Float

The poor Mermaid Princess was taken along with the staff to the boat where the Prince deemed they were to wed. Deep in sadness at everything she had given up, she sobbed a soundless sob upon the deck until her sisters appeared beneath her, offering a dagger. They had traded their father's trident for the dagger and told the Mermaid Princess to plunge the dagger into the heart of the sleeping prince and to let the blood drip upon her feet. Only then would her tail return and she would be able to rejoin them in the ocean.

The Mermaid Princess snuck into the Prince's cabin, ready to plunge the dagger into his beating heart, when she found she couldn't do that to the man she loved. Instead ran to throw herself off the boat and to drown.

"What color should the dress be?" A woman by the name of Bonnie asked her mother worriedly as all the seamstresses hurried about the room, taking Annie's measurements down, laying out at least twenty dresses, in an arrange of colors, patterns, themes, and styles. "And what fabrics, and what do you believe the general theme of the dress should be?"

"Blue is becoming quiet popular this year isn't it? A beautiful sea blue…wouldn't that be marvelous? Don't you agree Annabel?" Her mother asked, touching one of the dresses while Annie just laughed sourly.

"I would prefer the black dress, to convey the deadness of my soul." Annie snapped, and her mother looked at her pointedly.

"Annie, don't be difficult." Her mother sighed and Annie just shook her head.

"I think pink would look lovely on her, Lady Cresta." The seamstress offered nervously before a chuckle came from the other side of the room.

"I would like to see my brother's bride in this white one." Cashmere, Gloss's sister chimed in as some more seamstresses hurried in with the creation, "He's made his preference know to me. He wants a pure, lovely bride, in an untainted white dress. Gloss had some of the best seamstresses on the continent; under the watchful eye of Cinna himself create the gown. He'd like it to be put to use."

Annie scowled.

Cashmere was Gloss's sister, and besides her sister perhaps the most beautiful girl to grace the land. Voluptuous and sensual, she was practically made of gold. Her hair was ringlets of gold that cascaded past her shoulders, her skin was the purest shade of white-gold, her eyes were green-blue-gold depending on the way the light hit them, her voice was like liquid-honey almost earthy in its tones, but almost seductive by nature. She had heard the men of the court say that a man would pay in bars of gold just to hear Cashmere whisper them to sleep at night. But, as Annie had recently discovered with most beautiful people, Cashmere was rotten to her core on the inside. Cashmere was Gloss's agent of mischief. Annie could refuse the dinners, hide in her room, and make up claims of "waiting until marriage" to see him. No matter what she did though, she couldn't come up with a good excuse to get rid of his sister's watchful gaze.

"Then let's put her in the white one!" Her mother agreed hurriedly, and without any chance to oppose, Annie was quickly forced into the white one.

No matter how much Annie abhorred Gloss, the dress was a masterpiece. A ruched corset that flowed into ethereal layers of ruffled organza and satin with what looked like horsehair trim created the voluminous ball gown. The pick ups were accented with crystal beaded blooms and handmade flowers, and revealed a beautiful embroidered lace inlet. She was presented then with a long, heavy robe, gold with a fringe of white fur, embroidered with the duke's crest.

"It is tradition in our family for the bride to wear what the groom has hunted. An ermine fur robe for the happiest of brides." Cashmere said, her voice almost smug as it was put upon her. The feeling of the fur upon her skin made her skin crawl, but she bit back her disgust and desperately tried to keep her expression and demeanor pleasant as she fought the desire to rip off the offending article of clothing and run back to her room and hide.

"Oh my heart! You are so beautiful!" Her mother said as she wept, her cousins following in suite, bursting into dramatic tears. Annie resisted the urge to roll her eyes at them.

"Beautiful…right." Annie said quietly.

"Oh please, don't act so pleased." Cashmere taunted and Annie flushed in indignition, ready to slap that smug smile off her face when one of the seamstresses turned her.

"Lady Cashmere, the colors of your family are white, gold, and red, correct?" The seamstress asked and Cashmere nodded. "Then perhaps we should add gold accents to the flowers, and dye the inlet a light shade of it. How would that be, my ladies?"

"If I am going in a white dress, I would like my dress to say completely white." Annie said sharply. After all, she already had a rug of their colors burdening her shoulders; she didn't want the dress to be the same.

"Let us compromise, Annie. Gold jewelry then?" Her mother offered and Annie just sighed.

"Very well." Annie said quietly.

She felt as if everything was going on without her, like she was on her own personal island of misery. She sat there idly as the courses of food were chosen for the feast after the ceremony, guest lists were drawn up, and entertainment was hired. Annie didn't want any say in the flower bouquet nor the tablecloth's color, or in the scent of the candles chosen. All she wanted was to awaken from the nightmare she had been forced into.

She was in one of these meaningless sessions when Gloss surprised them with a visit. Annie was horrified to see him walk across the room, and was infuriated by the egotistic smile upon his face, as if he had just approached a snare only to find a rabbit caught in it.

"My dear bride, I come bearing gifts for you." Gloss said, bowing before her as two servants carried up pillows upon which rested, first a bouquet of flowers in a riot of colors, tied together with purple ribbon and clasped with a pendant of amber. One the second lay a necklace of golden chains, from which hung giant teardrop rubies and diamonds, and on the third one, earrings, encrusted with diamonds, and embellished with a center piece of the most gigantic, gaudy rubies she had ever seen.

"Do you think I don't understand the language of flowers and gemstones?" Annie asked Gloss, picking up the bouquet. "Snapdragons for presumption, sweet William for gallantry, tulips for hopeless love? And, of course you added amber for the dissolution of oppositions. If you wished to charm forgiveness out of me, you are doing it the wrong way."

