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Chapter Thirty-Five
AQUARIUS MONTHS MARK THE START OF THE RAIN FOR MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD
Kasper
Maris did what she set out to do, and using the jug of Aquarius, she fixed the broken city. Calm seems to have settled over the merfolk.
“You’ve had your fun now, Maris. Say goodbye to your humans so we can return to the castle,” the king says as merfolk start to leave for their homes.
My brother stands at my side.
“I love him, Father. Haven’t you learnt anything from this experience?” Maris pleads for her father’s understanding. I knew I wouldn’t be accepted in Atlantis, but hearing it is much worse. The merfolk stop their retreat to watch the interaction.
“He doesn’t belong here,” the king says.
“Says who?” Maris challenges.
“Me,” says the king coldly.
“Look around you. The merfolk want change. They want to be able to choose their own paths and have equal opportunities. I want to choose my own fate, and I’m choosing Kasper,” Maris shouts loud enough for everyone to hear. She’s standing up for what she believes in and he has to listen.
“Your daughter is an exceptional young woman, and I’m honoured she thinks so highly of me. I will follow her to the ends of the Earth to keep her happy,” I say, declaring my intentions. If I can’t be with Maris, her father can lock me in jail, so at least I’ll get to see her every day.
“The jug gifted me the ability to be a merman. Kasper can be one too,” Owen says.
“The merfolk won’t accept him as the princess’s partner,” the king says, curling up his lip.
“I disagree,” the oracle says, swimming forward.
The king looks around at his people as they nod their heads. These people are standing up for me. I’ve never felt as at home as I do here with Maris.
“Is this what you want?” The king directs his question to the merfolk.
“Long live Princess Maris and Prince Kasper,” the oracle says, and the words get chanted around the kingdom.
“No. As my daughter has made it clear, times are changing and I am out of touch,” the king says.
“Father…” Maris starts.
He waves his arm to cut her off. “Maris, you’ve shown great courage and empathy for our city. If the merfolk will have it, I’m passing my crown to you.”
I look around, wide-eyed. Maris has shown all the skills her father thinks she has, but I’m not worthy of becoming the king by her side.
“Long live Queen Maris,” the mer shout.
I bow my head. “My Queen, if you’ll have me, I’d love to stay in Atlantis, but only as your Kasper. I don’t need a title. I’m here to serve you.”
“My Queen,” Owen says, bowing his head.
“My Queen,” the oracle says, following suit. Next to take a bow is Pasha, then Ryn, until the whole kingdom accepts her.
“I want there to be a vote in council if I am to lead. I want equal opportunity and democracy. I want to award Pasha for her bravery rather than punish her for her father’s mistakes. Most of all, I want a big wedding to celebrate my love for this man, if he’ll have me?” Maris says.
When I first started this mission to find the jug of Aquarius, I didn’t realise I’d find so much more. Owen and I have a future now, and it’s so much better than I imagined. Maris is a modern mermaid, and she knows her mind. She may have beaten me to that question, but I’m happy to give her the privilege.
“I love you, and of course I accept,” I say.
Merfolk around us cheer, and even her father gives a faint smile. I go to Maris and kiss her with all I have. People around us rejoice, and he hugs us both.
