Mer Tales 01 - Everblue

combed the lake. We’d avoid the game of cat-and-mouse and in the early morning we could take the Jeep right from under their noses. With the contrived plan I smiled, until I realized Uncle Alaster wasn’t part of the apprehending party.
    “ Fin, watch out!”
    I swirled around just in time to see my Uncle’s tail barbs headed straight for my face. Then the world suddenly went black.
    : : :
    “ Just like his father,” I heard a deep male voice say.
    I slowly pried open my eyes and winced at the pain radiating from my cheek. King Phaleon stood just beyond the bars, staring at me coolly. Though I’d never seen him up close in person, he bore a striking resemblance to the large statue outside of the palace and he wore a crown. Azor was perched smugly on his left, showing me off as if I were a prized stag. His happiness made me wish I’d stabbed him with the spear when I had the chance earlier.
    “ Aren’t you going to say something, son?” the King asked gruffly, his piercing gaze practically pinning me to the floor.
    Though flustered in his presence, I fought his contempt and tried to sit upright. The world felt very unstable, slanting at a bit of an odd angle. “This whole thing has been a misunderstanding,” I said with a hoarse voice.
    “ Aye.” He shook his head, suddenly amused, as if what I’d said was humorous. “But what should I do with you now?”
    I waited, as he appeared to be contemplating a punishment. I’d learned from Dad that the best way of surviving an unsavory predicament was to keep my mouth shut. After a few moments of stifling silence, a coy smile spread across his mouth, pulling up the large white beard that hung from his face.
    “ On your wrist you’ll find a new ornament to your attire—” I looked down and found a gold bracelet with the Natatorian symbol stamped across the top. “If for some reason you can’t manage to keep yourself within the boundaries of Natatoria, poison will be injected into your skin and render you unconscious.”
    I looked at the bracelet more closely and felt a sense of panic set in. I’d seen other merman with these before, but I just thought they were employees of the King or something.
    “ Don’t be alarmed. As long as you don’t try to disable the device or leave, you should be just fine. After your promising ceremony, I’ll have it removed.”
    “ Promising ceremony?”
    He smiled again in an evil knowing sort of way. “Yes. Fortunate for you, your escapade hasn’t been publicized. Requests from parents have been pouring in. Your mother is eagerly deciding who your wife will be.”
    I tried not to look shocked, knowing this couldn’t be true. More like coerced into deciding would be my guess. “And my sister?”
    “ Her upcoming promising has quickly become the talk of Natatoria. Azor has offered and she’s accepted. She’ll stay in the palace to help with preparations for the big day. Queen Desiree has become quite fond of Tatiana and can’t wait to have her as a daughter. She’s insisted we have a huge celebration and I’ve already had to dispatch mers all over the world to collect items she’s specifically requested.”
    I fought my desire to rip his crown off his head and shove it down his throat, keeping a stoic expression. Mers typically didn’t promise before their eighteenth birthday. No such luck for us. Maybe with all the extra preparations, we’d have extra time to plan our escape.
    “ After the ceremony, Azor will assist in assigning you a home and a job. I imagine we won’t have any more incidents from you in the future.”
    Azor nodded his head.
    Emotional blackmail. They intended to use the feelings a promising created to hold me captive in Natatoria. Good thing they didn’t know they were already too late.
    “ Of course not,” I lied and could hardly contain my smug smile.
    Azor opened the lock on the cell door and swung the gate open, setting me free. I remained on the floor and felt strangely calm even after the King’s dismal portrayal of my future. They might have thought they’d won, but I’d use their “promising” weapon against them; my feelings for Ash would fuel my escape. And I’d never let Azor look at, let alone kiss my sister. Ever.
    King Phaleon turned toward Azor in satisfaction. “He’s in your charge now.”
    “ Yes, Dad.” Azor bowed and the King exited with his body guards trailing behind him.
    My weakened state prevented me from rising and strangling Azor’s neck once