Chapitre 35
Back to the cold

''Who was it ?! If ever I catch one of them, I'll-''

''Calm down, Zephyr.'' Hiccup cut her out.

He had finish recalling the events from his point of view. These two unknown men, dressed with strange clothes made of seaweed and stone-like material, they had taken Frost away. There were the one who had left the chief to die. They had not come for Berk, but for their merman.

''These men are strong opponent, you should not underestimate them.'' The chief added with a serious face, resting a hand on his still painful wound. ''They are well trained, very well trained. They surely had spent their life fighting. Moreover, Frost knew them. How did he called them ? Coren and Lemon ?''

''Cörail and Limönn.'' Nuffin said, frowning. ''Frost told me about them, they are his brothers.''

''That explains why they had come for him.'' Astrid said.

Thought she seemed angry about the situation, she didn't sounded worried anymore, as if knowing they were form the same family made it okay.

''Are you sure they are brothers ?'' Hiccup hesitated. ''They sounded familiar but they had not mentioned any family bound, and they were pretty violent to Frost. Both of them.''

Nuffink frowned even more, feeling his heart sink.

''Frost never got along with them, and they never seemed to treat him like family, being violent and mean, and calling him mean names.''

Silence filled the air around them for a short moment, until Zephyr was the one to break it, her voice low and sad.

''No wonder he wanted to stay here rather than going back home.''

''The men said the king had ordered Frost's return.'' Hiccup added.

''That's Frost's father.'' Nuffink said.

''Frost's a prince ?'' Astrid gasped, stunned.

Nuffink could understand her surprise and his family wanting more explanations, but he shook his head and hands in try to stop them from asking.

''Look, that doesn't matter ! They're bringing him back to the frozen lands of the north. Surely they won't harm him physically but you have no idea how much he hates his life there, he is secluded and way too lonely for one's sake, we have to ge thim back.''

The young viking was anxious, he feared his parents would not want to engage in a war against a realm they didn't know anything about, but he was met with a complete other reaction. The three Haddocks in front of him exchanges looks that were determined, and nodded to each other.

''But how are we going to find them ?'' Zephyr asked. ''Since they also are mermaids, how can we follow them underwater ?''

''We have to find a way !'' Nuffink snapped.

Before he could really explode, his mother grabbed his shoulders and shook him, in hopes it would knock some self-control in him. She saw the shine of his watery eyes but could only picture what he was feeling, how much sorrow, worry and anguish was filling his heart. She could picture it because, a few minutes ago, she was still feeling something similar as her husband was still laying unconscious on his bed, maybe his death bed. But not knowing what was happening to your loved one was worst.

''We'll get him back, son. Zephyr, you're coming with us. Let's gather the riders and organize an expedition to the north.''

It was settled almost as fast as that. They readied a drakkar full of food and warm blankets. They didn't how much time it would take them to get back their merman, but they knew they would need supplies and materials. Sneezelout and Birdlegs joined them, one to save her friend, the other to support his sister. Gorth wanted to come along too, but Astrid rathered him staying on Berk to help the Concil running the village during Hiccup's recovery. Even if the first team of riders remained on the berkian isle, they couldn't afford take all their best warriors and riders away.

And so they started their journey towards the north. Igvid was handling the helm under Astrid's supervision while Birdlegs and Sneezelout were watching the dragons at the stern of the ship. Only the Night Lights and Stormfly escaped them, docile enough to not need supervision.

Nuffink was standing at the bow, leaning on the rail, his eyes lost in the landscape. By his side, Pouncer was laying and resting his head on his paws, whining faintly over and over again. Nuffink could easily tell he was worried for his brother's missing, because Dart was acting the same. Thought the viking knew the dragons were also worried for Frost.

The viking was pulle dout of his thoughts when he heard footsteps coming his way. His sister.

''Hey.'' She said tentatively.

''Hey…'' He replied, voice devoid of emotions.

While he was still leaning on the rail, Zephyr stood next to him, arms crossed, both of them looking at the vast sea. Zphyr was not at ease. Snice she was spending most of her time teasing her brother, she was not used to being emotional with him. The only other time she had needed to comfort him was when he had broken up with Avock, but her brother had not let her do so. He had been really down and had pusher her away, like he had pushed away their parents and friends.

