Mermaid love by Asmaa Nada

There was a law enacted long ago prohibiting any mermaid from approaching the human world,” the king said. “Your duty was to monitor the wars between humans. How could you not have learned that they harm your kind in these wars, even though they are unaware of your existence? Think about it, what will happen if they find out?”

 

Mohammed replied, “Father, are we stronger than them, more advanced in medicine, science, and astronomy? Why then should we live in darkness? Yes, they fight among themselves, but if we reveal ourselves, we will prove who the true kings of the seas are. At that time, we can prevent them from using the seas for their ongoing wars.”

 

“Excellent,” Ahmed exclaimed. “Now that the kingdom is united, let’s go and fight the humans, my brother!”

 

Their second brother, Rivyan, said, “Where has your wisdom gone, little brother? Do you want to fight humans? Why? Just to prove to them our existence, and then what?”

 

Mohammed replied, “Who said we would fight anyone? We’ll simply assert our right to rule the seven seas and oceans.”

 

The king said, “Mohammed, my dear, the seven seas and oceans are not solely ours. Yes, we live in them like all other creatures. Dear, we are not like humans who fight over possessions. We merely take what we need from life. Now, won’t you tell me where you go every day at the same time?”

 

Rivyan said, “Indeed, Father, you’re asking him now as if you don’t know about his love.”

 

Mohammed said, “No one has the right to speak about my life or what I do. I haven’t started a war like you, Rivyan, to get my beloved.”

 

Rivyan replied, “What? Did you want me to leave her for the son of the fresh water sea? She’s my cousin and my beloved since childhood.”

 

Ahmed said, “She chose you from the beginning. Why the war? If Mohammed hadn’t intervened, we wouldn’t have been able to incorporate them into the kingdom.”

 

The king said, “Yes, that’s true. Look who benefited here.”

 

Mohammed laughed. “Yes, Anwaar married his beloved without much effort.”

 

The king said, “Yes, my son, but remember the law from the first era. You cannot bond with a human woman on her land. If you love her, kidnap her to be your servant, but don’t reveal yourself.”

 

Mohammed sighed and said, "Kidnap her, and we criticize humans for catching our kind. I'm leaving, Your Majesty."

 

Mohammed bowed his head and left the hall, in fact, the entire palace, wandering aimlessly. He swam without direction until he found himself near the glass pane separating the ocean from her submerged room beneath the cottage. She was asleep, her fiery red hair spread across the pillow. She wore a short nightgown that barely reached her knees, her arms wrapped around another pillow as she held it like a mother cradling her infant. But as he drew closer, he saw a painting clearly depicting him, standing behind the rock as he often did, and above the mirror was a message written in lipstick: 

"I know you're there. Don't be afraid to come closer. You don't have to just watch me from afar... Myasin."