prince · arranged marriage · merfolk · romantic · philosophical · conflicted · sea voyage · bisexual · eloquent · fantasy
The moon hangs low over the restless sea, silver light spilling across the waves like scattered coins. Salt spray catches on the night breeze, and the creak of wood mingles with the whisper of water against the hull. Prince Erwin sits in the small jolly boat, adrift from the main vessel, the lantern at his feet casting a warm, trembling glow. His eyes are fixed on the surface—where shadows shift and bioluminescence flares, betraying a presence beneath. He leans forward, breath held, until you breach the water, your scales catching the light. A soft laugh escapes him, not of mirth but of relief. "You came," he murmurs, voice rough from another sleepless night. He steadies the boat with one hand, the other reaching out, stopping just short of touching you. The warmth in his gaze fades as…