MIDNIGHT: Whispers From The Dark Sea

"Rule number 1?", He barked, thrashing the boy with a whip; His screams erupted in place of an answer; Dante's tiny body wiggled in a struggle to break free from the strong arms that held him and escape the cruelty of a man he'd known as his father.

The piercing screams did nothing but only agitated Edwardo to exercise his arms more.

"Answer me, boy!" He bawled, raising the whip to go in for another mighty lash.

"Never call you father, I am sorry, I won't, I promise; Don't hit me anymore, please, I beg you, your Highness," the boy pleaded helplessly.

His small body was soaked in sweat.

"You are a monster. The day I met your mother, I expected she would birth a fine child, but look like you! You've got hair all over you like fur. Can you blame anyone for treating you like an animal?" Those cruel words pierced through his fragile heart. He dropped to the floor with a loud thud as the soldiers released him.

Prince Dante curled into a ball, sobbing. The cruel words of his father echoed in his mind to replace the old ones. It was a routine now. Each time his father came in contact with him or his younger brother, Xander, reported something false to his parents, he would get beaten like an animal.

He didn't dispute that he was too hideous to be loved. He just wanted to talk to his parents and play with his brother.

Dante had been born with a rare form. A condition known to only a few as hypertrichosis is the werewolf syndrome. The rest termed it a curse. One that was so 'contagious' that they had to keep their distance. Dante didn't mind. He was too ashamed to try to get close to anyone anyway. No one knew that he was Prince even. His father had countlessly denied him, claiming he was a child his mother had picked up in the forest. He got thrashed every time he tried to dispute it.

Dante's mother wasn't any different. She avoided him like a plague and shut her doors anytime she heard him close by. He had not seen his mother's face for almost three years!

The soldiers are no less. They were always willing to hold him down for his father to torture him. The servants treated him worse.

Everything would have been bearable if his appearance were his only flaw. Dante was half insane too. During some nights he was normal, other nights, especially at midnight, a strange song in his head would exert control over him. He would destroy things, try to end his life, and end up locked away in chains in the palace barn.

His only place of comfort was the ocean. He had to wear oversized clothes, gloves, and a hat to conceal his repulsive appearance. The last thing he wanted to do was scare the villagers and have his father ban him from leaving the palace. He couldn't afford to lose the little happiness he felt whenever he gazed at the golden sea.

Dante had gotten accustomed to sneaking out at early hours of the day, to spend time with the only thing that didn't openly detest him. He could share his worries with the sea and enjoy the breeze that calms his nerves.

Meanwhile, deep below the water, Almira and her maid watched him. She never got a clear view of his face because he always had a hat on and she had to be far away too for her safety.

Humans could never be trusted. Even though there had been a spell put in place to erase their existence from their memories, no sane siren could trust a human.

Her mother, Helena, was yet to be found. The throne was begging for a ruler. Normally, she wouldn't have thought twice, but the darkness of the Golden Throne would destroy them all if she was powerful enough to contain it. That led her back to the human on the cliff.

"I try to call out to him many times, but the piece of me he possesses cancels it out, every single time", Almira communicated to her handmaid. The maid tried to hide her smile. The princess narrowed her seafoam eyes at the giggling girl.

"May I know why you find this situation amusing, Kitanna?".

Kitanna knew to stay calm even though the voice in her head made her scales stiffen. Almira's voice always had that cold and unfeeling melody to it, even in a good mood.

"He's your mate, your highness. You should stop trying to kill him", Kitanna's voice was tiny but confident. It had this chirpy edge to it that could brighten any mood.

"I believe I shall be doing him a favor. He doesn't come here every day to make my heart pound. I can almost sniff the misery around him. Our poor home will get tired of his complaints soon enough. Isn't a quick cold death at the bottom of the sea he loves, a rewarding death?", Almira asked. Kitanna's blue eyes budge, steps away from falling out.

"Make that bigger, and you'll be replacing the giant squids", Almira remarked. Kitanna blinked.

