|TRIGGER WARNING: MENTIONS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE|
{if you or anyone you know has experienced domestic violence/abuse or any kind, 1-800-799-7233 (National Domestic Violence Hotline). Remember that you are not overreacting and there are people out there who will take you seriously and believe you. You have been a victim of terrible things and you are worth it}
The next morning, Antoinette was awakened by a soft knock on her door, following by the muted mutterings of the merpriest. "Let thou be cleansed of one's illness, let thou's mind be forever free of sin. May Zeus forgive you for the crimes committed against this holy kingdom." Antoinette opened the door. For a second, the merpriest was flabbergasted, before quickly inclining his head. "I am sorry, Brisand. I thought this was the sleeping quarters of Prince Anton.
Antoinette quickly shook her head and signed "I am not Princess Brisand, I am Princess Antoinette, though you once knew of me as Anton."
The merpriest's expression quickly to one of shock as he watched her fingers. "But how...?" he murmured, before grabbing her arm tightly. "Come," he announced, "We must see the king (bless his soul) at once." Antoinette had no choice but to follow. They entered the throne room, the merpriest marching along with dignity and the little mermaid trailing miserably behind. The merpriest bowed at the king's feet and pronounced, "May your trident remain ever powerful and this kingdom forever in glory."
"What is the meaning of this?" thundered the king, "Why have you interrupted me?" But he stopped, the words dying on his lips as he caught sight of Antoinette. "Anton?" he asked weakly, the quietest Antoinette had ever heard him. And she could only solemnly nod. But like an unpredictable firework, the king exploded. "How is this possible?! Who has done this treacherous task? If I ever find out who has done this to you, I swear on the life and liberty of this kingdom, I will behead them for all to see. Tell me, Anton. Who?" But Antoinette was silent. Angrily, the king growled and sat slowly back down. He seemed to go somewhere else for a moment, as if the other two in the room were no longer of any interest to him. When he spoke again, it was in a voice laced with menace, "Hear this now. Every day, you will dress in your most boyish clothing. You will bind your hair and hide it under a cap. You will also wrap your chest with seaweed so they will not show. I will call you Anton and you will answer to that. No one shan't know about the sins you have done. The merpriest Chandwin will visit you daily for sessions and you will be present for them. If you disobey any of these orders, I will have you disowned and thrown onto the streets. Do you hear and obey?" Antoinette could only nod, for she had no choice but to comply.
YOU ARE READING
Once A Merman, Always A Mermaid
FantasyLong ago, lived a young mermaid whom was of most peculiar origins. For she was not originally born that way, having been a merman at birth. Yet, since childhood, she knew herself to be a woman. But she could not reveal her true identity, for many di...