"Oh my dear bride, nothing gets pass you does it? You have a sharper eye then anyone I've ever met, but of course that must be because of the merchant blood that runs thick and hot in your veins." Gloss chuckled. "But I do wish to receive some semblance of forgiveness for any insult upon your person I may have caused."

"Your presence is a repeated insult upon my person. Now leave." Annie snapped.

"May I at least see my jewels upon your fair skin? I believe they will compliment your beauty." Gloss asked, and feeling her mother's eyes burn into her skin she sighed and folded her hands upon her lap.

"Very well." Annie said quietly, unable to refuse.

The servants put the earrings into her ears, and she tried not to flinch at the heaviness and coldness of them as they tickled her neck. Gloss, to her embarrassment got down on one knee, necklace in his hand and as he brushed her neck intentionally to put the thing on. The place where Finnick had kissed her suddenly tingled.

The necklace had just been clasped upon her when suddenly Gloss jumped back as if bitten by a wild animal, groaning as he grasped his stomach, hand over his mouth.

"My lord, what is wrong?" His servant exclaimed as suddenly Gloss got up, swaying upon his feet, his face a pallid shade of green.

"Gods…I'm going to be ill." He groaned, and the servants quickly hurried him out the room.

Annie sat there shocked, her other hand grasped her wrist, running her thumb over where she could almost feel Finnick's lips press.

Then I shall give you something to keep you safe. It will only work upon men who are not me nor your lifeblood. They will not be able to touch you

Finnick's words rung fresh in her mind, and with a small smile she brought her wrist upon to her own lips, kissing the remnants of Finnick's lips upon her before whispering,

"Thank you."

"Oh dear, what do you think happened to Gloss?" Cashmere asked, as she sat next to Annie.

"No idea." Annie said innocently reaching behind her neck to unclasp the heavy necklace. Cashmere's hand caught hers.

"You know, Annabel, we will soon become sisters." Cashmere said, "You should become used to wearing our colors."

"I only have one sister." Annie said quietly. "And she isn't you."

"How cold, little sister. Has your heart always been so frigid? I can understand why you've never had any suitors before." Cashmere laughed and Annie flushed in rage and turned her head. "Oh, perhaps you are not as I thought. I've had sneaking suspicions about you, you know?"

"Suspicions?" Annie hissed.

"Tell me, who is the man that has charmed you? Is he another noble…or perhaps a servant?" Cashmere asked, leaning in, "How many times has he slipped between your sheets and parted those legs of yours?"

"I do not have the slightest inclination about what you are talking about." Annie said coldly. "I'm still pure and it's insulting for you to think otherwise."

"You do not have to lie." Cashmere said, "I won't think poorly of you."

"I'm not lying."

"Well, then why not just accept my brother? Why do you fight so hard against him?"

"Because I hate him." Annie said bluntly. "I won't ever accept him as my husband, not for as long as I live. And you can tell that to him."

"Very well." Cashmere said, getting up. "But it won't be long now before you don't really have a choice."

So Cashmere left her there alone to wallow in misery, wondering how it was possible to feel alone in a room crowded with others.

She was wearing her blue kirtle, the one she had worn through her ordeal, and she sat upon the dinghy that had save her life as she floated down the shadowy corridor. At the end was a door; around its edges there was an unnatural glow that kept her from being submerged in complete darkness. Fog swirled around her, causing a chill to sweep through her as her boat nudged the wood of the door. She stood up uncertainly, the dinghy rocking beneath her and grasped the door handle and pushed it open and stepped through.

At first she was blinded, but as soon as she was acclimated to the light she realized it was as if she had stepped through a portal. Her breath caught in her throat.

Gold. Mounds upon mounds of gold, diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires, all spilled at her feet. They sparkled and glistened and glittered, nearly blinding her in her attempt to survey her surroundings.

And then a necklace caught her eye. A familiar necklace of chains of gold and teardrops of ruby. Uncertainly, she picked up the piece of jewelry in her hand, but nearly dropped it. It felt hot in her hand, pulsing as if alive.

And then to her horror, the rubies began to weep blood. She cried out and attempted to throw the necklace away when a hand caught hers.

"Now, now. It would be rude to throw away my precious gift." Gloss chuckled clasping the bleeding necklace around her neck. But it was going on so tight! She gasped and tried to pull it off but she couldn't! She couldn't breath, she couldn't! "A noose of gold and bleeding rubies suit you so well, my love."

Her knees were going to give out, she felt dizzy and sick, and she could do this, no, no, no-

Suddenly she felt it, the sea breeze. It swept through the dream erasing it as if it had never been. She breathed in the salty brine, felt the cool mist, and wiggled her toes into cool sand. She knew who it was. He was here to save her.

"Finnick!" She cried out reaching out in the darkness for him. She couldn't see anything. Where was he? She knew he was here, sharing this space with her somehow but where?

"I'm here." His voice came from in front of her, and was gentle and sweet. She launched herself in the direction, wrapping her arms around his chest, clinging to him, as he was the only thing that kept her floating upon the waves of despair. His arms wrapped around her, holding her more firmly to him, and at the gentle touch she broke down even further into tears.

"I can't do this alone." Annie whispered, letting herself cry all of the tears she had been holding inside. "Finnick, I…I can't. I'm trying so hard to keep it together and I really, really can't."

"You're not alone." Finnick reassured her, stroking her back.

"But I-" Annie started to protest and Finnick shook his head.

"No I'm here for you. I love you. Annie I-"

Suddenly he was gone, torn away, and Annie shot up in bed.

She let the pounding of her heart subside, and the quickness of her breath calm before laying back down. She curled over on her side her arms around her legs, pressing them against her chest.

