4

He looked away a bit, feeling guilty. "Sorry that I took you from your home, but besides me of myself wanting to know you. Studying you could help my research.

Salene blinked. "Research?"

"Yes, remember I told you I am a marine biologist. I'm researching the impact of human activity on ocean life and organisms there. I have to make sure we humans are not making irreparable damage to the environment."

"I think your job is great, and I don't mind you using me to help with your research, but you could have asked me instead of capturing me. My family probably thinks I'm dead or something."

"I'm sorry, but I think this was the best way, so I could spend a little more time with you to get the information I need. Remember I said I'd set you free after."

She sighed. "I know you said that, and I trust that you'll keep your word. How old are you? You look young about my age, and I'm 24."

Zade chuckles softly and nods. He was used to people thinking he was much younger than he was. "I'm 26 years old."

"You don't have a family? Since I've been here, I haven't seen anyone but you."

Zade's heart skips a beat when she asks about his family. He wasn't used to discussing his personal life with anyone, but he didn't want her to feel that she was sharing all her information, and he wasn't. "No, I don't have any family. I'm an only child, and my parents passed away in an accident a few years ago."

Salene shakes her head, feeling a bit sad that he didn't have a family. "I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have asked."

"It's okay. I've learned to cope with it, I also have friends and colleagues who I can rely on for support." He saw it in her eyes what she wanted to ask next but was hesitant to. "No I'm not married or have kids, but I do have a girlfriend. Her name is Leah. She's very understanding and supportive, and I'm very lucky to have her in my life."

"I'm engaged to Thorne, a merman from another kingdom."

Zade's eyes widen in surprise when she mentions her engagement. He had no idea that she was engaged, and he was a bit shocked by the sudden revelation. He was also a bit surprised that she was engaged to a merman from another kingdom, since he thought all merfolk were part of the same kingdom. "So there are different kingdoms?"

"You didn't know that?"

Zade shook his head. "No, I didn't know that. But I'm glad I do now."

"Yes there are different kingdoms of merfolks, with different cultures and traditions. In fact, they have their own King and Queens and their own language and even different types of merfolks."

"That's interesting." He said. "So you'd live in his kingdom after the wedding?"

"Yes, I'll have to, although I don't like him or that family."

His eyes widened in surprise. " I thought you were in love, hence the match."

She smiled at him amused her fiery hair shimmering in the water. "It's not based on love, at least not for me, but rather for the strategic interest of our families."

Zade nods his head, feeling bad for her that she was being forced into a marriage for the sake of her family's interests. "I see. So your family is forcing you into this marriage for their own gain, and you don't have a say in the matter."

Salene nods.

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