“But even though I’m not sure, I promise to be the absolute best father for my child.”, Damon said with determination.
The Merking smiled at that, even though he and Damon once had bad blood weeks ago - he knew that once Damon said something, he meant it.
“I trust you, Damon. Guards, please help Charlotte into her room. Be very mindful, she’s carrying a royal child.”, the King said.
“Right away, your majesty.”, the guards said as they gently picked Charlotte up and carried her to her room.
Damon swam up to see Charlotte alone in her room, rubbing her belly and singing quietly to herself. He felt his heart flutter.
Damon always grew up with a strong father, but he isn’t sure if he can live up to his legacy, especially since he was just a human prince just weeks before. He was still very young to be a father and he felt pressure on himself.
The Merking noticed this within Damon and swam to him. He gently poked Damon on the shoulder, leading the young prince to look at him nervously.
“I know how you feel.” The merking said as he laid his hand on Damon’s shoulder. “When I was your age, I found my beautiful mermaid wife and made love to her shortly once we were married. We were both so young, but our love was so deep and we just couldn’t contain it once we exchanged our wedding vows.”
Damon was surprised, he never knew he was following the Merking's footsteps so closely. “Really?’, the merprince said.
“Yes. My wife and I were once childhood friends, but it didn’t take us long until we realized our love was beyond the platonic. After our first intercourse, she was pregnant with Charlotte. We didn’t expect it and I felt terrified to be a father so soon. But once my eyes locked with Charlotte’s when she arrived in this world, I knew I had to be there for her and remain strong not just for my kingdom, but for my family.”
Damon was awed. “W-wow. I didn’t know you were once nervous just like me. My father told me one time that I was a surprise birth and felt scared too, but he knew to stand by my Mom and my brothers.”
The Merking smiled, “I guess the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.”
Damon chucked, he started to feel a bit more confident about Charlotte's pregnancy.
The Merking spoke again, “Remember Damon, you’re not alone. My wife and I will stand by your side and help you throughout your first dive into fatherhood. We have your back. Please be strong, do it for my grandchild.” he said as he swam away to leave Damon and Charlotte alone.
Damon swam to Charlotte’s room and laid next to her.
“How do you feel?”, Damon asked.
“I was a bit scared at first, but after I heard you and father talk, I started to feel much better about this,” Charlotte said she stroked her belly.
Damon stroked Charlotte’s stomach as well, “That’s a big baby we’re having.” he said.
Charlotte giggled, “It’s great news, Damon. It means that our baby will be large and healthy once it breaks from its egg.”
He looked at Charlotte, eyes widened, “An egg?”
“Oh, sorry for not telling you this. But us mermaids give birth by laying eggs. We don’t have legs after all.” Charlotte explained.
Damon nodded and smiled “Oh, okay. Thank you for telling me.”
The prince kissed Charlotte and cuddled her, making sure his hand was also touching his baby. Charlotte smiled as her husband hugged her.
“I will not give up on you or the baby. I promise to be the best king, husband, and father ever.”, Damon said with genuine confidence in his voice.
Charlotte kissed Damon back and held her hands between his, “I know you will, Damon. You’re going to be a wonderful father. We’re in this together.”
The married mercouple closed their eyes and didn’t let go from their embrace.
Parenthood was going to be a journey, but it was a journey they will take together.