Magical underwater fireworks went off above Atlantica. The merpeople celebrated the victory of their new Queen. Street vendors handed out their products while those with musical talent played music to dance to. Good magic wielding merpeople set off the fireworks and there was happiness in the air, a large contrast to the Atlantica Molly and Meena had entered only a few hours before.

Despite the loud noise made by the cheers, music, fireworks, and crowds, Molly found them muffled in the throne room of the castle. Alone she held her father's trident. She felt like she had when she was 10 years old and tried on his crown, swallowed in something much larger than her. Then, it had just been a heavy hat hanging over her eyes. Today it was the responsibility of the Seven Seas. She always knew it would be hers one day, however, she had thought she would be able to rely on her brothers and sisters to help her through the transition. And the grief.

Molly delicately sat on the throne. She smiled at memories of her and her siblings playing in this room while their parents were attending other royal duties. One came fresh to her now, where Jason had placed her on the throne. She could have only been six years old.

"Queen Molly," he had addressed her in a funny accent, doing his best to mimic the servants' actions and bows. Nicolas, Cordelia, Lana, and William had followed suit. There was only a year or two between each of them which automatically made William the court jester at eight years old. Molly giggled at their actions.

"What's this?!" King Triton had come into the room as his children giggled at one of William's antics. He addressed his wife swimming beside him. "Someone has taken over our kingdom!"

The now much older Molly smiled at the memory, her throat closed and eyes watered realizing that all of them were gone. She watched the doorway her parents had entered, just waiting for them to float through again.

Instead, Meena appeared. "I thought you might be here," she addressed her friend.

"Hello, Meena," Molly croaked in a small voice.

Meena approached and touched the Queen's hand. "The knights and I have prepared something for you… your highness."

She gave a slight bow and Molly let out a short laugh. She wiped her tears and followed her friend. Two knights at the door escorted them out through the castle gardens.

"Meena, I have lost my entire family," Molly's voice came out stronger than she expected, "and I have so much responsibility now. I have to take care of my people, set dukes and duchesses as rulers over the other kingdoms, find Prince James' men who fled, make peace with Mori. Is it wrong that all I want to do is go back to Sherlock? He has a… way with emotions that I could use right now. And I miss him. Things seemed simpler then."

Meena gave her friend a sympathetic smile. "No, I don't think that's wrong at all. Maybe you can tell me more about him later," she encouraged to put the queen at ease.

Molly nodded.

Soon their small convoy reached the cemetery. A few rows of knights lined a path to the fenced in part reserved for the royal family. At the base of her mother's grave, five coffins were lined up. They had prepared a personal viewing and funeral for her. Tears streamed down her face once again.

Getting closer, she could see that there was also a temporary gravestone beside her mother. With only a few days, the King would have needed to be buried and there hadn't been enough time to create a large statue like her mother's yet.

Molly looked at each of the knights trying to convey her gratitude. How grateful she was for a loyal and supportive kingdom.

Sherlock walked into his castle, glad to be back on land, but worried about Princess Molly. A queen, a mermaid. How had he come into such fantasies? But he couldn't seem to quell the feelings. He loved her. He realized that now. Sure, he had planned to propose based on logic, but now his heart told him it was much more than that. That sudden concern and longing for her was what worried him now. Prince James had said he had killed her family and now Molly would have to deal with that grief and the responsibilities of those kingdoms. He rationalized, knowing she was smart, knowing she didn't need him, but part of him wanted to dive into the water just to be with her all the same. He took a deep breath. She knew where he was and where he would be at sunset the next day. He could wait until then.

The next morning, Molly felt better. With some much-needed rest and some time to grieve, she felt she could do a little more today. Her problems weren't gone and her heart still hurt, but she felt she could pour herself into work for the time being. Focusing on the meeting with Sherlock also helped keep her spirits up.

Respectfully wearing black shells and a veil, she chose the kingdoms' new ambassadors, sending them word and meeting with a few who were already in Atlantica. Eventually, she met with Meena and set her on her council. She trusted her friend and had received advice from her many times before. Her new position would help her stay on top of things in Atlantica and help Molly feel like she truly had a friend in her corner.