Though this time it was completely also was heartbroken somehow, but for completely different reasons. He had not been hurt by his partner, but his partner was in troubles. He was not pushing away people around him but was seeking help from them. So she knew this time, she could try and comfort him like she should have done the previous time.

''How are you doing ? Are you holding out ?''

''I don't have a choice.'' He sighed. ''I won't help Frost if I just feel sorry for myself.''

''I hope you don't mind Igvid being here, too.''

Nuffink didn't replied right away, he cast a glanced towards the brunette and frowned. Zephyr thought he was mad, and she could understand. Yet she wasn't expecting his reply.

''The elders wants her to help, I can't go against the Judgment's sentence. Though I don't think I can forgive her. All of this is her fault, and Frost would have never been taken if I had been here to protect him-''

''Stop sayign nonsense ! If you had been here, you would have been wounded like Dad, or even worst. Stop ruminate what had happened, we'll find your Frost back.''

''I hope so… I really do…''

He looked up at the sky, a tear streaming out of his eye. He sniffed and wiped it off, earning a sad look from his sister.

''You know, I know how you feel. I think I would react just the same if it was Gorth.''

Nuffink chuckled at that.

''Well, I think Gorth would have beaten the shit out of his attackers.''

Zephyr chuckled too. She was a bit relieved her brother could manage a joke, though it was obvious how bad he was inside.

''Frost is a fighter, too, in his own way.'' She stated. ''I don't think I would have the patience and tenacity to adapt to a completely different world.''

Nuffink's smile faltered as he let her words sink in his mind. He had to admit she had a point. Frost had followed him into the complete unknown. Granted the boy had done it to flee from his abusive father and his sequestration, still it requiered a lot of courage to do so. Moreover, since he had arrived at Berk, Frost had never given up on trying to fit in even when it seemed too difficult.

Zephyr was right. Frost was a fighter. He may not be as strong and muscular as a viking, but his strength resided in his mind.

''I don't know what he went through in the frozen lands of the north,'' Zephyr added. ''but I know he'll make it through.''

He gently patted her brothers back and smiled. He hesitated before msiling back, showing that he had not lost hope, and that lighted up the mood. Now certain he was fine, Zephyr could leave him alone and go back to help their mother. But she stopped and turned around, smiling again.

''And, by the way, the elders didn't have to force Igvid to come. She volunteered.''

With a wink, she trotted off.

However, Nuffink's smile vanished as soon as she left. He looked down at Frost's bracelet he was still holding in his hand, and he felt his heart ache while his anguish slowly crept back.

It had been two days since Frost had decided to stop help his brothers bring him back. He had stopped swimming with them and was letting them drag him like a heavy, lifeless cargo, though he was not that heavy. The only times his brothers had talked to him were when they screamed, asking him to behave. Well, Cörail was screaming, Limönn was more reasonable and trying to convince him, speaking softly, but that didn't help much. They had stop a few times to get some food but the white merman had boldly refused to eat anything.

They were now on their third day of traveling and, remembergin what Baby Tooth had said, Frost knew they were almost if the cold temperatures were not proof enough. Cörail and Limönn seemed more tensed as they were getting closer to Santaklaussen's territory. They stopped one last time to eat.

Just like the other times, Limönn stayed with Frost to keep an eye on him while Cörail left to hunt. He came back half an hour later with seaweed, shells and two fat pollocks. But Frost still refused to eat, which infuriated the elder. He slapped the boy's back of the head.

''Will you quit with the hunger strike ?! It has been three days you have not eaten anything, we can not bring you back to His Higness with an empty stomach. You are already looking bad witht all the bruises !''

Well, he did have a point. Frost was not really the definition of 'safe and sound' with his injuries. His fight with Igvid had left bruises on his face and wrists, along with the scratch and seaweed bandage on his forearm, plus Cörail had added another bruise on the boy's upperarm. At least, the scratches on his tail fins had closed without leaving scars behind.

Though the blue merman was too annoyed to mind these wounds.

''So hurry up and eat, I do not wish to force you too and neither do you !''

Frost didn't reply, simply glaring at him with rubbing the back of his head.

''And do not give that look ! Let me remind you we would not be here if you had not eloped in the first place !''

''Brother.'' Limönn intervened. ''Leave him alone, we have other things to deal with.''

''You're right.''

The elder lost interest in the younger merman and turned towards his brother.

''We are almost at the city, we have to find a way in the castle without being seen.''

''Why would you want to hide ?'' Frost muttered for himself. ''You just have to go through the front door, as usual.''

