To Bookworm: I'm so, so sorry! But I had my graduation and a whole host of problems!

To TheAwesomePrussia: Thank you- I'll try not to disappoint!

To Emiliano733: Thanks, I'll try to make things really interesting.


Disclaimer: As this is a fanfiction site, you don't need me to tell you that only Jennifer Donnelly owns these characters. I'm not making any money out of this.


The Silver Palace was a whirlpool of mad activity.

Mother had been kept busy, and in addition to that, we rarely saw Desiderio who had just recently been promoted to the rank of captain and was far too busy with his troops.

I knew Sera was fifteen now, I wasn't that much younger though people thought we were of the same age- or they believed me to be older when I spoke to them. Serafina and I were thus considered reliable enough to be entrusted with diplomatic tasks, including the regina's work; greeting and hosting international ambassadors, diplomats, balls, parties and functions, ceremonial public works, court sessions. Mother introduced us to the various directors and managers, teachers and staff of schools and Ostrokons, priests and priestesses. We watched the regina taking her council, visiting schools, temples, factories and guilds weaving sea silk, sea flax. It was clear, Mother was grooming us both.

But why me?

I was the spare. Plus, it created problems for Sera as people were constantly looking at me, thinking that I was the Crown Princess. Call me sceptical, but it undermined her presence and authority in my opinion. Especially as I was the one who took after mother and the various portraits of past reginas.

But it was the duty of any ruler to ensure that the spare heirs be groomed sufficiently- in case of 'accidents'. I might have been the candidate for the Permutavi, but even though I prayed that nothing would happen and schemed desperately, there was no guarantee of anything.

Sometimes, Mother would test us, asking our opinions. I was always careful to encourage Sera (she really needed self-esteem and confidence), and only advise her. During official duties and outings, I always swam one stroke behind her, if not two. If I took a stroke and ended up at the same level, or worse in front of her, accidentally, I was always careful to move backwards and to slow myself. This would emphasise Sera's position as the true heiress, the Crown Princess of Miromara.

In the meantime, I schemed desperately to keep everyone alive.

The Council of Six Waters was soon to be convened in the city of Aegae, the capital of the realm of Atlantica.

And we were both going.


We travelled for days before we finally reached Atlantica, and still we went on until we reached the capital, at the very heart of the Atlantic Ocean.

It was massive, even more so than Cerulea, due to its vast population: a gigantic, underwater cosmopolitan city, rising from the ocean floor, the Golden Palace at its very centre.

The Golden Palace was the only thing the animators from Disney ever got right in A Little Mermaid. It glistening, gleaming golden spires and towers rising with such beauty that I gasped as it sparkled and flashed in the light against the blue and green of the waters. The city itself was divided into several sections around the palace, the outside the rings were the busiest markets and farms, where merfolk harvested kelp, various underwater plants, seaweed and vegetables, sea prunes, water apples, sand and saltmarsh melons, coral berries and more. Other farms bred scallops, the world-renowned delicious Atlantican clams, lobster, crab, marine mammals like domesticated dolphins, rays, some species of sharks, walruses and seals- for meat, milk and dairy products. Anchovy, various worms, squid, crabs, krill and shrimp were watched over by herders, but it did not appear in the very least, like anything rural.

The outer ring was the largest, filled with shops, taverns, department stores, markets, tailor and seamstress shops, mechanics, salvagers displaying shipwrecked items, inns, motels, restaurants, cafés and more. The whole city was alive and I felt ecstatic just being near it.

"Thank Neria," I heard Tavia mutter. "We've been travelling for days."

Sera and I both agreed, but not out loud. Princesses were never supposed to complain.

In fact, we were lucky we got there quickly enough. Travelling had become increasingly difficult because we needed to make the extra precautions what with Rafe Mfeme and other increased human military activity on the seas. And even then, it was too frighteningly risky. Although the wide majority of the earth's seas, oceans and freshwaters had yet to be discovered and explored by humans, we couldn't take the risk and they were learning more and more each day. Plus, there were deep sea predators and bandits, and we were quite a large entourage so we couldn't move that quickly.

