11. Humpback
I remember our wedding day.
The depths of the ocean are still and quiet. I can rest here and recall a beautiful moment in time. That moment slips further and further away from me as I age, but I will hold it tight for now.
You wanted the ceremony on the beach, so that we could have music and dancing.
The sky was orange with sunrise. The ocean was calm and blue.
Familiar songs swelled like storm-tossed waves, the band playing as loud and joyfully as they could. The crowd cheered so loud. So many smiles, so much hope.
Your wings were draped with gold. Your forehead gleamed with sea glass and jewels. Your talons were placed over mine.
That day, I became a prince. I was wed to a princess of the Sea Kingdom. But in that moment, and even now, so many years later, all that mattered to me was my promise: the promise I made to the dragon I loved.
White sand flew everywhere as we spun over the beach. Our tails were twined and our wings were touching. All eyes were on us, following our dance. We splashed in the seafoam and swayed together. I forget the tune of the song...
You laughed, and you said the world was beautiful.
Before everything changed. Before any dreams or schemes for the throne even entered our minds. Before you killed your mother and wiped her blood on my scales. Before I was a king who stood beside a queen.
Before the power of your brother's magic consumed you. Before I watched our love stagnate and dry. Before your heart beat only for yourself and your eyes stopped shining when I greeted you.
Yes, before we changed.
Back then, everything was simple and bright. It was like floating in summer waters. Your cheek was pressed to mine. Our dance was a sea breeze, honest and light and free.
We were happy.
Lagoon, do you remember?