((OOC: Yes, title is from the lyrics to The Little Mermaid song "Under the Sea." I couldn't help myself. >.>))

Tristan's long (for a guy) brown locks wafted about in the water, as he perused through the seaweed book. He gnawed on his lip, skimming through the pages. It was nice to be one of the top scholars, since the title allowed him access into the Royal Library whenever he chose. He could read almost any of the books he wanted, excluding the banned section. However, with the right permission from someone in charge, that section would be available for him to browse. The young merman was very fond of this place, due to tranquility of the library, and the vast amounts of knowledge that the books contained in their many pages. He sighed contentedly, flipping page after page of the tome that rested before him. There was nothing more relaxing than reading a book quietly.

Leaning back in the chair, Tristan grinned to himself. The time he spent alone had paid off well, since it allowed him to diligently pursue his studies. Thus, he had been named one of the Royal Scholars at a very young age. This honor allowed him many privileges, but it also came with many responsibilities. Namely the social events and formalities that he had to attend. Still, it was worth being able to come and read whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. And no one to stop him. Turning his attention back to the book, the young lad remembered the letter from his family, that he had been using as a bookmark. Opening the missive carefully, he carefully extracted it from the envelope. Skimming over it, he prepared to continue reading his book, until it fully hit him.

Picking the letter back up, he frantically read it again. And again. The words didn't change. Betrothed. Engaged to be married. To one Naunet Masika. An alliance of families. Good for the pair of them. There was going to be a delegation for Prince Limniad to see his own arranged bride. Tristan would be meeting Naunet and getting to know her better there. All the color drained from his face after reading these words, and the library was interrupted by an explosion of sound."WHAT?!" This was followed by short gasps of breath, as the merman practically started hyperventilating. He felt sick. How could his family do this to him?! They knew how he felt about these things! He wheezed,"This...can't be happening..." He had to get out of here. He left his book on the table as he swam out of there, clutching the letter in his hand.