Their dinner was quiet… at first.
Candlelight played across their faces as soft waves tickled at their toes. Their table nestled where the waves kissed the sand and the ethereal light of Moonglow Lagoon shimmered around them. The soft clinks and clatters of their cutlery mixing with rolling, crashing waves and the sounds of curious animals peeking in on their meal.
Kai serves her seared reef fish wrapped in spiced leaves with a chilled pineapple wine that he pours into goblets of crudely cut crystal. His gleaming chest is on full display as he moves about the table, which Vaela tries very hard not to stare at.
She fails. Repeatedly.
"So," he starts smoothly, leaning back in his chair with a raised eyebrow and swirling a goblet of wine. "Spending half the day in the jungle just to see me. One could almost assume you might actually fancy me… a little."
Vaela wears a coy smile as she lowers her glass from her mouth, subtly licking her lips. She lifts her hand, pinching a thumb and index finger close together.
"More than I expected then." He smiles widely.
Vaela tries to stifle her chuckle, but fails badly.
"You're allowed to laugh, Lady Moonblood." he smiles softly, "I'm not that kind of royal."
Vaela clears her throat with an elegant cough.
"I was told this cove was haunted by a handsome, brooding sea-man… wanted to check if the legends were true."
"And?" he asks, raising an eyebrow as he lazily twirls his fork through his salad.
"Not quite what the legends say, I'm afraid." Vaela scoffs, shifting her gaze to her glass. "Turns out he's more of a sun-kissed siren with daddy-issues."
"Ouch." he groans with feigned offence. "How about we settle on brooding, mysterious royal with a tragic backstory?"
Vaela chuckles softly, shaking her head. "I do seem to have a thing for tragic backstories."
"Oh? You're gonna love mine then."
The banter flowed between them as easily and naturally as the rolling waves at their feet. Mostly cold, very playful and a little dangerous.
But beneath the sharp words and sarcasm, embers of intrigue were billowing into flames of passion. Every glance, every giggle, every accidental touch pulled them closer.
Feet brushed beneath the table.
Hands linger a little too long on passing glasses.
Her heart flutters as his gaze falls to her lips. He grips the table and moves to lean in.
But Vaela swallows all urging temptation and quickly breaks the rhythm.
"I met your sister today."
He shifts back into his seat, brows furrowed. "Nerina?"
"She was… beautiful." Vaela sighs. "And very desperate. You run when your kingdom stands on the brink of ruin?"
He turns to the sea, jaw clenched, muscles tensing. "Did she mention my father? Every warning he ignored? Every promise he broke? How he destroys our history and culture for profit?"
"She said you fought it. You cared."
Kai chuckles through a bitter smile. "I still do. I spent half my life drafting policies, fighting in court, organizing protests, trying to reach people, trying to teach them. Trying to make a difference. But it was all for nothing once Virgil DuCroix sunk his fangs into our kingdom. He blinded my father with greed and gold. It was a losing battle."
"So you gave up?" Vaela asked flatly.
He hesitates to answer, taking a deep breath and sighing as he stares out to the sea, the grip on his goblet growing ever tighter.
"I was tired." he finally replies, his voice softer. "Tired of losing. Tired of watching my kingdom crumble. Tired of smiling for the public but dying when I'm alone. I was… done. So, yeah, I ran. Came here. Found paradise. Found freedom… and I try to forget—"
Vaela chuckles through a scoff. "I didn't get to run. Most people don't..."
He turns to her, eyes narrowed.
"I grew up in a hole. No magic kingdom or island paradises." she mutters as she stares at her plate. "No food. Just… survival. I bled and begged. But nobody came. No fairytale princes, or glowing beaches… or pineapple wine that tastes like liquid heaven." she giggles softly as she turns to her glass then takes a deep breath. "Just pain… and silence."
His brow tightens as his lips parted, but he couldn't find the words.
"I know what your people are going to go through. What some of them are probably going through right now." she gulps her drink and places it firmly on the table, shifting her ice-blue glare at Kai. Her words sharp as daggers. "The sharks are circling your people, Kai, you still have a chance to save them."
"Vanessa, I—"
"You're more than just a man. You're a prince. Aquesteria itself courses through your veins. Your people need you. You may not be able to stop the storm… but you can guide them through it."
He stares at her silently for a long moment, something inside him rebuilt and reignited, but still wavering.
"I'm… scared." he breathes.
She softens her eyes and gently tilts her head as she slides her hand over his. "You're strong."
He smiles sheepishly as he looks down at her delicate hand resting on his.
"I think you might be the strongest woman I've ever met, Ms. Moonblood." he grins. "Which is why, I shall go see my father, with you by my side. For my people." he finishes with a regal bow.
Vaela's gasps. "W-Wait… that's not—"
"But that can wait for tomorrow." he exclaims, lifting excitedly to his feet. "Tonight, I have pledged to show you the beauty of this island. Are you ready?"
He reaches out his hand and Vaela eagerly accepts.
He leads her to the water's edge, standing quietly before her under starlight, eyes locked in seductive embrace.
His mouth starts curling into a sheepish grin.
"Please forgive my impertinence, Lady Moonblood." he says with a slight bow.
"Your wh—"
Before she can finish, he plants a quick kiss on her lips and gently touches her.
"What the—" Vaela snaps as she grabs at her chest.
"A little Aquarian magic." he smiles smugly.
She looks down to a soft, shimmering pulse of light blooming from beneath her fingers. She lifts them to reveal a semi-translucent, glowing orb sinking painlessly into her skin in the center of her chest.
As it hit the core of her being, she felt it.
The ocean.