Edith couldn't believe her eyes, there was a whole city underwater! She was so overwhelmed she didn't even realize she was breathing underwater. There were small white houses with seaweed growing from the rooftops. Bigger houses with terraces and balconies. And an enormous castle built in the same white stone, with columns of jade, mimicking the big algae forest. Kai took her through the streets, stopping from time to time to greet his subjects, people with skin so pale it looked blue, and hair of several shades of green, and an occasional head full of garnet hair. People seemed friendly, although Edith was unable to understand them, all of them were naked, as Kai was, and that made Edith feel uncomfortable, not only because they were naked, but because she was the only one who was dressed. They arrived to the palace and brought into the presence of Kai's father, King Áki. The king looked younger than Edith had expected, he was basically an older version of Kai. He welcomed her warmly, as Kai introduced her.
-Edith found my shell, father.
Áki nodded and added.
-You know what it means, don't you.
-Yes. I do.
-Do you want me to explain it to her?- Áki offered.
-No, I can do it.
Edith didn't understand anything, what were they talking about? Kai guided her through a side door to a stone garden. Fish of all colors were feeding in there. They sat on a bench and Kai started talking, looking deep into her eyes.
-The shell you found is a magical shell, but it is magical in a way you may not even imagine. The person who finds it has the right to marry the prince of the sea. Of course, it's only if you agree to.- Edith almost interrupted him, but he kept talking.- You have to know something, however. If you agree to marry me, you will never ever be able to see your family again. I'll let you some time to think.
Edith was left alone in the bench. She had wanted to leave her life behind since she could remember, and she was offered the chance to live her fairytale, but could she live knowing she would never be able to see her family again?
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