True Love Can Never Be Wrong

Pellas stumbled but Arei didn't release her hand. Her wide eyes focused on his red ears. {Surely, he'd heard what Ry said... Was it true?} She panted as she tried to keep pace. "Arei, wait... I can't run any farther... This is far enough, isn't it..." She stared at the back of his head as he came to a stop. He didn't say anything or turn to face her, but he didn't release her hand either. "Arei... is... is it true? Do... do... you l-like me?"

Arei didn't turn to face her but tightened his grip on her hand. "What if I do?"

A small gasp left her lips, but she quickly covered it with her free hand. "I... I don't know what to say..."

Arei swallowed hard and released his grip on her. "You don't have to say anything, it's fine... I didn't expect you to like me back..." He sent her a stern glance. "I'll shift as soon as you turn."

Her eyes bugged. "Oh, ok!" She quickly turned but couldn't help but sneak a peek. Though he was still far from being a man at only sixteen, his body was well built due to the past eleven years of rigorous training. Her eyes trailed over the tattoo that had been branded into his and Ry's necks the day they'd turned sixteen. She could only catch a glimpse of the symbol resting on his chest, but she was well aware as to what it was. Her father had nearly the exact ones, all brands labeling them as property of the sea god. She blushed and turned back around as he began lowering his pants. "You... you're wrong you know... I... I like you too..." She risked another glance over her shoulder. When her eyes met his wide, shocked gaze, she quickly whipped her head back around. A hot, damp hand slid into hers causing her gaze to move down to their hands. With a slight tug of his hand, Pellas turned around to face him. He'd pulled his pants back up but was still shirtless. She swallowed hard as she met brilliant blue-green eyes. "I... uh..."

"Do you mean it? You're not just teasing, too, are you?" He watched her closely as she nodded shyly.

"I do, truly..." She whispered risking a glance up into his eyes. He'd only recently become taller than her. It still felt odd to her. She was just about to add to the statement out of pure nervousness when he pulled her into a kiss... her first kiss... Though it was nothing more than a light peck on the lips.

Arei slowly stood back up taking both her hands in his. "I've never been so happy."

Pellas felt the tightness in her chest lift as joy filled her chest. She pulled her hands out of his and flung her arms around his neck. "Neither have I!" Her face fell, though, as she pushed away from him slightly. "But... After the mock battle... the winner will be betrothed to the champaign of the men's event..."

"Then I'll compete!" He announced with excitement.

She shook her head, sadness feeling her heart. "You can't... You're not old enough yet..." It was a rite of passage from child to adult, and he wouldn't qualify for two more years.

He frowned. "Then..."

She grasped his hands. "Then I'll lose."

***

Athena gently pushed open the nursery door. "How is she?" She whispered as she stepped inside. Her eyes searched Triton's tired features. She'd never seen him look so worn down in the entire time she'd known him. She walked over and lowered herself to the floor at his feet. "May I?" She asked holding her arms out to the baby.

His brows were knitted in worry as he handed the infant and bottle over. "She doesn't seem to like the goat milk..."

Athena adjusted the baby in her arms. She began humming a soothing tune as she teased the baby's lips with the nipple. Her lips spread into a smile when the baby finally latched on. "Ah, see... It just took a woman's touch..." Her smile fell instantly as her eyes shot up to his. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean..."

Triton forced a smile as he shook his head and waved off the apology. "It's fine. I know you didn't mean anything by it." His eyes trailed down to the baby. "She looks so much like Lybia already... How will I ever be able to look at my precious daughter without thinking of her dear departed mother." He leaned over Athena's shoulder and stroked the baby's cheek with a thick knuckle.

Athena swallowed hard, struggling to keep her voice level and soothing. "Have you decided on a name for her yet?"

He shook his head. "No, not yet... Lybia had a few picked out, but I haven't chosen one yet." He stroked his hand over the soft, thin hairs on the baby's head. "What would you name her?"

Athena studied the baby in her arms before shifting her gaze up to meet Triton's. "No doubt, she will be beautiful..." Her eyes roamed over his currently haggard face, usually lively and youthful, to his stunning seafoam green eyes. "Aquata or Adella..."

He brushed his finger over the baby's forehead. "They are both lovely names..." He chuckled, the first real laugh since Lybia had become ill six months ago. His tired eyes held a slight twinkle as he turned his attention to Athena. "You are fond of A names?"

She blushed, shifting her focus back to the baby with a smile. "Well... yes... besides... they just seem to fit her best..." She shifted to face him better. "I wish to stay here by your side... to help with the baby... and Triteia. She is also still young..."

Triton gave her a tired smile. "I appreciate it, dear. I would love nothing more than for you to remain here with the rest of my daughters... and Olympus knows I'll need all the help I can get to raise two daughters as a widower... but..." He cupped her cheek. "I could not ask either you or Pellas to give up your future happiness for my sake." He smiled tenderly as he slid his hand away.

She caught his hand and held it against her cheek. "What if I said, I wanted to stay... that being by your side is what will bring me future happiness?"

His smile faded. "I'd say you were simply grieving as well. After all, Lybia was like a mother to you." He let out a heavy sigh. "I'd also say, it is simple nerves of leaving the place you've grown so familiar with."

She shifted the baby as she clasped his knee. "But you're wrong. I did care for Lybia as I do Pellas... but it is not that reason or the other that leads my decisions. I... I want to be with you."

His brows knitted before releasing into a smile. "I see, you are afraid of losing another parental figure? You'll not lose me if you wed."

"I do not intend to wed anyone." She huffed in growing frustration. {No one who isn't you...} "You will see, I will not win tomorrow. I will not be given away, instead, I will stay here." Her eyes fell to the floor past the sleeping baby. "Until you don't need me any longer, at least..."

He caught her chin and brought her eyes back up to meet his. "I will always need you and want you around, Athena. You are like a daughter to me. I love you as if you were one of my girls. Do not think that any outcome tomorrow will change that." He held his arms out to her and took the baby. He lifted her to his shoulder and burped her before setting her in the crib. He watched as Athena walked over and rested her hands on the rails. He cupped his hand over one of hers dwarfing it. "Adella... Adella suits her well." He turned moving his hand from hers to wrap her in a hug. "Thank you for all you've done... Now and before." He placed a light kiss to her forehead. "Now rest, dear. You have a busy day tomorrow."

Athena nodded, holding her breath, wishing she had the courage to wrap her arms around him and express her true feelings. He was right, she'd cared deeply for Lybia and still loved Pellas like a sister... but her love for him was different... much different. When she only lingered her head lowered and pressed against his chest, he held her out at arm's length.

"What is it, dear? Don't tell me, you're worried about tomorrow. You're very skilled. You'll do excellent." He gave her shoulders a light pat before releasing her and turning his attention back to the baby. He bent and placed a kiss on Adella's forehead as well, whispering sweet words to her.

She let out a heavy sigh as she walked from the room. {You just don't understand... I love you...} With another heavy sigh, she forced her gaze away from his strong back and pulled the nursery doors shut. She leaned against the door as she clutched the door handle. "If only I could tell you..." Her brows scrunched together with resolve. "If I can't say the words... I'll show you then..." She pushed away from the door and made her way down the hallway, working out a plan to lose in her head.

Little did she know in just 14 short hours her life would change forever... and that change would set into motion the stern resolves of several of those around her.