|TRIGGER WARNING: MENTIONS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE AND VIOLENCE|
{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}
"Father!" Antoinette exclaimed, her fingers working quickly, and in her haste, she dropped the key. It sank softly to settle on the sandy floor. "What is thee doing up at such an hour?"
"I might ask the same of thee, Anton." her father rumbled mockingly. "I noticed the key missing early this evening. And so I vowed to catch the perpetrator." Antoinette made no reply, cursing her rotten luck and knowing Maridessa was at the apothecary, awaiting her arrival. Her father suddenly swam forward and cried, "Guards!" Within seconds, the door had burst open and a swarm of five or six guards rushed in, their spears aimed at Antoinette. "Throw this traitor out onto the streets and give him a knife so that he may defend himself. See that he never returns." ordered the king, and he snatched up the key. "Go!" The guards gripped her arms tightly and led her through and out of the castle. The minute they had exited the premises, she was tossed unceremoniously down onto the ground. A knife was thrust onto the ground next to her. The guards each took their turns spitting on and kicking her. They sneered and whispered cruel insults. When they departed, they left with a parting message, "Return again and we will have you beheaded." The portcullis slammed shut. Antoinette clutched the knife to her chest and sobbed, though it was muffled by the hand she had clamped around her mouth. Surely there was somewhere she could go...the apothecary! She darted upwards and swam as quickly as she could, but not before noticing the empty doorstep. Maridessa was gone. Antoinette's heart sunk deeper into despair and she spent the night sleeping on the doorstep of the humble apothecary.
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...
