The carriage rolled through the bustling streets of the mermaid capital. Aceline gazed disinterestedly out of the window. The colourful buildings passed by in a blur, but nothing outside stirred her curiosity. She was lost in her thoughts, a storm brewing behind her calm facade.
"I understand why you're against it, but you must do well to remain cordial," her mother, Morvina, spoke in a hushed tone, breaking the silence that enveloped the carriage.
Aceline didn't bother to turn and meet her mother's gaze. Instead, she stared blankly ahead, her expression unreadable. "Yes, mother," she replied curtly.
"Don't do anything foolish," Morvina warned, her voice laced with concern. "You must do well to welcome that child."
Aceline's jaw clenched, her features hardening. "Yes, mother," she repe
