The merchildren excitedly introduced me to their parents, tugging at sleeves and fins, proudly announcing who I was. One by one, the adults thanked me—for my patience, for protecting their children, for keeping them safe. Their gratitude was sincere, warm, and overwhelming.
When Pietri tugged my hand and asked why it was glowing, I looked down.
A new word had appeared.
Confidence.
I smiled and explained to him that it was a reward—something earned through good deeds. He nodded, completely convinced, as if that explanation made perfect sense in his world.
Mariner's Bay had truly changed.
The atmosphere was livelier, lighter, almost joyful. The people no longer obsessed over scavenging treasures. Instead, they focused on making their kingdom livable—repairing structures, organizing spaces, caring for one another. There was purpose here now.
Nori couldn't stop staring. Her eyes glowed with wonder as dolphins leapt nearby, whales passed beneath us, and schools of vibrant fish swam lazily overhead. She spun in slow circles, trying to take it all in.
But no matter how much I smiled or laughed with the children, my chest stayed tight.
I kept looking around.
Waiting.
Worrying.
Then shouting erupted.
Footsteps rushed past us as voices cried out for everyone to move aside. The crowd parted—and I saw Chance carrying Rocco toward the palace.
My heart dropped.
I ran.
Rocco's body was bruised and battered, deep lashes carved across his skin, blood trailing from his head. He looked terrifyingly fragile—yet stubbornly conscious, still trying to hold himself together.
"What happened?" I demanded, my voice shaking as I reached them.
"He saved us from falling rocks during the landslides," Chance explained breathlessly. "If it weren't for the king's strength, we would have been crushed."
"It's nothing," Rocco said dismissively, even as blood dripped down his temple. "As long as everyone made it out safely, that's all that matters."
I immediately tended to him—stopping the bleeding, cleaning his wounds, channeling my healing power into every injury. I made him lie down and ordered him to rest.
Rocco pretended he didn't care, but I knew better.
Beneath his obsession with luxury and wealth was a king who would throw himself into danger without hesitation for his people.
I didn't leave his side.
"Sienna," he said softly once things calmed, "thank you for being here. Having you with me when I needed you most… it makes everything worth it. I saved my people—and I was rewarded with you."
I broke.
Tears spilled from my eyes—relief, fear, anger, all tangled together.
"How can you laugh?" I sobbed. "You almost died! Do you seriously have no care for your own life?"
His gaze softened. He cupped my face gently.
"Now you know how I feel every time you run toward danger without thinking," he teased. "I guess I learned from the best."
I hit his chest lightly, still crying. He laughed.
That was when I understood—my love wasn't fickle. It wasn't divided or shallow. What I felt for each of them carried the same weight, the same depth. This was simply how my heart worked.
"Just stay with me," Rocco murmured, pulling me into his arms. "That's enough."
His cool body against my warmth was soothing. He rubbed his cheek against my forehead, and we lay there together until sleep finally claimed me.
I woke to his hands—slow, deliberate, tracing every curve of my body. I gasped softly.
"Rocco… please rest," I whispered.
"Let me," he pleaded quietly. "I've missed you."
I let him.
Every rub, brush, and hold was pure bliss that made me lose my mind. It made me sang to him in a soft amorous voice that echoed through Mariner's Bay, and I fell asleep on his chest once more.
I didn't know how long I'd been resting when Chance rushed in.
"Your Majesty! Deep-sea creatures are at the entrance—begging for help. Their kingdom was destroyed by the landslide."
Rocco sat up, visibly irritated.
"Why should I help them? We've never gotten along. Tell them to seek aid elsewhere."
I knew he didn't trust them—but turning them away didn't sit right with me.
"Rocco," I said gently, "please. Let them stay for now. They're prideful creatures—but they wouldn't be here if they had anywhere else to go."
He frowned. "You don't know them. They won't repay our kindness."
"I understand," I replied. "But if trouble comes, we'll deal with it then. For now, let's help. I can provide resources if needed."
After a long pause, he relented.
The gates were opened.
I supported Rocco as we walked out—he was still healing—when Nori approached. I realized then I hadn't properly introduced her.
"Nori," I called, waving her over.
Rocco eyed her curiously. "Another tailed beast?" He glanced at me. "Do you have a thing for them? First that annoying boy, now a girl?"
I laughed. "Nori is my companion. She's helped me a lot."
Nori bowed politely. "Your Majesty, thank you for allowing me to stay with Sienna."
"You're welcome," Rocco replied dryly. "At least you're not rude like the other one."
The gates of Mariner's Bay opened fully.
Deep-sea creatures poured in—beings that reminded me of dumbo octopus, blobfish, anglerfish, vampire squid. At their front swam a massive silver oarfish, who shifted into a tall merman with shimmering silver scales.
"We of Dypsoria thank you for opening your doors in our time of need," he said respectfully. "We will never forget this kindness."
"It was her idea," Rocco said proudly, gesturing to me.
"My name is Silvo," the merman said, turning to me. "Ruler of Dypsoria. Thank you."
As he stepped closer, Rocco blocked him instantly.
"I opened my doors," Rocco warned, "not my claim."
Silvo stepped back quickly, and I smiled to ease the tension. "I'm Sienna. We're happy to help."
Together with Chance and Nori, I helped settle Dypsoria's people. I manifested plankton discreetly and pretended we'd discovered a surplus. Nori helped distribute it.
Silvo explained they planned to rebuild once everyone recovered—but lacked resources and manpower.
Without thinking, I blurted out,
"Rocco will help! He's a generous and merciful king!"
Silence fell.
Every eye turned to me.
Especially Rocco's.