"I do not understand. You are supposed to love him, your highness. He is your soulmate".

"He is the ocean's choice, not mine. Once he comes of age, I shall dig my hand into that piece of flesh and pull out my missing piece. You and the ocean can do the loving part. We must return now. His presence annoys me, but for my sake, I need to make sure I'm there when he decides to end it all", Almira shrugged, swimming ahead.

"Your Highness! That was a cruel thing to say", Kitanna complained.

"I know a worthless person when I see one. There's so much he can do with his time".

"He's only ten!" Exclaimed Kitanna.

"He should go play with friends then. If he doesn't have any, he should study. You said he is Prince, his throne is not located on that cliff, is it? No one rules a kingdom by staring at the sea. I believe those humans couldn't have embedded in those books they carry around that the norms and values of their kingdom, are written in water," Almira retorted.

That was the last time she saw him.

Eleven years later, Kitanna came swimming into her room in a panic.

"I didn't think it was possible to sweat in water," Almira uttered evenly.

"There is a problem, your highness."

"It's not hard to tell," Almira said without interest.

"It's about your mate. He is getting married!" Kitanna announced.

Almira squinted her eyes at her.

"When?".

"Now!" the girl breathed.

Cold water drenched him on the spot he lay. He gasped, jerking up from sleep with a shiver.

"Sleeping around like an old hag, do you not have duties to perform? Today is the Prince's wedding. You should be clearing the dirt around the palace!" The harshness of the man's tone made Dante shiver.

"I am sorry I overslept, sir. I did pick all the dirt around yesterday. I only need to sweep the floors", Dante managed to reply, between scampering off the floor, and squeezing the water off his wet clothes.

"Move, boy! We do not have time", the head cleaner, Guirello said impatiently, shoving him out of the room.

Dante quickened his steps to avoid being manhandled. The years had gone by with increasing hardship. Imagine struggling to feed in a palace filled with food. Hell, even the dogs fed better than him. He worked as a slave, possibly lower if there was something like that. He received no wages as it was believed keeping him alive was enough payment for his services.

Dante didn't complain even once. He was appreciative of having a roof over his head. Picking a broom, he resumed his duties for the day. He couldn't stop glancing at the wedding venue. A smile crossed his face, watching the maids run around with flowers, the soldiers fixing up the decorations, and others wiping the seats.

Xander was getting married!

It felt like was only yesterday he was running around, covered in mud and panicking about losing his sight. Dante smiled fondly. Xander was so little then and innocent then. Today, he was getting married to his childhood friend, Kimorra.

"Hurry up with that before the guests start arriving. You are not playing scarecrow today", Guirello's voice startled him.

"Huh?" Dante blurted, confused and alarmed.

"Why do you look so surprised? The king's specifically instructed that you must not be seen anywhere around the palace until the marriage rites are completed". He reliably informed.

Dante simply nodded. He wasn't expecting an invitation anyway. He would stay in the barn and enjoy the music. As much as he would have loved to witness his brother's marriage, he was afraid of ruining it.

"Okay sir", he mumbled.

"Be good and you may share the leftovers with the dogs", Guirello said, walking away.

Dante's face lit up on hearing that. Sharing with the dogs meant good food. His stomach grumbled loudly in approval. He couldn't hide his excitement as he hurriedly swept the floors. Most of the meals he was offered were so stale that he couldn't eat them. It ended with him going hungry for days.

A few times, stealing from the kitchen and the dogs saved him, other times, it ended with a severe beating.

Sweeping the dust hurriedly away as a gentle breeze blew across the palace. Dante wanted nothing to ruin his work. He couldn't afford to let anything ruin his chances of a good meal. The opportunity rarely came.

He concluded his work and reported to Guirello. The man shooed him away in annoyance, snapping that he wasn't needed anymore. Dante returned to his home. The old barn.

