King Cerulus and Queen Ella sat in their royal throne room of The Sapphirus Kingdom. The couple wore regal blue clothes that made their rank as royalty clear as possible to any servant and subject. They didn't simply wear blue for the sake of it - Blue was the official kingdom color.
Today seemed like a regular day in the life of The Sapphirus Kingdom. The King and Queen did their duties while their four sons were taught to be proper princes.
Prince Aaron was the oldest and was first in line to the throne after his parents. Of all the princes, he was the most well mannered, most spoken, and the most powerful when it comes to swordplay.
Prince Brendan was the second-oldest and next in line after his brother. Off all the princes, he was the most humorous and outgoing of the bunch - Being a known flirter to the kingdom's mistresses. Compared to Prince Aaron's professional leadership, Prince Brendan was more casual but had a talent when it comes to guns and other weaponry.
There's a third prince but, compared to his two older brothers, not much is known about him to the kingdom's public. But it is said he has knowledge that also compliments the combat skills of Prince Aaron and Prince Brendan. The same can't be said for his younger brother.
Prince Damon, out of all his brothers, had the most trouble being in accordance with his kingdom. He was known to dislike the lessons his mentors gave him on proper royal etiquette. While he had a history of issues obeying orders in the past, he seemed to clean up his act recently. He no longer argued with his servants, he no longer complained of being the youngest prince, and he no longer went out of the kingdom every day.
Prince Aaron was a bit suspicious of this and talked about it during a private lunch with Prince Brendan in the mess hall. "Brother, don't you think Damon has been acting… off, lately?"
Prince Brendan ate a turkey leg as he spoke. "No, not really. Why?"
"It's just a bit odd our youngest brother has suddenly become so quiet and obedient all of a sudden." Prince Aaron replied.
"So what? It's good he finally learned to shut his yap for once and be happy for what he has."
"But… To have it happen out of the blue? That's not like Damon."
Prince Brendan started picking off the remaining chicken of the bone. "I think he's just growing up. We haven't had a good conversation with him in a while. Perhap we could-"
Prince Brendan was interrupted by a young servant woman entering the mess hall. "I have an important announcement! The Rubrum Kingdom has sent a messenger to our door. Come quick, you two!"
***********
Prince Aaron and his brother were surprised to see that Prince Damon was already in the throne room before them.
"Man, that Damon's really punctual now." Prince Brendan whispered.
In front of King Cerulus and Queen Ella is a messenger dressed in red.
"Your majesty!" The messenger spoke. "It has come to the attention of The Rubrum Kingdom that one of your sons, Prince Damon, has arrived at our kingdom's doors as a merman!"
Queen Ella raised an eyebrow. "A… Merman?!"
The King pointed to his youngest son. "But Prince Damon is right over there. How could he be at two places at once?"
The messenger stammered. "I… I don't know, your highness. But I speak the truth! Your son really is a merman. He has a long blue tail and is with Princess Scar-"
"I had enough of this merfolk nonsense. Don't try to trick The Sapphirus Kingdom royals ever again. Now begone!" The king roared.
"Wait! Please!" The messenger cried as he was dragged away by guards in giant blue armor. "Your son is a merman!" The messenger's voice trailed off into the distance.
"Rubrum scum…" King Cerulus muttered under his breath.
Queen Elia looked at her two bewildered older sons. "Well, that was odd. Oh well, you two are dismissed now." Queen Elia looked at her youngest son with a smile. "What a silly message. You aren't a merman, are you?"
Prince Damon shook his head and gave a wide smile, "No mother. Everything is all fine."
The young prince turned his head to face Prince Aaron and Prince Brendan - Who were both looking at their brother with confused expressions on their faces before promptly leaving the throne room.
Prince Brendan whispered to Aaron's ear. "Bro, I think you might have a point..."
"Don't worry, my brothers. I'm Prince Damon. Really!" He said as he watched Prince Aaron and Prince Brendan leave the room quickly.
Of course, that well mannered young prince wasn't actually Prince Damon. It was the clone that the witch created that fateful night the real Prince Damon became a merman.