(At the Deep Blue Royal Palace)
We walk through the grand coral hallways, and he still hasn't let go of my hand.
Aware of the heavy, mourning silence hanging over the palace, I lower my voice to a tense whisper. "Honey, where are you heading right now?"
"To Queen Serelyth..."
"Hm? Why?"
"I want her permission to investigate her core."
"Huh? But it's already been purified by..." I drop my voice even lower, the words catching in my throat. "...by the late Captain Kaelis."
"I am aware," Lucian replies smoothly, his grip on my fingers steady. "Just follow me."
"Hm?"
When we reach the royal wing, the hallway outside Queen Serelyth's private chambers is packed with tight security.
Every merman royal guard stands rigid, spears held high. The moment we walk up, they hesitate for a fraction of a second, but their loyalty wins out and they cross their weapons, blocking the door.
