Chapter 1
The sun shines through the blue water as I stare at my ceiling. I trace the intricate carvings with my eyes as I zone out. I want to do anything other than think about how today will change my entire existence. I stifle a sob as I remember today is the day I meet my future husband. Before I can let anything else out there is a knock at my door. “Princess Nadia, are you awake?” says Latrice, my chambermaid. “Yes, come in,” I tell her. I look over as her pale face pops into the door frame. “ I brought some visitors” Latricia grumbles, as Aspen and Alba barrel through my door. At the sight of my two best friends, tears well in my eyes, and it takes all my energy to hold them in. I am not weak. I am the Princess of Pearlvale and I will complete my duties to my people with a smile on my face. At that thought, I square my shoulders and hug my friends as they begin to scold me. Alba goes first, “Nadia, why are you not dressed? They will be here soon.” At that, Aspen takes one look at me and they begin to shuffle through my wardrobe trying to find the perfect gown to wear. While they are busy I go over to the window to overlook my city. I stare at the merpeople down below and take notice of the different colored tails bouncing off the light, the loud laughter, and the smiling children. Then I spin to look at my friends. Alba and Aspen are striking to look at. They are sisters and share ice-white hair and light green eyes, but they have many differences. Alba has a light pink tail and a bubbly personality, while Aspen has a striking dark blue tail and she is the more serious of the two. Their opposite personalities are why I think their names are perfect for them. Alba means bright and white, while Aspen means ice. I like to believe we are so close because of our differences. My parents names me Princess Nadia Kai. Which means delicate sea, however, most of my features are anything but delicate. My striking black hair with 2 white pieces in the front hangs in waves against my pale shoulder blades, with my tail being completely black, without an ounce of color. My slender frame hides the muscle underneath from training, and the only delicate part of me is my face. My eyes are the lightest shade of blue, almost white, and my full red lips rest below a slender nose and slightly rounded face. While I was distracted, the girls found my outfit for the day. It is a white corset top made of whalebone and goblin steel, which serves as armor, with intricate details of coral and waves to add a touch of femininity. They After lacing me up, they braided my hair around a sharp crown of the same materials and Aspen looked at me with saddened eyes, which is unusual since she is the least emotional of the 3 of us. “This was sent for you to wear today,” she says and pulls out a blood-red arm cuff that is carved to look like red algae. It’s utterly beautiful, but it’s a reminder of what’s to come. We swim out of the room, where Latrice and a guard are waiting for us. “Is the guard really necessary?” I ask, but Latrice just grunts. “Of course it is,” Alba laughs,” you’re an escape artist.” I just shoot her a glare as Aspen elbows her side. I can’t help but giggle at that as we turn towards the corridor to head to the throne room. As we move, I get lost in thought, how am I going to survive this? An arranged marriage with a stranger? I mean, I guess not a complete stranger, we have met once before but we were all of 12 last time. That was 10 years ago and we have both grown up since then. I do remember the day we met. We were in his parent’s castle in Flamescar. He had run into me when we walked in. I remember the bright red hair and freckles, and he had the most breathtakingly red tail. He was very nice then. I haven’t seen him since, but I have heard of the ruthlessness he now possesses. I zone in once we reach the throne room, and all air escapes me. While they are busy announcing me, I slowly move towards the back wall and slip through the servant’s corridor. And then I'm gone.
