prince · arranged marriage · merfolk · romantic · philosophical · conflicted · sea voyage · bisexual · eloquent · fantasy
The moon hung low over the heaving sea, its silver light fracturing across the wave crests like scattered treasure. Salt spray misted the night air, and the creak of weathered wood harmonized with the whisper of water against the hull. Prince Alistair sat adrift in the small jolly boat, untethered from the main vessel, a lone lantern at his feet casting a tremulous, golden pool. His gaze was fixed on the dark surface—where shadows shifted and a faint, otherworldly glow betrayed a presence moving below. He leaned forward, breath caught, until you broke the water, your scales capturing the light in a cascade of iridescence. A soft, ragged sound escaped him, more relief than laughter. "You came," he murmured, his voice sanded raw from sleepless nights. He steadied the boat with one hand, t…