Another boring ball, just what Arven wanted for his 18th birthday. His friend, Prince Claude, invited him to stay within his humble palace. A simple sleepover, easy. No, Claude planned a whole week of activities.

The poor boy just wanted to go home and read, but no. Arven swirled his wine glass for the umpteenth time, standing in the corner. Suddenly, Claude brought out a huge tank. Inside was…a mermaid. Arven had read about them before, apparently a mermaid’s tear could heal anything.

How did Claude get his hands on her?

Claude introduced her, while the poor thing glanced about fearfully in her tank. And that’s when Arven realized Claude’s intentions with her. His friend offered a glass of filtered water to her, which was poison to mermaids. He was torturing the poor thing.

She hadn’t come willingly.

Arven watched her being led away, and frowned. He couldn’t let her be mistreated by his friend. Claude had to understand that royalty couldn’t step on everyone. So when the coast was clear, he entered the room where she as being kept. He slowly began to wheel away her tank, and she quickly panicked.

“Shh! I’m trying to help you!” He whispered.