Soon after they were able to meet alone and Meena grilled her about her Prince Sherlock. She was a good friend and always knew what to say. When Molly spoke about her family instead of Sherlock at different points in their conversation, Meena let her. Most of the time, the queen just needed a listening ear.

Soon it was near sunset and Molly swam as fast as she could to the surface.

Everything Sherlock did that day was hurried. A nice case would have saved him from the torture of waiting until sunset. However, Dr. Watson never came with any urgent news and nothing could be found from Lestrade. Sherlock felt disconnected. Well, he had always felt disconnected, but especially now as new feelings had developed, significant events had transpired, and yet everyone was here doting on Mycroft and Anthea, preparing for a royal wedding. He was forced to give frivolous opinions and study his duties as best man and brother of the groom. Somewhere in the back of his brain, he realized he would have to go through it all again if Molly agreed to marry him, but somehow it didn't bother him thinking of her helping with his tie or tasting cake. In fact, his heart sped up for a quick moment at the thought.

As the sun sank lower in the late afternoon sky, Sherlock sat on the back porch. It was just high enough that he could see over the walls and out to the sea. It was beautiful. He could see how the ocean manifested itself in Molly, now queen over these seven seas. Calm, peaceful, quiet. Yet when a storm came, dangerous and threatening. There was so much unknown about both of them, and just like water, Molly had filled the space given to her. No matter how small the opening had been, Sherlock had let her into his heart and she had filled some unknown empty place.

Prince Mycroft came and sank into the chair next to his brother. He was obviously as exhausted by all this fuss as Sherlock. "A few more weeks and it can all be over," he commented. "I thank you for putting up with it all. Especially now."

"Especially now? Why especially now?" Prince Sherlock asked quickly. He chose not to look at his brother and watch the sun. He would need to leave soon and he didn't have time for niceties with his beloved sibling.

"Come now, Sherlock. It's obvious to all of us. Miss Molly was not at breakfast, has apparently left without a trace, and you've been… distant."

"I gave you my opinions on the colors and the seating arrangements, the menu and even the bloody napkins. What more do you want from me?" The younger prince pouted.

"Humor me, brother. For once in 48 hours, let us not talk about my upcoming nuptials," Mycroft sighed.

"So you would rather talk about my love life instead?" Sherlock chuckled.

"If that's what it is." Sherlock felt heat on his neck as he realized his slip. "And I know that it is. You've grown… fond over the last few days and now that she's gone, you've become-"

"Distant." Sherlock narrowed his eyes and met his brother's raised eyebrows.

"You've retreated into your mind."

"I always retreat into my mind," Sherlock replied flippantly.

Mycroft gave him a pointed look. "You're not thinking about a case or some science experiment," he said with disdain. "You're thinking about her."

"I-" but he didn't have a response to that. His older brother, as annoyingly always, was right. He'd thought about nothing but the mermaid all day. He had questions and yet he would put them all aside to see her again. And he would. Soon. He looked to the sky to see the sun about to hit the horizon. "If you'll excuse me, brother mine." One quick nod and he rushed down the steps and through the garden.

"Oh Sherlock, you have it worse than I think either of us suspected," Mycroft muttered to himself with a shake of his head.

Mycroft could think what he liked, but Sherlock was not upset. He was about to see his mermaid queen now, and yes, he had come to terms with his feelings. It was still new, and part of him truly wanted to reject the strong emotions out of habit and fear, but she would be here, and he knew as soon as he saw her, his resolve would weaken. He couldn't quite say why. Her eyes were always full of wonder and curiosity. Her heart was big enough for the both of them. She was brave and strong. No, Molly was extraordinary and his life evolved around the extraordinary.

The prince reached his makeshift lab in the rock cave. He remembered their first meeting where he had walked in on her in his lab coat. He blushed thinking of the somewhat risqué moment. He sat on a rock outside the entrance. It had felt like their meeting had been so long ago. He felt like he had known the princess for much longer than a few days, but it only factored into his life-altering decision.

