- MONTH LATER-
Attina was miserable. Saying farewell to the love of her life was what needed to be done, but it did not make it any less painful. She missed him terribly, and longed for the day when and if she could be reunited with him. Sometimes at night she would cry herself to sleep as a result. Her father and sisters had even begun to pick up on her strange behavior.
In fact, King Triton had called them into the throne room to discuss the issue. " Hello, my daughters." He greeted. " Hello, Father." The princesses echoed as they bowed in front of him. Getting up from his throne, Triton swam over to their side, stopping in front of Attina. " Now, I have summoned you here because I am quite concerned. Girls, have you noticed that your sister has been acting strange of late? Very melancholy? They all nodded. " Attina, would you care to explain? Do not fear; we care for you and are simply worried."
The eldest princess wrung her hands nervously. " It is nothing, Father." Triton sighed. " Attina, please. It is your duty as my heir to uphold the family honor and do what's right for our people. Lately, you have not done so. You seem to be terribly exhausted, distracted, and gloomy. Please, tell us what is on your mind." Attina gulped. This was the moment of truth. " Very well, Father. I met someone, and we love each other very much. However, I ended it. I know my duty, and marrying him would jeopardize that."
Her sisters murmured in excitement and surprise, while Triton smiled. " Oh, Attina, I had always hoped you would find someone. If, as you say, you truly love him, then who he is or where he comes from should not matter in the least. I would be honored to call him family, as I am sure the kingdom will accept him as their future consort." Attina managed to smile back. " Thank you, Father. However, it would be impossible for us to be together with or without your blessing."
Murmurs of confusion echoed behind the crown princess. Triton tried to speak as well, but Attina continued. " You see, the one I love is a… human pirate." Her sisters cried out in fear and shock, while her father's face began to turn red with anger. " How DARE you! Do you have any idea what you've done? As Crown Princess, it was your duty to set an example for your sisters and your people. And yet, you broke the most absolute law! Those spineless, savage, harpooning fish eaters MURDERED your own dear mother! How COULD you, Attina? Your mother would be greatly disappointed in you, as I am."
" No Father; she would not." Attina spat back. " Stop using her as an excuse. You forget that I still remember her well, and I know that she would not have wanted any of us to carry such grief, fear, and anger in our hearts forever. I have long since forgiven those humans for everything they did. You ought to do the same. Besides, Sinbad has never done anything to us personally. All I ask is that you meet him and give him a chance."