Thank goodness nobody tried to rob us- nobody was stupid enough to rob us. As Maree my hippokamp was just about ready to foal, I had to either go in the carriage or ride a borrowed hippokamp.

As we rode through the city, the Acqua Guerrieri and the Janiçari proudly displayed their arms and the banners of Regina Isabella di Merrovingia de Miromara and her family. The Miromaran coral branch snapped in the ocean currents. Mother was up ahead and I missed her, longed to talk to her, but took comfort in Sera's presence whom I was overjoyed to be sharing the moment with.

"We'll be at the palace soon," I stated. The Atlanticans were once ruled by a proud and legendary dynasty, but now they were mostly extinct, save for some descendants who had married into other families, such as ours. Thus, Atlantica had a president. Still, I saw the trident symbol proudly displayed along Atlantica's banners.

The whole place was dazzling. I looked back on my last life and wondered what if Little Precious were here to see this for herself. The truth was, sometimes, I often forgot I had a previous life and that I was once human. I wasn't sure how I was supposed to feel about that.

Suddenly uncomfortable with this line of thought, we descended into the palace courtyard.


The butler that showed us to our rooms was pleasant but a little annoying. Thankfully, we were given royal suites and even our entourage were comfortably housed.

"The entourage of the Elder of Qin has yet to arrive," my mother's chief aide warned her. "The Emperor Bilaal is currently preparing and Admiral Kolfinn is close to arrival. The Queen of the Freshwaters is currently undergoing some trouble but should arrive soon in Atlantican territory."

Isabella nodded simply. I pretended to listen but in truth, I was bored. Adrianna, Mother's chief aide was a pain in the wrasse. I forced a smile.

"May we have time to refresh ourselves before we proceed to meet any of them?"

"The formal meetings begin in the evenings, and are adjourned until the next day if they carry on for too long," Isabella informed us. She looked at the two of us, eyes softening. "Go, get some rest merls. I expect you to be present for the banquet."

We nodded in thanks. Both Sera and I headed off to our individual suites.

"So, what do you think? Atlantica, that is," I asked her. "Really impressive, isn't it?"

Sera nodded. "It really is." She blinked. "I could use a nice scrub though. And some Sargasso tea."

"And some candied barnacles or some fresh limpets. Those famous Atlantican clams can come later though, for the dinner," I said thoughtfully. "I think they've got tea waiting for us in our quarters."

Sera nodded. "See you, Rena. Love you."

"Love you too, sweet sister." I stated, heading off to my own rooms.

The suite was massive, the Atlanticans must really want to impress us, I thought, amused. The insides were panelled in abalone and coral, inlaid with sea glass and pearl. Glowing lava lanterns and lamps were perched on top of posts or on tables under lampshades or on wall sconces, but there was a chandelier in the sitting room with its floor carpeted in soft pink and magenta tube worms. It was furnished with luxurious clam shell armchairs, fluffy sea silk cushions and soft anemone-filled sofas. Much of the furniture were Miromaran-made, I thought, carved, gilded and possibly imported from Cerulea. Wood was expensive as few plants underwater were sufficient enough and one had to risk predators, crumbling shipwrecks and treacherous shipwreck ghosts or the goggs up above to comb for driftwood. But these were very fine of high quality with a varnish over them to prevent them from rotting or tarnishing in the deep water. A bowl of refreshments had been placed on the table: sweet or salted barnacles, limpets, snails and sea cucumbers with a steaming pot of- yes, Sargasso tea! I was beyond relieved. Sinking into the nearest sofa, I immediately poured myself a fresh, steaming cup and sampled some limpets and sea cucumbers. I nearly moaned in relief at it all.

I was blissfully eating when the door knocked. "Yes?" I said, swallowing my mouthful of snail. I poured myself another cup.

"It's me, your highness." Oh, great. Adrianna.

In she came, about as sour as rotten sea prunes, as usual. "Your highness, the whole entourage has been seen to and is suitably refreshed. The regina wishes to know when you will be ready to proceed."

"And where will we be meeting them?" I gestured to the food, offering her. She declined, respectfully.

"No, thank you, your highness." She pursed her lips. "In the palace's formal reception room, just before dinner."

