The Ark of Humanity

  * * *

  Cardonea Tower

  “You must come with us to greet our visitors, Anna!” Zhar Nicholea, Meridia’s husky ruler pled with his youngest daughter. His burley crimson beard waved in the currents, pressing to his shimmering jellyfish garments. He hovered, mid-float, between Anna’s chamber room doorway and the ornate carved windowsill she swam gently in and out of.

  “Why should I?” she asked, tossing her arms. “You don’t know these men except that they say they’re a lost race of our ancestors. Why must you always flaunt me like a chest of gems? I’m not Zharista. I don’t want royalty. I don’t want power. I want to be left to live the life of normal Meridians.”

  He moved slowly through the chamber until they were close, then touched his large, callused hands softly to her cheeks, looking deep into her emerald eyes.

  “You are like rippling light in night’s waters to me, daughter,” he said softly, touched with love. “I ask you to come because your warmth brings a clearness of mind and heart to me when I need it the most. Your mother, brother, sisters and you are what gives me strength to not fall into the jaded traps of others, and to do what’s right for our kingdom. It is not for these men I ask you to come with me. It is for me.”

  Tears built in her eyes as he swam from the room, shutting the doorway gently behind him with his massive hands.

  Yes, mer people cry too. But their tears cannot be seen and drift into the waters where none will know they ever were. It’s just a feeling swelling in their eyes as the currents ripple in.

  She knew he’d understand; that she didn’t want to file out in gaudy revelry to meet the visitors. Part of her did want to go, of course, so that she could be there by his side.

  But a strength inside her would not give in. That strength insisted she was right, though she knew it was wrong.

  Anna hovered beside the window sill, awaiting her family’s royal glide to meet the visitors along Meridia’s outer rim, watching for her father.