The woman in question leaned against a rock in the surf. Behind it, she could watch for her prince. Her heart sped up seeing him settle on the beach, and yet there was some relief. Land held more simple problems, she supposed. In all honesty, she wanted Sherlock's opinion on Prince James and the intricate plans he had in overtaking her kingdom. Prince Sherlock dealt with crime every day, saw the worst of humanity and still kept himself away from that world. She felt that she was in the very middle of it, wanting to protect her kingdom from the lingering threat. He had a balance that she could only hope to gain.

Queen Molly hesitated before going to meet him. Would he take this opportunity to reject her? She needed his help before, but she knew there had to be a lot to process. But Sherlock was quick. There had been a look in his eyes that showed an unrecognizable emotion behind the stoic façade. Why would he have asked her here unless he truly wanted to see her?

She knew she wanted to see him, so she used her trident to transform herself into a human. Walking up to the sand, the edge of her long black dress dragged in the water. The trident turned into a gold and turquoise hairpin, holding back one side of the waves in her hair. Sherlock looked up seeing the light sparkling from the girl.

"Sherlock," she greeted reaching him. Her voice was soft, fearing that if she showed her true emotions, he would be overwhelmed.

His lips quirked into a smile. "Molly!" He coughed realizing the uncharacteristic enthusiasm that had leaked into his voice.

She just smiled. "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes!" He cursed his own voice for betraying him. He tried to sound more level. "Would you… Would you like to…"

"Stay?" they said simultaneously. She gave a giggle while Sherlock's face heated with chagrin.

"You know I can't, Sherlock," Molly said sadly after a moment.

"I only meant for a night. I… I still want to show you the butterfly house."

Her eyes lit up. "Oh! I… I almost forgot… Yes, I would love to see it. I suppose it would be too dark now." She looked at the fading light on the horizon. He followed her gaze, hoping his request wasn't strange. A lot had happened since that morning in the garden.

"Molly! I… I want to see you become who you're supposed to be. You… look every bit the beautiful queen you are." She looked at the sand bashfully. "I still think you would make a wonderful scientist."

Molly stared at him surprised at his words. There were so many other things that should be discussed at the moment, but it seemed neither of them knew how to talk about them.

"Sherlock, that's not an option at the moment. There's a lot going on-"

"I know," he answered, sounding embarrassed. "I just mean… when things have settled. When things are… simple… You may visit. You may want to visit, take a few classes."

The queen stared at the prince for a longer time than either of them felt very comfortable with. "Time will tell. It does sound… nice," she finally said with an indiscernible look in her eye.

"Yes, well, um…" It was rare to see Sherlock so lost for words.

"Sherlock," Molly interrupted impatiently. "Yesterday was- yesterday was a lot to take in. For both of us… but… are you sure you're okay? With everything?"

He knew what she was implying. "Molly, I lead a strange life. The fact that the mystical exists should surprise me, cause some kind of mental breakdown even, but… it doesn't. It's as if I knew all along. When I heard you and your friend on the beach, when I put all the clues together, it made sense. I always say once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains however improbable must be the truth. At one time, I might have thought you were impossible, but after I let what you were saying be true, I knew you were real and that left room for the truth. You, your behavior, your interests made sense."

"I'm a mermaid," Molly pointed out, showing him that he hadn't yet said the words.

"It's still a little hard to process, but yes, to answer your question, I'm okay. With everything." He took a breath. "Even with you being a mermaid. Being a queen."

The two smiled at one another. For a moment Molly thought he might kiss her, but the moment was shattered as Sherlock spoke again. "So you'll stay? For the night? You can be on your way by tomorrow afternoon."

"Yes, of course." Then the queen did something bolder than she ever had before. She wrapped her arms around the prince's waist and put her head on his shoulder. "Thank you, Sherlock," she whispered into his chest.

As his arms slowly moved around her, the tension she'd held onto released from her shoulders. Sherlock felt warmer than assumed by his personality and he smelled of chemicals and old books. Somehow, those things made her feel safe, a feeling she hadn't had the privilege of since being on land before.

The prince struggled not to show how much this woman affected him. His heartbeat increased and the love he felt was almost overwhelming when he wasn't used to having such strong emotions. He wanted to hold her there forever. Neither of their kingdoms would miss them. He had Mycroft to take care of those things, and she had… what was her friend's name again? Meena. But his logical mind knew how illogical he was being. Her world had all but crumbled around her and he felt her body relax against his as he let his arms envelop her small frame. She needed this and somehow, he felt he needed it too.