"Well, I'm afraid I hardly know the way, Adrianna." I said, dryly. "That is why we will be here, and your uncle the High Commander has made it clear that you are to be with your bodyguards at all times."

I narrowed my eyes. I still didn't trust Vallerio, even now. Adrianna mistook my look for disapproval. "Your highness," she began. "We are about to enter the world of inter-realm politics, and I am sure that there are many people who disagree- no matter how well-reasoned- with your mother the regina's opinions, decrees and choices, and will thus seek to hurt her through you." She took a deep breath, ready to go on a longer lecture, but I held up my hand.

"I understand, Adrianna." I said, mercifully cutting the lecture short. "But I will not have you nor anyone lecture me whilst we are here. We don't want to seem ignorant in front of our esteemed hosts and fellow members of the Council of the Six Waters, do we?" I raised a delicate eyebrow.

"Of course not, your highness." Adrianna bowed. My lips twitched in distaste.

"Thank you, Adrianna. Please tell my mother that I shall be along shortly." I stood. She left the room.

As soon as she was gone, I scoffed. "Idiot." I pitied Sera for having to put up with people like this every day. At least I could escape. I hated being demeaned like that. I swam to the en-suite grotto and looked myself in the mirror. The grotto was large, a limestone toilet in one corner, a large mirror in the other and shelves of glass jars and vials filled with fragrant oils and clean scrubbing sands of all kinds, a dressing gown hanging on the hook on the door and a cloth to wipe away excess sand.

Scowling, I stripped naked and grabbed the vials of pink, black and white sand, scrubbing myself from head to fins almost viciously.

I didn't belong anywhere. Not here, not in a court filled with gossips, sycophants, treacherous schemers and power-hungry or greedy individuals, more interested in their own benefits than those of their realms.

I grabbed the cloth, flicked away remaining grains of sand and put on the dressing gown. It wasn't fair. I didn't feel like I belonged. Somewhere, I felt… As if it wasn't right, as if this was wrong, for someone like me to be living underwater with all the privileges of a princess. Because once, I was a gogg, and I didn't deserve this. And yet… When I went to the human world…

I was not the same person I had been, now everything had changed. Swimming out of the grotto, I went to find something to wear.


A few minutes later, I stepped out, wearing a regal silvery gown of sea silk, sleeveless and embroidered with pearls at the shoulders and skirt. Mother-of-pearl subtly decorated the skirt and pearl-drop earrings in diamond settings graced my ears, whilst my hair had been swept in an elegant updo with silver and diamond pins and a diamond-heart bracelet on my wrist.

I tried to calm down, scolding myself inwardly and remembering to count my blessings and be damned grateful for them! Swimming through the network of elaborate corridors, I finally managed to reach a vast reception hall. Gigantic, gilded ornaments and urns filled with underwater plants, beautiful and glowing, coral and more stood on display, feathery tube worms in golden, orange and beige tones, gave bright accents, carpeting the floor in patterns not unlike the ones seen in rugs and carpets in the human world. Statues of the ancient dynasty including its legendary founder Poseidon Neptunes, immortalised in Greek myth and legend, his wife Amphitrite Salacia and heir Triton were displayed. Coral walls were panelled with costly mirror glass and mother-of-pearl and emerald in various patterns. I raised my eyebrows, impressed. Very grand. The furniture were marble, granite or expensive, gilded wood.

It all gave an awe-inspiring, grand yet aesthetically pleasing air about the room. I was fully aware that this was to be my most important meeting officially as principessa of Miromara and Regina Isabella's daughter.

"It seems like the Atlanticans really want to impress," I mused.

"Indeed," Mehterbaşi, head of the Janiçari, spoke. I smiled. "Well, I suppose when people get together, they can't help showing off. Besides, they need to assert their political power and their ability to be gracious to their hosts. I suppose we'd do the same. But the expense, even for us…" I trailed off, gazing at the massive lava chandeliers above.

"So, dear Captain Mehterbaşi, what do you think?" I asked him. "About what, principessa?" "About the politics up ahead. Do you think we'll get anywhere or will petty disagreements get in the way?"

"I really can't say, principessa," Mehterbaşi said, carefully. "Come now, dear captain, you can be honest with me." I urged.

