“We should return to Rubrum castle and ask for help.”
“Back to Rubrum?” Amelia looked at him as if he had gone crazy. “Back to Scarlett after she rejected me? Rejected us?”
“Hey, it’s not like we’re no longer welcome there,” Oliver shrugged. “Besides, they’re the only kingdom that’s actually had experience with mer-people. They have a mer-princess marrying a merman and even a water entrance to the royal castle! I think they’ll know what to do much better than your home or mine.”
“I guess you’re right,” Amelia sighed. “This is just going to be…awkward.” Oliver had to agree.
So, the two headed back to Rubrum castle. By now, the guards were thoroughly mystified. Another mer-prince? And an unknown mermaid? News spread rapidly, and the royal family granted them an audience in record time. Even Damon and Scarlett were present, much to Amelia’s chagrin.
“We seem to be getting a lot of aquatic guests lately,” the king commented with a grin. “You’re Prince Oliver, if I remember correctly.”
“Yes,” Oliver replied. “And before you say anything, I’m already aware of her recent engagement.” He swam over to Damon and shook his hand before kissing Scarlett’s. “Congratulations, Damon and Scarlett. May you two be very happy in your new lives together.”
“Thanks,” Damon said politely. “If you don’t mind my asking, what brings you back here? And as a merman?”
“That’s the issue, actually.” Oliver gestured over his tail. “I was turned into this when I took a swim in that lake near here. Not that I mind. Being a merman has really grown on me. But it’s going to be hard to explain this to my family, not to mention my kingdom. I was hoping the Rubrum kingdom could help me send a message to them.”
“The lake changed you?” Scarlett asked, turning to Damon. “That’s where you granted my wish and made me a mermaid. Did you do something to the water there?”
“I don’t know.” Damon shrugged. “To be honest, I just went with my gut when I changed you. I somehow knew I needed water, but beyond that, I have no clue how the magic works. It just happened.”
Up till now, Amelia had been listening in silence while keeping herself as invisible as she could. When the conversation turned to magic, however, she found herself unable to keep quiet. “It sounds like a magic ability inherent in your merman form. As long as a human is in the water, you can instinctively transform him or her into a mer-person. That doesn’t explain Oliver’s transformation, though, not to mention mi-”
Suddenly, the mermaid’s words cut off as she found herself the center of attention, and Prince Oliver was a bit too far away to hide behind.
“Forgive my rudeness,” the king said. “I overlooked my second guest. May I ask who you are, young lady?”
Amelia and Oliver shared a look. The merman’s expression clearly said, “Up to you.”
Taking a deep breath, the mermaid answered.