''We have to hide the calamity.'' Cörail grunted, pointing at Frost. ''He can not be seen.''

''We could disguise him. If we can find the right shells, we can make paint.''

''And how are you planing on hiding his fins ?''

''What's wrong with my fins ?'' Frost protested.

Limönn put a hand on his mouh, hushing him in panic.

''Quiet shrimp, now is not a time to drag attention on us.''

Frost didn't care, he rolled his eyes and bit into his brother's hand, making him start and yelp. Cörail got mad and lifted a hand in order to slap the white merman, but Limönn, ignoring the pain, stopped him.

''No, no, brother ! How will you explain this to the king ?''

''Just one more bruise, the king would not see the difference.''

''Brother, please.''

Cörail sighed, then he looked down at his brother's bitten hand. Something flashed in his eyes and he took a hold of it, examining it. Frost had not bitten hard enough to cut the flesh. The blue merman seemed relieved but still glared at Frost.

''What a brat… Since his birth, he had only brought troubles to the king ! I say we stuff him in a bag !''

''You serious ?'' Frost gasped.

''Actually, this is not a bad idea.''

''Limönn ! Can't you help me ?!''

''I just saved you a slap, do not aske me too much'' The bleu-green merman stated nonchalantly, before turning to his older brother. ''So, we have to find a bag, big enough to fit the prawn in. If I leave you alone with him, do you think you can hold back from slain him ?''

''I make no promises.'' Cörail muttered.

If the chain on his wrist had not given him the impression of being prisonner, the bag did. Frost couldn't see anything and could barely move nor speak. His brothers had completely gagged him before stuffing him in the bag, now perched on Cörail's shoulder. So it seemed Frost would never be allowed to see the city some would call his home. He couldn't even understand why his brothers were trying so hard to hide him. Why didn't they want people to see him ?

They even lied when they met the guard at the entrance doors of the reef castle. They pretended to be bringing back a seal for diner. The guards, trusting their princes, didn't checked the bag and let them in without suspicions. It felt like forever before they reached the north wing of the castle, the forbidden wing, the wing that served as prison for Frost for his entire life.

Cörail and Limönn went appart. While one was heading to the throne room to inform the king, the other brought the youngest prince back to his room. Frost had lost all his will to fight back, he didn't trash when he was realeased from both bag and chains.

His room had not changed compared to the last he had seen it, save from the bars blocking his window. He was back to the beginning, but it was worst than when he had fled. He had lost Baby Tooth, Ruffrunner and, most of all, Nuffink.

He had felt so alive and complete when he had been on Berk, but now it was over. He was injailed once anew, and this time he was sure he wouldn't escape, his father would make sure of it.

After Limönn had removed the chain and told him some kind words in try to comfort him – words that the boy had not even heard – the blue-green merman left. He closed the door behind him, and Frost felt his heart sink when he found himself all alone. More alone than he had ever been. He sighed heavily and dropped on the shell mattress.

It used to be his favorite, but now he found it hard and coarse. He missed the feeling of the soft furs from his crafted bed at the Haddocks' hutt. He also missed the whistle and cracking sounds from the fire, along with the presence of the dragons in the living-room. He also missed the Terrible Terrors singing from the roof in the early morning.

Memories and nostalgia took a hold of him and seemed to take him to another world. How he had felt good at Berk… He already missed the viking village. He missed the dragons. He missed the dragon riders. The Night Lights and their games. Birdlegs and her kindness. Sneezelout and his crazy antics and how he would constantly fight with his dragon. Gorth and his clumbsy goodwill. He even missed Igvid, weirdly, despite how much she had scared him while trying to kill him. But who he missed the most was Nuffink.

The color of his eyes, the look in these eyes, his seductive smirk, loving smile, the feels of his lips upon his own, and their intertwined hands. The smell of his sunkissed and freckled skin, his soft golden blond hair, his laugh, his voice in general, his words, the way he was moving his hands while speaking…

Frost was surely never seeing him again. He didn't dare imagine what his viking was living through right now. His father was dead, and his boyfriend had disappear. Nuffink may never know what had happened, and might even accuse Frost. Even if, one day, the merman managed to escape and come back to Berk, without his totem he wouldn't be able to ge tout of water. A,d there was the possibility Nuffink would want to never see him again. They would never be together again.