"Finnick…where did you go?" She asked the air, wiping at her stupid tears with the heel of her hand. "You idiot. What's taking you so long?"

She was ready to wallow in self-pity for the rest of night, not daring to close her eyes again when suddenly a knock came at her balcony window. She sat up quickly, unable to see anything because of her drawn curtains before sneaking over to it. She open the glass doors, and to her surprise, it's Katniss, Huntress of the Old Wood. She was dressed in a tunic, breeches, and boots, her hair over one shoulder in a braid. Her silver eyes nearly glowed in the moonlight, and she appeared to truly be a creature beyond a human.

"Katniss?" She asked and Katniss smiled crookedly.

"I'm sorry that I've awoken you."

"No. I was awake. What are you doing here?" Annie asked, "How did you get up here?"

"I climbed." Katniss answered with a shrug.

"Oh."

"I came to tell you that I've seen Finnick." Katniss said, and Annie nearly jerked forward at the name.

"Finnick! How did-why-"

"I was helping him." Katniss explained, "How did you manage to tame him?"

"Tame him?" Annie asked insulted and Katniss shook her head.

"No-No I didn't mean tame him. I mean…he's very different. And he obviously loves you very much. I just…want to understand."

"He really should've killed me." Annie said, "He was going to, I'm sure he was. But…he made a mistake."

"What?"

"He let me talk." Annie said, "And just by doing that, I gave him everything he had ever wanted."

Katniss was quiet for a moment, obviously thinking this over before saying,

"I want you to know something. My husband and I helped Finnick get into the temple so he could speak to the Priestess of the Sea. He swore the Priestess of the Sea to silence on what he asked, but did not ask such silence of me. He is attempting to do something very stupid, but in truth it seems to be the only way." Katniss said quietly.

"The Priestess of the Sea? Mags? Then I must go to her." Annie said, "My father will allow the visit if I say I'm going to pray to the Goddess of Marriage or something of the like."

"He claimed you, didn't he?" Katniss asked and Annie nodded, holding her wrist in her hand. "I wish to give you something else that might be able to help."

"Something to help?" Annie asked as Katniss pulled out her satchel and handed her a wrapped parcel.

"Consider it…a wedding present. One that will be considered much more useful then the official one we give you." Katniss said, and slowly Annie unwrapped the parcel to reveal the scabbard of a sword-no, it was too small to be a sword. A dagger. She took it out to admire its build. It was thin and sharp, and its hilt was in the staggering design of an owl with its wings out stretched, with the tang and grip being that of a tree.

"It's beautiful." Annie whispered, sliding the dagger back into the hilt, which was decorated with strange colored stones.

"Chalcedony to harmonize the mind, moonstone for protection on land and on sea, the owl for wisdom and protection. And of course, the blade is elven. It shall never break nor need sharpening. Hide it upon your person and it will not be found." Katniss said, and Annie clutched the blade to her chest.

"Thank you." She choked, "You don't understand how much this means to me."

"Don't thank me then. Thank Mags when you see her. She was the one who insisted upon me giving this to you."

"Then I will." Annie said, holding the dagger as if it was a lifeline. Katniss smiled sadly.

"Don't give up hope."

"I won't." Annie said with a firm nod of her head before returning to her room and closing the door. She peaked out a moment later and it seemed as if Katniss had vanished into thin air.

The next day her maids awakened her as usual. As of late she hadn't been eating with her family, a protest on her part to what they were forcing upon her. However, today, she had a mission. And that mission involved subjecting herself to their presence.

"I believe I shall take breakfast with my family today." Annie told her maid who looked at her surprised.

"You shall, young miss?"

"Yes. I have matters of my own to discuss." Annie explained, as she was slipped into her cherry red kirtle and her hair put into a braid, and then brought downstairs. As she walked through the door, her father stood up obviously surprised at her presence. Annie however ignored him and took her seat between her brother and her sister who both looked uncomfortable.

The atmosphere in the room was frigid. The Duke quickly led them through the prayers and just as soon as they were about to begin to eat, Annie spoke up.

"Today I am going to the temple. Assign who you will to accompany me, but I am going regardless of what you say." Annie announced in a clipped business-like tone.

"Of course I must ask what you are planning on doing at the temple." Her father said quietly and Annie just held her head high.

"I'm going to give my offerings to the Goddess of Marriage if I must say. Will you not allow me to do that as well father? Or should I just continue to sit here idly?" She snapped, and her father's jaw clenched.

"Fine. You will be allowed to go. I'll assign some guards." Her father said in a defeated tone.

"Daniel, are you just going to let that girl talk to you like that?" The Duke hissed, slamming his hand down upon the table, "It's an insult!"

"What's insulting is how you're talking of me as if I'm not here. I believed the Duke would have more manners then that. But of course, men have no sense of decency." Annie said politely. She heard muffled laughter from some of the servants, while the rest of those at the table just stared at Annie in horror, while the Duke just looked at her, red-faced and in complete outrage.

"How dare-"

"I do believe that I'm the fiancée of the Arch Duke's son, a man above your stature. It would do you well not to insult me further." Annie told him and this time the Duke was up on his feet.

"Are you threatening me?" The Duke shouted but Annie just smiled at him.

"Not at all, Uncle. I'm just informing you. Or do men have to have things repeated twice to get a point through their thick skulls?" Annie asked sweetly, beginning to eat. By this point the Duke was purple.

"And here I once thought you were a proper young lady! Thank goodness you're being married to a proper man. He'll break that attitude for you, no doubt! It truly takes a husband to show a woman her place!"

"And here I've always thought you were a misogynistic pig. I just kept being proven right." Annie said her saccharine smile still upon her face. This time, Cora pressed her lips together in a firm line, holding back laughter.

