Prince Draelos walked ahead, his strides smooth and soundless, even though they were surrounded by air instead of water. Ariel followed, her long sea-blue gown brushing the marble-like floors, still unsure how she ended up in an underwater kingdom where air filled the halls and glowing coral grew along the walls like vines.
"Walk at my pace," he said coolly without turning back. "And listen closely. There are rules here."
Ariel rolled her eyes slightly but said nothing.
Draelos continued, his voice low and sharp like a blade. "You must never wander the palace without an escort. You are new, and this kingdom has its secrets. Stay away from the Western Wing—no matter what you hear. Do not speak of human life unless asked. And never remove the pendant from your neck."
Her fingers unconsciously touched the glowing necklace lying against her collarbone. "Why?" she asked.
"You'll drown," he said flatly. "Or worse."
That shut her up for a moment.
They turned into a corridor with tall glass panels showing the ocean outside. Creatures floated by—strange, colorful, beautiful. And some… not so beautiful.
She tried to stay focused. "Why aren't we staying in the same room?"
He finally stopped walking. Turned.
His golden eyes met hers. "Because this marriage is political. A treaty. Not a love story."
"That's cold," she muttered.
He tilted his head slightly. "I'm a prince of the deep, not a romantic fool."
"And yet," she smirked, "you brought me to a palace with air and silk sheets."
For a moment, something flickered in his expression. Then it was gone.
"I brought you here because I had no choice. You're a symbol of peace, not a bride to be adored."
Ariel folded her arms. "Well, I hate to break it to you, but I don't adore you either."
He chuckled softly, the sound low and mocking. "Good. That makes two of us."
They continued walking in silence.
Finally, they arrived at a massive golden door, carved with markings she couldn't read.
"This is the royal archives," Draelos said. "If you truly want to understand our world, start reading. You'll find your place faster."
As he turned to leave, she called out, "And if I don't want to find a place?"
He looked over his shoulder. "Then the sea will find one for you."
He left.
Inside the archives, as Ariel stepped through the golden doors, the lights brightened around her. She had questions. About the rules, about Draelos, about the sea itself.
And as she reached for a glowing scroll, the pendant at her throat pulsed… like it recognized something in the air.
Between the shelves, a faint whisper echoed, not in words—but in song.
And only Ariel could hear it.