The young merman started when the door was suddenly banged opened. He sat up and saw his father storm inside. He didn't have the time to see the king's face – only his floating azur beard – he was suddenly engulfed in a bear hug.

''Fröstkel ! You are finally back !''

Frost remained silent. After a long moment, his father leg go of him but kept his shoulders trapped under his large blueish hands. All too soon, the king got angry and shook his son.

''What were you thinking, exactly ?! I was sick worried ! To swim away like this… do you have the slightest idea how dangerous it was ?! How irresponsible are you ?! What if something happened to you ?!''

Frost still said nothing. He didn't have the strength nor the will to. His father's grip faltered, his anger seemed to die out and being replaced with sadness. Still Frost remained silent, his head ahnging low, not even daring to meet the king's eyes.

''Son. I know you must be upset, but everything I do is for you. You are in danger outside, even within our city. This is why you have to stay safe here, in the north wing. Here is the only place I can keep you safe. I just want you to stay alive.''

Seeing the lack of reaction from his son, Nörth knew he couldn't talk to him. He sighed and stood before slowly heading back to the door. Though when he opened it, he heared his boy's voice. It was barely a whisper.

''What good is it to stay alive if I can't properly live ?''

It was Nörth's turn to not reply. What could he said to that ? The aura of sadness surrounding his son made his hardened heart ache. The usually joyful, energetic and full of life merman that was his son was nowhere to be seen.

It had been months since he had not seen his son, and was surprised to see him in good health. He was not starving, nore was he tired, and the few bruises and scratch were his only wounds, nothing severe. Granted he knew his son could take care of himself, but he was still impressed.

''Cörail told me you needed three days of traveling to come back here. Where were you, exactly ?''

Frost closed his eyes and frowned, turning his head away from his father. Somehow, he had to admit he had missed his father, but still he didn't want to talk to him. Because he knew exactly how it would end up. His father would be scandalized he had befriended humans, would scold him for how irresponsible he had been to reveal merfolk's existence, and they would end up fighting when he would tell his father he wanted to get back there. No, there was no way he would end up this disastrous day by a harsh argue with his father.

He didn't have the will for it.

Actually, he didn't have the will for anything.

So he refused to answer and slowly opened his eyes. When he felt a tear strem in his eye, he didn't even try to wipe it away. He let the silver nacred drop roll down his cheek.

''Fröstkel ?'' His father asked, his voice concerned.

The king kneeld in front of his son and rested a large hand on the boy's tail, where human knees would have been. He looked up desperatly at him, trying to reach him. It felt like his son was not really back, as if his mind had stayed wherever the two princes had found him.

''What is wrong, my boy ?''

Inwardly, Frost sighed. From both annoyment and anger. He didn't want to talk to his father, because he knew how he would react.

''I didn't want to come back here.'' His voice was so low and emotionless his father had troubles recognizing it. ''Back there, I was… I was happy.''

Nörth froze, trying to comprehend what his son had just said. He found himself curious and wanted more details.

''Tell me about it.''

''No.' Frost grumbled, looking away and wiping his face again. ''You'll get mad.''

''I will not, I promise, I-''

Frost didn't let him say anything more, when the king tried to hold his ands, the boy pulled them and backed in his bed.

He turned his back on his father and threw the translucent nacred veil that served as blanket. The king knew it meant he couldn't talk to his son so, even if it broke his heart, he decided to left him alone. Deep inside, he knew he wouldn't be able to reach his son for several days, the boy seemed even more angry at him than before his fugue.

The drakkar was sailing over the water, getting colder and colder as they soared towards north, as fast as the wind allowed it to. The journey was too slow to Nuffink's liking, and their destination far still far away. The blond viking was spending his days up on the bridge, willing the boat to go faster. Their slow path was getting on his nerves.

He knew they needed a base once they got to the frozen lands of the north, but he also knew they would have already arrive if they had gone by flying. The dragons could make it there in three days, but on boat it took up to a week. He remembered the first expedition he had made to the north.

Back then, he wanted to study dragons living there, so he could have take all his time. But right now, they were in the same kind of hurry as when he had come back to Berk, carrying a newly human-turned unconscious and freezing Frost. It felt like it happened ages ago, though the panic was still fresh in his mind. When he had foun Frost, laying unconscious on this ice floe, he had forgotten everything else, he even had abandoned his ship there.

''Oh Gods…'' He grumbled. ''I'm such a idiot !''