The rest of breakfast continued on in cold silence. Annie was pretty happy with herself, truth be told, as she finished her meal and was taken to be dressed into suitable clothes for outdoors. After their engagement, Gloss had been raining gifts upon her, and she was forced into almost every one. Today was striped red and white gown, with a ridiculous wide-brimmed red hat with a riot of white flowers and feathers in a bouquet on the side of her head. And of course she was given the jewels for yesterday to wear, and almost visibly panicked when her golden noose was fastened upon her.

She would never wear red again if she could get away from this, Annie thought as discreetly she slide her dagger into her bag which contained her offerings.

And so she was off for the day. Two guards of stout figure, rigid posture, and cold disposition accompanied her to the temple and then waited outside as she walked in. People were visibly staring at her. Of course, she was dressed far too vibrantly and rich, and all she wanted was to tear this stupid, ridiculous gown off. However, she held back, knowing such actions would only get her in trouble, and made her way to the Sea Priestess's chapel.

Mags was there to her relief, and she smiled invitingly to Annie.

"Why, I knew I would be seeing you." Mags said and Annie sighed heavily as she sat down, trying to arrange the puff of her dress. "How are you?"

"Would you like the truth or a lie?" Annie asked with a strange smile.

"Which ever one would make you feel better."

"Absolutely awful." Annie said quietly. "Gloss marks me with his jewels and dresses. I feel like I am suffocating."

"You must. Humans can be such terrible creatures." Mags agreed wistfully, sitting beside Annie. She patted her hand and finally Annie couldn't take it any more. A tear fell from her eye plopping upon where her hands were balled into the skirt of the dress she hated so much.

"I am so miserable." Annie whispered, "I put up a bravado, but I do not know how much longer I can preserve."

"You are strong. I could feel that when you first came here. You are capable of great feats."

"I do not know." Annie said quietly, and Mags just put her arm around Annie, pulling her to her chest.

"Hush child. You have endured more then most anyone can say." Mags said gently, rubbing her back. "And besides being strong, you are empathetic and intelligent. You persevere were others would give in. And besides all that, you are a joy to be around."

"Can you be around me all the time…just for the emotional support?" Annie asked, rubbing her tears, and Mags smiled.

"I would love to, Little Bird. But we both have different roles to play." Mags told her, brushing her hair behind her ear. "But I must tell you something, something I'm not sure you know."

"What?"

"Finnick is putting himself in great danger, dear child. I just…want you to know. He might not make it out." Mags said sadly, and Annie stared at her.

"He might not…no. No, Finnick is strong." Annie said, "What is he doing that would put him in such danger?"

"I promised him I would not tell you." Mags said quietly, "It was his only request."

"But…why didn't you stop him?" Annie cried and Mags hook her head.

"Would you have been able to stop him?" She asked before saying gently, "I just want you to be prepared, little bird. For the worst."

"The worst? You mean accept I might have to marry a man I don't love?"

"If it comes to that."

"I won't accept it. I'll end my life before I am forced to live with Gloss forever." Annie declared, getting up and storming out, ignoring Mags' calls for her.

In the end, perhaps, the only person you could ever trust was yourself. Annie thought as the carriage pulled away from the temple.

When she got back up to her room, she found Gloss there, looking through some of her books she had gotten from the library. He smiled at her amiably.

"Interesting choice in literature. The Official Bestiary of Panem, Elven lore, The Anatomy of Fish and Water Creatures, The Encyclopedia of Science, and a collection of fairytales? I haven't met many a lady who fancies reading so much."

"I didn't know the attachment of the male anatomy was needed to have an interest in the work of scholars." Annie snapped, snatched the books from his hands.

"Now, there goes that temper again." Gloss said, before crossing his arms over his chest.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to give you my warmest regards, dear bride, and to tell you that I've heard of your little outburst with the Duke. I can't have a wife with such a volatile nature."

"Then don't take me as wife." Annie growled and Gloss just continued to smile.

"Dear love, don't misunderstand me. I want you to be my wife. I just want you to know that there will be punishment if you dare step out of line with me." Gloss said, taking her gloved hand in his.

"Is that a threat?"

"It's a promise." Gloss said, still smiling a smile that didn't reach his cold eyes. "And I also want you to know that the boy you love, he won't be alive much longer if you keep this up."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Annie said innocently, but his hand tightened upon hers.

"Dear bride, haven't you ever heard the expression 'Loose lips sink ships'? Your sister let it slip when I talked to her before. A passing trader is it? Well, I'll have my men comb every nook and cranny of this city until he is found and executed if you try my patience again." Gloss warned and Annie glared at him.

"He is out of your reach."

"No man in this land is out of my reach. I will find him and have him killed. Do not doubt my power." Gloss said, "Or perhaps, I'll have someone else killed. Your mother or father…sister or brother. I could have anyone disposed of that I wish. I'm an extremely influential man. I can have anything I want. So won't you cooperate with me? Just follow my every command and your life shall be easy. No more of this silly struggling."

"You're a monster." Annie said, yanking her hand away. "A monster!"

He slapped her, hard. She stood there touching her burning cheek in shock, her legs shaking underneath her.

"I just don't like other people touching my things!" Gloss roared, "And I will have no more of this nonsense, or punishment will be exacted!"

"Fine." She whispered.

"Good." Gloss said pleasantly, no trace of the monster upon his face. "You might wish to powder that up by the way. I'll have nothing unsightly presented to me on my wedding day."

And without anything else to say Gloss left Annie there in her room. Her legs gave out and she sat there, crumpled upon the floor, sobbing.

"Oh Finnick…where have you gone?" She asked no one in particular.

No one answered.

