Arthur had a plan and a good one, too.
For months, Cesealia had been slipping further and further away from him, and the events of last night had given him a push in the right direction. So when he found her at the docks, separating green apples from red, he approached with determination.
"Arthur," she acknowledged, barely glancing at him.
"Hey, love—" he tried to touch her arm, but she pulled away.
Arthur exhaled through his nose. Not this again. "I'm sorry—"
"You know," She cut him off, still not looking at him, "saying sorry doesn't fix everything." She continued sorting apples like he wasn't even there, and Arthur resisted the urge to grip his hair in frustration.
Fine. New plan.
"I said I would make it up to you," he said, leaning against the table. "So, meet me at sunset by the first boat."
That made her pause. She finally looked up at him, studying his expression, like she was trying to decide if he was worth the trouble.
Arthur pressed his hands together in mock prayer. "Please?"
Cesealia sighed, rolling her eyes. "Fine." She turned to leave—
"Ah-ah-ah," Arthur caught her wrist, pulling her back into his chest.
She huffed. "Arthur—"
"I said please," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "Reward me."
Her lips twitched. "What do you need a reward for? Isn't this you making it up to me?"
"Yes," he agreed, tilting her chin up. "But I've decided something."
"And what's that?"
He smirked. "I'm taking back what's mine." Then he kissed her. Deep. Possessive. He lifted her onto the wooden table, her legs instinctively wrapping around him as his hands claimed her waist.
Her nails dug into his back, and Arthur groaned, dragging his lips to her neck. A personal feast. Finally. Then—
"SHARK!"
A thud shook the entire dock.
Arthur's head snapped up.
Cesealia groaned in frustration. "Are you kidding me?"
Arthur sighed and rested his forehead against her shoulder. Another thud shook the dock.
"Captain!" a crew member yelled. "IT'S BACK—"
Splash.
Arthur closed his eyes and exhaled.
"1, 3, 3…" he whispered against Cesealia's skin.
He raced to the deck, and sure enough—The damn beast was back. But something wasn't right. He glanced at where the feast had been held last night. The Shark was too large. His gaze then darted to Mandoriyah. "Tell me," he said slowly, dread creeping into his voice, "we didn't eat what I think we ate."
She hesitated. '"…It's possible?"
Arthur groaned, dragging a hand down his face.
No wonder the beast was so persistent. They ate its child. And judging by its unrelenting wrath, it's only child.
Arthur exhaled. "Great," he muttered. "This just got personal."
The ship rocked violently as the enraged megalodon slammed against its side.
Crew members stumbled, grabbing onto ropes and railings to steady themselves.
Arthur turned back toward the colossal beast, watching as it circled the ship, its black, unfeeling eyes locked on him.
There could only be one King of the Seas.
And it sure as hell wasn't going to be a pissed-off fish.
Arthur's grip tightened on Excalibur as he stepped forward, his cape billowing behind him.
"Cannons won't do us any good!" he barked.
The crew exchanged worried glances.
Then—without hesitation—Arthur walked straight to the edge of the plank.
"Arthur—!" Mandoriyah moved to stop him, panic evident in her voice, but Cesealia caught her by the arm.
"Don't," Cesealia murmured, her eyes locked on Arthur.
Her brow furrowed. "He'll die!"
Cesealia shook her head, then she whispered. "He knows what he's doing."
The megalodon lurched from the depths, its massive jaw unhinging, rows upon rows of razor-sharp teeth gleaming in the moonlight—
Arthur did not move.
Excalibur glowed at his side, its holy light resonating with the depths of the sea.
Arthur's voice cut through the storm.
"I am he who walks the path of a king—who bears no crown nor kingdom."
The crew stilled as Lightning flashed across the sky.
"I am he to whom this sword was passed down from Great Arthuria Pendragon."
A powerful gust of wind surged from the blade— the clouds parted.
The crew watched in awe as a golden aura enveloped their captain, his form glowing like the rising sun.
Arthur finally raised Excalibur high above his head, its brilliance shining across the sea.
"I am Arthur Pendragon."
The megalodon charged.
Arthur leapt forward.
His foot touched the water, but he did not sink.
A collective gasp.
He stood upon the surface of the ocean, unshaken, unyielding.
The ship shuddered as the beast lunged, its mouth stretching wide—
Arthur raised his sword, its light splitting the dark horizon.
"Meet thy maker."
Then—A blinding explosion of radiance.
