Nineteen

Rriel's point of view

I know exactly what he's doing. He's trying to manipulate me to choose Emmy. He knows Opal can not stray here. I feel so angry. If it comes down to it, I will leave Aquablue and return home with Opal. Maybe that's the one correct answer.

I walk with Opal towards the garden. I need to keep my composure. I don't want to startle her anymore. I guess this would be scary seeing all these new creatures in a new palace.

"Is everything okay?" she asks me.

"It's fine," I wink.

"You seem very upset," she tells me.

"I just feel like this is another form of manipulation. He knows you can't stay here; therefore, I can't marry you."

"So maybe Emmy is the right choice," she says.

It hurts my heart that she feels this way. "I don't feel from her the way I feel for you." I kiss her hand.

"Is that only because I'm your heartbeat?" She asks.

"No, that's because I fell in love with you."

I see her face light up. It makes me happy.