Just like An Angel

The salty air carried the sweet scent of blooming jasmine flowers as they danced in the gentle breeze. The suspended water-sky below the ocean sparkled under the sun rays that penetrate through the ocean.

With their super abilities, the merfolks had created a million constellations of stars that scattered across the water-like sky like tiny lights twinkling throughout space.

Amidst this picturesque scenery, a young girl stood on the shore, dressed in a beautiful gown made of shimmering blue fabric. It was a navy blue evening gown, with long sleeves and a plunging collar that exposed a thin line of skin down to her navel. Just enough material to be modest and just enough revealing of skin to be scandalous, Rachael loved it.

The dress was adorned with pearls and crystals, and it flowed elegantly with the movement of the ocean breeze. Her hair was styled in loose waves, and she wore a tiara made of seashells and diamonds. She looked like a true princess of the sea.

A few minutes after she was done dressing, Malachi arrived at her side wearing his finest royal attire. He looked absolutely devastatingly handsome and more regal than any prince she knew. And, as always, he was breathtakingly handsome, so much so that Rachael couldn't help but look up into his eyes for a moment or two before continuing to gaze out over the sea.

"Milady, it's almost time. I'm here to accompany you at the lord's request," Malachi said, offering her his hand.

Rachael hesitated for an instant, but then accepted his proffered hand and allowed herself to be escorted off her chambers.

When they finally arrived at the courtyard, the entire place was lit up with thousands of twinkling lights, and there were flowers of every color imaginable lining the paths. There were fountains that shot water high into the air, and the sound of the water added to the magical ambiance of the night.

As Rachael walked in with Malachi by her side, heads turned in her direction, and a hush descended over the room. Her dress sparkled and twinkled in the light, and she moved across the room with an effortless grace that left everyone in awe.

Noticing the amount of attention they had drawn, Malachi leaned a bit towards Rachael, whispering into her ears, "You need to be careful about who you speak to tonight. Some are very powerful. While some never wanted you alive though."

Nodding, Rachael squeezed his hand reassuringly, and replied softly in return, " Those who choose to dine with the devil must always use a long spoon. Don't worry," she whispered back. "

Malachi smiled down at her, his emerald green eyes dancing with mischief, "Indeed, milady. That is exactly my point. If you'll allow me, I need to find Icarus," he said, before turning away from her to mingle with others guests.

She watched him go, feeling strangely unsettled. Malachi had been so concerned about protecting her. Now that he was gone, it only implied she had to be cautious of her surroundings.

As she sipped on a glass of champagne, Rachael noticed a group of mermaids dancing in a nearby pool. Half of their body was covered in glittering tail fins that shimmered in the moonlight, and their movements were graceful and effortless. Rachael couldn't take her eyes off them, and she found herself moving closer to the pool.

As she watched the mermaids dance, lost in the beautiful art and the pattern of their dance. The sound of harps and flutes filled the air, and the merfolks danced in the waves, their tails swishing back and forth. Rachael watched in wonder as the dancers moved gracefully through the water, their hair flowing behind them like ribbons.

Lost in thought, Rachael didn't hear someone approach until they spoke in a low voice right next to her ear, "Are you enjoying your stay?" The man's warm breath sent goosebumps across her shoulders and neck.

Startled by the unexpected intrusion into her thoughts, Rachael glanced up at the person standing next to her. As she stared at him, however, a blush crept across her cheeks. For there, before her, stood the most handsome merperson she'd ever seen in her life. His black hair, a shade darker than the deepest oceans, spilled in soft curls onto his tanned shoulders.

His bright blue eyes were set deep in his olive cheeks, and a soft smile spread across his face when her gaze met his. He was dressed all in black, from his shirt to his shoes, and his outfit seemed to match his eyes perfectly. He wore a silver circle around his head that glittered under the light. His face was smooth, and the most mesmerizing feature was his lips, red with a hint of pink, that curled into a charming smile.

Icarus...," Rachael breathed, unable to believe what she was seeing.

"I see you're already in love with our culture," he said, a knowing smile playing on his full lips. He tilted his head and studied her carefully. "It's quite an interesting sight, isn't it?"

Rachael laughed, nodding. "Yes, I suppose it is," she admitted, admiring the beauty of the scenery that surrounded her.

Icarus placed a hand on her lower back. "Stay by my side," he whispered closer to her ear, loud enough for only her to hear.

"You're the self-acclaimed lady our brother saved," a man's voice came from beside Icarus. A tall gentleman with long dark hair strode over towards the pair of them, giving them both appraising looks.

"What brings you here, Alfred?" Icarus asked.

"Is that the welcome I was supposed to receive from my long, lost brother? A kiss on the cheek and some 'How do you do?'?" Alfred quipped playfully. Icarus rolled his eyes dramatically, and Rachael smiled at the interaction between the brothers.

"If anything, brother, I'm the one who should have come and met you after all. Considering how mother died during the war because of you," Alfred coldly stated.

Rachael gasped, not realizing that she had heard everything.

"Apologies Milady, I'm Alfred, Icarustepbrotherher. He's a century older than me," Alfred offered Rachael a hand.

Rachael reached out to accept his hand and returned the reply, "My name is Rachael," she said, giving him a customary bow.

"Rachael...," Alfred said, rolling the word around on his tongue. "A name befitting an angel. I'm not surprised. Your beauty almost made me believe you were one." He gave her a slow bow. Rachael blushed slightly, and took a subtle step back, away from Alfred

"I'm aware you know nothing about Icarus, Milady?" a smile of mischief danced across the edges of Alfred's lips as he observed Rachael's reaction.

"The day Icarus was to be crowned king was the day the great war broke out. What made matters complicated was the fact he was to get married to his bride that same day. Unfortunately, his bride went missing."