Hidden by Foam - Book 3 (Completed)

Chapter 19

Llyr's POV

I stood in front of the entire pod of merfolk in the throne alcove. Everyone was staring at me as my father's voice rang throughout.

"Llyr, do you pledge to look after the people of Oceania and reign fairly?"

"I do," I said.

"And do you promise to protect and serve them with your life?" He asked.

"I do," I said as I looked at all the faces of my people. I couldn't help but think about Elaina, but I reminded myself, sometimes duty comes before love.

"Then I pronounce you king of Oceania," he said as I felt the weight of the crown on my head. The crowd started to applaud and I saw Myx giving me an encouraging smile. I tried to smile back, but I could only manage a small smile. Even though I've just been crowned the king of the ocean, I felt empty inside. Like there was something missing.

"Now Llyr, it is time to announce your queen," my father said and my eyes landed on all the noble mermaids, Olga was among them, she was the siren princess and she gave me a smile. My eyes scanned through them all and I couldn't help but notice that none of them looked like my Elaina.

"My future queen is....is...," I struggled to form a name. The only name flashing through my head was Elaina. Elaina was the one I wanted and all of them paled in comparison with her.

"Your queen is?" I heard an all to familiar voice coming from the back and the crowd turned around to face the owner of the voice.

"Rogan!" I couldn't help but snarl. He was the man Elaina dreamt about, the one who might be responsible for my mother's death.

The crowd parted for him and he made his way closer to the front.

"Now now, Llyr, is that how we greet old friends?" He asked teasingly.

"You are no friend of mine, and if my memory serves me correct you were banished," I growled at him.

"You are correct, but I won't be throwing me out so soon. Especially since I have some leverage," he said with an evil glint in his eyes.

"What leverage?" I asked through gritted teeth.

"How about we do a show and tell?" He said before he snapped his fingers and a big bubble floated into the room. My eyes widened and my heart started to race when I saw what was inside the bubble. An unconscious Elaina. I was ready to rush towards her but Rogan held up his finger.

"Ah ah ah, not so fast prince, or should I say king? You don't want me to accidentely hurt her?" He asked and I saw a knife was held to her throat inside the bubble. I couldn't do anything to him without risking Elaina's life.

"What do you want?" I asked as I scanned the room for guards, but all of them were held back by sirens. Even Myx.

"In due time my king, but first put these on," he said as he called a young siren who brought us golden bracelets. They prohibit us from using our powers. My father wanted to refuse but I gave him a look and we both put it on.

"There, now let her go, she has nothing to do with this!" I said.

"She has everything to do with this. Won't you say Primbroock?" He asked as his eyes travelled to the other side of the room where Primbroock was held by two sirens.

"Who is she son?" My father asked as his eyes traveled between me, Primbroock and Rogan.

"He didn't tell you? Shame on you, Llyr," he said.

"Primbroock, won't you tell?" He said and the sirens pressed knives against his neck.

"She's...she's...his mate," Primbroock croaked out and I reeled. Elaina was my mate all along? That would explain all the strange feelings and thing I've been experiencing.