82 The Real Princess.



While Ren devotes himself to his training within the confines of the Nightshade Sanctum, time ticks away outside with relentless speed.

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*Rumble*

Crashing waves and a relentless storm wage war upon the tumultuous sea, casting a veil of turmoil and darkness over the chaotic ocean surface. Rain pours relentlessly, creating a tempestuous wall of water that obscures visibility and drowns out all sounds. Amidst this furious maelstrom, a lone figure fearlessly braves the treacherous waters.

With a grace that defies the raging storm, she cuts through the turbulent waves propelled by unwavering determination. Her presence seems almost otherworldly, a stark contrast against the backdrop of tumultuous chaos.

*Crk*

As lightning splits the sky, a glimpse of her appearance reveals a mesmerizing sight. She possesses regal elegance, an ethereal beauty that captures the essence of power and mystery. Against the storm's darkened backdrop, her fair and flawless skin shines, accentuating the delicate lines of her face. Her piercing eyes, like windows to a distant and enigmatic fire, radiate an intense gaze that holds secrets untold.

A cascade of pale, radiant hair crowns her head, flowing behind her in a cascade of blond, silver, and gold hues. Its lustrous strands catch the fleeting light, resembling a waterfall of silk. Her hair is an extension of her ethereal presence, adding to her captivating allure and hinting at the enigma she embodies.

"I should go back now," she mutters, her voice almost carried away by the howling wind.

*Splash*

Hidden beneath her clothing lies a secret, a key to her extraordinary existence. As she dips back into the ocean, her true nature is unveiled. Her lower limbs seamlessly transform into a graceful, iridescent tail covered in scales that shimmer with a captivating radiance. Her facial features also transform, taking on a hint of aquatic allure, with delicate webbing between her fingers. "Now I feel alive," she whispers with a sense of freedom.

*Slinsh*

Gliding effortlessly through the water, she embraces her dual heritage as a half-mermaid. The stormy sea becomes her domain as she moves with newfound fluidity, her tail propelling her with elegance and power. She is a bridge between two worlds, a testament to the realms of land and sea converging.

Delving deeper into the ocean, everything becomes calm. The darkness intensifies, unveiling unknown creatures as she nears the bottom. There, a breathtaking sight awaits her, one she can never grow accustomed to.

"No matter how many times I see this sight, I can't get used to it," she says, her voice filled with wonder.

She gazes upon the magnificent structure that envelops her home. The dome is a marvel of architecture, designed to withstand the immense pressure of the surrounding ocean and create a habitable environment for its residents.

Crafted from a sturdy, transparent material resembling reinforced glass, the dome's exterior allows natural light to filter through, illuminating the underwater city within. Its surface is polished and smooth, mirroring the shape of a giant bubble rising from the depths. With a faint bluish tint, it emanates a subtle aquatic ambiance.

Maritime Aquarius Dynasty's Capital - "Tritonia." This has been her home, the place where land and water meet, the only place where she can truly experience what it's like to be on land.

Within the dome, a carefully crafted ecosystem mirrors the intricate balance of life in the ocean. The cityscape is a fusion of architectural styles, blending sleek, streamlined structures with elements inspired by coral reefs and sea creatures. Constructed from materials resistant to water damage and corrosion, the buildings stand strong against the marine environment.

Throughout the dome, strategically placed openings and channels allow water to flow in and out, maintaining a constant circulation and ensuring a fresh supply of oxygen.

These carefully engineered systems also filter the water, keeping the underwater city pristine and free from impurities.

The girl witnesses the vibrant tapestry of colors within the dome. In the air pockets, gardens flourish along the streets and plazas, their vivid hues contrasting against the backdrop of the deep blue sea.

Schools of fish swim gracefully through the city, adding a lively and enchanting ambiance to the surroundings. Merfolk and other aquatic beings navigate the underwater pathways outside the dome, their movements fluid and effortless.

The dome's interior is illuminated by a combination of natural and artificial light sources. Bioluminescent organisms inhabit certain parts of the city, casting a gentle glow that illuminates the darker corners and adds a touch of magic to the underwater realm. Soft, diffused lighting fixtures mimic the gentle rays of sunlight filtering through the ocean's surface.

Under the ocean's depths lies a world unknown to humans, an entirely different ecosystem teeming with life.

Tritonia stands as the sole city in the entire Maritime Aquarius Dynasty with such a distinctive structure. Other underwater locations lack the protective dome that shields Tritonia's realm. The reason behind this distinction remains shrouded in mystery, deepening the allure of the city. Perhaps it serves as a sanctuary, a place where royalty can gather away from prying eyes.

