Damon’s father was blunt in his suggestion, “I think Damon and Charlotte should marry each other.”
“Indeed, wedlock is a classic way for kingdoms to find peace in each other. After hearing Damon’s story and love for Charlotte. I think it’s poetic that a prince of one kingdom and a princess of another that love each other would marry.”, Aaron agreed.
Everyone was silent as Damon and Charlotte looked at each other and smiled, they felt ready. Damon turned to his family and Charlotte’s, “Do you all of you want this?”
The Merqueen was the first to answer, “I agree to this. I can sense the love you two share is genuine. You both went through thick and thin to stay together, just like an actual wife and husband - I would be honored be to have Charlotte be Damon’s wife.”
Damon’s mother answered next, “Me too. Damon, I love you from the bottom of my heart, not matter if you have feet or fins, and I would be happy to let you two marry a mermaid if it meant your wish for peace would come true.”
“Go, Damon! Swim to your wife!’, Brandon yelled.
Aaron cringed a bit at Brandon’s outburst but he spoke as well, “After hearing your tale, I knew you weren’t a child anymore. You’re a grown mermadic hero with a lover in mind. In a sense, I knew you would marry Charlotte, no matter if you had to or not - I just said my question to get my father to seal the deal for you.” Aaron said, smirking. Aaron wasn’t a person to sugarcoat his honesty, and Damon appreciated it with a nod.
Damon’s father looked at the Merking in the eyes. “I know we both had a violent war over resources, and I apologize for being so naive and foolish. I promise to fulfill my son’s wish for peace, and I hope you and I can cooperate once Damon and Charlotte marry.”
The Merking was silent until The Sea Witch poked him on the shoulder “C’ mon, brother. Make my niece be happy for once in her life. You saw what happens when Charlotte doesn't get her way with Damon. Charlotte’s not a baby anymore, let her finally be with him.” she said.
The Merking sighed and gently spoke, “Charlotte…”.
Charlotte looked at her father, “Dad…”
“I’m sorry for being such a horrible father. All my life, I tried so hard to find a merman suitable for you that I never stopped to consider your feelings. I can’t imagine how it must’ve felt when I punished Damon for finding something in you beyond the platonic. I will always consider you my baby, but I know that you have your own needs and wants, and that’s okay. I took him away from you once, but I will never take him away from you ever again. Please… Be with Damon.” the King said as tears filled with eyes.
Before anyone could say anything, the mermaid gave Damon a box. Damon immediately knew what to do and opened the box in front of Charlotte, a ring with the most beautiful sapphire diamond in the ocean was inside.
“Charlotte… Will you marry me?”
Charlotte’s eyes watered and her glittering tears were swept by the sea as she said…
“Yes!”
Before Damon could lay the ring on her finger, Charlotte grabbed Damon and gave him the most passionate kiss she has given to him. Damon returned the kiss and managed to get the ring on the same hand he kissed on when he first met Charlotte. The two were officially engaged, and best of all - they no longer had to hide the love they shared.
The loud cheering that ensued was one of not just of joy, but in hope for what the future held for both humans and merfolk.