#oceansbride

Devlin approached Sirena cautiously, his eyes searching her face for any signs of hostility. He remembered their initial encounters, the tension that had hung in the air, and the fact that Sirena hadn't seemed particularly fond of him. But as he saw her waiting for him, a mixture of curiosity and relief washed over him.

His voice carried a hint of sincerity as he replied, "How could I forget about you, Sirena? The memory of our encounters has stayed with me, even during my absence. I apologize for my prolonged absence; I had a pressing quest that demanded my attention, but I never forgot you."

Devlin's gaze softened as he continued explaining to the siren, "I was drawn to you from the moment we first met, and I couldn't resist the desire to return. Your melodic voice and those inviting eyes- no, you're no monster. Your presence is captivating, and I wished to understand you better, to uncover the depths of your story. I'm here now, ready to listen, to learn, and perhaps even to forge a connection between our worlds."

He took a step closer, his expression earnest as he sat down beside her- fixated on that long tail that looked oddly- comforting. He laid his head on it, as a sign of a warrior's submission, then stated while looking up at her with his amber eyes, "I believe there is much we can learn from each other, much we can share."

"Sirena," he began, his voice tinged with emotion. "I have something important to tell you, something that weighs heavily upon me. The only way we can be together, to keep you safe and shield our love from prying eyes, is for me to marry Arabella."

This was going to be hard to explain, especially after knowing what Sirena is like and how upsetting it would be for her to accept this. If he admitted this earlier in the relationship it would have been fine. Now- they had become so inseparable that if they were torn apart it would be as painful as being ripped through shreds. Maverick had once thought he lost Sirena before, but after his bravery in the war and the extent he went to bring the kidnapped siren back to her warlock father, he had given one proof of his undying love for her.

Here was another sacrifice.

As Apollymi delicately fixed Sirena's hair and perfected her makeup, she spoke softly, her voice filled with affection and admiration. "Sirena, my dear friend, today is a day of celebration and love. You are about to embark on a new chapter of your life with Maverick, and I couldn't be happier for both of you."

She paused for a moment, her hands gently brushing through Sirena's hair. "You are radiant, inside and out. Your spirit shines with a captivating light, and it is reflected in your eyes, your smile, and every facet of your being. Today, as you walk down the aisle, remember that you are a symbol of love's triumph over adversity."

Apollymi's touch continued to be gentle and precise as she enhanced Sirena's natural beauty. "Maverick is a lucky soul to have captured your heart, and you, my dear, are equally fortunate to have found a partner who understands and cherishes you. Your love story is one that inspires and ignites hope in those who witness it."

She stepped back to admire her work, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Sirena, you are breathtaking. Your beauty transcends the physical, emanating from the depths of your soul. Today, as you take this step forward, know that you have my unwavering support and love. May your wedding day be filled with joy, tenderness, and the eternal bond that you and Maverick share."

As Apollymi continued to work on Sirena's hair, she hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to express her thoughts. With a slightly awkward tone, she said, "You know, Sirena, I've always marveled at your hair. It's so... mesmerizing, like a cascading waterfall of silken strands. I can't help but feel a twinge of envy, even as I work on it."

Realizing her comment might have come across as slightly awkward, Apollymi quickly added, "Oh, please forgive my clumsy words. I don't mean to sound strange or overly poetic. It's just that your hair has this ethereal quality, and I can't help but be in awe of it."

She let out a nervous chuckle, hoping to lighten the mood. "I suppose I've always been a bit hair-obsessed. But really, Sirena, your locks are truly magnificent, and it's an honor to have the opportunity to style them for your special day."

(warriors / hunters vs sirens at war context... perhaps? 👀)

Devlin's eyes hardened as he listened to Sirena's words. The weight of grief and anger was evident in his voice as he responded, "Sirena, I understand your plea for peace, but you can't possibly comprehend the pain of losing those closest to me. They were my brothers and sisters, and their deaths cannot be forgotten or brushed aside."

Before his very eyes, someone whom he spent years with in training has been brutalized, maimed and eaten. He didn't think he can return to normal. Ever. Devlin was forever scarred, changed from the inside out, and there was a lost look in his eyes as he heaved in his pain, most of his form soaked in blood.

"The sirens have taken so much from us, and I cannot rest until justice is served. I will not stop until every threat is neutralized, every life avenged. It may seem endless to you, but my purpose now is to protect what remains and ensure their sacrifices were not in vain. Only then can I consider the possibility of peace."

