The healers had instructed me to keep my arm in a sling for two weeks, allowing the muscles to repair themselves. While I understood the necessity, my parents' added concern was starting. They had become overprotective, insisting I couldn't go out to the lake because I couldn't take someone with me.

But there was no one I could take with me who would offer protection in the water. I was the one who commanded the creatures of the lake, not the other way around. Despite my parents' worry, I felt the water's pull, a reminder of my true nature. I didn't want to add to their stress, but the water was a part of me, and I knew I would return soon, with or without their approval.

With all the concern from my family and the constant feeling of being coddled, my only escape was school and my preparations for the trial with Gwen. Meeting with her in the palace's throne room was a sobering reminder of the gravity of what was to come.

As we walked through the room, Gwen explained the layout. I would be seated next to Queen Liatrish at the front, while the council members would sit in the back, observing the proceedings. Archie, the noble who had insulted me, would be led in after we were seated. Having been a direct witness and the one to bring the charges against him, Gwen would sit on the right side of the room.

It felt strange to prepare for something so serious, but with Gwen's guidance, I began to grasp the significance of this trial. It was not just a personal matter but a crucial step in my journey in the Elven courts, a test of my character and resilience.

Unfortunately, my parents wouldn't be allowed to attend the trial. It was considered a major insult to the Elves to have non-elven participants or spectators, including my family. I could tell they were disappointed, but we all knew it was something that had to be done.

On the day of the trial, Royal Guards met me at my manor. They stood tall and imposing while waiting to escort me to the palace. I took a deep breath, steadying myself for what lay ahead. But there was no fear in me, only a steely resolve to face whatever was to come, a determination that I hoped would inspire confidence in those around me.

As I made my way toward the palace, people lined the path, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of me. The presence of the Royal Guards added to the spectacle, making it clear that this trial was no small event. I could feel their eyes on me as I walked, their gazes like physical weights, but I kept my gaze forward, focusing on the task ahead, my determination unwavering despite the scrutiny.

Once inside, I was escorted to Queen Liatrish's sitting chambers. We would wait there until the council members took their seats and the trial was ready to begin. It gave me a moment to breathe, but the anticipation still hung heavy in the air.

As we were announced, I followed Queen Liatrish to the thrones set up on the dais. The room was grand, and the murmuring from the council members was impossible to miss. This was the first time they had seen me up close since my transformation, and I could sense their curiosity.

Once we were seated, the chatter faded, and the court herald called for the Meadows family to be brought in. They were escorted to the center of the room, their expressions tense as they took their seats. This was the moment everything became real.

Once the charges had been read, Gwen stepped forward and recounted the day's events, including when he called me a stupid human. She made sure to emphasize the fact that he knew I was a Queen.

Then, it was my turn to speak. I raised my voice so the whole chamber could hear, refusing to be intimidated. "Yes, everything he said to me was offensive. First, I'm 14 years old, and I am not thinking about marriage any time soon. Second, his whole attitude was essentially a grab for power. I finished, and he looked me straight in my eyes and said, 'I'm going to take all your power away, and you should be grateful for me doing that.' The way he talked to me was totally unacceptable. When I shut down his plan on the spot, he got bitter and insulted me again. I am grateful to Princess Gwendolyn for putting an end to his tirade of hate and bigotry. Finally, I'd like to remind him that though I was born a human, I am now and will always be a mermaid." My words were a declaration of my identity and a refusal to be belittled.

I spoke clearly, ensuring everyone in the chamber could hear my words. I wasn't just recounting what happened—I wanted to clarify that his behavior was not just an insult to me but to the title I now carried.

As I finished, I glanced at Archie's family and saw the hate simmering in their expressions. It was clear that my words had struck a nerve. But it didn't matter. I wasn't backing down. My resolve was unwavering, a testament to my strength and determination.

Queen Liatrish, seated beside me, turned her gaze toward the Matriarch of the Meadows family. "What do you have to say about Archie's actions?" she asked, her voice calm but authoritative.

All eyes shifted to the Meadow's Matriarch, awaiting her response.