''What's wrong ?'' Birdlegs enquired.

He smahes in own forehead and the blondie didn't know what to think of this.

''We're losing time dragging this drakkar with us, I left mine back there ! We can use this one as base. Why did I not remember that sooner ?!''

''Don't blame yourself like this.'' She assured, puting a comforting hand on his back. ''You're upset, nobody's gonna blame you for not thinking straight in this situa-''

''I do. We don't what's going on there, every minute is precious !''

''We are aware of this, son.'' Astrid assured. ''That's why we'll leave this drakkar here. Let's gather our supplied and take off. I'll send a message to Berk so they will send someone to fetch this ship.''

Saying this, she picked up one of the Terrible Terrors who were running next to them. While she wrote the message, the other vikings got on work and filles bags and satchels with their supplies.

''Do you even remember where exactly you left you drakkar ?'' Sneezelout grunted, not fond of the idea to leave their behind.

''Of course I do.'' Nuffink sighed.

It took them less than twenty minutes to gather all they needed and take off. The ship anchored and the message sent, the dragons left quickly, and the journey seemed to elapse faster.

Nuffink had troubles to stay with the rest of the group. The Night Lights were the fastest dragons – right behind a Night Fury – but if Dart was slowing down intentionnaly to stay witht he others, Pouncer was constantly going ahead. Hours went on and the temperatures seemed to drop. On the second day of traveling, Sneezelout was starting to complain about the cold.

''Oh my Thor, this is freezing ! If I had known better, I would have taken more furs !''

''Well this is just the beginning.'' Zephyr teased, though she didn't know better.

Nuffink was the only of them who had already experienced the frozen lands of the north's freezing cold weather, but he was not paying attention to their conversation. He was still a bit ahead of them, followed byt his sister and mother.

Suddenly, they heard a noise, like a voice and some grumblings. A few miles in front of them, they spotted something low in the sky, just above the water. Squinting their eyes, they recognized a dragon. The shape was of a Fury class dragon, and it was mostly black with some white.

''Isn't that… ?'' Astrid hesitated.

Her sentence and thoughts got interrupted as Dart and Pouncer bustled about. Nuffink and Zephyr were unable to hold them back and could only hold on to the saddle as the dragons zipped towards the other. It could only mean one thing, and it was proved right as they approached.

The black and white patterns on the dragon's body were unique and unmistakable. It was not just a Night Fury, it was a Night Light. It was Ruffrunner. The dragon started when his siblings nearly bumped into him, and they instantly started to play and wrestle in the air. If Nuffink managed to hold on, Zephyr ended up being thrown in the water.

She quickly broke the surface but she started to teeth-chatter.

''AH ! This is freakin' cold ! Bro, help me out ! Hurry up !''

''Hold on Zephyr, I'll- Selina ?!''

The viking froze when he saw her. Only a few fathoms away from his sister was the girl with strange blond-green hair. She seemed naked and soaked wet, her hair was still the same unlikely color, and her skin had turned a light jade hue. What stood out the most was the shape of her fin-like ears, and the scales covering her body. He could also see three gashes on each side of her neck. Gills.

Through the water, he spotted a long and thin mermaid tail, floaping back and forth to keep her to the surface. He also noticed with surprise that her fins didn't look like Frost's. His boyfriend had large fins along the hips to the mid-tight, smaller fins at knee level, two ribbon-like at ankle-level and two large one at the end of the tail. Selina had two large fins from hip to knee, two ribbon-like fins and the one at the end of the tail.

Hers were a more intricate shape, waving, lacework-like and almost the shape of seaweed. Frost's were like this at the beginning but were turning smoother at the tip. The young viking wondered if all merfolk had that different fins.

Wait… so Selina was a mermaid, too ? Suddenly, the viking realised why her friendship was so important for Frost. No wonder since she was like him, and that also explained why the boy had said she understood him better than others could. It also explained why Igvid thought they had been naked when she had seen them. Gods everything was making sense now !

The viking's thoughts died out when he heard a familiar squeak, then he noticed this white silhouette in the water, jumping out of the water and splashing it next to the jade mermaid.

''Baby Tooth ?''

''Hi…'' Selina hesitated, her whole frame tensed. ''W-What are you guys doing here ?''

''Huh… I suppose the same thing you guys do. We're looking for Frost.''

