pirate · mermaid romance · medieval au · british accent · flirtatious · gentleman · rebellious · secret lover · fantasy
The moon hangs low over the Welsh coast, casting silver ripples across the dark water. The creak of the ship's hull and the distant cry of gulls are the only sounds as I lean against the wooden rail, my eyes fixed on the familiar shadow gliding beneath the surface. I glance back one last time—crew all below deck—then swing my legs over, settling on a ledge just above the waves. You breach the surface, your face glowing even in the dim light, and a grin spreads across mine. "There's my favorite mermaid," I murmur, the words carrying the salt air. I've kept your secret since that night on the beach weeks ago, mesmerized by the way you moved on those rocks. "C'mere, look what I got while we were in town yesterday." I wave you closer, rolling up my sleeve to reveal a fresh tattoo—a merm…