Bound to Happen

*************

CHAPTER 13

Far out in the sea where water was most deep, an underwater kingdom existed under the sea floor, away from the eyes of many.

The main entrance to the kingdom was led by a circular pool beautifully adorned by intricate stone steps delicately leading up to the magnificent view of the main castle itself.

Every building was perfectly designed with beautiful lights that made the city shine in the dark coupled with the numerous corals plastered everywhere.

The underwater castle was no different, having its walls equally and elegantly made of transparent blue corals which left one looking at their own reflection each time they strode by.

Yes, every mermaid and merman seen weren't having tails but walking on foot in their human forms.

The beautiful coloured silk gowns and raiments they were dressed in brought out their delicate features.

Adding to their beauty for the mermaids were lovely pearl earrings and bracelets to further enhance their looks, bringing them on a whole different level from the surface dwellers.

The path leading further north was a carpeted green grass which was soothing for to walk on while having its color stand out, making the view look more enchanting and as one penetrated further.

At the sides where several illuminated water flies hovering over the water lilies that decorated the edges thereof making anyone awestruck by it.

Amidst all that, two mermen were seen marching on this path leading to the magnificent doors.

The ardent look on their faces while they made their way without any form of unwavering resolve sent a certain signal to the hearts of many who saw them.

Not too long after, their feet came to a stop in front of the magnificent cyan green doors as they pulled open to welcome them in.

Immediately they walked in, both of them bowed their heads, lowering their backs in reverence to the person standing close to the table at the left side of the throne room.

Just like the various designs met on their way, the throne room did not lack lustre, magnificence nor beauty.

Adding to its charm where statues of the different rulers, gently arranged at the sides while the corals and pearls were also used in adding to the charm.

Without lifting his head from the map he was gazing at on the big table, his bass-baritone voice resonated in the almost empty throne room.

"Tell me."

"Greetings, your majesty," both mermen announced but still they did not lift their heads or speak more.

Sensing their hesitation, the young-looking king raised his head while leaving his left hand hanging in front of his stomach.

With both lips pressed together, he turned in their direction and steadily walked over to stand before them.

"Rise."

As soon as he said that, they lifted their heads only to have their eyes blessed with the stunning appearance of a dashing young man looking no more than in his late twenties.

He accessed them briefly and shook his head. To their amazement, he turned around on his feet and walked over to the throne.

Carefully sitting on it, he placed his chin lazily on the back of his knuckles as he sent his terrifying gaze at them. "What is happening on the surface?"

Inhaling deeply, the first merman stepped forward as he brought his hands in front of his stomach ready to speak.

"No need to stand on ceremony, Lieutenant Garren. I do not need it. Just tell me what is going on."

"Yes, sire."

He cleared his throat briefly and when his gaze trailed back to the king, no longer did his eyes waiver nor his lips tremble at the news that was to be told.

"Your majesty, the dragon king has awakened," he took a pause, watching to see the reaction the king would give but to his surprise, he looked unbothered.

"He has returned and with it, wrecked havoc on Drakenflare."

"I suspected as much. What other information is there?"

"The assembly of kings have met," the second merman behind quickly informed.

Averting his gaze from Garren, the king arched his brow at the second Lieutenant who had accompanied Garren.

"Marlon."

"Your majesty," he nodded his head before continuing. "After the torch of Drakevows was lit up, the kings assembled to discuss on the next course of action. However, they have not left yet, so we do not know the result of that meeting."

"I see. Alright. More likely, they are threatened by his retrun and the assembly would want to seal him again. Howbeit, I doubt he would let this be a case of once bitten, twice shy."

His gaze trailed off away from them, allowing his mind wonder far away. For the past millennia, the surface dwellers had ultimately cut off link and association with the people of Aciora.

Not that they did commit a grave sin but for the other kingdoms, they committed one worse.

This was because during the time of chaos when the dragon king visited his wrath on every kingdom, they refused to join hands and fight.

Rather than fight a war stupidly, they decided to remain neutral to both sides and watch.

This singular decision had made the realm stay away from them and reduce the activities to which they were once involved in.

However, as the years continued to pass by, some kingdoms found it wrong to forcefully ostracize them and continued to mingle on a low key.

This however, did not change the fact that when the assembly was called, they were ignored. Not that it bothered the king though.

He was always curious and on guard to be sure nothing affected his people.

Forgetting he had company; he kept his mind thinking of their history and what to do this time around. It was not until one of the Lieutenants spoke that he realized they had been waiting.

"Your majesty?" Garren's voice pulled him out of his reverie.

"Ah, yes. Inform Calvel, I want him to keep a close watch. And also, since the dragon king has broken out, watch his palace as well. Something is bound to happen."

"What is going to happen, your majesty?" Garren questioned, hoping to get a glimpse of the dire situation.

"For now, it is only a speculation and we would leave it at that. You may take your leave."

Seeing that if they tried, they were not going to get any answer from him, both mermen lowered their heads once more, took a couple of steps backward and turned around to leave.

His gaze escorted them out of his throne room till the doors closed behind them. And the second it did, he rose to his feet, clasped his hands at his back and breathed out, ignoring the water bubbles that came with it.

"How long would you watch me from the shadows, Erin?"

He shifted his gaze from the door to the right side of the throne room as he trailed his gaze to the third statue close to the door.

"You caught me," the enthralling voice of a young lady resonated out as she stepped out from where she was hiding.

"I see you have been practicing invincibility spells, wife."

"Well, I found a new hobby and I love it, Sachiel."

He held out his right hand for her to take, assisting her in climbing the last stair before standing on the pedestal where the throne sat.

"But darling, I still sensed you," Sachiel pointed out, bringing her hand close to his lips as he placed a gentle kiss on it.

Blinking her lashes in the most charming manner she could poses, a small smile pulled at the corners of her lips, illuminating her already beautiful face as she gave her response.

"Yes, my love. And that is because you are king of Aciora. The water is one with you."

"Well, sorry about that. Meaning you still have a long way to go in sneaking up on me. Come, I want to speak with you on something important happening in Maeatherial."