"Sigh*" A heavy sigh escapes the girl's lips as thoughts of royalty cross her mind—a subject far from her favor. Swimming near the gates situated outside the dome, she approaches the majestic entry points known as the "Aqua Portals." These mystical gateways bridge the gap between the world above and the submerged kingdom below.

Crafted from shimmering, iridescent materials reminiscent of coral and sea glass, the Aqua Portals stand tall and imposing. Intricate carvings adorn their surfaces, depicting marine life and mythical sea creatures in intricate detail.

Approaching the gates, the Aqua Portals shimmer and ripple with a faint glow, acknowledging her presence as a resident of the underwater realm. With a gentle touch of her hand, the gates gracefully part, unveiling a mesmerizing view of the thriving city that lies beyond.

These portals, aside from their enchanting beauty, also serve the purpose of keeping unwanted oceanic water outside Tritonia.

Swimming through the portal, her human-like features seamlessly re-emerge, blending harmoniously with the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

"...I hope they won't—" her hopeful thought is abruptly interrupted as the god of the sea seems to have other plans. In that very moment, two merfolk guards emerge before her, standing tall and vigilant. Their commanding presence demands respect, their muscular bodies adorned with opalescent scales that shimmer, reflecting the vibrant colors of the underwater realm.

Donned in intricate armor and wielding tridents, they exude an undeniable air of authority. Their piercing eyes scan the surroundings, ensuring the safety of Tritonia's residents.

The guards' voice booms with authority, "Third Princess, the Queen awaits your presence." His words lack the respect one would expect for royalty.

'Didn't even bother to bow, how insolent,' the princess seethes internally, her teeth clenched tightly. However, she understands her place and knows better than to voice her discontent—for now.

Suppressing her anger, she musters her composure and commands, "Escort me there."

Indeed, she is the third Princess of the esteemed Maritime Aquarius Dynasty, none other than Venda Vexer Aquarius.

.....

The merfolk guards, their tridents held high, flank the princess as they swim through the bustling streets of Tritonia. The city's inhabitants, merfolk and other aquatic beings,acknowledge their presence with a mixture of reverence and curiosity. Whispers ripple through the crowd as they make their way towards the heart of the city, where the grand palace awaits.

The palace of Tritonia, nestled within a spacious air pocket, is a breathtaking masterpiece of merfolk architecture. Crafted from a blend of coral, pearl, and iridescent sea glass, its exterior showcases intricate carvings of marine life and mythical creatures.

The grand entrance features majestic archways and towering columns adorned with seashells and delicate coral formations. Within, a vast atrium beckons with its ethereal beauty, setting the stage for the regal splendor that awaits within the palace's halls.

Inside the palace, the princess's mother, Queen Seraphina, awaits her arrival. Seraphina, a graceful woman with flowing auburn hair and warm, empathetic eyes masking her real face, is a human who married into the merfolk royal family.

'she makes me sick.' Venda thinks to herself.

She's not Venda's mother—her birth mother died the day she was born, and the woman her father married next was this woman. He said that she's his love, but only Venda knows who she really is.

As Venda enters the throne room, her eyes meet Queen Seraphina Aquarius. Seraphina's face lights up with a mix of pride and concern. She rises from her throne, gracefully descending the steps to meet her daughter halfway.

"Venda, my dear," Seraphina says, her voice filled with warmth. "You've returned safely from your daring adventure. I hope the storm didn't cause you too much trouble."

Venda offers a fake small smile, her eyes reflecting the determination she displayed in facing the turbulent sea. "Mother, the storm cannot deter me. I discover new wonders, witness the beauty of our underwater realm in its rawest form."

Seraphina's smile widens but twitches at the ends, and she places a hand gently on Venda's shoulder. "I'm proud of you, my courageous daughter. Your connection to both land and sea is a gift, one that shapes your destiny and brings harmony to our realms." Her words are crafted.

"Now, let us rest and prepare," Seraphina suggests. "We have much to discuss, and tonight, the royal banquet will be held in your honor. It is time for our people to celebrate your future journey, and a few guests are also waiting for you." She smiles.

'My departure, huh,' Venda understands how happy her step mother is to kick her out of this kingdom.

'Truly a Scale-sucker wench.' Venda cursed internally.

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[A/N: Now who's this girl? I've never seen her around....have you?]

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