The sky should've been black, raining down fire. The earth should've cracked open and released beasts of unimaginable terror. The ocean should've dried up, and the plants all should've shriveled and died, rivers turned to poison, locusts should've swarmed the sky, and lions should've lay down with lambs.

However the world had a sense of humor it seemed. Instead of the end of all days, the sun shined, the sky was without cloud, birds chirped, and a fresh breeze blew the scents of sweet ocean brine and flowers through the air.

Finnick hadn't saved her. Nor would he. She hadn't felt another trace of him in her dreams, nor was there any more messages from Katniss. The only comfort she had was the elven dagger she had hooked into her garter pressed against the skin of her leg, hidden by her layers.

Tonight, she would use that dagger to end her life. When taken into the room with Gloss and allowed to undress herself, she would pierce herself in the heart. The thought of the horror upon Gloss's face when he found her would be the perfect revenge, and he wouldn't have any reason to touch her family.

"Not a more lovely bride lives in the land." Her sister said, hooking her robe. She was already laced into her wedding dress, powdered and perfumed, her hair had been let down, with two side braids weaved with gold creating a ringlet to frame her face, and of course upon her head, pinned in by a golden comb was her veil.

"You will be a far more lovely bride." Annie said with a gentle smile as she was handed her bouquet of white, red, and golden roses.

"Doubtful." Cora said with a smile. She was dressed beautifully, in a golden gown that her cousins and Cashmere were all wearing, her hair up in a bun, holding a much smaller bouquet of just red and white roses. "Annie…perhaps it won't be so bad. Gloss is a man who has the means to make you happy."

"I'll just be happy when this is over with." Annie admitted quietly. "When it's all…over."

"Annie-" Cora began to say something else, but her mother hurried into the room.

"Girls, the ceremony is about to begin. Please, take your places." Her mother said before walking over to touch Annie's arms. "I love you, Annie. Please…will you try to find it in your heart to not hate your father and I anymore?"

"I never hated you. I was mad at you yes, but I never hated you." Annie said, "I love you. I understand what you've done is out of the goodness of your heart."

"Oh Gods, you are going to make me tear up." Her mother said, waving her fan in front of her face. "Now Annie, don't be nervous."

"I'm not nervous." She murmured. "Let's just go."

The wedding was taking place in the great chapel of the Goddess of Marriage. Her sister and cousins, along with Gloss's brothers and cousins walked together down the aisle, as practice before taking their places at either side. And then, through the large double doors Annie began her walk down the aisle, the doors closing behind her. Either side was filled with nobles Annie knew, but she barely paid them mind. She walked forward, attempting to relish her last few moments of life before finally stopping besides the Priestess and in front of Gloss. He wore a slashed doublet with paned sleeves, breeches, and tall boots with turned-over tops all in his family's colors, and wore a robe of his own with a sword upon his side. He looked pleased, more then pleased at the turn out of events and as the Priestess took her bouquet and placed it upon the altar of the Goddess, he took her hand and kissed it.

This shocked her. Finnick's spell! Was it broken? Had it worn away or…or-

No. No use in thinking of it. Annie thought trying to keep her face neutral. This would all end soon.

The Priestess began her speech and Annie barely paid any attention to the words she spoke, only repeating words that had been practiced into her brain at the correct parts and saying no more. Gloss launched into a speech on love and how much it meant and whatnot and Annie bit her lip to keep tears from coming. She wanted no more. She wanted it all to be over.

And just as Gloss was finishing his speech, when suddenly a boom came from the door, half scaring Annie out of her skin.

"Just the wind." Gloss muttered.

"I've never heard wind that sounds like that." Annie snapped at him. He gave her a warning glance before looking back at the door. Silence was in the hall, before almost uncertainly the Priestess began the final vows. Just as she began to ask Gloss if he would take her to be his wife, suddenly the sound of a horn came from outside. But not just any normal horn, a conch horn. She used to make them with her brother when he was younger.

"By the Goddess, what-" Gloss began to asked as the double doors began to open. Sunlight poured into the chapel, dazzling her, until the shape of a lone figure appeared, holding a golden trident.

There he was.

He was dressed in the garb of a prince-no, the garb of a King. She stood there dumbfounded. No. This was a dream. It had to be a dream. He couldn't be here to save her. It was impossible!

She stood there, as still as stone as he began to walk up the aisle. His steps were certain, without a hint of wobble. As he got closer she could see his face and saw how human it looked, just as breathtakingly beautiful as he was as a merman. She certainly couldn't hear anything beside her ragged breath, the beat of her heart, and his footsteps as he walked until the final row of pews until he opened up his arms out wide and shouted.

"Annabel of House Cresta, I, Finnick of Clan Odair, the crowned Sea King offer myself to you! Take me as your husband!" Finnick proclaimed.

There was a collective gasp among the crowd as they stared on at Finnick's might. Gloss stood next to her, still as a statue, mouth ajar with shock.

"Finnick…" Annie croaked, "I...I…"

"Go." A voice behind her said and she felt an arm around and she turned her head to see Cora looking at her resolutely. "Go, Annie."

She felt Cora unclasp the robe from her neck and push her forward, causing her to stumble a few steps, before she took the rest herself, throwing herself into Finnick's arms, feeling him twirl him around once before placing her feet down upon the ground. He held her there for a moment, and Annie took in his scent, the briny sea, and knew that this wasn't a dream. This was Finnick holding her.

"You're late." Annie whispered.

"I'm sorry, I had a lot to get done." Finnick said with a chuckle.

"I won't accept this!" Gloss shouted enraged, Annie turned to see him drawing his sword. "How dare you…whoever you are show your face here? I'll have your head!"

"I'd like to see you try." Finnick said, pushing Annie behind him to protect her and grasping his trident.