The sky was set ablaze, the sea split apart, and the sheer force of the impact threw waves in every direction.
The megalodon wailed, a deep, guttural sound—
And then…Silence.
The sea stilled.
Arthur lowered his sword, his chest rising and falling with slow, controlled breaths.
The waters rippled beneath him, peaceful now, as the beast's cries sank into the abyss.
The storm had vanished.
And as the golden glow around Arthur faded, his crew could only stare at their captain in silent reverence.
Cesealia let out a slow breath.
Arthur turned back to his ship, his expression unreadable.
Then—he smirked.
"Somebody get me a drink."
Arthur stretched lazily in his chair, savoring the rare moment of peace.
The open sea stretched endlessly before him, waves lapping gently against the hull of the ship. The salty breeze ruffled his hair, the sun warm against his skin.
And then, a familiar shadow passed overhead.
A sharp caw echoed through the morning air.
Arthur's head snapped up just in time to see a black streak diving straight toward him.
Fin fluffed his feathers proudly, extending one leg where a sealed scroll was tied. Arthur plucked it free, already smirking.
A letter from Rhyssand.
Finally.
They usually had their weekly men's talk, but being on the open sea made it difficult. Arthur tore open the wax seal and began reading, a chuckle already building in his throat.
Rhyssand's handwriting was sharp and elegant, but the words were pure chaos.
Brother,
"You're an idiot."
Arthur squinted. Wonderful.
"You are on a ship filled with men, yet you dilly-dally like a clueless boy instead of a man with a woman who needs you to buckle your boots and remind her why she fell for you in the first place. You have all the Pendragon charm, and yet here you are, whining. By the gods, Arthur—turn on that charm, stop overthinking, and get to work. Your favorite brother-in-law,
Rhyssand. R. Pendragon
Arthur chuckled, shaking his head. Damn, he missed that man.
It was almost eerie how well they got along. If fate had been different, Arthur was convinced they would have been family in any world.
Fin preened himself smugly, watching Arthur's reaction.
"Oh, oh," the bird piped up in an annoyingly smug tone. "Should I tell Lady Artizea that a divorce is pending?"
He rolled his eyes. "Oh, be quiet, Fin. Tell me—how's the family?"
Fin hopped onto the table, puffing out his chest. "As irritating as you left them. Not to mention, the young master Callisto has taken a great liking to my features."
Arthur smirked. "What, did he steal one of your feathers again?"
Fin huffed. "That demon child tried to brush me. With an actual comb!"
Arthur threw his head back and laughed.
At that moment, Cesealia walked onto the deck, stretching her arms as the morning sun kissed her skin.
"Good morning, Fin," she greeted, offering her arm.
Fin hopped onto her shoulder with a pleased purr.
… But he was a bird.
Arthur side-eyed the strange interaction, deciding not to question it.
Just as he was about to open his mouth—
"SCREEEEEECH!"
A blur of lilac hair and panic snatched Fin right off of Cesealia's shoulder.
Mandoriya.
Screaming.
Fin. Also screaming.
Arthur leapt to his feet. "MANDORIYA, NO—!"
The mermaid was clutching the poor sparrow, eyes wide with horror. "I THOUGHT HE WAS TRYING TO HURT YOU!"
Arthur and Cesealia rushed forward just as the poor bird was flapping wildly in distress, shrieking words that did not belong in civilized conversation.
Mandoriya gasped, realization dawning on her.
Her lip wobbled.
Then—tears.
"I'm sorry!" she sobbed, her voice breaking as she let Fin go. "I thought—he was—a threat—"
The poor woman bolted, her lilac hair disappearing below deck.
Arthur groaned, dragging a hand down his face.
Cesealia sighed. "Well. That went well."
Meanwhile, Fin was scrambling as fast as possible toward the railing. His feathers were ruffled, his pride shattered.
The bird wheezed, coughing out his final words before taking flight.
"LORD Rhyssand.WILL. HEAR. OF. THIS—!!"
Fin took off, vanishing into the morning sky.
The night was quiet, save for the rhythmic crashing of waves against the ship.
The scent of salt lingered in the cool air as Cesealia made her way down to the small boat docked at the side, just as Arthur had asked.
She spotted him immediately, standing by the railing, bathed in the glow of the setting sun.
The golden light kissed his skin, and for a moment, she simply stood there, admiring him.
How does he always look like he belongs to the sea itself?
Arthur turned at the sound of her footsteps and smirked.
"So, the prince savior," she teased.
