Thal felt her muscles tense with fear as Yoongi pulled her through the door. The huge room was mostly dark, with a few glowing plants at regular intervals. As they reached the other end, however, there was barely any light.

Thal could see a dark, almost black tail gently swishing through the water and instantly knew it was the King. The upper body of the male was shrouded in darkness, but she could still feel the weight of his gaze and it was terrifying.

"I have returned, Father," Yoongi said, releasing Thal's wrist as if he knew she wouldn't try to escape.

He was right - she was too scared to move.

"So I can see," Came a deep voice from the shadows, "Where is your Mother?"

Thal noticed Yoongi's jaw clench.

"The Queen will come in due time," He responded, the word Queen dripping with anger, "As Taehyung planned,"

"What?!" Thal cried, "Taehyu-"

Yoongi snatched at her wrist and yanked her roughly to him, "Hold your tongue in front of the Poseidon, Princess,"

"Ah, this is your bride," It was said as a statement and Thal turned angrily towards the darkness. However, before she could speak, the faint rustling of scales rubbing together made her realise that the Poseidon was moving.

He slowly emerged from the darkness, and Thal had to admit he was handsome. He was like her Mother; he didn't look much older than Thal at all.

His face was symmetrical and classically handsome, with plump lips and a masculine jaw bone. His eyes, however, sent a shiver down her spine.

They were as black as obsidian and just as cold and lifeless. His gaze made her tremble.

"I wouldn't have known that she was the offspring of my Queen," The Poseidon said, reaching out and lifting Thal's chin to get a better look at her face, "She must take after the peasant boy that forced himself on my beloved,"

He smirked when Thal jerked her face away, "How unfortunate that you have more his colour tail than-"

He stopped suddenly, a frown on his face, "His tail was purple," He smiled suddenly, a gesture just as cold as everything else about him, "It seems that my Queen's rapist got away with his crime. No matter, I will find him and punish the correct brother, this time,"

The Poseidon turned to Yoongi, "You may take her to your quarters, my son. I will arrange for the pairing to take place as soon as my Queen returns,"

"Yes, Father,"

Yoongi pulled Thal back towards the door, his grip harder than ever.

—-

Larissa had parted ways with Taehyung and Bee a few minutes into their descent, explaining that she had to find someone important who would be able to help them.

This left Taehyung with Bee, and he was extremely nervous being along with the Queen.

They were of course in a hurry to get to the palace before Daisy's charm wore off, but Taehyung couldn't stop himself from speaking to the Queen.

"I'm sorry for my part in this," He said, a little breathlessly, "The Poseidon sent me to bring you back, But Thal... Thal was..."

Bee glanced at him, "Thal what?"

Taehyung was silent for a moment as he came to terms with what he was about to say. He had been denying it, but he knew what was happening.

"Thal enchanted me from the very first time I saw her," He said truthfully, "She is my true mate and even if she will not have me, I will die for her willingly,"

Bee slowed until she stopped altogether. She faced Taehyung, reaching out and taking his face in her hands.

"That might be necessary," She said coldly, surprising him, "But I hope it will not come to that. If you help me save my daughter, I will forgive you," She leaned in close, her voice barely above a whisper, "But if you betray her or hurt her in anyway, I will rip your beating heart from your chest and feed it to sharks while you are still dying,"

Taehyung's eyes widened and he nodded, "Upon my honour, I will do right by Princess Thalassa," He swore.

Bee nodded once and took off once more.

"I uh," He cleared his throat, "I never expected that from you, your Highness," He said truthfully, "I heard stories about your gentle and kind heart,"

"I have had so much taken from me," Bee said, "I will not allow the same to happen to my daughter,"

Taehyung was silent for a moment before speaking again, "What about your son?"

Pain flashed across Bee's features, "I tried and failed to save him from his father. I won't make the same mistake twice,"

She slowed down again as they reached the edge of the town by the palace.

"We need to go quickly," She said, looking down at her body, "My scales are beginning to shine,"