"Soon," he spoke, making her look up at him. "I hope you will be very happy." He leaned down and kissed her cheek, feeling her blush beneath his lips.

Molly's eyes were wide as he moved back. "In time," she breathed, and they headed toward the castle.

The royals of Glauwery were gathered together in a drawing room. King Siger and Mycroft were reading while Princess Anthea and Queen Violet embroidered. No one missed Sherlock sliding his hand away from Molly's waist as they entered the room.

"Aw, Lady Molly," Mycroft nodded his head at the woman with a knowing smirk. She bowed as they all looked at her.

"Molly!" Queen Violet sounded overly pleased. "We missed you today. I do hope you're alright. Sherlock's been in a right state."

Molly giggled as Sherlock groaned. "You were asking for opinions on things I had no opinion on. Of course, I was in a 'right state'."

The Queen of Atlantica interfered before anything more could be said. "I am doing surprisingly well, your majesty. I just… remembered something of my past and needed to look into it."

With it clear that she wouldn't be elaborating, Sherlock spoke. "Mother, I'd like to speak with you if you don't mind." He gestured to the door and then addressed Molly. "You can stay here or maybe you would rather I call Mary to take you to your room."

"No," she smiled. "I'm quite alright here." In all honesty, aside from the day Sherlock had spent solving a case, she hadn't spent much time with other humans and she wanted to get to know them too. Plus, there was something about the king that made her feel loved and welcomed, something that she lacked in her home under the sea.

"I'll be back shortly," he assured as his hand brushed against hers on his way out.

In the great hall nearby, Sherlock and Queen Violet paced.

"Oh, Sherlock, are you sure? I know I should be pleased, seeing you have never expressed interest in anyone before her, but…"

"She's not of our station," Sherlock finished his mother's statement, rolling his eyes. He knew better, but he wasn't about to tell his mother that Molly was a mermaid and in fact a queen. "Love is love. Haven't you always told me that?"

"Yes, of course-"

"And did you not encourage this relationship from the first moment you met Molly?"

"I… I suppose I did, yes…"

Sherlock was quiet and waited for his mother to break her resolve.

"You truly love her, don't you?"

Sherlock felt his cheeks flush at his mother's statement. He took a deep breath. "Yes." There, he had said it. He had never planned to say it out loud to anyone except Molly herself, but here he was talking about his feelings with his mother, the Queen.

"And I can see she makes you happy, dear… Who am I to stand in your way? Knowing you," she added, "you'd find a way around my ruling anyway."

They both chuckled.

"Thank you."

She patted his cheek with a smile. "Of course. I have 2 weddings to plan for now, don't I?"

"I have to ask her first."

"She'll say yes." Queen Violet's voice held absolute certainty, a quality both her boys possessed.

The next morning felt easy. Molly awoke, wore a borrowed dress that Mary brought up, and had breakfast with the family just as she had as a guest during her days before. The atmosphere felt different though, and she couldn't tell if it was her own experience or the way the Queen of Glauwery kept asking for her opinions on wedding things. She supposed a little of both. For her, things had changed. The world had stopped as she chased down Prince James, trapped him in the Endless Abyss, mourned her family, and tried to put her kingdom back together. But here, it had only been a day where Prince Mycroft and Princess Anthea were engaged and there was a royal wedding to prepare. She really needn't be so surprised.

After breakfast, just like two days ago, Molly and Sherlock walked through the gardens.

"It's a beautiful morning," Molly commented, looking around at the greenery.

"Yes," Sherlock responded but kept his eyes on her as she looked up at the clear blue sky. "I prefer the butterfly house just after sunrise or a few hours before sunset, but I don't think either of us could wait."

"No," Molly's voice had a sad tone. "I need to return home before too long. Prince James may not be a problem anymore, but his kingdom could be. His knights have disappeared, and the woman… I saw you with… Irene was one of his minions. I wouldn't put it past her to start her own evil operation and she got away as well."

