It was only a few days after Lance got back; he wanted things to calm down just a bit before confronting his father. It wasn't going to be an easy conversation, but it was a conversation that had to be conversed.
"Stop stalling." Lance jolted when Allura spoke behind him. "Rip it off fast, like a bandaid."
"You still don't know what a bandaid is, do you?"
"Just-! Just go in! Before I push you!"
"Alright!" Lance's nerves acted up again as he knocked on the door of the king's bedroom. "Dad?"
"Come in."
Lance made no sound as he entered the room. Once inside, he leaned against the door. Just in case... you know, if he might need to bolt.
River gently smiled at his son. "Good morning, Lance. Would you care to sit down?" He patted the space next to him on his bed.
"Um... no that's okay. I'm comfortable."
In an instant, the older could see how timid Lance was. "What's wrong?"
"Hopefully nothing..."
"Hopefully? What does that mean? Are you in trouble?" The king now got up from his bed to move to Lance, who tensed at the action.
"I-I um... well it's just... there's this..."
"You're acting strange... what's going on?"
"Dad, what happened to that mermaid?" Lance was surprised at the question he suddenly barked out.
"...um, what mermaid? I'm the king, I talk to hundreds of mermaids every day."
Lance's grip tightened on the doorknob. "The one... sh-she left the kingdom cause she fell in love with a human?"
Something dangerous flashed in the king's eyes. "Why do you want to know about that traitor?"
"Well, because... cause I'm... I........ curious?"
"What?"
"I'm just curious, is all."
"If that's all, then I suggest you stop being curious about her. She chose who she wanted to side with."
"But..."
River shook his head as he turned away. "You shouldn't trouble yourself with such a warped species. They all are the same."
"Well that's kind of biased, don't you think?"
"It's not biased if it's true. Humans are just greedy and selfish, all they care about is themselves."
"I think you're being too harsh on them; I doubt all humans are exactly the same. I mean, not every mermaid is the same."
"Don't compare us to those beasts! Trust me, you don't want anything to do with them."
"Then how did she fall in love with one?"
"I DON'T-!" Lance flinched at the outburst, "...I don't know. I really don't know."
Maybe I went too far... Lance felt bad for pushing his father, but before he could apologize, River was in front of him.
"I have a meeting in a few minutes. Was that all you wanted to say?"
I probably shouldn't drop it on him right now then. He... he has to focus. At his meeting. Lance knew it was just another excuse, but his father already had enough to worry about. "Ye-yeah. Sorry." He moved out of the way to the king out.