''Y-You're r-r-right o-on time, g-g-guys.'' Zephyr said through chattering teeth. ''W-W-We can af-f-ford some he-e-elp. Now c-c-can som-m-meone p-p-pull m-m-me out bef-f-fore I f-f-freeze to death ?!''

Nuffink shook his head and stretched out his hand to her. But he didn't have the time to catch it Ruffrunner grabbed the viking by the waist and plopped her onto her saddle, soaking Dart in the process. She grumbled and shook her head, visibly displeased by the cold.

''Y-Y-Your f-fault.'' Zephyr smirked and shook her hands to remove the water. ''Y-You're the one w-w-who threw m-m-me in the f-f-first plac-c-ce.''

Dart grumbled again while the other dragons caught up and noticed the three new incomers. Some gawked at her true form, mostly Birdlegs and Sneezelout, while the other remained stoic.

''Selina,'' Astrid asked. ''what are you doing here ?''

''Baby Tooth saw Frost being taken away, she came to fetch me in order to help him, and Frost's dragon tagged along.''

''Do you know who took him ?''

The beluga squeaked and splasjed water around her, she seemed both angry and worried. Only Selina understood her noises, but she didn't waste time and translated it to the vikings.

''The princes of Santaklaussen, Cörail and Limönn.''

''So you know them.'' Astrid stated, she sounded a bit accusative.

''Everyone does in the frozen lands.''

''There's only two clans of merfolk in this part of the world. Santaklaussen and Sinterklass.'' Nuffink explained.

The fact he knew so much about it stunned the others, even Selina. He even used the word 'merfolk' instead of 'mermaids' like all humans tends to. But what surprised her the most was the fact he was talking about as if it was completely normal, not a hint of fear in his voice. The other didn't seem afraid nore hateful either. She remembered the trust Frost had in them and wondered when he had found the courage to tell them, she was also moved he had protected her secret as promised. Though now the secret was out, and seeing the vikings weren't afraid of her filled her with hope. Maybe they were really as different and better as Frost had said.

So, like the white memran, she decided to trust them. Plus, like Zephyr had said herself, Selina could also afford some help.

''Look, if you want to rescue Frost, you have to understand how dangerous the frozen lands of the north are.''

''Aside from the freezing cold ?'' Igvid snorted.

''There is a war there. And Frost is public enemy number one.''

''What ?'' The vikings gasped.

''How come ?'' Igvid added, dumbfounded.

After several days without a word, Nörth decided to visit his son again. He hoped they could talk and break the ice which had separated them since the prince's return. They had not seen each other since then. At first, Frost had wandered in the palace, at least in the north wing. Each time he had tried to leave it, he had bumped into guards. It wasn't different from what he used to know, but now he couldn't bare it anymore. Having known freedom at Berk made his enclosure less bareable. And it got worst when Amönel had started to follow him everywhere to make sure he would stay put.

So he quickly locked himself in his bedroom, he wasn't even going to the library anymore. No one had seen him and he wouldn't ge tout, even for food. Nörth had been forced to ask the servants to deposit meals by the bedroom's door, but he had not confirmation his son had eaten it.

When the king entered the room without knocking, he was horrified to find his son to his window, using a knife in try to cut the reef bars.

''What in the seven seas are you doing ?!'' The king bellowed.

''Isn't it obvious ?'' Frost barked back.

Nörth grabbed his thin wrist and tore the knife out of his hand.

''I thought I made myself clear ?! You will not leave this place ever again !''

''No way I'm staying here !''

The kings frowned and glared at his son, who was so infuried he wouldn't be intimidated. As if he would have been if he was calm. His father may be broad, respectful and imposing, the thin boy had never been afraid of him. Unlike his older brothers, which was kind of comical if he thought about it. But he didn't thought about it, he was way too angry.

''I'm getting back there ! I was free there ! I made friends ! Humans and dragons ! And they didn't try to lock me in !''

''How many times do I have to tell you ?! I do it to keep you safe !''

''Safe from what ?! What are you so afraid of ? What could possibly be that dangerous outside ?!''

''Every ! Single ! Merfolk ! From both Sinterklass and Santaklaussen ! Because you are not supposed to be alive, son ! If anyone, anyone, hears about it, you will be executed !''

''… What ?''

The king frowned vanished and he sighed heavily. He dropped the knife and put his hands on his son's thin shoulders, looking him dead in the eye with a serious and sad face.

''I think it is time for me to tell you the truth about our family.''