Vaela steps out of her suite like a conqueror, ready to slay the day.
A searing sapphire dress wraps around her curves like dripping water, shimmering with a silky sheen as she wields a slit up her thigh that would make royalty blush. Her hair features a sweeping, braided updo, crowned with pins that look like golden butterflies nesting on her head. Diamond earrings twinkle beneath her curls as she struts along the corridors of the resort, her high heels clacking like gunshots on the polished marble floors.
She knows she looks like a goddess, and she flaunts it fabulously as she gets ready to lose herself in a day filled with retail therapy, beauty treatments and colorful cocktails.
But beneath the flash and glamour, frustration simmered within her. Even though she gave him affection, understanding and her entire body, Kai still hasn't given himself over to her.
"Does he need a second round at the top of the waterfall or something?" she wonders, not particularly impartial to the idea herself.
In truth, Vaela enjoyed the fact he was not so easily overcome and that it gave her an excuse to stay around him a little longer, a thought that brings with it a naughty grin.
But her mini-daydream is interrupted by someone clearing their throat. Regally.
She raises a brow, turns to the sound and nearly loses her balance.
Kai stands beneath a coral-encrusted archway at the lobby entrance, draped in traditional Aquesterian royal attire. A teal-silver robe flows over one shoulder, the other showcasing his sun-kissed skin, tattooed with strange ruins that give off a faint glimmer. A pearlescent, white sash clung to his hips, his hair slick and swept back while a circlet lined with pearls sat gleaming across his brow.
"Miss Moonblood," he says, staring at her with eyes filled with admiration. "You look amazing. Like sunlight given form."
Vaela smirks with an arched brow. "And you look like a prince, ready to seduce the moon."
"Only if she looks like you." He says softly as he steps closer.
Vaela sighs, rolling her eyes above flushed cheeks. "You're impossible."
"I'm honest… and completely captured by your—"
Before he could finish, a third voice cut into the conversation. Bright and full of teasing.
"There's our two snuggling sea-horses. Honestly, if this were a romance novel, you two would be late to the main plot!"
Kai's sister, Nerina, beaming and beautiful as always, pops up between the pair, grinning like she just figured out the world's biggest secret.
"Our transport has been prepared. We leave for Aquesteria as soon as the two of you are ready. Would you mind keeping the flirting for later… or need I remind you that our entire kingdom awaits?"
Kai nods and turns to Valea. "Vanessa… are you ready?" he asks, extending his arm toward her.
Vaela blinks, confused. "Ready?"
"Oh… you forgot my invitation?" he says, his voice growing sullen as he looks at her with hopeful eyes.
"Y-Y-You were serious? I-I thought you—" Vaela replies, fully flustered.
"Utterly serious, m'lady." he says with a regal nod, "Please, will you come with me?"
"... ummm…" she hesitates until he tilts his head and softens his eyes. "Okay… fine! Let me grab my things."
"Perfect!" he grins.
She spins on her heels and quickly rushes back to her suite. But as she bursts through the door, ready to stuff suitcases with whatever was at hand, Lilith greets her with a waving paw and grin filled with smug satisfaction.
She lazes in her cat form, stretching over two fully packed suitcases that gleam like treasure chests.
"They say planning ahead is a superpower." Lilith purrs. "... and I knew he'd whisk you away eventually."
Vaela stares at her, jaw hanging open. "Lil! How did you—"
"I know you, kitten, better than you think." she says as she hops off the suitcases, slinks toward Vaela and sits down before her like an obedient pet. "May I join you?"
Vaela creases her brow as she blinks, surprised by Lilith's courteousness. "Lil… you're like my guardian angel. I'm going nowhere without you. Ever!"
Lilith transforms and hugs Vaela tightly, her face radiating with a deep, maternal satisfaction.
By noon, Vaela, Kai and his royal entourage stand on the deck of a dock basked in the golden light of the sun's embrace. Before them stood a vessel unlike anything Vaela had ever seen. The Aquarian transport shimmers as water slides down its sleek frame, lined with enchanted glass and golden metal plating shaping it like a massive, metallic fish.
As they board the vessel, Vaela is greeted by a luxurious cabin coated in a cool, blue light undulating from glowing crystals lining its walls, and amendments seemling carved from coral fused with gold.
She sat beside a giant window as the ship began to descend, its fins fluttering like the wings of a manta as her wide eyes sparkle with wonder.
Kai, sitting next to her, the edges of his mouth curled into a proud smirk, slips her hand into hers, and she grabs it almost instinctively.
"Uncle's arranged a 'business summit'." Nerina sneers as she pokes her head over the back of their seats, looming over them with pouting lips. "He says it's to bring in foreign investment." she snorts. "He thinks we're fools! He's planning to carve up the kingdom piece by piece. I've heard the whispers. If we don't stop this, people like Virgil DuCroix are going to own Aquesteria."
Vaela gulps. "How can the king allow this."
"He… he's too sick." Nerina sighs. "And too trusting. He truly believes these snakes are helping him build a better kingdom for his people. Bringing them the future… but, it's all just lies and greed. And he's too blinded by ambition to see the truth."
Hours pass as they slowly trek through the deep, serenaded by herds of whales that drift by like clouds and passing ancient, underwater cities overgrown by corals and kelp.
And then, like a glowing pearl, Aquesteria faded into view through the darkness.
Kai suddenly slumps back and grabs his forehead. He groans before lifting from his seat. "I'm gonna need a drink for this."
Lilith materializes on Vaela's lap, purring gently. "Oh, the memories. Last time I was here, King Korylynis, The First, fought half the world for my hand. Now that was proper seduction."
Vaela narrows her eyes as she gawks at Lilith. "Y-You were Nauzeeka? The Siren Queen?"
"Well… she carried my curse. Not for long though."
"So you possessed her… and what? Seduced the King of Aquesteria into starting a war for you?"
"A world war…" Lilith purrs with a wink.
"So you're the reason the world lost most of its magic!?"
"Well…" Lilith shrugs. "I don't want to take all the credit. Greed had it's part to play. Bilial never could keep his sticky fingers to himself."
Vaela shudders. "I'm not sure if I should fear you or worship you."
"Both, kitten" Lilith replies with a sly smirk. "I like 'em both."