Shoji had been stuck in that castle, forbidden from leaving the kingdoms territory since he was a guppy. It was now only two years before he was supposed to be crowned king of the Northern Sea and he hadn't so much as stepped a foot, or in his case, a tentacle, outside of the kingdom gates.

His father claimed it was because the surrounding kingdoms and their heirs were nothing but arrogant, violent monsters who craved money and power. It was 'dangerous'.

He had no other choice but to believe these words, and promised to never leave.

But one faithful night, that changed. He swam out the window of his chambers and snuck around the guards.

He was out of the castle.

Out in the open ocean.

He swam through the chilly waters, his tentacles exploring the unfamiliar texture of the surrounding coral as he did so. He was in no rush to get to a certain destination, just exploring until his hearts content. The open ocean was a fascinating place. He was angry his father had kep him from this.

He was currently swimming through a small cove, completely losing track of time. His heart racing and his blood pumping. It was exciting.

The moonlight shimmered on the sand below as he swam, the curious teen completely armored by his surroundings. That was until he glanced up and quickly caught a glimpse of something else in the water. He swam closer out of curiosity, only to get tackled from the side out of nowhere.

Caught off guard, he struggled in the hold of his captor, his tentacles stirring up the sand below, making it hard to see. He stilled upon realizing he could see anything and waited for the dust to clear.

Looking up at his attacker his brows furrowed. It was a prince from a kingdom just south of his own. He recognized the crest on their clothing. His father told him how arrogant and petty the royals were there. Ungrateful, stubborn and all the other nasty words under the sun.

"Unhand me!" He shouted through the mask he wore ever since he was a child, still struggling in the other royals grasp.