Seven

*192 years earlier*

I flipped the worn leather book open, the ink enchanted so it would never smear in water, as I cuddled under a blanket on the armchair near the fireplace. The pink fire burning as bright as if we weren't thousands of miles under the sea. The muffled sound of music and chatter filled the halls and crept its way inside my bedroom. It was my sister's birthday ball. It wasn't as if I didn't want to celebrate my sister's 228th birthday. I was happy for her, I was, but, it just really isn't my scene. After all, it was her human sixteenth birthday.

"Princess Sedna?" A boy asked beside me and I jumped, looking over at the young Symari who dared to enter my sanctuary.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, standing from my spot as stared at him in the entryway, "You shouldn't be in here."

"Your mother asked me to come and find you." He responded coolly as he made his way further into the room. "What are you reading?"

"What is your name?" I asked, setting my book down as I swam towards him.

"My name is Lord Ronan Delmare Alexander Stormborn, I am the heir apparent of my father's castle in Viscof. My father is Ardan Stormborn, The Earl of Viscof." The boy said proudly, he hadn't have been more than a few years older than me and would soon take over his father's title and responsibilities.

"Well, Lord Stormborn, it has been lovely to meet you but please tell my mother I do not wish to leave my room," I said swiftly before grabbing his hand and pulling him out of my room. Although, I didn't get very far before he spun out of my grasp and dove towards my discarded book. "Hey, what are you doing!"

He looked up, flipping through my book with a slight smile tugging at his lips. "I'm trying to understand the mysterious Princess Sedna Elizabeth Mary Saltheir. After all, no-one knows much about you. You keep to yourself, you're rarely seen at social gatherings. Why do you shut yourself away Seda?" He asked, setting the book down before swimming cautiously towards me.

"Why are you so interested in me?" I inquired, staring into his deep blue eyes.

"You're a curious Symari."

"Is it because I look human?" I asked, wincing at the word, memories flashed my vision, memories I wanted to forget.

He shook his head, "No, you're quiet, observant, and you like reading things I have never seen before in another Symari. And I find it fascinating, I find you fascinating."

"Well, I'm sorry but we really shouldn't be alone together. You need to leave." I said hastily as I tried to lead him towards the exit.

"Fine, I will leave but know this Seda, I will find you again." He grinned before leaving my room quietly.

I hadn't realized my skin had begun to give off a light blue hue until I looked into a mirror. I hoped I never had to see him again I wasn't sure if I could handle his personality. But of course, we both barely knew each other. But what if he is like the others? Would he try to hurt me like the other Symari children just because I don't look like him? I certainly hoped not.