Beneath the Waves (Ocean Song Book 1)

Chapter 40: Tidings from Vilmaris

The only ones standing around her bed are Calder, Storm, Pelagios, Prince Oceanus, King Neptune, and Queen Salacia.

"I have lived for many years, but even I am afraid that I have never seen magic like this," Queen Salacia says solemnly as she tenderly brushes aside Serena's hair. Not even that action disturbs her perpetual sleep.

"I would imagine not Your Highness. This is a kind of curse dealt by Proteus. It shall not be easy to undo," Calder states quietly as a frustrated glint shines in his eyes whenever he looks upon Serena. He was so certain that things would go according to plan, and everything would be fine. How foolish he had been. He should've foreseen something like this happening. Should've known that Proteus would give Hallmar some type of weapon to use against their enemies. If he had, then she'd probably be awake right now instead of being trapped within her own body. There's still no telling just what all that curse had done, or what kind of damage they could expect in the future.

Marina would probably know more. If only he had found her. If only he knew where she was or where she had gone. Without her, there's little he can do to help Serena. All he can do is make sure nothing worse happens to her.

He'd never have had her go up against Delmara if this was to be the end result. But then, if this was the price of their victory then it had to be paid regardless. Of course, Calder would never voice as such to the grieving people surrounding young Serena's bed.

King Neptune turns to look at Storm with a stern look in his eyes as he says, "Who are you then? I am given to understand that you have met my younger ward once before during her foray in the surface world."

Storm bows his head. "My apologies. My name is Storm Callas, Captain of the Vilmarisan Guard, and sworn protector of her Majesty."

There is a measure of surprise that runs through the gathered people, except for Pelagios that is.

"Vilmaris? What is going on there? And why are you here?" Calder presses as he moves in closer towards Storm.

But Storm shakes his head. "I am not at liberty to discuss what goes on within our borders to outsiders." Calder frowns. "I was given a mission, that shall not be disclosed, and I had been instructed to come here upon completion."

"And why is that?" Prince Oceanus asks suspiciously as he glares at Storm with nothing short of his usual kind disposition.

"Again, I cannot disclose that information to outsiders. All I can say is that for now I am to act as your ally."

"What do you mean 'for now'?" King Neptune crosses his arms.

"Exactly as it sounds. I am to assist you until such a time as I am ordered to do otherwise."

"And just what is your interest in Aquaria?" Queen Salacia asks, her expression taking on a stony one for once.

"Vilmaris's interests lie with the two humans you have been harboring," Storm says curtly before clasping his hands behind his back. "Now then. That is all I am at liberty to tell you. Therefore I shall answer no more questions. I suggest we focus our attention towards the safety of the girl."

Queen Salacia stands up taller as a cross look appears on her face. "And it is precisely for her safety that we are asking these questions! What are Vilmaris's intentions for these humans?"

Storm seems to think for a moment before he says, "Vilmaris only wishes to keep them from Proteus's grasp." But there's more to it. Of that, Calder is completely certain. And yet, who is he to meddle in the affairs of Vilmaris? That is more his sister's area of expertise, and without her they shall not be getting anymore answers than that.

Prince Oceanus clears his throat, effectively garnering the attention of the group. "That is enough. Clearly it is pointless to question him any further." The prince glances at Serena with an unknown emotion in his eyes as he addresses those gathered once more. "Our only priority right now should be ascertaining a way to wake her." They all nod. Finally, something they can all agree on. Although Calder didn't miss the way Prince Oceanus looked at their sleeping beauty here. It has been a fair bit of time since he's seen a look such as that one in the young prince's eyes. However, he won't say a word of it. As said prince has just said, their primary concern should be finding a way to break Serena free of whatever curse Hallmar put on her.

Calder moves forward and places a hand against Serena's forehead. His eyes slide shut as he allows his magic to spill forth from his body, and into hers'. His magic tries to feel out the opposing force within her body. They are both surrounded in a mixture of clashing mists. One green, and the other a sinister black. It only lasts for a minute before Calder is sent reeling just as his magic is repelled.

Pelagios looks over at Calder in alarm. "What is it?"

Calder pants as he narrows his gaze on Serena. "The darkest of magic. This is not the harmless type of curse, I am afraid to say."

"What does that mean Calder? What will it do to her?" Queen Salacia asks rapidly, unable to conceal her deep-set worry.

Calder shakes his head. "I am afraid that this curse shall do more than simply trap her in sleep." He looks towards Serena. "She is trapped within the darkest recesses of her mind, where nothing but agonizing pain awaits her. Time will work differently for her to prolong the suffering, and it is imperative that we be quick in waking her."

"What horrors could be lurking within her mind's depths?" Storm asks slowly as he eyes Calder warily.

"That, I do not know. I have been cast from her mind completely, and no doubt the point is to drive her into maddening despair." Calder sighs. "I could already feel it, brief though it may have been. She is convinced that she is alone, and I have no way of getting to her."

Dammit! Prince Oceanus feels useless. She has already done so much for them without question. So how is it that they can do nothing but watch as she succumbs to whatever darkness plagues her? Seven months ago he wouldn't have given her much of a single thought, but now she has become a permanent residence there. This annoying, stupid, naïve human girl has, against his better judgement, made herself a place within his life. And he refuses to acknowledge any more than that.

Calder groans and stretches. "Well, I shall return home and see if I cannot find an old tome that may or may not have the answers we need." Calder waves his hand, inciting a trail of magical green mist to follow it before he's completely engulfed in said mist and disappears.

King Neptune releases a sigh of his own. "Come Storm, Pelagios. I would have words with you both surrounding everything prior to earlier events." Prince Oceanus doesn't even look in their direction as the three exit the room in silence.

His grandmother stands behind him, a sorrowful look on her face as she comes forward and places a gentle hand on his cheek. He looks at her.

And she gives a wistful sigh. "My dear Oceanus, this world has not been kind to our family." She looks over at Serena. "And this poor girl has gotten wrapped up in all of our mess." She chuckles humorlessly. "There is much I would tell you dear boy, but now is not the time. For now, do what you must and ensure that it is what will be best for you, and you alone." With that said, Queen Salacia takes her leave as well, closing the door quietly behind her.

And now he stands. Finally just him by his lonesome. A somber expression takes over his features as he moves closer to Serena's bedside. He can almost hear her calling his name, and see her with an angry look on her face as she reprimands him for his cold demeanor.

It's almost funny. Just a few months ago he wanted nothing to do with her, and wished for a moment of silence when she and her brother came round. Now he has that silence, and he wants nothing more than for her to disrupt it with a smart remark or angry retort.

His eyes narrow on her. When did this infuriating little human take up so many of his thoughts?

-

Well, we've finally made it to the end. This is the second to last chapter and the last is in the works. I hope the developing feelings between Oceanus and Serena occurred naturally enough. I did try. So here we are. Serena's in a cursed induced coma, Delmarva and Hallmar have been defeated, and now the pressure is on to save our young heroine. Please leave comments telling me what you think and also be sure to vote and follow for updates on these stories. See you in the final chapter!