Seven years later, Atlanta...
Stopping in front of a door made from a giant seashell, a merman with a silver liked color tail reached his hand out, knocking it.
"Your highness, it is time to wake up."
Since there was no reply, he knocked again. When there was no answer the second time, he pushed the door in. To his surprise, the one who was suppose to be here was no where in sight.
"Don't tell me..."
Quickly swam out of the room, he headed toward the forbidden area.
…
Sitting on a giant boulder, a white haired merman with purple-blue highlight was looking toward the far mainland like he was expecting something to happen. Under the sunlight, the scales on his tail were glittering like rare jewels while his earings swayed precariously in the cold sea breeze.
His name was Ryoken, the only son of king Kiyoshi, prince of Atlanta. He was so focus that he didn't even notice someone was behind him untill they spoke up.
"Your highness!"
Turning around, he saw a merman with gray hair. He then moved his finger on the boulder, writing something.
"Morning, Spectre."
"You shouldn't have come here. Your father will be very angry if he finds out you disobey his order."
"It is fine as long as you don't tell him."
"...Are you still waiting for that human?" He asked and the teen simply nodded.
"I don't want to make you sad, but seven years have passed. He probably doesn't even remember you anymore. It is time to let it go."
"Even so...I'll continue to wait..."
His hand was shaking as he was writing that and Spectre really didn't want to sadden him even more. Telling him they must returned in time for breakfast, he successful pulled Ryoken off the boulder and back to Atalanta.
During the meal, he continuously had to listen to his father asking about his love live. He was turning eighteen this year. To the whole kingdom, it was the perfect age to start a family. He gave out some hand signals saying he didn't feel like going out with anyone right now. Then, at the end of the meal, when all the servants had left with the dishes, Kiyoshi broke the news to him.
"If you don't bring back a worthy girl in twenty days time, you will marry the one I pick out for you. Is that clear?"
"Father, you can't be serious! How can I marry someone I don't love?! If mother was here--"
"Enough!" He slammed his hand on the table. The sea trembled along with his rage. "My words are final!"
Biting his lower lip, Ryoken left with tears filled his eyes. He rather died than go with what his father set out. Meanwhile, Kiyoshi let out a sigh.
One beautiful evening seven years ago, his son returned home with his eyes filled with disappointment. Then, a few days later, he returned with both his eyes swollen and red. It was clear he had been crying, but no matter how hard he asked, Ryoken wouldn't say a work about what had happened. Since then, he became mute.
The Royal Physician examined him and said he was perfectly fine, no wound was detectived. The only reason he could give the king about the prince's condition was he simply didn't want to speak. To a merman and mermaid, their voices were their most powerful weapon. Without it, they were just like any ordinary fish out there, waiting to be eaten alive.
"To make you lock your voice away, just who is the one who stole your heart away...?"