Ocean Song Beneath the Waves
Chapter 39: Nightmare Wedding

Bonus for the holidays!

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They’ve all been gathered into a large ornate hall of breathtaking beauty. It’s been decorated in the nation colors of Aquaria for this rare, and most auspicious occasion.

And after nearly five centuries of separation, the other two kingdoms of the former Ventus Alliance has seen fit to attend this joyous occasion.

The hall is filled with members of the high families of Aquaria, the Ventus Alliance kingdoms, and the families of the smaller kingdoms surrounding Aquaria. The common people numbered greatly, and thus had to have their celebrations outside until such a time as the new royal couple displayed themselves on the balcony.

Serena can see Rodion over by Princess Arcelia from her place on the upper levels of the hall, a place reserved for the royals that had been invited to this event. His expression is one of his typical displays of disinterest, but nothing can conceal the worry swimming in his eyes. It makes her feel terribly guilty, and she’s only sorry that she can’t step forward and reveal herself to him now.

Calder casts a meaningful glance in her direction, and she nods subtlely.

Grand music begins to play, and all eyes immediately turn to the entrance.

Except for Serena’s. her gaze is fixated on Prince Oceanus. He’s garbed in ceremonial pieces of armor. Gauntlets on his wrists, a particularly proud looking hair ornament that replaces his usual one, and some kind of belt adorned with blue and red pearls.

And yet, despite it being his wedding day, a particularly displeased scowl etches itself upon his face. The whole affair serves to instill a dark feeling in her chest, and she feels strangely angry. Yet she hasn’t a clue as to why.

But she’s not allowed long to dwell on it as a series of murmurs surge through the gathered crowds.

She redirects her attention to the source of the ruckus.

Delmara has finally deigned to make her appearance. And Serena is reluctant to admit that Delmara is breathtakingly beautiful. Her hair flows out from beneath her long veil in large, spiraling curls, no doubt held together by magic like most things down here. A fair amount of makeup has been place upon her face to enhance her already beauteous features. And she wears a white skirt embroidered with gold and precious pearls that opens up in the front so as not to hinder her movement. But then that’s how all these undersea dresses work. Delmara’s is just more extravagant.

However, her beautiful face is a mask of a joyous bride that hides the face of the ill-intentioned, power hungry creature lying just beneath the surface. And her father, Lord Hallmar, is no better. He escorts her down the aisle donning the façade of the proud father. But Serena can see the weary look in his eyes. By now he’s most likely frantically trying to recover his escaped prisoners before his tyrannical master comes calling.

According to Calder, Proteus’s loyal servant won’t be in attendance for the wedding. Something about maintaining appearances or something like that.

It’s then that Calder’s voice cuts into her thoughts. “Get ready. Your moment is fast approaching.”

Serena nods. “Right.”

Delmara reaches the raised platform where Prince Oceanus waits. Her father passes her hand to Prince Oceanus’s, and returns to his assigned seat above.

“Remember your lines, and wait for my signal to reveal who you are.”

“And then use the pearl,” she finishes resolutely as she fingers said pearl that sits bound to a bracelet on her left wrist.

The Vilicus, the overseer of such ceremonies, swims forward with a broad smile on his face as he bids everyone welcome.

Now, Serena just needs to wait...

The drawl of the ceremony only served to chase off Serena’s own mind. She isn’t able to simply sit for such a long period of time without doing anything. Not that she even knows what most weddings entail. She’s never been to one other than this one, but she’s here to stop this disaster before it comes to pass. She can see Lord Hallmar from across the way. His eyes are constantly searching the crowd, and Serena replaces herself glad that her disguise conceals her face the way it does. And she’s determined to see all of his plans fail. If not more than for a little payback to him for having locked her up for as long as he did.

Speaking of time, how long has she been sitting here? If this is how weddings are, then she’d rather not be invited to another.

“Oceanus Silvaranus Neptunius, Crown Prince of Aquaria, do you pledge to take the Lady Delmara Gallenia Aquilus as your eternal wife? Bound forever to one another by the will of our beloved Sea Goddess?” Well that’s a new one. Serena’s definitely heard something of marriage vows, but this seems different than what she was told. But then, she’s also under the sea in a magical merkingdoms. Things are bound to be more different down here than up there.

Prince Oceanus responds with a dull, “I swear.”

Lady Delmara’s lips twist in a tiny frown as she replies to the same question with more fervor. The Vilicus smiles as a silver chalice is brought forward. Serena can’t really see the contents of it, but that isn’t of much consequence.

Calder looks to her with a nod. “Now is the time.”

The Vilicus calls out, “Is there any who would deny this eternal union? Speak now, or maintain your silence evermore.”

Serena swims forth from her seat, all nerves as she shouts, “I would oppose this union!”