Mehterbaşi still looked uneasy. "Well, Principessa Serena, I think that even minor disputes will be hard to overcome." He looked grim. "There will be quarrelling."

"Of course, they will be," I sighed. I looked at Sera. She was floating, listening intently to every word Mum was saying.

She's lecturing and advising Sera again, I thought. Serafina looked composed, as usual, but I knew better than to be fooled. Her brow was slightly furrowed.

As I approached them, Mehterbaşi bowed his head to the regina and the Janiçari guards took their ceremonial places along with the members of the Acqua Guerrieri in position around the regina and her daughters.

"Serena." Mum greeted me with a smile. I smiled back at her, and encouragingly at Sera, but then a contingent of guards appeared alongside the Elder of Qin. He bowed his head towards our direction and made his way surrounded by his guards. Mother nodded solemnly and Sera and I curtsied when he approached.

"Regina Isabella de Miromara." He greeted formally, but warmly. Mother's lips lifted into a smile. "Elder Gang Han Hai. It is a pleasure to see you again."

"Likewise, your majesty." The Elder was a tall merman with a long beard and reddish-golden scales covering his incredibly long tail- the tail, scales and fins of a dragonfish, bright as coins. His fins were fine, semi-transparent, but regal and stiff, like dragonfish, and his reddish-golden robes complimented his beautiful, bright scales, embroidered in gold thread with Qin's symbols of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. His almond eyes were obsidian-coloured and his fair skin had a touch of golden- undeniably Asian the goggs would say.

Elder Gang Han Hai turned his eyes towards Serafina and I, as Mother introduced us both. "These are my daughters, the principessas Serafina and Serena." We curtsied again.

"It is a great honour, your excellency." Serafina said, very carefully. "Indeed, we are honoured to make your acquaintance," I stated, just as carefully. "The honour is all mine, to meet the principessas of such a great realm. You do your realm and your dynasty a great service by being here, Principessa Serafina, and Principessa Serena."

I smiled. "Thank you, excellency." Sera stated. Just then more guards appeared. "Have you seen Emperor Bilaal?" Isabella asked.

"Alas, I am afraid I have not," the Elder admitted. "Though I have heard that he arrived with his son, the Crown Prince, and his nephew and niece, whereas his wife, brother and sister-in-law remain to govern Matali in his absence." Sera tried not to look excited or startled at the news that Mahdi and Neela would be there, and my heart shone with gladness as well. I had to contain my own smile.

"I have just had word that the Queen of the Freshwaters is arriving as we speak," the Elder continued. "They must be weary considering the distance," he said. "They have had difficulties on the road, something to do with fishing trawlers."

Isabella was startled and so were we. "Trawlers? Belonging to Rafe Mfeme?"

"Oh, so his trouble has spread to Miromara too, your majesty?" The Elder looked grim and unsurprised. "Yes, one of the trawlers belonging to that devious, cruel-hearted terragogg, with nets and hooks nearly ensnared the queen. Thankfully, her majesty and most of her entourage escaped with little damage done to them, although a few have been injured, or even killed."

Isabella's face darkened. "He is becoming more and more dangerous as we speak," she said. "With three trawlers and an entire fleet, growing, at his disposal, it is likely that he has become increasingly wealthy. And wealth means power in the gogg world."

The Elder nodded gravely. "Yes." My heart pounded, I was afraid that they heard it. Orfeo nearly caused open chaos already in the underwater world. I had to take action- very, very soon.

Next to me, Serafina looked disturbed and troubled. I narrowed my eyes. Orfeo was becoming more and more powerful and nobody knew the true extent of his power. Only me.

"On the bright side," the Elder continued. "Admiral Kolfinn and his son Ragnar have both arrived safely. It's a dangerous trip from Arctic waters to Atlantica but they've made it."

Isabella's face betrayed nothing. If she suspected Kolfinn was up to no good she did not show it. Sera's brow furrowed again, but she was still composed. No surprises to me, that Astrid didn't come.

Kolfinn wouldn't want weakness to be shown, I thought. He would never risk Astrid's safety nor the stability of Ondalina's society and security and his son's future position if Astrid's inability to songcast was revealed, especially in front of other realms- and within his own.