He chuckled. "Before you say whatever you're about to say, give me a moment in time—just to tell you how incredibly beautiful you look right now."
Cesealia felt warmth rush to her face.
"Is this your new way of apologizing?" she asked, arching a brow.
Arthur grinned. "Is it working?"
She rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched in amusement. "What do you think?"
Without answering, he took her hand and led her toward the small boat.
"I think," he said, lowering it onto the water, "that after tonight, you're going to love me even more than you already do."
Cesealia huffed, crossing her arms. "That is very bold of you to assume."
Arthur only laughed as he hopped into the boat, offering his hand. With a sigh, she accepted and stepped in after him.
The water was calm as Arthur rolled up his sleeves, revealing the toned muscles of his forearms as he grabbed the paddles. Cesealia tilted her head slightly.
Arthur noticed.
"You're staring at something you already own," he mused, shooting her a wink.
She flushed. "Just shut up and row."
His laughter echoed over the water as he paddled them farther from the ship, out into the open sea.
Once they reached the spot, Cesealia looked around skeptically.
"Alright," she said, "so far, I see water… more water… and—oh! What's that? More water."
Arthur chuckled. he stood up and extended his hand.
Her eyes widened. "No way—you're crazy."
He smirked. "I am Crazy, Crazy in love with you."
She narrowed her eyes but took his hand cautiously.
"I can't walk on water, Arthur," she reminded him.
"You don't have to."
Before she could protest, he guided her to stand on his feet.
The moment she did, he wrapped one arm securely around her waist, taking her free hand in his and raising it slightly in a perfect dance position.
Cesealia blinked.
Oh. Oh.
The realization hit her.
They were as close as possible, pressed together, her hands perfectly fitted in his, her heartbeat syncing with his.
That was his plan.
Slowly, Arthur began to move.
And together, they danced upon the ocean.
Cesealia couldn't help it—she giggled at his ridiculous brilliance.
Before she could reply, the ocean began to glow.
Her eyes widened.
Beneath the water, hundreds of luminescent fish appeared, shimmering like stars, swirling around them in perfect harmony.
Even jellyfish, their bodies pulsing with an ethereal blue light, drifted beneath their feet, illuminating the ocean like a path of constellations.
Cesealia gasped, looking around in awe.
"You planned this?" she breathed.
Arthur grinned. "Mandoriyah told me where to go."
Cesealia couldn't believe it.
They floated upon a sea of light, dancing as the stars above mirrored the glowing fish below.
Arthur slowed their movement, gazing at her like she was the most precious thing he had ever seen.
"I love you," he murmured, pressing his forehead against hers.
She placed a hand on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.
"I love you more," she whispered.
Arthur scoffed. "Nah uh."
She laughed, resting against him.
Same old Arthur.
Mandoriyah took extra time getting ready that evening.
She brushed out her hair until it gleamed like the silk of the deep sea, weaving strands with delicate shells and pearls.
She wore the finest wrap she owned, the color of the midnight tide.
She even practiced a smile in the mirror, just to make sure she looked perfect.
Earlier, Arthur had asked her the question she had been waiting for.
Arthur leaned against the ship's railing, arms crossed, as the sea wind tousled his hair. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the water.
He turned his head slightly as Mandoriyah approached, watching him with quiet curiosity.
"Tell me," he said, not looking away from the horizon, "where do I go to find the glowing fish?"
Mandoriyah blinked. "Glowing fish?"
Arthur finally turned to her and grinned. "Yeah. You know, the ones that light up the ocean. You showed us before, and I figured you'd know the best spot."
She felt a small flutter in her chest.
"The best place…" she thought aloud, twirling a strand of lilac hair between her fingers. "I know where. Are you… free tonight?"
Arthur smiled. "I am."
And just like that—her heart soared.
He was taking her to see them.
For the first time, he was looking at her, noticing her, asking her to show him something special. Maybe—finally—he was beginning to see.
She nodded, trying to keep her excitement contained.
"I'll meet you when the moon rises," she promised.
This was it.
Tonight, Arthur would see her.
Tonight, he would know.
She made her way to the edge of the ship, where the boats were tied. But then—She saw them.
Arthur was already out on the water.
And he wasn't alone.
Mandoriyah's breath caught in her throat.
Cesealia was with him. Not just with him—dancing with him.
Her hands clutched the railing, fingers digging into the wood as she watched.
They moved together in perfect harmony, dancing atop the glowing sea.