"STOP!" Roared a voice from the side and they both looked to see Mags emerge from the side, she hobbled over before she bowed before Finnick and turned to Gloss. "How dare you insult the Sea King? The Goddess of the Sea's vessel! A hundred years of shame upon your family, the sea will devour any of your lifeblood who sail upon it, sea creatures will turn to poison, and a great calamity will befall if you do not apologize."

Gloss looked pale-faced then, sheathing his sword. Finnick smiled at Mags.

"Thank you, dear Priestess. Now, I believe it is time to take our leave." Finnick said placing his trident upon his back, in a hilt there and suddenly scooped up Annie with ease. Annie squawked in surprise, before they were suddenly off. He was running until he got to the beach, and there upon the rocks was a small boat. He sat Annie down upon and taking the oar, he pushed them off and began to paddle, though it didn't seem like he needed to, for the ocean swelled and urged them upon the path Finnick had chosen like a tamed animal. Birds overhead flew with them, and underneath dolphins and fish swam.

"Where are we going?" Annie asked him and Finnick smiled.

"Somewhere special." He said, his smile crooked. Though it seemed strange that his lips were like hers at the moment, she was used to his wide wicked smile.

The sun fell; day melding into dusk and dusk became night. Annie, who had been lulled asleep by the gentle rocking of the boat, was jarred awake as the hit land, a small island to be exact. Upon the shore seals bowed to them, raising their voices to join the bird in joyous song, in the distance Annie could hear whales calling. Finnick held out his hand, which Annie took, surprised at his smooth, cool fingers. He had a human's hand now. Though it still enveloped hers with ease.

"Come here, Annie." He said gently, and Annie stepped out with him hand in hand onto the shore. She followed him admiring his broad shoulders as he led her into a cave, which to her surprise then entrance was covered by cloth. He pulled the cloth aside to reveal a little cave, candles lit in lanterns that sat upon ledges in the rock. A small table and chairs towards the back, a fire pit and the opening in the cave to let the fire out, a chest, and then of course a bed and a mound of seal furs upon it.

"How did you get all these things?" Annie asked, opening the chest and pulling out a mirror.

"I've collect all of these things from ships." Finnick explained gently, "And I'm glad I did."

"I thought you were dead. The mark stopped working and I thought you were dead!" Annie cried and Finnick took her hands in his.

"It's because I've changed. I became the Sea King, the true Sea King. And it changed my very being." Finnick explained and Annie looked at him.

"How?" Annie asked and he smiled.

"I told you about how I was the son of the Sea King correct?"

"Yes."

"Well the Sea Witch…it told me that to become human I needed to become the Sea King and bring it my father's heart. I defeated all of my brothers in combat, and when it came down to the end…I couldn't kill my father. I wasn't capable of such a thing. However…my father gave me the crown anyways. He decreed me the Sea King…and then all of the other heads decreed me King as well. After I received the Golden Trident, the Goddess spoke to me." Finnick said and Annie stared.

"The Goddess?"

"She said that she would enable me to walk upon land and swim in the sea, all I had to do was decree a holiday dedicated to her." Finnick said, "And so here I am."

"That's amazing." Annie said quietly, in awe of him.

"Of course…there is a price." Finnick said sadly, "The transformation will hurt terribly every time I go through it. But it is a small price to pay."

"I'm sorry." Annie whispered, "I know you never wanted any of this."

"I'm happy, Annie. The thought of being sad never crossed my mind, because…we're together now. And we shall be together for the rest of all time." Finnick said firmly, touching her face.

"We'll go everywhere Finn. I'll show you all you've ever wanted to know. I promise." Annie whispered, touching his hand and pulling it way from her face. She held it in her hands, gently tracing circles around his palm, stroking his fingers. She looked up only to see him looking back at her intensely and she shivered. This didn't go unnoticed and his eyebrows raised.

"Are you cold?" He asked and she squeezed his hand tighter.

"A little." She whispered and he smiled.

"Shall I warm you up then?" He asked, slowly leaning in.

"But…you're always cold." Annie whispered, blushing furiously as she felt his hand upon her leg pushing up her skirt.

"I'll warm you with my body. All through the night, my love." He whispered, "That is…if you'll have me."

"Of course!" Annie said immediately, "It's just…"

"Have you never taken lovers?" Finnick asked, "Is that why you're nervous to accept me?"

"I-I'm sorry I just…no one's ever…"

"That's because men upon land have no sense. You are by far the most magnificent creature I've ever put my eyes upon. Though…" He scanned her, up and down, "I believe you would look more beautiful without the dress on."

"Now you're being silly." Annie said quietly.

"I'm being completely serious. I want you…just you. If…I'm good enough for you. I don't know if my new form is…attractive to you." Finnick said almost self-consciously. Annie gaped at him.

"Of course you are!" Annie exclaimed. "It's me who should be worried."

"We're both being rather silly aren't we?" Finnick said after a moment's pause. Annie laughed breathlessly.

"I suppose we are." She agreed before looking down. "I wouldn't be opposed to a kiss."

"I wouldn't be opposed to that either." Finnick said before leaning in to press his lips to hers.

It was different kissing him now, their lips melded together easily. She gasped at the feeling of him sucking her bottom lip, slipping his tongue into her mouth and massaging her tongue with her. She was trembling at the feeling at that point, her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling his body closer to her as his hands rested upon her waist. He pulled away with a sigh, his sea eyes burning into hers.

"It's nice not having to worry about cutting you with my teeth." Finnick admitted and Annie smiled.

"It's nice kissing you." Annie said with a laugh. "I've missed it."

"Then let's kiss some more." He chuckled leaning in again eagerly.

