Chapter 15: Yours Eternally

As they left the theater, they made their way through the shortest way that led to the grand palace. Icarus held Rachael gently in his arms as they walked towards the castle.

Racheal however, was mesmerized by the beauty of the underwater world. A lush canopy of kelp and seaweed covered most of the ocean floor, creating a beautiful backdrop to the kingdom's majestic castle that stood tall and regal amidst the sea life.

Everything about their world acted as a reminder of the place she came from. Everything was almost the same but never the same. The settlements were breathtaking and charmingly different, with their houses scattered around the vast expanse of the ocean floor, giving an impression of a large city. The palace which sat atop a coral hill stood tall above the rest of the city. The castle overlooks the entire kingdom, giving a bird's eye view of the underwater kingdom.

There are several markets, restaurants, and other communal areas the merfolks could access. These communal areas were vital in the merfolk's culture.

One thing Rachael noticed was how narrow their streets were. Their roads were made of cobblestones and small seaweeds were used to decorate the walkway. Street lamps flickered like dying fireflies, casting shadows through the air that threatened to reach out for any passerby who dared to wander too close to them.

A heavy silence hung over them, filled with the uneasiness that settled over every person who walked past, making them feel like they were walking on eggshells. Their presence drew more attention from mermaids and mermen who were just passersby, and those whose houses and shops were on the street.

Rachael was not surprised to see them walking on foot instead of tails. They only enjoyed that privilege in their world, but when out in the sea, they used their tails. Outside their world, it was impossible for the children of the sea to use human legs.

After walking for minutes, they finally arrived at the entrance of the palace. Rachael was in awe of the magnificent architectural design of the palace and its huge gate. The castle was entirely made of shimmering pearls, with intricate murals of sea creatures carved into its walls. When they passed the gate, Rachael held Icarus tighter as they walked into the castle.

As they entered the palace, Rachael gasped in amazement as if she was being transported to another world entirely. The palace was like a maze, with long hallways and endless rooms. Each room they passed was decorated with stunning crystal chandeliers that sparkled with rainbow colors. The walls were intricately carved with seashells and coral. The floors were adorned with exotic stones that glimmered like moonlight.

They took turns and walked along several rooms and hallways before they finally stopped at the front of a large coral door. Opening the door of the room, Icarus took Rachael into a magnificent room with a domed ceiling.

Icarus lowered Rachael gently onto the luxurious bed which was carved from the smoothest white sandstone. The sheets were made of the finest silk. Rachael was thrilled to be there; she couldn't believe the beauty of everything.

Fully aware of how the beauty of his world had rendered her speechless, Icarus left her and walked into the room's bathroom.

Neon lights illuminated the place in a way that Rachael had never seen before. However, before Rachael couldn't take her eyes off the window. It was the room's spotlight. The window stood out in particular because it framed the blue-green depths of the incredible underworld. Rachael opened the window and the sun rays streamed into the room, casting a mosaic yellow light on the walls.

"Careful if you don't want to be forever hypnotized by our world," Icarus' voice dragged her back to reality as she turned towards him.

"Everything feels too breathtaking to be real," she said, completely surprised.

"There are many wonders across our world. It's reasonable if you are astonished by them," he walked away and stopped in the middle of the room.

"Despite how beautiful our world seems to be, I must warn you of the dangers that lurk within every corner of this kingdom. Especially now that I have announced my imminent arrival." his voice was laced with concern as he spoke. "You should not leave this room without me. Not until I figure out what has happened for the thousands of years I was gone."

Rachael looked at him with a shock on her face. She was aware he was trying to protect her. And the way he rescued her from a sacrifice that almost took her life was much evident. Not to add to the facts as to how they drew so much attention in there.

But still, she felt safe with him. In some ways, she felt safer than she did anywhere else in her whole life. She had no one except him. He was all she had left.

She nodded, agreeing to his request.

Rachael stood up and took slow steps toward him. 'Why does he feel so familiar?' thoughts circulated through her mind as she neared him.

"Welcome Reginà Màe," his voice startled her, making her rooted in a particular spot.

"Reginà Màe, what does that mean? she asked, slightly confused.

He smiled kindly and shifted his gaze toward her. His blue eyes seemed to burn with a fire that matched her own.

"It means 'my Queen' in our language," he answered.

The words resonated in Rachael's mind. She was stunned and unable to form coherent sentences. But eventually, she found her voice and gave him a questioning look. "What do you mean, 'My Queen?'

He smiled dangerously as he started

taking slow steps in her direction,

enjoying the fear that crossed her eyes.

She backed away with every step that

he took toward her. She almost lost her

balance as her back hit the table behind

her. He now towered over her, standing

just a few inches away.

His breath fanned her face as he grabbed her chin softly to raise her head. "I mean to say that you're mine," He grinned at her, the tip of his fangs reflecting the dim light of the candle for a second, "till eternity."