"Prince Adrien, and Miss Marinette, I overheard a dreadful conversation,"  Wayhem says.

      "Oh, and what was so horrid?"  Adrien asks.

    "It is okay, you can tell us,"  Marinette says to reassure him.

      "I am sorry to have to share such news,"  The royal guard says once more.

      "Well, come on out with it, man," Adrien says.

    "Adrien, I heard the others say if you and Marinette return to the sea they plan to turn you over to the wicked rulers that have taken over the underwater world,"  Wayhem states.

   "What is so bad about this?  They are only my aunt and uncle," Adrien scoffs.

   "Yes, true, but they claim there is proof you are traitors.  They say you have committed treason and this means death for you and her,"  Wayhem explains.

"Do you mean they plan to trap us, so they can kill us?" Adrien asks.

"Yes, that is exactly what I mean,"  Wayhem says.

"Oh, dear me!" Marinette says.

"This is bad news no wonder you wished to seek us out an old friend.  Thank you for letting us know at once, " Adrien responds.

"Your majesty and majesty to be, do be careful!" Wayhem tells them.

"Do not worry, we have every intention to do so,"  Adrien says.

"Now, that is settled, what is you are supposed to have done that is so bad?"  Wayhem asks.

"It is Lila Rossi," Adrien says.

"Oh, you mean the dead Mermaid, never did like her," Wayhem retorts.

"Yes, well she got in a fight with me," Marinette explains.

"Then, she made Marinette think she killed her since it was her idea for them to have a duel to the death.  This rotten girl had the idea she could take me from Marinette," Adrien explains.

     Wayhem does not say a word as the two go back and forth.  He just listens and feels his eyes glow as they tell him the whole story.

  "So, what you are telling me is she threatens Marinette, then Marinette defends herself, the girl makes Marinette think she is already dead and turns against her?"  Wayhem asks.

"Yes, that is what we mean.  Only, I did kill her, but it was an accident.  I did not mean to hit her that hard," Adrien says.

"He is telling the truth because he was saving me," Marinette replies.

"Goodness, no wonder they are after you. For a merman, or mermaid to be killed by their family, or almost family is concerned some fishy business,"  Wayhem states.

"It was self-defense," Adrien shouts.

"I know that she knows that, and you know that but does anyone else?"  Wayhem asks.


"We tried to explain it, but Nathaniel did not believe us," Marinette blurts out.

"Nathaniel, I should have known he was involved in all this somehow,"  Wayhem says.

  "What do you suggest we do?" Adrien asks.

  "For now, I suggest you do not return to the ocean and stay clear of the beach,"  Wayhem answers.

  "Ok, anything else?"  Marinette asks.

"Just do be careful!"  Wayhem tells them.  He does not wish to see his friend and his wife to be hurt or killed by the merpeople who seek revenge for Lila's death.

 "Wayhem, Adrien's aunt and uncle murdered his parents!"  Marinette blurts out next.

   "I was aware of this fact for years. Sorry, I was unable to tell you, friend," Wayhem says.

"Do not be sorry.  It was something that I found out months ago," Adrien says.

  Wayhem's  POV:
      Marinette and Adrien better listen to my advice, otherwise, I can not guarantee their safety no matter how much of an old friend I might be to Adrien.

     He sure hopes the couple will find a way to remain safe for as long as possible.

 
Adrien's  POV:
  It was great of Wayhem to warn us.

However, I still think he worries way too much.

 It is not like anyone else knows we are here other than Marinette's sisters and Wayhem, right?


Marinette's  POV:
    Can we trust this guy?

  I know he is Adrien's friend and claims to be a loyal guard.

  He did warn us, but how are we to know he did not plot against us as well?


 Marinette's  POV:
 Something seems off about the entire thing if you ask me.

   Why should anyone plot to kill us over such nonsense?

  It is not my fault  Lila insisted on a duel or that she attempted to kill me.


 Adrien's  POV:
  This stinks because all I did was protect my woman.

  Now, it seems the whole ocean full of mermen and mermaids are after us.  

    How were we to know this would happen?

     At least Wayhem came along when he did so he could warn us.

    Good thing too because now I know where his loyalties lay.

Wayhem's  POV:
  Somehow I do not think Adrien's fiance Marinette trusts me.

 She might have Adrien fooled when it comes to this fact, but I can tell.

 The young lady glares at me as if she thinks I will bite her head off or something.

      Wayhem looks around him not sure where he should stay.  It is not like he wishes to impose on the hospitality of someone he barely knows. It is not like he can expect to stay here much longer.

      "It is okay, you can remain in the guest room,"  Marinette says.

   "Yes, you are welcome to stay as long as you want too,"  Adrien tells him.

     "Okay, in that case, thank you so much,"  Wayhem states.

      
       Wayhem walks back into the guest room and lays down.  He feels tired.  Perhaps, he could use a bit of what is it the land people call it again?   Yes, that is it a nap.  He could use one of those.  He smiles, closes his eyes, and soon falls asleep.

     
     Marinette and Adrien sit on the sofa together. They both think about the details of what Wayhem has just shared with them. It is a  lot to take in all at once.  

 Find out more in Chapter  24...

-Summer out!