Chapter Seven: Summoned
"Yaaawn…" Nadeira's mouth opened, and her body started to stretch, yet her eyes remained closed.
It's been a while since she had such an amazing sleep…
The morning sun was far too cheerful for Nadeira's mood.
She was still half-asleep when a small knock rattled her door. A servant that she'd never seen before or ever, slipped inside and handed her a sealed envelope.
"Who are you?"
"I'm here to assist you by the command of the princes." The poor servant didn't even bother to lift his head to greet her.
'Good thing that I'll have a witness now if anything happens…' Nadeira thought to herself and fixed her frowned reaction.
"My lady," his cheeks blushed as he nodded at the envelope.
"What is this?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
"A letter from the king's castle, my lady," the servant bowed quickly and hurried away.
Nadeira squinted at the wax seal, ripped it open, and read the lines.
Her eyes widened from shock. "Summoned… for attacking my family?!?" She said the words out loud, just to make sure she wasn't hallucinating.
"Well, isn't that charming? I nearly drowned, got dragged into a fish-men drama, and now my own royal court wants me hanged for throwing powder in my father's face."
She slammed the letter down on the table. "This is why you never trust a man with scales…Or tails! Or mate speeches!"
Pacing her room, she muttered to herself. "Oh yes, Nadeira, let's trust the handsome princes, what could go wrong? And now…of course…a carriage is already waiting outside. Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. Because why wouldn't they drag me to the king before breakfast?"
Even knowing that it was her own fault, for some reason, Nadeira felt like she wanted to blame the fish aka her mates.
She marched toward the window and peeked out.
A black carriage was at the gates like a fat spider waiting for its prey. Horses pawed the ground impatiently. Guards were guarding nearby, clearly ready to escort her whether she liked it or not.
Her jaw dropped to the ground. "They didn't even give me time to run away. Unbelievable."
Nadeira stomped toward her closet and flung the doors open. "What am I even supposed to wear to my own trial? Funeral chic? Or the 'I swear I didn't mean to poison my father' look?"
The dresses were beautiful…and due to the last weird crazy days, she didn't even have time to question where did all these dresses come from?
Nadeira dug through gowns, tossing them onto the floor, muttering insults under her breath. "This one is too frilly. This too tight… Too 'please arrest me.'"
"May I help you, my lady?"
The voice startled her so much she nearly screamed. Nadeira spun around and paused mid-air.
Standing in her room was a girl with golden hair that shimmered like sunlight on waves. Her eyes were soft blue, and she had the most innocent smile Nadeira had ever seen.
Her suspicion sharpened. "Who the hell are you? And how did you get in here?"
The girl bowed sweetly. "My name is Maribel. I was a fish."
Nadeira blinked. "You were… a fish."
"Yes! A golden carp, to be exact. But His Highness gave me magic to walk on two legs so I can serve you." Maribel twirled as if showing off her dress.
Nadeira stared at her. "Of course. Of course you're a fish. Why wouldn't I wake up to a talking carp in my room?" She slapped her forehead. "This mansion is cursed. What's next…? Some crab will serve me breakfast?"
Maribel tilted her chin. "Do you… not want my help?"
"I didn't say that," Nadeira muttered. "I just wasn't prepared for the fishmaid service. Fine. Help me before those guards decide to drag me out in my nightgown."
Maribel clapped her hands and skipped to the closet, surprisingly graceful for someone who used to have fins.
She pulled out a gown of deep blue silk, simple but elegant, with golden stitching along the hem.
"This one," Maribel smiled so confidently. "It matches your eyes."
Nadeira crossed her arms. "You mean my glaring eyes that say 'I'd rather not be here'?"
Maribel just giggled and laid the dress out. She helped Nadeira into it, fussing over the laces and smoothing the fabric until it fit like a second skin.
As she worked, Nadeira noticed something strange in the mirror. Her dark blonde hair, now carried streaks of soft purple, like violets dipped in sunlight.
She leaned closer, tugging at the strands. "What in the seven seas… Why is my hair changing color?"
Maribel's smile lowered. "It is the bond, my lady. You are linked to the princes now. The sea leaves its mark."
Nadeira groaned. "Fantastic. Just what I needed. Not only am I on trial for attempted patricide, but I'm also turning into a mermaid doll."
Maribel giggled again and brushed Nadeira's hair with gentle strokes. She twisted the purple strands into an elegant braid, weaving tiny golden pins shaped like seashells. "It looks beautiful and very strong. Like a queen's crown."
Nadeira tried not to blush. "You're dangerously sweet for a fish."
"Thank you," Maribel replied cheerfully.
By the time they were finished, Nadeira barely recognised herself. The silk gown shined with every move, her hair glowed with violet light, and her lips had been tinted rose by Maribel's careful hand.
She moved her head up, examining the reflection. "Well. If they're going to execute me, at least I'll look beautiful."
Maribel frowned. "Do not say such things. You will not be executed. The princes will not allow it."
Nadeira snorted. "The princes? Please. They conveniently disappeared right when the king called me. Left me to be the main course at this royal feast."
"They care for you," Maribel spoke slowly.
"They care for the mate bond," Nadeira corrected. "Big difference."
Maribel gave her a patient smile. "Sometimes it begins as a bond. But then, it grows into love."
Nadeira paused, then laughed bitterly. "You've clearly never been engaged to Levius."
Maribel's smile slowly disappeared into thin air. "I have never been engaged at all."
"I'm sorry…" Nadeira let out a long sigh and patted her shoulder. "Lucky you, fish. Keep it that way."
A knock came from the door. "My lady, the carriage waits."
Nadeira rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes, tell the horses to stop stamping their hooves. I'm coming."
She grabbed her cloak and turned to Maribel. "Please come with me. If I'm going to face execution, I'm not doing it alone."
Maribel's eyes widened, but she nodded quickly. "Yes, my lady."
Together they left the mansion. Random guards bowed stiffly, though their eyes followed her every step. The carriage door opened, waiting like a gaping mouth.
Nadeira muttered under her breath, "Never trust fish, never trust men with tails, and definitely never trust kings who wake you up too early."
Maribel tried not to laugh. "You'll be fine."
"Fine?" Nadeira scoffed as she climbed into the carriage. "The king is probably sharpening the guillotine already. But sure, let's call it fine."
The door was locked behind them, and the horses started forward.
Nadeira leaned back, crossing her arms. She caught sight of her faintly purple hair glinting in the carriage window and groaned again.
"I knew it. This is the bond's fault. Everything always comes back to the damn fish."
Maribel only smiled, folding her hands neatly in her lap. "It comes back to destiny, my lady."
Nadeira pointed a finger at her. "Destiny brings happiness and keeps us safe…I don't want us to die."
"You will not."