Chapter 1

 

 

It wasn’t until the sea nearly claimed my life that I learned I wasn’t normal.

Even as a child, I was drawn to the sea. When no one could find me, my mother knew I’d be playing on the rocky beach of the Vitreus Sea.

“Chelela, you know better than to venture so close to the water by yourself,” my mother reprimanded me. Even at the age of six, I was defiant.

“I wasn’t that close to the water, Mother,” I pouted.

“I’m not going to argue with you. We must make haste, or we’ll be late for our meal.”

I dropped my chin and followed her up the path through the grass to the white limestone palace that was nestled in the golden cliffs of Aquila.

The king had given our family a separate apartment, but we ate most of our meals inside the palace with him.

My parents were close with King Zaeden and Queen Thea. My father had helped King Zaeden take the throne from the last King of Aquila, and because of that, my family was held in high regard. Too bad I didn’t know then what I know now about Aquila’s dear king.

We entered the well-lit dining room. Its long, rectangular, wooden table was covered in navy blue linens topped with silver dishes. Everyone seated stopped their conversation and eyed us. They had all been waiting on me.

“Good of you to join us, Chelela,” King Zaeden said with an inclined forehead. Some would have found him intimidating in his royal blue robes and sapphire jeweled fingers. To me, he was like an uncle. The gentle woman my mother called her best friend, Queen Thea, smiled warmly at us.

I curtsied, still knowing my place. “Apologies, Your Majesties. I didn’t realize it was time for dinner.”

“Never mind that, you are here now. Sit and eat.” The king gestured to the empty chair beside my brother, who was always on time.

Percifal had reached his first decade recently and knew Father wanted him to take his place as constable someday. As a result, he was always on his best behavior, a fact which sometimes annoyed me.

Now that everyone was present, we dug into the delicious meal the kitchen staff had prepared. The smell alone was enough to make one’s stomach whine. I closed my eyes as the juices from the golden, roasted chicken sprinkled with tasty herbs entered my mouth and dripped down my chin. Apparently I was hungrier than I thought. Soft sweet potatoes seasoned with salt from the sea complimented the meat perfectly. We always enjoyed many delightful flavours as the climate made the soil around Aquila perfect for growing.

“Will you take me to the sea tomorrow?” I whispered to Percifal, tugging on his sleeve as a servant clad in grey removed our plates.

He paused for a moment. I was afraid he would refuse, but then he said, “Sure, for a little while.”

I squealed with glee, and my mother gave me a look that had me slapping my hand over my mouth.

The next morning, as promised, Percifal followed me as I skipped my way down to the sea. The sky was covered with puffy clouds, but the spring sun still broke through enough to keep the chill away. The waves beating hypnotically against the golden shoreline was music to my ears. I felt at home by the sea and rightfully so. I was born in the kingdom of water, after all.

Percifal crossed his arms, watching me as I scoured the shoreline for treasures. I usually found a few seashells to take back with me. Noticing the bored look on his face, I strode up to him and splashed water at his chest. I ran away, giggling as he chased after me. Not paying attention to where I was going, I tripped and fell face first into the water. Before I could even process what had happened, the powerful waves pulled me further into the sea. Head fully submerged, I began to panic. I needed air. My body refused to listen to my mind, and I felt the salty water run into my lungs as I gasped for breath. This is it, I’m going to die!

But I didn’t die. Somehow, I was able to breathe the water in as if it were air. I was shocked!

I opened my eyes and took in a world that was shrouded in shades of blue. I marveled at the couple of silvery fish swimming past me. I meant to explore further, but a pair of arms scooped me up, brought me back to the surface and carried me away from the water.

Percifal laid me down in the sand. His face was stark white. “Chel! Oh Chel, I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”

I peered up at him. His black hair was sopping wet and fell into his eyes so I couldn’t tell if those were tears or water falling down his cheeks in little rivulets. “This is the best day of my whole life! It’s okay, Percifal. I can breathe underwater!”

“Are you insane? You could’ve died, and it would’ve been my fault!”

“You don’t believe me?” I frowned at him.

“That you can breathe underwater? Of course not. People can’t breathe underwater. Why would you make such a thing up?” His face contorted with the accusation.

“I’m not making it up!” My lower lip jutted out as I sat up and crossed my arms.

“Come on. I’m taking you back inside to warm up. We’re never speaking of this again. Please don’t tell our parents. What would they think of me if they knew I almost let my own sister drown? They’d say I’m not fit to lead an army.” He said the last part more to himself. The worry on his face was evident.

I let him help me up and surrendered. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. I’m okay. I didn’t die.” I pinched his arm, trying to lighten his mood. “See?”

“Ow!” He pinched me back, finally relaxing a little.

So he didn’t believe me. I probably wouldn’t believe me either if I didn’t experience it for myself. I’d be alone with my secret. The sea was even more alluring to me now. The deep waters called for me to come back soon.

After that day, Percifal always came up with an excuse anytime I asked him to take me to the shore. I felt trapped inside the palace walls. I was suffocating like a fish on dry land. Sure, my mother had her handmaiden take me out once in a while, but it wasn’t enough.

I spent much time staring into the majestic fountain of two entwined mermaids sculpted from white marble that sat just inside the palace entrance. Water shot from a wrist of each mermaid and into the wide bowl beneath.

As the last full moon of spring approached, the king and queen prepared to leave for Terra, where Noctis De Celestia was being held. Noctis De Celestia was the night we celebrated our love for our goddess. The kingdoms took turns hosting the festivities each spring.

Aside from our king and queen, a few others with important titles were invited to celebrate in Terra. I had always spent the event with my family, unless it was being held in Aquila. If my home kingdom was hosting, I’d spend it with Percifal and my mother’s handmaiden while my parents attended. Those who hadn’t reached their first decade yet weren’t allowed to attend. I realized Percifal would be able to attend the next time our kingdom was hosting. Perhaps he’d even be allowed to attend ones in the other kingdoms soon. I’d never really cared about the celebration. I loved Celestia, but I would’ve rather thanked her by enjoying the sea in which she gave us.