He narrowed his eyes on her, pulling his blade behind his back lest he felt inclined to use it on her, "you- you should leave. Get out of here, Sirena!"

Maverick, wearied by the events surrounding Sirena's difficult pregnancy and their son's birth, sat in the chamber, exhaustion etched on his face. As the fae attendants approached him eagerly, their curiosity brimming, they bombarded him with questions about Prince Oberon's appearance, personality, fatherhood, and Sirena's well-being.

Maverick let out a heavy sigh, his voice tinged with fatigue as he tried to gather his thoughts. "Prince Oberon... he is unlike any other. His arrival was marked by both joy and peril. He bears the horns and wings of his lineage, a testament to his unique heritage."

His voice trailed off for a moment as he tried to find the right words to describe his son's personality. "As for his personality, Oberon is still a newborn, so it's too early to tell. But I see glimpses of determination and strength even in his tiny form. There is a spark within him, an undeniable presence that demands attention."

Maverick's weariness was evident as he continued to answer their inquiries. "Being a father... it is an overwhelming mix of emotions. There is an indescribable joy in knowing that a life we created now rests in our arms. But it is also accompanied by a weight of responsibility—a duty to protect and guide him, to ensure he flourishes in this realm."

His voice softened as he spoke of Sirena. "The Queen... she has endured much during the pregnancy and birth. Her strength and resilience astound me. She is currently resting, recovering from the ordeal. I pray that she finds solace and healing in due time."

As Devlin approached the space where he had encountered the sirens before, he couldn't help but feel a mix of caution and fascination. He knew the dangers they posed, but his curiosity drew him back to the alluring beauty of the siren who had almost drowned him. This time, however, he took extra precautions, wearing less conspicuous clothing to avoid provoking their aggressive tendencies.

As he came face to face with the siren, his voice carried a tone of sincerity and a hint of vulnerability. "I've returned," he began, his eyes meeting hers with a mixture of caution and genuine interest. "I wanted to start over, to understand you and your kind better. I don't seek to harm or challenge you, but rather to learn from you and find common ground."

He took a step closer, ensuring he maintained a safe distance. "I acknowledge that our first encounter was fraught with danger, and I understand your instincts to protect your territory. But I want to assure you that I mean no harm. I have come here with an open mind and a genuine desire to foster understanding."

Devlin paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "I believe there is more to you than the danger you represent. I see your beauty and grace, and I sense a deep wisdom within you. I am willing to approach this with caution and respect, hoping that we can establish a new connection based on trust."

"A thoughtful query, indeed Councilman," Maverick replied, his voice carrying a hint of regal authority. "While it is true that the path of kingship is not necessarily predetermined for every individual, it is crucial to remember the weight of responsibility that comes with our lineage."

He paused briefly, allowing his words to sink in before continuing.

"Prince Oberon's wishes and aspirations are of great importance to me as his father, and I will always strive to support his choices," Maverick stated, his tone carefully chosen to convey an air of diplomacy. "However, should he express a genuine desire to step away from the throne, it would be my duty as a responsible ruler to ensure the stability and prosperity of our kingdom."

Maverick's eyes scanned the audience, his gaze thoughtful yet firm. "In such a scenario, you the council, consisting of wise and experienced advisors, would play a crucial role in assisting me in determining the best course of action for our realm. Together, we would carefully consider the options and select a suitable successor who can uphold the values and traditions our kingdom holds dear."

He allowed a moment of silence to settle, emphasizing the gravity of his words.

"Rest assured," Maverick concluded, his voice steady and resolute, "the well-being of our kingdom and the happiness of my son will always guide my decisions. I am committed to securing a prosperous future, whether it be with Prince Oberon at the helm or with a worthy successor chosen in collaboration with the council."

"Rumors? What rumors?" Maverick asked as he sat on the edge of his throne, his countenance shifting slightly and revealing a flicker of vulnerability as he grappled with his emotions. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding, his voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty.

"I appreciate your concern and your curiosity," Maverick began, his gaze momentarily drifting away before returning to the inquirer. "Like any relationship, ours is not without its challenges. Jealousy, at times, can be a natural human emotion, even for someone in my position. But if she asked me- I'd ask her why, first. I would want to know the reason. Like- did she think I was unfaithful? There's no truth to it."