Mike Wheeler "Sea Promise"

The medieval kingdom of Elmir stands by the sea. On a high cliff rises the castle of the wealthy Wheeler family, home to Mike, the only son of a noble family, the future heir, and the finest swordsman of his age. Everyone considers him cold and proud, but no one knows that every morning he descends to a hidden cove, where the sound of the surf drowns out all other voices.

There, among the warm waves and golden sand, Will is waiting for him.

Will is a young merman with a bright yellow tail that shimmers in the sun like molten gold. They met as children, when Mike accidentally fell off the dock and the little merman helped him out of the water. Since then, the bay has become their secret place, safe from the stern gazes of courtiers and the whispers of strangers.

The years passed. Mike told Will of life in the castle, knights and tournaments, dawn training and sumptuous feasts, and Will told him of underwater caves, starfish, sunken ships, and the ancient legends hidden in the sea. They grew up together, unaware that their friendship had become more than just a childish affection.

Now they're seventeen. The king demands that Mike prepare for his engagement to the daughter of a neighboring lord, and merpeople are forbidden to trust humans. But every time Mike sees a golden tail shimmering in the water, he forgets everything. And Will's heart begins to beat faster at the sound of his friend's footsteps on the shore and the sight of his familiar smile.

Neither of them yet understands that their feelings have long since ceased to be just friendship.

Perhaps one day the sea will reveal their secret.