The queen swims into Erica's chamber. Erica quickly bows before the queen, "Your Highness."
The queen stretches forth her hand to her, and she kisses the back of her hand. "You may stand," the queen says.
"Your Highness looks beautiful every day," Erica praises.
"How about you? You are way more beautiful than half the sirens at sea," the queen says, making herself comfortable inside the chamber.
Bowing down immediately to the queen, Erica replies, "I dare not think such a thing, Your Highness. I'm just a mere mermaid." She raises her head with a smile. "Your Highness remains the best," she praises again, and the queen's heart is gladdened.
"You are the best warrior the siren kingdom has; raising you was the best thing I ever did," the queen says, admiring her beautiful, famished long fingernails.
"I will forever be indebted to you," Erica says. "You can pay me back when you complete this mission I will send you on," the queen says as she gestures for her to come closer.
Erica quickly swims closer to the queen, who carefully touches her face. "What should I do, Your Highness?" she asks with curiosity.
"The mission I told you about yesterday is about those cursed creatures called humans," she says.
"The humans on land?" Erica questions, hoping to hear more.
"Yes, they have brought us nothing but trouble to those of us who live at sea," the queen says as she gets up to move around the room. "They are killing all the sea creatures as if they rule over them and poisoning the sea; sooner or later, they would come for us..." the queen says, stopping halfway and staring back at Erica, who has balled her hand in anger.
"What must I do, Your Highness?" Erica asks.
"I want to let them know that I am the only great ruler of the sea kingdoms and all sea beings belong to me, including the minor kingdoms of the sea. Since they started it, I am going to finish what they have started," she says in anger. She swims closer to Erica, looking into her eyes. "Find the source of their seafood and destroy it at all costs, even if it means taking them down along with it," she says.
Erica quickly bows down to her, "Your wish is my command, Your Majesty. With my life, I shall fulfill this mission," she promises.
"I know you would. Take this," the queen says, handing her a pearl necklace. Erica takes the necklace from her hand.
"What is this, Your Majesty?"
"This is a protection necklace. It will change and make you human while on land. You must avoid rain and water with it still on your neck; it absorbs your inner strength to be able to keep your feet. When it continuously absorbs your strength, you will die a mermaid. You shouldn't be in the water with it on for long," the queen warns.
"I will be careful, Your Highness. You don't have to worry," she says, bowing down to her.
"I trust you, but I don't trust the humans; they have the power to enchant you with what you desire, and that changes you," the queen says as she looks at Erica.
"I am Erica. I have won several battles at sea, and the only thing I desire; is to serve you until I die," Erica assures her.
"This is a battle with the humans; you have to think like them to win it..." the queen says quietly. With that, she swims off, heading back to her chamber. Erica bows before the queen as she watches her leave the room. When the queen is almost at her room, she sees her daughter, the princess, who awaits her presence. Her daughter bows at the sight of her.
"What is it this time?" the queen asks without looking at her.
"You must really despise me, Mother. Why can't I go on this secret mission?" she asks, not actually expecting a response from her.
"You are too soft, and that's what I despise the most. You are not worthy of your title," the queen says.
"I still haven't done any rite as the future crown princess of the sirens. You must be thinking of making Erica the future queen?" the princess says.
"Princess Adunni, I won't die that easily, so I am not after an heir or a replacement, for I shall rule Riveria until the end," the queen says with a devilish smile. She swims closer to the princess and whispers in her ear, "If you continue to think my ways are cruel, you might even die before me." With that, she takes off.
Princess Adunni scoffs as she balls her fist. She looks up and sees Erica, who quickly bows before her from afar. "A fight with the humans? You must be crazy," Princess Adunni says in anger.