The king’s crown of coral and precious gems catches the light, casting prismatic reflections across the beach. His eyes, ancient and knowing, sweep over us, lingering on Mia with unmistakable curiosity. The air grows heavy as he approaches, each step causing the sand to tremble beneath our feet.

I bow my head slightly once he reaches us. “Father,” I say.

His black eyes, so much like my own, fix upon me. “Krakenos, my son,” he intones, his deep voice resonating through the water. “You have returned to us at last.”

There’s a weight to his words, a subtle reminder of all the time that has passed. I nod, feeling the gravity of the moment. “Yes, Father. The tides have brought me home.”

I wait for Father to acknowledge Mia, yet he barely spares her a glance as he says, “Many cycles have passed since Draven’s return.”

I feel Mia stiffen beside me, her breath catching. “Cycles?” she whispers. “How long were we in cryofreeze?”

I squeeze her hand reassuringly before addressing my father. “Father, in our absence, has Draven made any attempts at conquest?”

King Tritonos shakes his head, his expression grave. “No. Draven and his queen have kept to themselves. It seems they’re more interested in rebuilding than warmongering.”

“And the others?” I press, sensing there’s more to the story.

My father’s fins ripple with tension. “We’ve all been… cautious. No one wants to risk another war, but this silence…” He trails off, his gaze meeting mine. “It’s deafening, Krakenos. Every kingdom is just waiting, watching. No one dares to communicate.”

I nod, understanding the precarious peace we’ve returned to. But I am glad that everything has been at a standstill in my absence—for I feared I would return to a planet ravaged by war.

My father continues, “We have waited patiently for your return, as is our way. The currents of time flow differently for us than for the land-dwellers. But even so, our resources dwindle—as do our numbers.”

I understand the unspoken question in his words. “The wait has not been in vain, Father. I have brought hope for our future.”

His attention shifts to Mia. “Is this the one?” he asks, his tone measured but curious.

“Yes,” I reply, my hand resting gently on Mia’s shoulder. I feel her tense beneath my touch, but she doesn’t pull away. “This is Mia, Father. She comes from a world beyond our stars.”

My father’s gaze sharpens, his fins rippling with interest. “And you believe she can save us?”

I nod. “She carries immunity to the plague within her very being. While our captors claim to have a cure, they withhold it, toying with our desperation. I refuse to wait for their mercy any longer.”

“What do you propose, then?”

“Mia and I will forge a new path,” I begin. “Together, we’ll create a generation free from the plague’s curse. And with the Aquarian eggs we’ve kept in incubation, we can rebuild our people stronger than ever.”

I watch as the Aquarians’ expressions shift from curiosity to cautious optimism. Some of the younger ones, emboldened by the prospect of a brighter future, dart forward for a closer look at Mia. Their elders gently pull them back, but I can see the spark of hope in their eyes.

My father considers my words, his ancient gaze searching my face. “This is a bold plan, Krakenos. But if what you say is true…” He trails off, allowing himself a moment of vulnerability I rarely see.

I straighten my posture. “It is true, Father. And with your blessing, we will see it through.”

My father studies Mia intently, his expression unreadable. Then, to my surprise and relief, he inclines his head in a gesture of respect. “Mia of the distant world,” he says. “We welcome you to our realm. You stand before us as the harbinger of hope, our chance at overcoming this plague.”

He turns to address the gathered Aquarians, his voice ringing with authority. “Behold, my people. Before you stands the future queen of our realm, chosen by the tides of fate to stand beside my son and heir.”

A collective gasp ripples through the crowd, followed by a chorus of clicks and whistles—our people’s way of showing approval and excitement.

My father continues, “Let it be known that from this day forward, Mia is to be afforded all the respect and honor befitting her station. She represents not just our future, but a bridge between our world and hers.”

As the Aquarians begin to chatter excitedly among themselves, I turn to Mia, seeing the mix of emotions playing across her face. I know this is a lot for her to take in, and I’m struck by the realization of the challenges that lie ahead. Our cultures are vastly different, and Mia will need time to adjust to her new role and surroundings.

But as I look at her, standing tall despite her obvious nervousness, I’m filled with admiration. She’s already shown such strength in the face of it all.

My father’s voice breaks through my thoughts. “What are your plans, now that you have returned?”

I straighten, my mind already racing with the next steps. But then I remember what a long day it’s been, and how my queen has earned some rest. “For now, I request a submarine for Mia’s comfort. It’s time we showed her our home. Once we have recovered, we will discuss our next steps, and the possible cure that awaits us.”

He nods, and with a gesture, he dispatches one of his attendants. Moments later, the water around us begins to churn.

From the depths, a sleek vessel emerges. Its iridescent hull shimmers, pulsing gently like the heartbeat of a great sea creature. As it breaks the surface, Mia huddles closer to me.

“This… This is a submarine?” she whispers.

I nod, allowing a small smile to play across my lips. “It’s one of our finest.”

As we approach the vessel, a seamless hatch materializes in its side, inviting us in. I guide Mia forward, and we step inside.

I move to the pilot’s seat, gesturing for Mia to join me. As we settle in, her eyes dart between the displays and the viewport, drinking in every detail.

“Are you ready?” I ask, my hand poised over the main control.

Mia nods. “Take me home.”

I engage the submarine’s systems, and the vessel hums to life around us, beginning our descent into the ocean’s depths.

As we descend, the ocean unveils its otherworldly splendor. Bioluminescent creatures pulse in rhythmic patterns, their ethereal glow piercing the inky darkness. Massive, undulating jellyfish drift by, their translucent bodies a canvas of shifting colors. In the distance, a pod of massive Song Weavers croon a haunting melody that resonates through the water, vibrating the very hull of our vessel.

I watch Mia taking in the fantastical sights that have been my lifelong home. “It’s so amazing,” she whispers.

As we descend deeper, the first hints of our city come into view. Massive structures of living coral rise from the ocean floor, their surfaces dotted with lights that twinkle like stars. Graceful arches and spiraling towers stretch toward the surface, all encased in a massive, shimmering dome.

“Mia,” I say softly, drawing her attention. “Welcome to Oryndal, the heart of the Aquarian kingdom.”

Her breath hitches. “This… This is beyond anything I’ve ever imagined,” she murmurs, unable to look away.

I smile. I can only hope she’ll come to love it as I do.

We glide toward one of the entry ports, the submarine’s systems communicating silently with the city’s defenses. As we wait for clearance, I reach out and take Mia’s hand in mine.

“Are you all right?” I ask, searching her face.

She turns to me, her eyes shining. “I’m just overwhelmed. But in a good way, I think.” She squeezes my hand. “Thank you for bringing me here, Krakenos. For sharing your world with me.”

I press a gentle kiss on her hand. “Our world now, Mia,” I say. “Our future.”

Chapter 19