"Sam Winter, Queen of the Seas, we recognize that what Archie did was highly offensive to you personally and your title. I have no excuse for his actions. As of today, Archie has been removed from the family rolls. He is no longer a member of the Meadow's family."

Archie chose that moment to open his mouth and insert his foot. "You can't kick me out of the family for that human; she isn't even a real Queen," he angrily shouted.

The Matriarch replied quickly, "Shut up, you stupid child. I can and have removed you. To this family, you were never born. You have caused this family so much shame and still haven't learned your lesson. I will not have you embarrass this family anymore."

"I have had enough," the Queen bellowed. Matriarch, I accept his removal from your rolls. Archie, of no family name, will now be exiled from the kingdom. Guards will have him escorted to the closest border and make sure he leaves." As Archie was dragged out, kicking and screaming, Liatrish returned to the Matriarch, "I will defer your judgment to Queen Sam."

The courtroom's atmosphere was tense, and as Archie continued his outburst, it became clear that he had sealed his fate. His defiance only deepened the shame he brought upon his family, and the Matriarch's sharp words left no room for doubt about her stance.

Queen Liatrish's command to exile Archie was swift, and as the guards dragged him out, his furious protests faded into the background. The Queen's attention then returned to me, deferring her judgment of the Meadows family to me, placing the weight of their fate in my hands.

I took a deep breath. This decision was mine to make, and I needed to choose wisely.

"Matriarch Meadow, I may disagree with your punishment of Archie, but it is not my place to question your custom and how you rule your family. That said, I firmly believe in punishing the person who committed the crime. It is how my parents raised me. You have taken action to discipline the person at fault. I will not hold his actions against your family."

As I spoke, I could see the surprise on the faces of Matriarch Meadows and the council members. Clearly, they hadn't expected me to show leniency, but I stood by my words. My parents had always taught me that individuals should be held accountable for their own actions, and that's what I intended to do.

When I glanced at Liatrish, her calm expression reassured me, though I couldn't help but feel confused by the room's reaction. Leaning closer, Liatrish whispered to me, "You've done nothing wrong. Though usually, in situations like this, the family gets demoted a rank or two."

I nodded slightly, realizing that while I had handled things differently than expected, I had stayed true to what I believed was right.

"Sam Winter, Queen of the Sea, has chosen not to punish the Meadow's family. I, as a result of this, end the trial." Liatrish announced.

With Queen Liatrish's announcement, the trial came to an official close. The Meadows family looked up at me with expressions of relief and gratitude. I felt a sense of peace wash over me as the weight of the situation lifted. It was over, and I was glad for it. Now, I could move forward, free from the tension of this ordeal.

The Meadow's Matriarch requested to talk to me before I could leave the palace. "Your Majesty, to be honest, every elf on the council and I were quite surprised by your kindness to my family. I expected that we would lose our noble title and have to pay retribution to you."

I asked her, "Do you know why he would act like that?"

"I'm afraid I do. He is the eighth in line to take my place. This means he would not have a chance to marry into a family of higher rank. My family also does not hold humans in high standing."

I stood there, listening carefully to the Matriarch's words. Her honesty about Archie's motivations and the family's prejudice against humans gave me insight into the deeper issues at play. It wasn't just about power or title; it was about a centuries-old mindset that had shaped how they viewed me—and perhaps others like me.

"I see," I replied, considering her explanation. "I hope that, in time, things can change, and we can all move forward from this."

The Matriarch nodded thoughtfully. It was clear that this encounter had left her with much to reflect on, as it had for me.

The Matriarch took a deep breath, collecting her thoughts. "Your Majesty, I would like to offer you a tribute as a goodwill gesture. My family needs to save face with the other nobles after this incident, and I believe that acknowledging your kindness through a formal offering would help mend our reputation."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of tribute do you have in mind?"

She hesitated momentarily, then continued, "We have a collection of rare gems and artifacts passed down through our family. While they hold sentimental value, I would like to offer you some as a token of our appreciation for your understanding and compassion. It would also serve to show the other nobles that my family respects your position and status as Queen of the Seas."

I considered her offer, recognizing the importance of symbolism in their culture. "I appreciate the gesture, Matriarch. It's thoughtful of you and could help strengthen our relationship moving forward."

