Ondine couldn't help but notice how giddy was Seamaid Nao, seemingly about to do some acrobatic-swimming. «You seem particularly happy, Seamaid. Can I know the reason?»
«Sorry, I didn't mean to be disrespectful toward our late king…» Sadly answered the Seamaid. «It's just that, you're a bit of a big deal among us, sirens, you know Adj- Countess Neptune.» She quickly corrected herself. «You're like a role-model.»
«I don't think King Wave would think of it as disrespect toward her. In fact, I'm pretty sure she would want us to look at the bright sides, rather than mopping about her death.» Assured your wife. «And no need to correct yourself, I still AM an Adjutant, after all. It sounds more familiar that ‘Countess’ or ‘Lady Regent’ and, in the current circumstances any tidbit of familiarity will help.»
«As you wish, Cou- Adjutant!» Saluted the seamaid.
«Your sister don't seem to share your enthusiasm about working with me.» Noted Ondine «Do you know why?»
Seamaid Nao nodded, a sad expression on her face. «She thinks that, since you got your Countess title back, you won't see yourself as one of us anymore, that you will become as snooty than any other noble.»
«If I ever do, please, KILL ME! King Wave trusted me even more than I had faith in her, I won't be able to live with myself if I ever betray that trust, especially not like THAT.» Apparently, the seamaid hadn't heard of you, since she didn't ask how she could kill someone having formed a deep-bond. (Either that, or she didn't ask out of politeness.)
Soon they ended in front of a particular door. Ondine remembered as leading to her former bedroom, the one she occupied before her power manifested and she became a Gendarme. She supposed it was occupied by her half-brother, now. Seamaid Nao was about to open the door, but your wife stopped her. The regent ordered her guide to stand guard outside until she personally say otherwise, before lightly knocking on the door.
- – — – -
At first, when he heard someone knock on his door, Mark was furious. Couldn't they let him grieve in peace? He may have hated his monster of a father with all of his heart, it still was his father!
But he soon heard the reassuring voice of his wife claiming <It's your sister, Mark.> Wife… Being married… That's something he still had difficulty grasping. At his age he should still be dating, maybe have girlfriend he stayed with for a month or two before they broke up. But having found the love of his life, being already TIED to said love?
<A wife is little more than a glorified girlfriend, you know. One which you promise will be the only one you date, from now on.> Reassured Junior Seamaid Natalie Wave, sensing her husband apprehension toward their new link.
Slowly separating from your brother-in-law, she swam toward the door. After opening it, she snapped into military salute. "My Adjutant."
But as soon as she entered, Ondine took her Junior Seamaid in her arms saying "At ease, Natalie. I'm not here as your Adjutant, but as your friend." Then, separating from her friend, Ondine looked at her half-brother, signing «I'm here for you too, Mark.»
As soon as she signed that Mark rocketed toward her, almost slamming the both of them into the wall. Before Ondine could understand what happened, she felt her brother hugging her tightly, crying against her uniform.
When he finally let go of her, Ondine made the gesture to say «I missed you too.»
She could have ended it there and go back to her regency, but she chooses to discuss said regency instead.
- – — – -
On your side of things, everyone choose to stay awake. Not that you weren't tired, but it was almost morning, and you either wouldn't find sleep, or would oversleep so much you would all become night owls. Instead, you discussed what you knew of merfolks culture with Amelia, who helped you complete your meager knowledge. It was very instructive for everyone present.
Then, Ondine used your link to share the last developments in Atlantis while doing the same with her sister-in-law and brother. You then relayed the news with everyone physically present, before debating the political changes it will cause.
- – — – -
«Let me get this straight.» Asked Mark. «You formed a deep-bond with a now former-human, but instead of swimming to his side the faster you can, you choose to take care of Atlantis first and ensure elections go as they should?»
«I'm not going to do it myself, or they will accuse ME of rigging the elections and organize new, truly rigged ones.» Answered his sister. «But I will choose peoples I can have faith can do it in my stead, while the three of us and some hand-picked guards go meet my husband.»
At this, Natalie reflexively saluted before signing «You can count on my help to go through their files, my Adjutant!»
Your wife simply shook her head. «Sorry Natalie, but I have a more important mission for you: Helping your husband learn how to change his tail into legs.»