It would never be easy for her, I thought silently. She had to grow up in a society that valued strength and magic to conceal themselves, keep them safe and so forth, without a singing voice.

Could I help her? Without Kolfinn suspecting.

One thing at a time, I told myself. Get the Council of the Six Waters and Wave Warriors mobilised against Orfeo first. Then we'll see about Abaddon and Orfeo as well as any traitors.

We couldn't afford to lose. Not one bit.


The formal dinner took place at the palace's great hall.

A selection of mouth-watering delicacies and gourmet cuisine from all over the underwater world were proudly displayed on buffet tables amidst glowing anemones, coral, seaweed fronds and more. I picked some clams to put on my plate, a few snails, a salad of sea cucumbers, sliced water apples, coralberries and walrus cheese, some salted barnacles and whelks along with a bit of crayfish and crab. Swimming to the table, I sat with Sera who was talking- with relief- to Neela. Mahdi was nowhere to be seen.

"Hey, Neela." I said, sitting down next to Sera, and beaming at her. Neela looked up and beamed- literally. Her skin glowed a blue so bright, it nearly got in my eyes. "Neela," I said, trying not to wince. "Ooh, sorry." She giggled sheepishly. "It's great to see you, Rena."

"Likewise," I smiled. "How's your brother? Your parents and aunt?"

"Oh, they're great," Neela waved a hand carelessly. She had a large tray of Matalin pastries (why? She could always get them back home) and local delicacies on her plate. Today she was in a light pink sari, with shell and emerald combs in her hair and matching earrings. "And Mahdi?" I asked, slyly.

Sera flushed. "Rena!" I laughed and so did Neela who grinned.

"Mahdi's great." She stated. But then her face fell. "But he and Yaz are out right now."

"I see," I said, picking up a clam. "So, Sera told me you're studying somewhere?" She asked.

I froze. "Oh, yeah. But sorry, I can't tell." I looked sheepishly at her. "Regina's orders."

Neela looked somewhat disappointed but understanding. Sera frowned. "I know she has a good reason, but I'd still like to know-"

"After your Dokimí," I told her. Sera frowned. "Right. After I get crowned official heiress to Miromara."

I put down my clams and looked sadly at Sera. "You know I'd tell you in a heartbeat if I could." I said, softly. Sera, seeing how genuine I was, softened. "I know," she said. "And I'll wait, I promise."

"Promise…" I hesitated. I didn't want her to hate me. But as I took a deep breath I saw another sight.

A contingent of guards from Ondalina had arrived surrounding a handsome young merman. He was tall, dressed in black sealskin stitched in silver thread and light, but formal ceremonial armour. The merman's blond hair was so fair it was platinum-coloured, and his eyes were a piercing ice-blue. He was lean and strong, yet muscular, and you could easily tell he was a soldier through and through. His regal bearing and hard posture told me that he was not only of military background, born to command and lead troops, but he was a member of the ruling class, the military elite at the top of Ondalina's hierarchy. The light tattoos displayed on his arms showed his status and achievements as well, but he was young; not much older than us. About the same age, if not slightly older than Des.

He had a strong, straight profile and his tail was a strong, black orca's tail with white markings. Immediately, I knew who this was. The books only ever mentioned him, but I knew this was Ragnar Kolfinsson, future admiral of Ondalina and Astrid's brother.


The Council of the Six Waters would commence publicly first.

I was seated next to my mother, Serafina was on her other side. Miromaran representatives surrounded us from all over the empire. The queen of the Freshwaters looked tired, but strong and resolute. I was impressed by her courage.

Ragnar sat next to his father. Admiral Kolfinn was a tall, very well-built merman with strong, muscular forearms and tattoos showing his rank and achievements there. He had a sinuous, strong, black-and-white orca's tail, with wide tail fins, strong and powerful like his son's, though the future admiral's was leaner, obviously younger but no less strong. His son also had a leaner, less bulky build and a less weathered face, but he was doubtless strong. His features were stern and handsome, I thought. That strong, straight profile, slim lips and piercing eyes. Ragnar's hair was cropped short, chin-length, although his father kept his hair long.

