Ariel gasped awake.
The ceiling above her shimmered like watermelon kissed by sunlight. She sat up slowly, confusion etched across her face. Everything was quiet—eerily quiet—but not silent. There was a hum, like the ocean itself was breathing around her. She pressed a hand to her chest. She was… breathing. Air.
But how?
The room was carved from pale coral and glowing blue crystals, with seashell-like sconces lighting the walls. The bed beneath her was soft, covered in silken sheets that shimmered like fish scales. It was beautiful. Ethereal.
And undeniably… underwater.
A soft knock preceded a gentle voice.
"Good morning, my lady."
The door opened, and a girl no older than twenty stepped inside. Her hair was seafoam green, braided with pearls, and her eyes sparkled like turquoise. She bowed. "I am Lyra, your personal attendant. I will serve you during your stay in the palace."
Ariel stared at her. "I'm… breathing."
Lyra smiled. "Yes, my lady. Your chamber is enchanted—specially designed so that humans can breathe. It is made of Coralglass, a rare magic only the Sea Royalty possesses."
Ariel blinked. "So I'm really… in a palace… under the sea."
"Yes, Lady Ariel. The Sea Palace of Aelyros. You are now the bride to Prince Draeloys of the Siren Kingdom."
Her stomach fluttered at the reminder.
Lyra approached, holding a velvet box. "Prince Draelos asked that I give you this."
Inside was a delicate pendant—a shimmering blue stone set in silver, shaped like a wave with a faint pulsing glow.
"It's called a Virelace Pendant," Lyra explained. "It bonds with the wearer and grants the ability to breathe underwater anywhere in the sea—not just in this room."
Ariel reached out. The moment her fingers touched the pendant, it pulsed brightly and glowed against her skin. She gasped softly as a cool tingle ran over her chest. It was like the ocean itself had kissed her lungs.
Lyra smiled. "It has chosen you."
Ariel put it on, and it nestled against her collarbone like it had always belonged there.
"We must get you ready for breakfast with the royal family," Lyra said, clapping once.
She helped Ariel into a flowing sea-silk gown—soft, pearly, and weightless—and styled her hair into a loose braid. Tiny shells glittered through her curls. When she was ready, Ariel turned to her maid.
"Lyra… the royal family—who will be there?"
Lyra's eyes twinkled. "Ah, allow me to guide you."
She began listing them as they walked:
"There are eight seats at the royal table. First, of course, are His Majesty King Lincoln and Her Majesty Queen Eddie. Then we have Prince Damien and his wife, Princess Irene. Prince Draelos, your husband, and his elder brother."
Ariel's brows lifted. "Two princes."
"Yes. Prince Damien is the heir, though Draelos… holds the power of the Deep. Then, Prince Damien sister-in-law, Princess Ariel—that's you." She giggled.
Ariel rolled her eyes playfully.
"There is also Princess Penelope—the youngest, a firecracker. She's Queen Eddie daughter. And Princess Hazel—she is not of the queen's blood, She is a mermaid but she was brought in as a child. No one knows her full story, but she has always been… different."
They arrived at the dining hall, and Ariel's steps slowed.
The room was vast, made of translucent crystal that showed the ocean outside. Fish swam lazily past, and currents shimmered against the walls. A long table stretched down the center, with elegant coral chairs.
At the head sat King Lincoln, his crown floating gently above his head, and Queen Eddie, regal and graceful with long silver hair like woven light.
No one spoke as Ariel was guided to her seat—beside Draelos empty one.
Slowly, members of the royal family began to trickle in. Prince Damien was handsome and poised. Princess Irene smiled kindly. Penelope gave Ariel a dramatic once-over before smirking. Hazel simply nodded.
But Draelos was late.
Food was brought—golden sea-fruits, seaweed rolls, steaming pearl rice with mushroom ink sauce. No meat, and certainly no fish.
The silence broke when King Lincoln spoke, his voice low and commanding.
"How do you find the Sea Palace, Lady Ariel?"
She placed her wine down gently. "It's… magnificent. I've only just arrived, so I don't yet know what to think."
The king gave a soft chuckle, eyes kind. "That is fair."
Then Ariel looked around, puzzled. "But… why are you all using legs? I thought sirens had tails."
Queen Eddie smiled, but it was Penelope who giggled.
Prince Damien grinned. "Curious little landling."
Draeloys voice echoed suddenly, smooth and low from the entrance.
"We didn't want to frighten you. You'll see our true forms… soon enough."
Everyone turned as Draelos strode in, dressed in deep navy robes. He took his seat beside Ariel, cool and unreadable.
Ariel glanced sideways. "You're late."
"I wanted to see how you handled a royal table alone."
"Cruel," she muttered.
"Necessary," he replied.
The meal continued with light talk, but Ariel could feel Draelos watching her. Studying.
Just before dessert, he stood.
"Excuse me. I must prepare for council."
He turned to Ariel. "My bride, you should accompany me."
The table fell quiet.
Queen Eddie arched a brow. Princess Penelope leaned in with delight.
Ariel hesitated, but curiosity burned too fiercely.
She rose. "Of course."
As they walked out, her heart thundered. He didn't hold her hand. Didn't speak.
But she could feel it—something was waiting in the deep.
And she was heading straight into it.