Sherlock nodded. Her sad tone could mean many things, but mostly he assumed it was over the weight of the position she now held. Though part of him hoped it was because she didn't want to leave him. And hopefully, she would be much happier soon if that was the case. "A man like that has an intricate web… Maybe I could help sometime."

Molly stopped and looked at Sherlock. Her eyebrows furrowed as if trying to figure out if she understood his meaning. "Thank you, Sherlock," she finally said, "but I don't think there's much you can do here on land."

"Then let me help under the sea." Again, Molly looked at him in shock. "Surely if you can give yourself legs, I could have a tail," he chuckled.

The Queen giggled. "Would you really want to do that? Just to help me?"

Sherlock took a deep breath. "Oh, you'd be surprised what I would be willing to do to be close to you, Molly."

Molly's heart skipped a beat. How did his voice sound even deeper for a moment? Before she could respond, they came around the corner to see a large glass building. Nestled in the foliage, the structure was lovely, but then Sherlock led her inside. Her heart beat out of excitement as he took her hand and brought her close to a nearby tree. Butterflies might be her favorite land creature, she determined as she saw brightly colored wings blink back at her.

"They're so beautiful, Sherlock!" she exclaimed and followed the cobblestone path through the building. Different varieties of plants for the butterflies grew around them and dappled sunlight shown through the glass rooftop. Little butterflies flew between the flowers and trees.

To the Prince of Glauwery it was as if Molly stood in a spotlight and his heart beat faster than he ever remembered it doing before.

"Molly." The smile on her face didn't falter but she looked at him, picking up his hesitant tone. "You're beautiful…and smart… and extraordinary. There are not many women who I feel I can spend so much time with and yet I just volunteered to spend more time with you because I want to. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Queen Molly of the Seven Seas." He dropped to one knee and pulled out the ring. "If you'll have me?"

This man was full of surprises today. Molly looked at him, her jaw slack. Tears brimmed at the edge of her eyes as she was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion, realizing that Sherlock's feelings were true and that he loved her, fishtail and all.

"Did- did I say something wrong?" Sherlock looked so nervous, kneeling on the ground in front of her.

Molly laughed and wiped the tear that had escaped. "No! Of course I'll marry you!"

She didn't think she could ever see a smile so bright as that of Sherlock's as he stood. Honestly though, she only saw it for a moment as she flung her arms around his neck.

He chuckled and hugged her back, holding the ring box awkwardly. "I should probably put the ring on you first."

"Oh!" She moved back and let him place the simple diamond on her finger. As soon as the box was slipped back into his pocket, she held him close again. "I love you, Sherlock," she nearly whispered.

"I love you too," he replied before placing his lips on hers.

Within weeks, a wedding planner had been hired and a double wedding planned. The town was abuzz with excitement for their two royals to be married. Molly, Anthea, and Violet were happily working with the coordinator while Sherlock and Mycroft found comfort in the other's discomfort. Both of them were happy to be with two amazing women, but all the small details of their nuptials were enough to drive them both to their pipes.

Luckily for each of them, while the wedding was a large event, their fiancées knew them both well enough to try to keep things simple. Even in the midst of Queen Violet's queries about having more of this or that.

Eventually, Sherlock and Molly had to share their true story, how Molly was a mermaid and Sherlock had gone to help her win back her kingdom many nights ago. The news was a shock, to say the least, but everyone soon accepted this new fact and Sherlock and Molly's reception was set to be on a ship at sea so Molly's kingdom could be included.

Over the months of planning, Molly kept between her two homes, land and sea. She ruled her kingdom, things becoming easier as dukes and duchesses took over parts of the kingdom. Her knights continued to find the old knights of Mori, and Molly herself had mended the relationship between their kingdoms. While they continued to find people still loyal to Prince James and practicing dark magic, the kingdom was much more successful as James' successor took his place, a distant cousin who had seen enough of his kingdom fall under James' and his family's rule.

Sometimes, after long or difficult trials, Molly found it nice to visit Sherlock on land. His straightforward way of thinking helped her sort out the emotions that sometimes overwhelmed her. And while Sherlock would never mention it, her emotional confidence helped him to feel comfortable in his own emotions and see that they could actually be a benefit to his logic.

