The Sea, Where We Found Love

Chapter 4: The Doting Father

[The Royal Palace]

They have arrived at the palace where the King does most of his duties. While swimming through the hallway, it always fascinates Celena at how elegant it is. From its tiny detail to big ones. However, it can never beat the one thing that she likes the most in this place, and it would be the room where his father does his meeting. That meeting room shines the most when her father talks like a king should be.

“Here we are, Your Highnesses.” Said the guard who was guiding them. It is always a question for Celena why there is a need for them to have a guide when she and her siblings already know every nook and cranny of this palace.

After letting her father know that they arrived, Celena and the twins entered the palace’s throne room.

There they saw their father sitting on his throne magnificently. In other people’s eyes, if they happen to see this sight, they would think that the King is only thinking about the kingdom and nothing else. However, King’s children believe so differently. Yes, he indeed cares about the kingdom’s safety and prosperity, but the King behind the throne is a doting father and sometimes a bit childish.

“My Royal Highnesses.” Said the most trusted man amongst all the King’s aid, Lincoln Moore. Celena nodded at him.

Celena’s respect for Lincoln is high, but one thing that discourages her from him is that he is the same as her father, childish.

“Everyone leave, except for Lincoln and my children.” The King said in a severe tone. Everyone, except for the names mentioned, thought that the King would be talking about a private matter. Only those who are left behind know what will happen.

“Now, my darling daughter, ” the King started as he swam to where Celena stood. Once he is in front of her, he continues, “I have heard that you ran away from your duties as the Crown Princess today. Normally, I would not have minded it since you have been very busy since the day you were crowned, but right now, I don't think that I can look away from the matter.”

As soon as the King finishes his words, Celena and the twins were caught off guard when they saw their father’s crying face. “If you wanted to escape from your duties, then you should have come and see me, and spend time with me, my dear daughter. You know that I will make time for you, especially now that you are leaving tomorrow.”

The King knows that his daughter likes to spend most of her time going to a place where she can be alone, but knowing that she will leave tomorrow, the King would have wanted for her to spend her last day to be with her family.

“Father, seriously? Just you and big sister? That is so unfair!” Nerida pouted. “My brother and I were the first one to be with big sister on her last day here. You can’t cut in line!” She angrily said.

“I know.” Earlier, the King was trying to finish all of his work to spend more time with his departing daughter, but then a dolphin suddenly came into the throne room with a note on its mouth. He took the letter and started to read it. From how he read it, he immediately thought that the person, or rather the people, who sent this note to him is his two youngest children.

“If you know, then you should not have disturbed us,” Clifford said in the matter-of-fact tone. If they were in a place where there is a lot of people and that they are the center of attention, it would be seen that Clifford and Nerida are disrespectful towards the King, and punishment is a must.

“If I did that, then I wouldn’t have any time with your sister at all!” It is his right as Celena’s father to be with her, especially knowing that he won’t be able to see her in a very long time.

Selena rolled her eyes as the scene unfolded in front of her. Her father and her siblings made it look like she is going to leave the nest tomorrow. “Father, I am only going to be at the dry land for six years. It is not permanent. So please, can you not act like we are not going to see each other forever.”