Llyr's POV

Elaina and I fell into a routine, each day we would walk on the beach before sitting somewhere and building sandcastles or enjoying each other's company. Then we would head back to the palace for lunch. After lunch we would either swim with the dolphins or draw on the dock. Spending the last few weeks with her made me forget about the ball and before I knew it the day of the ball arrived.

When I woke up realisation hit me and I quickly got ready for the day. I needed to get to Elaina to tell her everything. I wanted to tell her a long time ago, but everytime I wanted to I saw her bright smile and happiness and I couldn't ruin it for her. I knew I should've told her, but I just enjoyed spending time with her. And I realised that I loved her. I loved her more than I ever believed I could.

*Sometimes duty comes before love* I repeated to myself. I had duties and responsibilities. Leaving Elaina would be the hardest thing I've ever done but I knew I had to do it. For my father. For my people.

I was about to leave the palace when my father saw me.

"Where are you going? You need to get to the seamstress right away," he said and I knew there was no turning back now. I nodded and turned around, I guess I had to visit Elaina later.

A while later I was still in the seamstress' workshop as she fitted me with shells for the coronation. The coronation started at sunset and I wanted to see Elaina before it was to late. Ana, the seamtress, was a great friend of my mother's. She buzzed around me as she tried different coloured shells. I didn't really care about the shells, I only thought about Elaina.

My thoughts were consumed by Elaina and I wondered about her the whole day. She was probably wondering where I was and I couldn't help but imagine her saddened face when I didn't come.

"Llyr?" Ana called me out of my thoughts.

"Yes?" I asked.

"Are you alright?" She asked. She was like an aunt to me, but since my mother's death I started to shut everyone out.

"Yes, why wouldn't I be?" I asked as I tried to give a carefree smile that definitely didn't reach my eyes.

"You can't fool me, I've known you since you were a baby," she said as she gave me a knowing look.

I let out a sigh.

"Have you ever felt uncertain about something?" I asked.

"Everyone feels like that, but what are you uncertain of?" She asked.

"Nothing, forget about it," I said. This was my own problem I had to work through.

She gave me a look I couldn't decipher but she didn't say another word about it and I was grateful. I spent the whole day preparing for the coronation and seeing to the preparations.

Finally there was only a hour left before the coronation began and I was drifting alone in the decorated throne hall. Seaweed and colourful flowers spiralled around each pillar.

"Are you ready for this?" Myx suddenly asked from beside me. When did he get here?

"I don't know," I said.

"Have you seen Elaina?" He asked and I shook my head.

"Maybe you should go, I'll cover for you," he said.

"Thanks Myx, you're a great friend," I said before I swam to the ocean palace. I only hoped Elaina was still there.

***
Elaina's POV

I sat on the dock the whole day waiting for Llyr to come, but he didn't. As the sun started to get closer to the horizon Rhixton probed me to come inside, but I refused. I wanted to be here when Llyr came by.

I wanted to see him and I wanted to know why he didn't come today, there must be a reasonable explanation. And I also wanted to tell him that I loved him, I finally decided that it was time to tell him how I felt. I didn't care what anyone would think, I loved him and I wanted to be with him. These thoughts caused butterflies to fill my belly and I was beyond excited to see Llyr. Even when he didn't show up the usual time, nothing could deter my giddy feeling. So this was what loved felt like, it was amazing.  Finally I experienced the feeling my mother always told me about and it felt even better than I ever could imagine. I could only hope he shared my feelings.

"Princess, there is something I need to tell you-" Rhixton was cut off by a huge splash and Llyr surfaced.

An instantanious smile lit up my face when I saw him. I've grown so use to seeing him every day that not seeing him today caused me some sadness.

"You came," I said.

"I did. Rhixton, can I talk to Elaina? Alone?" He asked and I was confused.

"Certainly, I will leave you to it," he said as he bowed his head and left. Once he was gone I stared at Llyr intently.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Elaina, there is something I need to tell you," he said with a worried look on his face.

"Then go ahead," I said.

"I...I'm leaving. Tonight is my coronation and I should choose my future bride tonight," he said.

My heart shattered and I felt like the air was knocked out of my lungs. He was leaving?

"You mean I'm never going to see you again?" I asked to clarify.

"Yes, I'm sorry Elaina. It's my duty. If I had a choice I would choose to stay with you in a heartbeat," he said.

"I understand," I said with what I hoped was a convincing smile. Deep inside me I knew I didn't understand.  I wanted him to never leave. Just when I found joy and happiness it is taken away from me.

I could feel some tears gathering in my eyes and I looked down to my lap to hide my eyes from him.

"Elaina," he said as he used his forefinger and thumb to lift up my face. We looked it each other in the eyes and I could see sadness mixed with pain. Maybe this was just as hard for him.

"I have to go, but promise me that you'll never forget me," he said.

"I'll never forget you," I choked out.

There was a tormented look on his face before he did something I didn't expect him to do. He kissed me full on the lips and then he was gone.  I could still feel the touch on my lips even after he was gone for a while. I let the tears flow freely as I thought about never seeing Llyr again.  Memories of the last few weeks flashed through my head, the days on the beach, the day after my nightmare when he came to check on me. The way it felt so right to be in his arms. Everything played through my mind.

I knew that he had duties, he was the prince and heir to the throne but something deep inside me wished he would stay with me forever. I was about to tell him how I felt, but I didn't get the chance. If only there was a way for us to be together. But the ocean law would not allow it. He couldn't be with me, all because I was a human. A land being.

"And why is the princess sad?" I heard a slimy, yet familiar voice. When I looked up I saw the guy from the ball. The one who dragged me to the dance floor. And the one I dreamt about, who stabbed Llyr's mother with a fishing hook.

"You!" I said as I saw that he didn't have legs but instead he had a black tail that was covered in scars. He looked exactly the same as in my dreams. Something about him scared me and I didn't know if it was because of the dream that I had or the evil glint he had in his eyes.

I was ready to call for Rhixton when the next thing I knew he was in front of me covering my mouth.

"Ah ah ah, no need to call the guard dog. I need you to come with me," he said with a wicked grin.

I shook my head wildly. There was no way I was going to go with him. The thought of being alone with him scared me more. If only Llyr was still here.

"Ah naive princess, thinking she has a choice," he said before he started to sing. The voice sounded exactly like the one I heard the night I went overboard.

I tried to fight it but my eyes grew more and more heavy and I had no control. It wasn't long before I was fully submerged into the darkness...