At last, the day arrived and everyone couldn't be happier. Thousands of people from both the kingdom of Glauwery and Surhaven had come to see the wedding, and merpeople for the first time in a long time broke the surface of the water. None of the royals aside from Queen Violet seemed to be excited about all the attention, but they knew it was part of the job. The four getting married were the most excited… and anxious. Though the boys had odd ways of showing it. There was no question however when it came to the love they had for one another as Mycroft and Sherlock both stood dumbfounded as their future wives walked down the aisle. While the A-line dresses they wore were cohesive in their white color and lace, they were different and fitting to the two women in them. Anthea's looked more glamorous with a deep V neckline and thick straps over her shoulders. Her hair was in dark curls that glinted in the late afternoon sun. Molly had a simple sweetheart neckline with spaghetti straps. Her own hair in a wavy half up half down ponytail. They were easily the most beautiful girls on the beach.

After the seaside wedding, the groups split into receptions on land and sea. Merpeople surrounded Sherlock and Molly's ship, dancing to the music and eating food the sailors lowered in rowboats.

The prince and his queen danced, easily entertaining the guests with their waltzes and swing dancing. After some time, they finally stood near the edge of the boat swaying in each other's arms, relishing the time alone. They talked as they danced.

"You always surprise me, Molly," Sherlock said with a teasing tone.

"I do?"

"Yes, after all of your stumbling in practice, we had no mishaps in our dances tonight."

They both chuckled after Molly had briefly pouted.

"It's probably because I have my sea legs," she giggled, using a human term she had learned for being on a boat.

Soon the conversation turned to more serious things, like the problems after tonight. The knights that were still missing, Moran, and their kingdoms.

"My men have found some of the knights," Molly mentioned when Sherlock spoke about finding the rouges from Mori. "They are good at their job, Sherlock."

In the time before the wedding, Sherlock had not had time alone with Molly as they prepared for the event. He hadn't been able to help much at all with Atlantica. Of course, it pleased him to see how much Molly accomplished and made him proud of the woman he had chosen to be his wife.

His wife. It was a term he never thought he would say, especially with such love. But he loved the idea of Molly being his companion. She was his wife now and it made him unspeakably happy. Though he didn't feel anyone else needed to know of his feelings and he had a lifetime now to show Molly how much that love had grown and would continue to grow.

"Imagine if you had John and I to help you." Sherlock smiled down at her.

"You think John would want to be turned into a fish?" she quipped.

Sherlock blinked, thinking of the idea. "No, no I don't think he would."

Molly laughed. "No, I agree. Besides, Mary caught the bouquet; I think they'll be tying the knot soon enough and he won't want to leave her to swim around the ocean with you."

"Hm, I suppose I can understand that now."

"Oh, can you?"

"Well… only a little. I suspect I'll have cases to work with you."

"A few," Molly consented. "Until I get my pathology degree. Stamford's agreed to let me observe for the time being."

"Always the professor."

"You like him."

"I put up with him. I like you."

Molly rolled her eyes as Sherlock nuzzled her hair. His lips dangerously close to her ear. The realization of just how near their wedding night was made both their hearts beat erratically. Molly moved away to look Sherlock in the eyes.

"I love you," she said, trying to pour her emotions into those three words. The love, the want, the happiness.

This wasn't the first time, she had said those words, and yet Sherlock seemed to react the same way. His face went blank as if surprised for a moment before a soft smile graced his lips. He leaned in and kissed her cheek.

"I love you, Molly of Atlantica."

THE END

Aw, guys! I can't believe I did it! I finished a multi-chapter fic! There are so many things I could say and comment on about this story, but you don't want to read pages of me yammering on about how I missed using Molly's last name in this story or realized I had a slight discrepancy in the timeline. I just want to tell you how much all your support means to me. I never realized how much I really did love writing until I had an audience that actually liked what I wrote and gave me the confidence to write more. Thank you guys for your reviews, follows, favorites, and even questions. If you have any more or you actually do want to read my ramblings, message me through a DM here or follow my Tumblr, Victoria123Fangirling. I look forward to hearing from you and hope you realize how loved you are! Much thanks, much love. Adieu.