uh... hi?"
The queen coughed, gaining Lance's attention, her awkward smile and attention to posture reminded Lance of his manners.
"O-oh! Right." He swam to the princess and took her hand, bringing her knuckles up to his lips. "A pleasure."
Pink spread through her cheeks and she covered her smile with her other hand.
"Lance." His father spoke again, arching his brow. "As you know, our kingdoms have been divided by the North and Southern borders. King Alfor and I have come to a mutual agreement to unite our kingdoms together."
The queen nodded excitedly and swam down to Lance. "We parents won't be around forever, you know, so it's up to you two to protect the waters together.
Lance nodded. "Ooh, okay. Cool."
wait....
"WHAT?!" Lance shrieked. "HOLD THE PHONE-"