"Once I get older and establish my kingdom, I would love to discuss opportunities that could benefit us both," I said, looking at the Matriarch with sincerity. "There's much we can learn from one another, and I believe we can create a future that honors both our legacies."

The Matriarch smiled, a look of hope crossing her face. "I would be honored, Your Majesty. It is essential for us to find common ground, especially in these changing times. Together, we could forge a path that leads to a brighter future for both our peoples."

With that, we shared a mutual understanding, a foundation for potential collaboration and friendship that could help bridge the gaps between our worlds.

The next day, a carriage pulled up to the manor, delivering three heavy chests. I didn't open them immediately; instead, I had the guards move them to the treasure room, where I could examine them later. The thought of what might be inside was exciting, but I knew I needed to take my time to figure out how best to use this newfound treasure. It felt significant, not just as material wealth but as part of my new identity and responsibilities as the Queen of the Seas.

I finally had the opportunity to meet with the Elder Mages, a moment I had been anticipating. They welcomed me into a grand chamber filled with books, scrolls, and artifacts that radiated an aura of ancient knowledge. The air was thick with the scent of parchment and ink, a comforting reminder of my love for learning.

The wise and aged mages looked at me with a mix of curiosity and respect. "Welcome, Queen Sam," one said, his voice deep and resonant. "We are eager to understand your unique connection to water and how your magic operates."

I nodded, feeling both nervous and excited. "I'm looking forward to sharing what I know. My magic is different from what you might be accustomed to."

They gathered around me, their attention focused intently as I began to explain my abilities and the way the water responded to my commands without the need for spells. It was the start of a fascinating exchange, and I hoped that together, we could uncover new aspects of magic that had yet to be explored.

As I stood before the Elder Mage group, I noticed four women and three men. The women were inquisitive, and I could sense their eagerness as they spoke among themselves.

"We would like to examine your body, especially when you have your legs," one of the women said, her tone respectful yet direct. "We want to note any differences between you and other elves. Your transformation is unique and could provide invaluable insight into your kind."

I felt a mix of flattery and discomfort at their request. While I understood the importance of their research, the idea of being examined so closely made me uneasy. "I understand your curiosity," I said carefully. "But I would prefer to keep that private for now until I feel more comfortable."

The elders exchanged looks, some nodding in understanding. "Of course, we respect your boundaries, Queen Sam," another elder said. "Our goal is to learn, not to intrude. We can focus on your magic and abilities instead."

Relieved, I shifted the conversation toward my keen observation and how my powers manifested, eager to engage them on a topic that felt more in my control.

As I demonstrated spells like water bullet, water wall, and water shield to the Elder Mages, I noticed their keen interest as they observed the mana interacting with the water. These spells were easy for me to conjure, but I soon realized I needed to receive more mana feedback to maintain them for long periods.

I had never really tried to exert my magic without being in direct contact with water, and as I continued to push myself, I began to feel mentally and physically drained. My mana capacity was waning, and the signs of dehydration were creeping in.

"Is everything all right, Queen Sam?" one of the elders asked, noticing my change in demeanor.

"I think I need a moment," I admitted, trying to catch my breath. I'm not used to working like this without being in the water." I could feel my body's urgency, reminding me of my connection to the element that sustained me.

"I need to get into the water quickly," I gasped, my urgency palpable. "I can feel something is wrong with my body."

The Elder Mages exchanged concerned glances, and one of the women stepped forward. "Let us help you," she said, her voice steady. "We can assist you in getting to the nearest water source."

With their support, I moved swiftly, my thoughts solely focused on reaching the water. As soon as I was submerged, I felt the familiar embrace of the element I commanded. The coolness enveloped me, and I could feel my mana beginning to stabilize as the water reconnected with my body. I closed my eyes, focusing on letting the energy flow back into me, hoping to restore the balance I had lost.

At that moment, I realized a crucial lesson: land could be perilous for me. If I didn't connect with water—especially after exerting a lot of magic—I was at risk. The cool embrace of the water was not just comforting; it was essential for my well-being. I felt a deepening understanding of my new identity and the responsibilities that came with it. I had to ensure that I stayed connected to the element that sustained me physically and magically.