A series of gasps ring through the crowd as all eyes turn to look up at her as she stands over them all with clenched fists to keep them from quivering. Guards surge forward to attempt to stop her, but one barely seen spell from Calder, and they’re rendered paralyzed.

“What is the meaning of this?” King Neptune cried as he slams his trident down against the floor where he sits.

Serena jumps, swallows, and continues. “A plot festers beneath your kingdom, and you are not even aware of the origin. Danger closes in on you, and you have been rendered blissfully unaware.”

Lord Hallmar swims forward. “You speak nonsense! From where would you propose this threat comes from?”

His agitation serves Serena well, as she smirks beneath her mask; growing more confident as the situation develops. “Why from you of course, Lord Hallmar. You and your daughter are servants of Proteus that have promised him Aquaria’s greatest treasure in exchange for doing away with the remainder of the royal family.”

“WHAT? How dare you, you insolent creature! Who are you to bring such accusations forth against me?”

Serena glances at Calder, and he nods his head. She turns back to an enraged Delmara, and on-edge Prince Oceanus. She reaches up to the fabric covering her face and takes a deep breath in, then lets it out as she pulls the cloth away.

“I am Serena Adamaris! A human from the surface,” she trails off as she turns to look at Delmara. Delmara’s face is red with anger and her eyes are wide. “And I would challenge Delmara and bring her family’s treachery to light!”

“You challenge me? How laughable!” And she does laugh for the most part. Delmara swims away from Prince Oceanus and flips her curls over her shoulder. “Come then. Let us see what a simple human can do!” She scoffs.

“Serena that is enough! Cease this foolish endeavor!” Prince Oceanus says quickly with a narrowed look trained on Serena. He comes up to her and grasps onto her arm, a meaningful look in his eyes telling her to stop.

She stares into his eyes. She can see the turbulent storm swimming within them, and amidst it all she sees a barely concealed worry.

Calder’s voice rings out in interruption. “Stand aside little prince. This must happen.”

But Prince Oceanus’s grip tightens on her arms, and he’s almost glaring at her now. She returns the look as she places her hand on top of the one that is gripping her arm.

“Everything will be fine,” she promises as she eases his hand off of her arm while maintaining eye contact. Once his arm is removed, she turns her attention back to Delmara who had been watching the exchange with a seething jealously that she doesn’t even try to hide.

Prince Oceanus looks up at Calder as Serena swims down to meet Delmara head on.

While Serena is now a bundle of nerves. She doesn’t have magic! Her only defense is a magic fucking pearl that’s supposed to trap Delmara, assuming it does it fulfills its intended purpose. It’d be pretty bad for her if the damned thing didn’t work, and she had to get her assed kicked by Delmara after talking up such a big game.

“Rena! What the hell are you doing?” Rodion shouts, but he doesn’t move from his position. As much as he wants to, he knows he can’t due to the harsh look Calder fixes him with that forbids him from going to his sister. Princess Arcelia places a soothing hand on his arm as he helplessly looks on with gritted teeth. Serena briefly closes her eyes, the guilt coming back for a brief moment as she whispers a short apology before steeling herself. She has a job to do, and she must see it fulfilled it they’re to live to see another day.

A smirk adorns Delmara’s lips as she rips the veil from her hair and tosses it aside. “Do you truly fancy yourself an appropriate match for the prince? You? A mere human?”

To which Serena retorts, “And did you really think yourself a match for my brother? A two-faced bitch?” Delmara’s face reddens in anger as she releases a shriek. Her pupils constrict, and her upper canines elongate. Serena briefly recalls when Pelagios had done something similar all that time ago as she watches Delmara’s nails grow longer into something akin to razor sharp talons. Another horrendous screech leaves her vocals as her body glows and she raises her arms.

A dark purple mist surrounds Serena, and she can feel her innards being pulled at. She can feel the blood rising up her throat, and struggles to hold it back as fear sets in. Somewhere she can hear her name being called by multiple people, but her vision grows hazy. A vision forms before her as everything seems to momentarily freeze.

“You must not give in. Not yet.” A beautiful mermaid stands before her. Her hair is white as sea foam, and her eyes a most beautiful shade of aquamarine. The scales of her tail are a jewel-like amethyst color and her touch is gentle. “Precious human. You will be the salvation of my people so you must rise and fight back!”

“Now Serena! You must do it now!” Calder’s voice overlaps with that of the mermaid before her, and the vision abruptly disperses as she becomes aware of the life literally being drained from her body. Delmara’s cackles and taunting filters into Serena’s ears as she reaches for the bracelet on her wrist. Serena rips the black pearl from it, preparing to use it.

“When I am through with you, this whole kingdom shall be mine to do with as I please!” Delmara states confidently as she continues, “And may haps I will even charm your brother into remaining at my side!”

Serena grits her teeth as anger surges through her. “Like hell,” she whispers as she pushes through the pain caused by the magic. She propels herself forward and slams the pearl into Delmara’s forehead.