Choices Affect Everyone COMPLETE

Chapter 1

Philip climbs up the shrouds of the ship. For a moment, he closes his eyes, enjoying being out at sea. A moment later, he looks down in the water, keeping an eye out for a mermaid. He looks down at the sailors. "Clear!"

A net is thrown into the sea to catch fish, but Philip still keeps a sharp eye.

"Prince Philip, careful up there!" his bodyguard calls.

"Doing my best!" He blinks a few times before squinting.

A flash of bright colour scales appears among the fish, a long tail. A sea of brown hair floats out from behind, covering the front half.

Philip's eyes go wide. "Stop! There's a mermaid!"

All the men let go of the ropes and take a step back.

The mermaid turns just enough to see Philip. Her skin is green, like all mermaids and webbed hands. She flashes a devilish grin before diving deeper.

Philip swallows and climbs down. "She's gone under. Who knows if she's moved."

Captain John sighs and rubs his forehead. "Again? These devils-"

"Watch your tongue. They are the keepers of the sea," Philip says.

Captain John sighs. "Highness, as much as I do understand, these creatures constantly thwart our fishing efforts purely for the fun of it. Everyone knows that catching a mermaid brings bad luck. And if you hurt one, who knows what the beast might do to you. Raise the sail and move to the south side of the island! Perhaps they'll let us fish there!"

"Aye, sir!" one of the shipmates calls.

"Is there anything I can do?" Philip asks.

Captain John shakes his head. "It is an honour to have the king's son on board. Make yourself at home, and I hope it's not too rude to ask you to try and stay out of my men's way."

Philip smiles and gives a nod. "It isn't; I'd like you to be able to do your job."

Captain John bows and leaves to steer the ship.

Philip watches before sitting at the edge of the boat and looking out at the clear glimmering water. His golden circlet peeks out from behind his black curls, and his brown eyes stare back at him. He sighs.

"Kyla!" Muriel yells, swimming after her older sister.

Kyla stops and turns. "Hey sis," she says, pinching her cheek.

Muriel winces, her hard, sharp nails making it hurt that much more. As she stops, her dark red hair surrounds her, but she quickly pushes it away. "Why do you do that?"

"Do what?"

Muriel huffs. "The humans just want to eat."

Kyla laughs as she grabs a fish and takes a bite. "So do we. Humans are nothing but trouble."

Muriel folds her arms across her chest. "Not anymore. Not since great, great grandad won the war against them. They're afraid of us now."

"And as they should be. It's just a little harmless fun. You should try it. It's amusing to see the fear in their eyes."

Muriel looks away then down at her deep green, nearly black, tail. "I'd prefer not." She cries out when Kyla catches the small flap from one of her gills on her neck.

"Don't try and ruin my fun, little sis. Just because you're dad's favourite doesn't mean your word is law."

"I-I never said that," Muriel whispers, holding her wrist. "Stop, please. You're hurting."