Page 62 of Coral Prince Conundrum
(A FEW YEARS LATER)
My driver pulls up via waterway to the massive green building. I step out of the coach, and guards flank me on both sides. Before stepping inside, I take in the structure in all its glory. The Globalization Institute has been our pride and joy these past few years. My brother’s efforts to boost tourism have certainly had an effect. Children and teenagers, both wealthy and underprivileged, have lined up to take classes with the great husband of the Coral Prince.
And what a husband he is. After walking inside and peering through a glass window, I spot Daryl. He’s wearing a green apron and pointing to a chalkboard. The students are at different tables, each with various cups and ingredients before them. He’s teaching them some barista lesson, and his passion shines through, even when he’s simply making a matcha latte. I can’t help but smile to myself; he’s still breathtakingly handsome after years of being together.
The kids all pack up their concoctions and begin to clean up. I know the schedule, so the lesson is over. Daryl’s assigned guardscrowd the door, but when they spot me, they bow and open up. I walk in and try not to make a fuss, but in seconds, the dozens of kids are all murmuring with attention. As they bow, I stride to Daryl’s side; I’m used to crowds venerating me, so I just go about my business.
And my business is the beautiful man at the front. His smile is like the sunrise after a monsoon, bringing warmth to my bones. “Hey! I didn’t expect you here!”
I grin and take his hand, then kiss it. The teenagers all swoon. While we have always been an inclusive country, I continue to do my best to normalize male-male relationships. Daryl seems not to mind.
“I came to see you, my love.”
He snickers. “Yeah, but I was going to see you at home in a few.” He washes out some cups, and I assist him. It’s always good to show the commoners that the royalty can still do everyday tasks.
“I did not want to wait,” I reply. I do love that the royal surface home has become exclusivelyourhome. Oroy has his own personal life to attend to, so he has moved out, and it’s not as if my sister is getting out of her mansion prison, ever. “I have not been here in some time.”
“As you can see, it’s going great.” He points to where the kids are still whispering about us. Some point, and if the guards had not confiscated their phones for class, I’m sure they would be recording us. “Funnily enough, I got my master’s in marine conservation just to end up teaching about everyday life as an American.”
We both chuckle. “You are a wealth of knowledge, my love.”
Daryl dries a cup and replies, “And you’re a sweet talker, my husband.”
The two of us laugh and finish cleaning. Once we’re done, the students line up to ask me questions, as is often the case. It’s alively activity, and the guards shut it down if any teenagers get particularly aggressive, which has rarely happened.
And the entire time, Daryl is by my side, rubbing my back. He’s been a constant supportive presence for me for years, and that has not changed.
That night, crowds assemble in the underwater courtyard of the main palace. Oroy has arranged for a podium and waterproof cameras, so this event is likely streaming live. Thanks to my years of activism, we have a good relationship with the United Regions. I’m sure other countries are watching as well, considering my brother’s proclivity for global publicity. Father is outside giving a very long speech about how he is phasing out of his duties as king. Meanwhile, I wait in the backstage area with Mother and Daryl.
My husband is playing with his gloved hands, a gesture I know is a manifestation of anxiety. He’s wearing the advanced scuba suit we recently designed just for him. Not only does it have a compartment to allow food in, but he can communicate with us with the push of a button. Most importantly, it will take more than a few whirlpools to pry it off of him. We won’t be testing that last one in person—as long as he’s by my side, I will keep my love safe.
“Everything will be fine,” I say.
He nods and presses the button on his suit shoulder. “I know. It’s not like I’m nervous. I mean, you’re the one who has to speak. I just have to stand there, but…” His voice trails off.
I take his hands. “I have been preparing for this my whole life. And with you by my side, I finally have the courage to do it. It is all thanks to you, love.”
He smiles and squeezes my hands. “You give me too much credit,” he replies.
“No. You gave me wisdom and strength all those years ago. I was looking for something worth fighting for in the surface world.” I rub his face through his helmet. “And I found you, the most precious pearl in all the oceans.”
I can see his cheeks redden. He taps his helmet and places his fingers on my lips, a gesture we established as our underwater kiss.
“It is time, my son,” Mother says, pulling my attention. We stride forward toward the outside of the palace, past the guards. Before we walk out, Mother holds me tightly. “I am so proud of you, Searoyal. You are paving your own way, bringing peace and saving the oceans unlike any other Corali before you.”
My eyes prickle, and I hug her back. “Thank you, Mother.” With that, she swims forward.
My pulse pounds as the light streams in through the doors. When I float out there, everything will change. I squeeze Daryl’s hand, and he gazes at me.
“I love you, Daryl Tishman.”
His eyes water behind the helmet. “I love you, Seero Dagat.”
“Thank you. For choosing this runaway prince.”
He shrugs. “Thanks for loving this barista.”
We both chuckle, and I gradually swim forward, allowing Daryl plenty of time to walk by my side. The underwater crowd roars, and I’m sure many have their waterproof phones filming.