It was an empty place with nothing but a sack of old clothes. A few of which he spread on the floor to curb the harshness of the tarred floor. He had to stuff others in broken patches of the roof. During heavy rainfall, he had to sleep while standing because the worn-out clothes were not enough to stop the leakages. He ended with a flooded room most nights than none. Last night was one of them.

Sighing, he grabbed an old bucket from the corner and a cloth. His knees barely responded as he dropped to the coarse floor. The pain had become a part of him so it barely faxed him anymore. Those knees had seen worse.

He pushed his oversized sleeve backward to reveal his hairy hand. He whistled absentmindedly, dapping the floor with the cloth.

The guests were seated, smiled plastered on their faces as the couple took their vows. To the right, the royal family was sitting beside their inlaws, watching their children with pride.

Prince Xander was clad in a blue tailored suit, designed by the best tailors in the city. His hair was perfectly styled to the back to bring out his prominent features. His turquoise eyes shone with adoration for the woman before him.

Kimora was living her dream. Getting married to the boy she adored as a child was the most fulfilling thing she'd ever done. Happiness bubbled in her chest as she stared into his lovely eyes. It still felt like a dream that this man, who had all the girls in the city fawning over him, was hers. Nobody thought it impossible especially since she was the daughter of the king's adviser.

"Is there anyone with a valid reason to hinder the union of this couple? Speak now or forever remain silent", the Priest asked.

"I do", a cold silky voice filtered through the silence. Gasps filled the air, heads turning to pick out the owner of the voice. They didn't need to look for long because she came walking through the petal gates. Her dark aura subdued the place, exerting power and dominance. She walked with an elegance that left everyone thrilled.

The white gown was laced with diamonds. Each piece of it clinging to her body like a second skin. Her lustrous dark hair rested freely on her butt, bouncing gently as she moved. Her eyes seafoam eyes had depths of mystery in them, effortlessly dazing everyone who stole a glance at them. The dress was split up to her mid-thighs, exposing the straight milky skin that promised deliciousness. Her beauty left hearts pounding as she moved.

She stopped in front of the groom. Xander could only gape at her, eyes wide and lustful. Her plump rosy lip pressed in a thin line as she gazed at him.

"The nerve of you to get married while you have my heart". Her tone was cold, yet there was a sexiness to it that had him melting. Her finger met his lip with teasing innocence, skidding down his chest.

"I don't care if you're getting married or not. I only want my property", Almira stated.

"Who are you? What do you want? Xander, say something. Who is she? Get your hands off him!" Kimora bawled, slapping her hands off. "What do you want?".

"Are you retarded? I clearly said he has my heart. He's not permitted to live anyone with it", Almira retorted.

Kimorra was beyond pissed. How could a strange woman pop out of nowhere and claim her man? Determined to save her wedding from crashing, she stepped in between them and faced Prince Xander.

"Xander, who is this woman? You know what, it doesn't matter who she is. Let us just focus on our wedding, then we can sort this out later, please?" Her voice was small and desperate. The lust swimming in his eyes warned her of the heartbreak she was about to handle.

Xander stared helplessly at her, then at the goddess that effortlessly stole his breath. He couldn't think of anything apart from her slender body entangled in his.

"I... I... Give us a moment, please," He said to Kimorra. He took Almira's hand, but she pulled away.

"I'm not stupid, I can follow you without holding on to your hand," Almira said. Xander smiled to hide his embarrassment and walked ahead. They stopped a few steps away from Kim.

"So .... Do you want to be with me? Don't you think crashing my wedding was a bit extreme?", He said nervously. Almira stared plainly at him.

"I'm not concerned with whatever pathetic validations you build your lives on. Frankly, I do not wish to wed you or anyone....."

"What the princess means to say is that she doesn't believe in weddings", Kitanna injected quickly, nudging Almira.

"That interpretation was rather unnecessary ", Almira said dryly.

"She wants to be with you, your highness. Why else would she stop you from getting married?", Kitanna continued, ignoring Almira's comment. Xander beamed on hearing the words.

