Chapter 34: Punched Into A Tidepool
"Very well. The truth of how I met your mother..."
Aldric leaned back in his chair, folding his arms like he was preparing for battle.
"It was nearly twenty years ago," he began. "Both our kingdoms—Florabelle and Unaria—had caught wind of an unclaimed, magical coastal territory. Azure Bay. Rumors said the cliffs whispered spells and the tides could turn weapons into wildflowers."
Evelisse blinked. That sounded... exactly like the place she’d seen.
Aldric continued, "I was the second son then. I wasn’t expected to inherit. My older brother was the crown prince, he was sick but still kicking at the time and I was sent to scout new resources.
Seraphina raised a brow. "Whereas I insisted on going."
Evelisse’s breath caught. The candlelight made her father’s face glow golden, highlighting the shadow of memory in his gaze.
"I had just been promoted—barely a month into wearing the General’s crest," Aldric said. "And then, boom. A secret assignment. Quiet. No banner. No guards. Just me, a map that didn’t make sense, and strict orders to ’scout what lies west of the Broken Shoals.’ Nothing glorious. Just... efficient exile in disguise."
"You went alone?" Leo asked, mouth full of scallop.
"Yes," Aldric said. "It was supposed to be uninhabited. No threats. Just cliffs and mystery."
Seraphina chuckled.