Chapter 6: Kenneth
1005 Words
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The great halls of Watercove’s palace seemed to hold their breath. The glow of coral chandeliers cast shifting shadows across marble floors stained with salt spray and ambition. In the throne room, the high windows looked out over the endless blue—ever the reminder that power lay in both water and will.
Triston sat upon his throne—sleek, carved from dark coral and inlaid with mother‑of‑pearl filigree. Around him, the court was hushed; attendants, guards, advisors, all waited. At his side, Star, the sorcerer remained poised and silent, his presence heavy with unspoken knowledge. The mighty ruler, once the despot who overthrew Marina, now found himself caught in the ripples of a prophecy he neither fully understood nor entirely trusted.
He steepled his fingers and looked toward the water beyond the windows, where ripples danced as though unseen currents carried whispers.
“In the silence, I hear her name,” Triston said, voice low. “Anahita.”
Star inclined his head. “She grows closer, my king. I felt it in the tides. The shores themselves shift.”
Triston’s jaw clenched. He stood, pacing before the throne. “If she lives on land, among mortals, how can we strike at her? We know nothing. Only her name. Only the fear she carries.”
At that moment, the vast doors parted. A young man glided in, shimmering in lamplight. Kenneth, youngest son of Triston, age twenty‑two, floated forward. His tail fin rippled, his court attire dark and regal, eyes steady with purpose. The hush deepened as he approached the center of the hall.
Triston’s eyes sharpened with recognition and paternal pride. “Kenneth.”
Kenneth bowed deeply, face composed. “Father, Star”.
The sorcerer watched with mild interest. Kenneth had always been honorable, loyal, and unafraid of duty—even when others shied from the darker tasks that came with power.
Triston gestured. “Speak, my son. The tides shift; I summoned you for counsel and decision.”
Kenneth straightened, quiet authority in his posture. “Father, I have long listened to your commands. Now I bring you a path forward. This messenger, Anahita—though unknown to us—is no random threat. She bears Marina’s energy. If she remains unchecked, she will unravel everything we have built.”
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle into the marble hall. Triston nodded, urging him on.
Kenneth continued: “Allow me to go to land. Let me enter the mortal world in disguise—as a student. Let me walk among them, unarmed, unseen, until I locate her. Then, if needed, I will bring her before you, for better or worse.”
A murmur rose among the courtiers. Some gasped, others whispered. To send a prince unarmed into enemy territory was daring; to trust him so deeply was risk.
Triston’s voice echoed. “Unarmed?”
“Yes, father. Unarmed. Deception is stronger than war at times. If she senses threat, she may vanish into the currents forever. I will gain her confidence first.”
Star voice rose, calm yet firm. “You invite danger, Kenneth. Her power may already be awakened. You walk into her domain blind.”
Kenneth nodded respectfully at the sorcerer. “I know. But I believe the strength lies not in force alone, but in the art of subtlety. I will act with discretion, and I will return with her—no matter the cost.”
Triston’s gaze softened for a fraction, a father proud yet fearful. “Go, then. Prepare. You depart in three nights. Be secretive, be steadfast. Trust no one on land.”
Kenneth bowed. “I accept this mission, father.” Then he turned and exited, his departure echoing through the throne hall.
Triston watched him go, then sat, exhaling deeply. The sorcerer leaned forward, eyes gleaming.
“Wise choice, my king,” Star said softly. “Kenneth is strong, loyal. But beware—secrets have fangs.”
Triston inclined his head. “Yes. Prepare the wards. Enchantments. Let the sea guards patrol unseen. If she approaches our shores, I want her met with silence and steel.”
Star nodded, rising. “I will weave the protections. And I will watch the tides.”
As the sorcerer departed, the throne room felt colder. Shadows lengthened. The court dispersed in quiet dread and wonder.
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At home in her chamber, Carolina sat before a mirror, running her fingers along the pendant around Ana’s neck. The name Marina had whispered, Anahita, weighed heavily in her heart. She sensed the danger rippling beneath the surface. She prayed her daughter was strong enough.
Behind her closed eyes, Marina’s voice came faint. *“Trust in her name, Carolina. The tides guard anointed blood.”*
Silence followed, thick with prophecy.
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Three nights later, Kenneth prepared to depart. In the hidden docks beneath the palace, he loaded a small vessel with supplies. He exchanged quiet words with guards but gave no hint of his mission. His heart hammered as he thought of the unknown land, the mysterious Anahita, and the specter of betrayal.
Triston approached, placing a hand on Kenneth’s shoulder. “Go safe. Return with her—or not at all.”
Kenneth nodded, determination steeled within him. “I obey.”
He slipped into the shadows of the sea corridor and vanished beyond Watercove’s border, into currents unknown, headed for the world above.
Triston watched from the palace stairs as his last son departed, the prophecy of Anahita echoing in his mind. The game had begun — and the sea, the surface, and the shadows would all be markers in the war to come.
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Kenneth’s POV
I can feel the confidence in my heart.
Anahita—
A messenger of war.
She must be fierce judging from Star’s visitation. He could have sent his one of workers.
Get anahita and father will be so proud.
“ I will better my brothers. What a beautiful feeling”.
- Writer