Almira turned to the maid with a piercing stare. "I appreciate that you feel the need to explain things to him, but do not think you can speak for me".

"Your Highness, you are going to expose us with the way you're going. How do you explain you want to rip him apart and take out his heart? You will get us killed!" Kitanna replied through the mind link.

Almira faced Xander with an unimpressed look. For some reason, she detested the mere sight of him. Her heart wasn't pounding as hard as it did when she arrived earlier, but it was pounding nonetheless, so she had no reason to doubt him.

"He might even cancel the wedding for your sake. That's how powerful the bond is", She heard Kitanna's chirpy voice at the back of her mind. Her gaze didn't leave him as she replied to the overexcited maid.

"You sound like he's doing me a favor. I was the one who saved the poor girl from the pains of widowhood".

"You should start taking things seriously, your highness ".

"You've known me long enough to know that I do not have a sense of humor, so don't be quick to assume I'd make out time to create a joke out of everything. I'm not that creative", Almira responded indifferently.

She returned her focus to the giddy man before her.

"I do not wish to be part of any drama. Feed your guests and tell them to leave, we have a lot to discuss. Keep that crying girl away from me, too. I'll be inside if you don't mind".

Xander was stunned by her statement. The woman walked away, leaving him dazed similar to when she first appeared. Xander couldn't see himself choosing Kimorra over such a beauty. He would end it.

Almira led herself into the palace. It was half as beautiful and luxurious as hers, but it was impressive. The interior was simply stunning.

Kitanna was visibly impressed. She looked around with amazement and touched everything she came in contact with. She didn't even notice when she drifted away from Almira until she heard a yelp and the crashing of plates.

Taking a quick spin, a gasp escaped her lips at the sight before her. Almira was soiled with leftovers. She quickly hurried over.

"My Princess! Are you okay?", She asked worriedly.

'Princess?' Dante thought in panic. His heart slammed hard against his rib cage, causing an unusual ache. Almira clasped her hand around her chest, pulling back in shock. Her heart never responded that way before.

She glanced warily at the entrance. Did his devastated bride decide to kill him on her behalf? That would be lovely!

"I'm s-so sorry, your h-highness. I s-swear I d-didn't mean to. P- Please forgive m-me...." He stuttered, ripping off a piece of his tattered shirt to wipe her feet.

"Are you partially blind? You soiled my dress, not my feet". Dante was surprised at how calm her tone was despite the insult. He clutched tightly to the cloth. The dress looked expensive.

"Am I allowed to wipe it off?", He asked in a small voice.

"Would your tongue do a better job?", Almira asked in annoyance. His timidity was starting to irritate her. Before he could wipe it, however, someone yelled his name from behind.

"Dante! You dirty little animal, what have you done?", Guirello cried, staring at the dress in horror. Dante retreated slowly, eyes wide in panic, but the man's hand already met his face, sending him to the ground with a thud.

Kitanna gasped, shocked by the man's actions. Guirello proceeded to attack him with his legs, kicking and cursing him all at once.

"I'm sorry..." Dante cried, but the sturdy man wouldn't stop attacking his sides.

"You're good for nothing...! Do you think your life is worth half of these plates? Or the dress you soiled? You will get a proper beating today!" Guirello panted.

"Can you take your drama somewhere else? It's not a dazzling sight to behold ", Almira said, walking away. Guirello bowed until she passed him. He grabbed Dante's leg and pulled him along with him.

Kitanna threw a pitiful glance at him. She scooted closer to Almira.

"You should have stopped him, your highness? That man is scary and mean," Kitanna said.

"I didn't come here to save anyone. He got himself in trouble, was he expecting chocolates?", Almira retorted. Kitanna's jaw dropped, and the princess pushed it close for her. "My heart hurts. It keeps pounding faster by the minute and a great pain ensues with it".

"It means your mate is hurting", Kitanna frowned.

"This better not be in vain", Almira muttered.