The fish she had led him to flickered beneath their feet, wrapping around them like stars caught in the waves.
She had never seen Arthur look at someone like that before.
The way his hands never left Cesealia's waist, the way his eyes softened when he whispered to her. The way his entire world seemed to revolve around that one woman.
A silent tear escaped her.
"Doesn't he see? We belong together."
Her fingers curled into fists.
She could feel the ocean beneath her—her ocean. It responded to her emotions, to her pain. She lifted her trembling hand, and the tide obeyed.
A single rogue wave rose from the calm water. And then—it crashed.
Beneath the Waves
Cesealia's scream was cut off as the water swallowed her whole.
Arthur turned sharply."Ce—"
He dove into the sea, arms slicing through the water as he reached for her.
She was thrashing, but something was wrong.
She wasn't rising. She was stuck. It was like the ocean was holding her down.
His heart pounded as he grabbed her, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist.
Not like this.
With a sharp kick, he forced them upward, breaking through the surface with a deep gasp.
He didn't stop.
Flipping the boat back upright, he hoisted her shaking form into it before pulling himself in after her.
They collapsed. Both drenched, panting, soaked to the bone.
Arthur turned to her immediately. "Are you okay—"
"Take me back. Now."
The ride back was silent.
Arthur rowed. Cesealia refused to look at him, and when they reached the ship, Mandoriyah hid before she could be seen.
Arthur jumped out first, holding out a hand. She ignored it, stepping onto the deck herself.
"Cesealia, I'm sorry. I—"
She spun around sharply. "I told you it was a bad idea. But do you listen to me? You never listen to me !"
Arthur blinked. "That's not true."
She scoffed, crossing her arms. "Isn't it?" She gestured to herself. "Because I'm standing right here. And somehow—you still can't see what I want."
Arthur opened his mouth, but no words came. He didn't know what to say.
The cold sea breeze does nothing to cool the fire in his chest.
He exhaled. Then, softer—pleading."Then tell me. Tell me what you want."
Cesealia's eyes softened for a moment. For just a second. Then she spoke. "I think we need a break."
Arthur's breath hitched. "What—"
Cesealia looked away. Her voice was steady, but he knew her. He knew when she was trying not to cry.
"Maybe this… adventure was never meant to last." She swallowed hard. "Maybe we were never meant to be."
His heart stopped.
"How can you say that?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Her lips trembled, but her eyes were firm.
"How can I not say that?" she shot back. "Arthur, I've tried. I have tried for so long to make this work, but—it's not working."
"Care to explain?" he asked, his voice low but edged with restrained frustration.
Cesealia didn't even hesitate. "Depends. Would you have the time to listen?"
His jaw clenched. "I can always make the time."
She let out a sharp, bitter laugh, humorless. "Oh, now you'll make the time? That's new."
Arthur's fingers twitched.
Before he could speak, she continued.
"We haven't woken up in the same bed since we left port. Months ago."
His throat tightened. He knew where this was going.
"I've been busy."
Her gaze burned into him, unwavering. "No, Arthur. You've been avoiding me."
He let out a heavy sigh. "That's not—"
She didn't let him finish.
"You're not happy," she said, and for the first time, her voice wasn't sharp—it was small.Hurt.
"You're not happy with me."
Arthur's head snapped up, his heart hammering against his ribs. "Cesealia—"
"All you talk about is how much you miss home," she said softly, her voice raw. "I thought I was your home."
His breath caught.
The words struck deeper than he was prepared for.
"You are my home," he said instantly.
"I'm not. " But she shook her head. " If I were, you wouldn't—" she swallowed, her hands curling into fists. "You wouldn't hate me for being the reason you're out here in the first place."
He froze.
She lifted her chin, eyes burning with unshed tears. "It was my idea to take her home. It was my idea to see the world. Not yours."
He ran a hand through his hair, gripping at the strands. "I just… I'm doing the best I can, C. I'm trying."
Her expression softened for half a second, and then she shook her head.
"You shouldn't have to try."
She turned and walked ahead, leaving him standing there in the thick silence of the jungle.
He exhaled sharply, his heart sinking.
Damn it.
He clenched his fists, watching her back disappear into the trees.
The worst part was—She was right.
He was silent. He felt the world shift beneath his feet. For the first time in his entire life, he had no idea what to do. He had no plan.
She shook her head, turning away. The woman he loved—the woman he had built his future around—was walking away. He reached out, but this time, he didn't have to energy to catch her.