The kiss was even more passionate, as if Finnick's restraints were gone. She gasped against his mouth and he greedily continued to press further against her. The ridiculous amount of fabric in her dress was wrapping up her legs and making it hard to move and Finnick yanked at the corset. He pulled away and frowned, obviously trying to figure out how to get it off.

"Loosen the strings." She whispered and Finnick chucked against the skin of her neck. His fingers did so, and then slowly, reverently, he pulled off her gown.

She sat there, feeling more exposed then ever in only her undergarments. Finnick's eyebrow rose as he took her dagger from its place in her garter. He looked at it, his insatiable curiosity getting the better of him.

"What a beautiful thing." He said, "It suits you, my love. Gorgeous, but as sharp as anything."

"Ha. Funny." Annie said with a snap before hugging herself and saying sadly, "I…was planning on using it."

"Using it?" Finnick asked confused, "Upon Gloss?"

"No."

As if the realization dawned upon him then he clutched the scabbard.

"Oh Annie-"

"Don't apologize. You did all you could… I just-I didn't believe you would save me." Annie whispered and Finnick smiled gently.

"I will always save you."

"I know." Annie said as he put the blade off to the side before suddenly feeling extremely exposed. "I don't like how I'm so undressed."

"Do you wish to undress me, love?" Finnick asked teasingly and Annie blushed to her roots and stuttered. Finnick chuckled and began to undress himself completely unabashed. Off came his robe, his jacket and shirt to reveal his bare chest, and then off came his boots, and pants. Annie looked away, her face on fire. He had been in a state of undress around her so much, why was it so different now?

"Is something wrong?" Finnick asked, clueless. Annie just continued to look away. "Am I truly that hideous to you like this?"

"No! No, that's not it at all!" Annie exclaimed, "It's me. I'm just nervous. I'm worried I'm not…I'm not…you know?"

"What?" Finnick asked looking at her expectantly.

"I'm not…I'm not like you. I'm flawed. I…I have freckles all over me and I'm too skinny even though I swear I eat all the time." Annie babbled and Finnick smiled lovingly at her.

"You believe I'm flawless? I'm happy you think so. But the maiden I see is more beautiful then any other." Finnick said touching her cheek and turning her face to look at his. Finnick was looking at her tenderly, his eyes were half-lidded and filled with heat. His hair that shined gold looked so soft and inviting that Annie just wanted to curl her fingers in it. "Will you allow me to see all of you?"

Annie nodded, allowing his fingers to finish taking off the rest of the cloth that stood as a barrier between them. Soon she lay there upon the seal furs, feeling more exposed then ever. Finnick stared at her in awe, before licking his lips hungrily as his hand brushed her thigh.

"Can I touch you?" He asked, his voice raspy.

"Yes." Annie agreed and he leaned down to kiss her once more, this time taking her breasts in his hands. She squeaked at the feeling, as he cupped them, fingers flicked over nipples.

"So soft. I've always wondered what this felt like." Finnick purred, "Everything about you is so soft and warm. I can barely stand it."

He lowered his lips to the tip of her breast and took it into her mouth to her surprise. She gasped at the feeling, as he harshly sucked and she yanked at his hair.

"N-Not so rough!" Annie yelped.

"Sorry." Finnick apologized, before returning his mouth upon her, this time sucking gently and lavishing his tongue upon her. This made her gasp and sigh with pleasure. He did the same thing to her other breast before suddenly she felt something hard brush against her thigh. She gave a squeak of surprise and Finnick gave a deep belly laugh as his hair tickled her skin and lips dared further and further down upon her.

He eased her thighs apart his hands squeezing them as he brought his lips over to kiss one.

"I love your legs. They are so beautiful." He cooed, his tongue running down the length of it. She squirmed at the feeling and at the knowledge that he could see everything and his mouth was getting dangerous close to there.

"No Finnick! It's not proper!" She gasped.

"What's not proper? The fact I want you to feel good?" He asked, "Feeling good isn't wrong, Annie. I know they teach you that up on the surface. But there is nothing wrong with deriving pleasure from me. I want you to."

"Finnick!" She gasped just as he pressed his mouth to her.

Pleasure unlike anything else she had ever felt flooded her body. She bucked her hips, her previous embarrassment gone. All she wanted was to feel that sensation forever. His skin still cool, as if dewed with morning mist, his mouth gentle and coaxing her to places she had never been before.

He pulled away, just as Annie almost fell over he edge, licking his lips and fingers a display so erotic it made her flush.

"Delicious, dear one. You've become so ready for me." Finnick whispered, "So wet…"

"Don't talk like that." Annie demanded. "It's embarrassing."

"Is the truth so embarrassing, Annie? I want to feel what it's like to mate with you…though I'm not quite sure how it works. Tell me, do humans normally mate belly up, or from behind?" Finnick asked, intrigued and Annie's face was on fire.

"I don't know! Whatever way is easier for you." Annie whispered and Finnick was hovering over her, eyes heated with desire.

"And when do humans become fertile?" Finnick asked as something hard brushed against her core, "At what time will you be able to bear my children? Though you certainly smell ready now."

"I d-don't…I don't know." Annie said quietly. "Stop asking me these ques-Ah!"

She felt him pushing in slowly, and he clenched his jaw as he did so. But Annie didn't care, she felt him filling her completely and she dug her nails into the furs and clamped down on him, causing him to release a strangled gasp.

"You're so tight!" He exclaimed from between his teeth.

"Finnick, I'm going…to go crazy." Annie panted, "Please…I need…"

"I won't make you wait any longer." Finnick said firmly before he began to move.

All of her life the act of having sex had been described to her as an unfortunate necessary function. The only point of it was to produce heirs, and no pleasure should be taken from it. However none of the bleak, precautionary descriptions her mother had given her had even come close to describe what this was. This was a physical, mental, and spiritual connection. Annie truly felt as if she was melting into one with him. It was a force so beyond anything she had ever imagined.