I caught Ragnar's eye, when I realised he was looking at me, just as I was looking at him. I was startled and looked away, trying to preserve as much dignity as I was able. But the flush still stole my cheeks. I straightened, trying to regain my regal composure. I was not some silly merl checking out merboys! I was a principessa representing Miromara, from the House of Merrovingia!

But throughout the- long and boring- pleasantries, I could feel his eyes on me.

Finally, we got down to business.

"Now," the president of Atlantica began. "As we all know, there is a threat riding the waves. In the human world, there is a man by the name of Rafe Ioaro Mfeme, who owns several trawlers and a fleet of fishing vessels, and appears to be increasing in wealth and power as we speak. With his nets, he sweeps even the deepest ocean floors and even entire settlements and dwellings: so far several farms in Atlantica, Miromara, the Freshwaters and Matali have been affected. Families have been killed. The danger is increasing. More and more the death toll is rising due to Mfeme's boats and crew; he has used the most sophisticated sonar technology, and- although we cannot say for certain whether he knows of the existence of merpeople- his nets, longline hooks, and even his propellers and more have cost not only so many lives, but livelihoods to be destroyed. Already her majesty, the queen of the Freshwaters and her entourage were nearly killed most violently or captured by the nets of this terragogg." The queen looked composed, but her eyes were dark and haunted, ancient in her tanned face.

"Thanks to the brave and courageous efforts of those of my retinue, I managed to survive," she spoke. "Though some of my greatest friends, loyal supporters and guards who protected me unflinching in their duty, did not. The president bowed his head towards her. "I am truly sorry for your loss." He stated. The queen inclined her head.

"As am I," Emperor Bilaal spoke. Neela's uncle sat next to- surprise, surprise- Mahdi. Yaz and Neela sat a little behind him. Mahdi was clad in a deep blue-green turban, in a similar colour as his scales, and a coordinating emerald sea silk jacket. Some coral and imperial orders decorated his jacket and a large emerald was pinned into his turban. He was handsome, with incredibly chiselled features; chiselled lips, fine sculpted cheekbones, smooth jaw and chin, a straight, slim nose and dark cattail coffee-coloured eyes, with incredibly long and thick lashes and well-shaped brows. I could grudgingly see why Lucia liked his looks like so many merls, but although I had nothing against Mahdi he seemed too good to be true, in my eyes. This was even though I knew his motives were always for Sera and the mer realms, I admitted I preferred, damn it- guess who?

I raised my head as the president went on about the number of attacks, the casualties and properties damaged, the loss to the underwater economies, and more.

But this was all nothing we could help with. I frowned. What can we do if we were expected to stay hidden and Orfeo could retreat on land?

I looked at my mother. She seemed to be frowning intently as well, I gestured to her and Sera.

"I need to speak with you," I whispered to her.


Isabella looked stern and disapproving, but I wasn't cowed. Sera and even Des, various ministers and such might have been, but not me.

I felt strangely pleased at that.

"Serena." She began.

"It might be our only chance."

"Absolutely not." Isabella's eyes flashed. "I am not risking you anywhere near that… Monster."

"I'm afraid," I said slowly and quietly. "You may have no choice." I looked at her steadily in the eye.

"I was given this gift for a reason," I said quietly. "To span both worlds. Now a terragogg threatens us, in our world and his. And in the same generation I was given this gift?" I paused. "Mother, Neria knows there is no coincidence."

Isabella regarded me silently. I could see her clench and unclench her jaw, working furiously to find a way out of it.

"Have you ever known me to do something without planning it, to be rash and to charge in blindly?" I dared. "To not plan and think things through carefully? This is what I was born to do- this is my destiny, you know it, Mother. You can feel it in your blood. Neria and our ancestors meant for this to happen." I did not take my eyes off hers.

Isabella and I were silent for a long while. I could feel Serafina looking with chagrin and annoyance at us, not letting her into the conversation.

Isabella sighed.

"Very well." Then her blue eyes flashed. "But know this, Serena, if I get so much as the smallest inkling that your life is in danger…" I let her trail off.

I bowed my head gravely. "I understand, Mother."

Isabella sighed heavily. "Oh, confound it all. Pray that this works, my daughter."