Perhaps that was what Finnick was referring to before.

She was releasing noises from her throat, desperate keening, yelps, moans, and pants that she never would've guessed a human was capable of. Finnick was growling above her, most of his humanlike qualities gone as he thrust inside of her, bringing her to a place of pleasure she could've never imagined. Her arms and legs were wrapped around him as his thrusts became more and more desperate.

And finally it happened. She was thrown over the cusp of pleasure into a place she had never been before. She cried out, squeezing down upon him that caused him to shudder and come, heat pouring inside of her. As he finished he collapsed upon her, face buried in her hair and breathing in deeply as if to take in her scent.

She lay there listlessly beside him, without the energy to move.

"I love you." Finnick murmured in her ear and trying to catch her breath Annie responded,

"I love you too."

"Finnick, don't run off please." Annie said, holding their basket of the books and other things she had brought today. Finnick was frolicking among the different stands, enthralled with what he saw there, and begging for Annie to let him get nearly anything and everything.

"Oh but Annie, there are so many wondrous things I have yet to see." Finnick whined as Annie caught up to him.

"I thought you wanted me to teach you how to read?" Annie asked with a quirk of her brow. "Or perhaps…no?"

"I do!" Finnick cried, "I do, I do want to learn to read."

"Come along then. We have all the time in the world to play in the market, but I don't have all the time in the world to teach you to read." Annie said, hooking her arm through his. He pouted adorably.

"Alright." He said, before walking along side Annie.

It was a few months after she had married Finnick. Of course she would've loved to stay upon the island with him forever, but she did need human contact. So, she had returned to shore, and had been accepted back with her family. Not that they could really refuse the request of the Sea King himself.

Annie had finally been able to tell her family the truth about what had happened when she had been floating adrift, which was a relief in it of itself. Though she left out the parts about him wanting to eat her and whatnot for good measure. And with all of the gifts Finnick gave the family, including his word that their ships would never be harmed by storm again, her family accepted the match happily.

They walked down to the cove, arm-in-arm, and Annie lay down her blanket and arranged the books. For a while Annie drilled Finnick upon the letters and grammar, but by the end Finnick's eyes began to wander, and looked at the sea longingly and Annie sighed, defeated.

"Go ahead." Annie said and with a smile Finnick nearly flew off the blanket. His clothes were off in a blur of motion and with a laugh he dived right into the water. He stayed down for a minute under taking the transformation out of her sight before popping up, returned to his original form. His scales glistened like sapphires and emeralds, casting beams of light upon the sand. He smiled his wide sharp-toothed smile at her. Annie held back her laughter as she remembered the first time her Uncle had seen Finnick in his true form. The Duke had been in horror as Finnick had smiled at him, and had been, for once in his life, completely speechless.

"Won't you come in, Annie? The water feels so very nice." Finnick said lying upon his stomach, absentmindedly kicking his legs.

"If you insist." Annie said lifting up her dress up to her ankles and stepping in. The water was cold, but it did feel nice. But then she felt Finnick rough hands wrap around her legs and pull her down. Annie gave an exasperated noise as Finnick nuzzled against her chest. "Why must you always get my dresses wet?"

"Because I am…what's the word you always use? In…insu…"

"Insufferable?"

"Yes. That." Finnick chirped, "Also, I love the scent of you…bathed in sea water."

"Stop being so insufferable." Annie said with a roll of her eyes and Finnick smiled at her as he hugged her closer.

"Next time you wish to be dignified, you might want to tie your blouse tighter." Finnick hummed and Annie pushed at him with an indignant huff that caused Finnick to hold her tighter and laugh, before he pressed the palm of his hand to the spot upon her belly that had just begun to grow firm. "I love you."

"And I love you." Annie said, looking deep into his sea eyes. Finnick craned his neck up, ready to catch her lips with his just as they were interrupted by the sound of others approaching.

"Annabel Evelyn, what in the name of the Gods are you doing?" Her mother's voice called from up the sandbar. She turned to see her sister smiling widely and covering Kai's eyes while her cousins giggled.

Annie and Finnick looked at each other and laughed.

But the Prince awoke and pursued her, only to find the fair maiden there before him. The fair maiden confessed that it was not she who had saved the prince, but the Mermaid Princess. Overjoyed, the Prince swept the Mermaid Princess into his arms, and kissed her, breaking the evil spell that had taken away her voice…as true love's first kiss can break any evil spell.

The Mermaid Princess and the Prince married and ruled the kingdom that flourished under their command. And so they lived happily ever after.

The End.

THE FEELS. ALL THE FEELS.

Because you're all perverts, every single one of you request this become an M rated fic.

Well. I love you guys any ways. I'm a pervert too you know. :D

Thank you to every single person who reviewed/favorited/alerted this story. Due to popular demand, a companion fic about Katniss and Peeta will appear in the near future, so follow me so you can catch that. And maybe perhaps, this will become a series of stories about humans and magical creatures. Leave other couples and what you would want them to be in a review, and if I like the idea it might become a fic!

Also, leave any outtakes you would like to see between our Sea King and his Queen, and perhaps I'll write that up as well! I like taking mind-vacations to magical places so, yeah.

In other news, I'm going to college tomorrow, so I wanted to make sure I finished this fic before anything. All the RY fans who are reading this, Reaching You will be updated in the near future, as soon as I can figure out my schedule! And when I do that, I'll definitely tell you guys!

I can now mark off completing a HG fic off my bucket list. RY is still ongoing so you know.

Thank you all again, in another tale, world, and universe perhaps we shall meet again, but until next time, yours truly ~OMGitsgreen