The provided text is an excerpt from a fantasy romance novel, “The Merman King’s Bride,” featuring a dialogue between the protagonist, Selina, and a merman. Their conversation centers around a curse, a magical pendant, and the merman’s transformation. Selina seeks to break the curse and return to her own world. The excerpt highlights a pivotal moment in the story, where Selina confronts her fears and makes a critical decision.

Study Guide: The Merman King’s Bride

Quiz

1. How does Selina react when she is told she looks like a woman? What does this reaction suggest about her character?
2. Selina is pleased and uses this as a reason to dress in the gown, since she says it “looks older” which is good because she is looking for a husband. She is clearly trying to be the ideal person for a man rather than to look how she wants.
3. Why does Adar say he is looking for the pendant and why is he unable to just take it?
4. Adar is looking for the pendant because it is a token that will give him power over his kingdom again, but he cannot take it because he claims he must have it given back to him.
5. Describe the physical transformation Adar undergoes as he is introduced to Selina. What does this signify about his nature?
6. Adar transforms from a human-looking man with long braids to a more monstrous being with red skin, sharp teeth, and a fin that is a dark, blue-black color. This physical transformation signifies his true nature as a fae being.
7. How does Selina describe the Fae and what evidence does she cite to support her claim?

Selina describes the Fae as “wily and devious; they’re beautiful and dangerous.” Her evidence is that dealing with them was her first mistake and a “lesson” she needs to remember.

1. What does Adar mean when he says that the Fae are “the predators, and we’re prey”?
2. Adar means that the Fae are a dominating force, and their nature is to prey upon the other races around them. They are in control and others are at their mercy.
3. Why does Adar claim he is cursed?
4. Adar claims that he is cursed for his actions and that he is bound to follow the rules of the Fae, which leads him to seek a token he must have returned to him. He also seems to be under an external curse by the Fae.
5. How does Adar react when Selina touches his tail?
6. Adar has a very physical reaction to Selina touching his tail, suggesting that this is a vulnerable or sensitive part of his body. He also has an emotional reaction, yelling at Selina, “Don’t you!”
7. What is the significance of the light in Adar’s chest?
8. The light in his chest seems to represent his trust and hope, and it appears only when he has offered something vulnerable to Selina. It is also related to the curse, since it “gleams dully, a little muddy.”
9. What is Selina’s final decision at the end of this excerpt?
10. Selina decides to return the pendant to Adar. She seems to feel some compassion for him and that there is more to the story than she understands, but also realizes that she has given herself over to the Fae.
11. How does Selina justify her final actions at the end of this excerpt?

Selina justifies her final actions by telling herself that Adar is a Fae and that she is at his mercy. She repeats the mantra, “He’s Fae,” as she makes her way back to the palace to accept her fate.

Answer Key

1. Selina is pleased and uses this as a reason to dress in the gown, since she says it “looks older” which is good because she is looking for a husband. She is clearly trying to be the ideal person for a man rather than to look how she wants.
2. Adar is looking for the pendant because it is a token that will give him power over his kingdom again, but he cannot take it because he claims he must have it given back to him.
3. Adar transforms from a human-looking man with long braids to a more monstrous being with red skin, sharp teeth, and a fin that is a dark, blue-black color. This physical transformation signifies his true nature as a fae being.
4. Selina describes the Fae as “wily and devious; they’re beautiful and dangerous.” Her evidence is that dealing with them was her first mistake and a “lesson” she needs to remember.
5. Adar means that the Fae are a dominating force, and their nature is to prey upon the other races around them. They are in control and others are at their mercy.
6. Adar claims that he is cursed for his actions and that he is bound to follow the rules of the Fae, which leads him to seek a token he must have returned to him. He also seems to be under an external curse by the Fae.
7. Adar has a very physical reaction to Selina touching his tail, suggesting that this is a vulnerable or sensitive part of his body. He also has an emotional reaction, yelling at Selina, “Don’t you!”
8. The light in his chest seems to represent his trust and hope, and it appears only when he has offered something vulnerable to Selina. It is also related to the curse, since it “gleams dully, a little muddy.”
9. Selina decides to return the pendant to Adar. She seems to feel some compassion for him and that there is more to the story than she understands, but also realizes that she has given herself over to the Fae.
10. Selina justifies her final actions by telling herself that Adar is a Fae and that she is at his mercy. She repeats the mantra, “He’s Fae,” as she makes her way back to the palace to accept her fate.

Essay Questions

1. Analyze the power dynamics between Selina and Adar. How do they shift throughout the excerpt, and what factors contribute to these shifts? Consider their different positions in society, the fact that Adar is Fae, and the effect of his token.
2. Explore the theme of appearances versus reality in the text. How does the author use physical descriptions and transformations to challenge the reader’s initial understanding of characters like Adar and the Fae?
3. Discuss the role of free will and destiny in the story. To what extent do characters like Selina and Adar have control over their actions, and what forces seem to be guiding them? How do the concepts of curses and tokens complicate this?
4. Examine the ways in which the author uses elements of the fairy tale genre. How are these elements used to enhance the themes and motifs within the story? How does the story subvert or challenge these elements?
5. Consider the use of language in the text. How does the dialogue between Selina and Adar reveal their personalities, motivations, and the complexities of their relationship? What can be inferred from the author’s narrative voice and description?

Glossary of Key Terms

• Fae: A race of beings that are often depicted as beautiful and powerful, but also capricious and dangerous. In this excerpt, they are described as predators.
• Token: An object of significance that has magical or power-granting properties for the character, Adar. It is tied to his agency.
• Curse: A spell or a pronouncement that brings misfortune or suffering, often used as a plot device to explain characters’ circumstances.
• Pendant: The specific item that Adar is seeking. Its physical description is important since it seems to contain some light or energy.
• Prince Jason: Selina’s potential suitor, who seems to represent the mundane and ordinary in opposition to Adar and the Fae.
• Merman: A creature with the upper body of a man and the tail of a fish, and a specific name that Adar uses in the story.
• Predators/Prey: A concept used to describe the relationship between the Fae and other races, where the Fae are the dominant and exploitative force.
• Selina Elizabeth Thornton: The protagonist of the story. She is presented as a character who makes a mistake in the beginning and then begins to learn from it.
• Adar: A character, who is a merman king and also a Fae being, and who is also the object of Selina’s curiosity and a complicated kind of affection.
• Free Will: The power or ability to make decisions for oneself.

The Merman King’s Bride

Okay, here is a briefing document summarizing the key themes, ideas, and facts from the provided excerpts of “The Merman King’s Bride”:

Briefing Document: “The Merman King’s Bride” (Excerpts)

Overview:

These excerpts from “The Merman King’s Bride” introduce a world of fae, curses, and a protagonist named Selina caught in a web of complex relationships and dangerous magic. The story seems to be centered around a curse involving a merman prince named Adar and a mysterious pendant that connects Selina to the situation. We see themes of identity, duty, sacrifice, love, and the dangerous allure of the fae.

Key Themes and Ideas:

1. The Allure and Danger of the Fae:

• The fae are depicted as both beautiful and terrifying. They are described as “wily and devious, they’re beautiful and dangerous.”
• They have a disregard for human logic, as seen when Selina thinks, “I don’t know. That’s the thing with curses. They aren’t logical and they don’t always work in the way you expect.”
• The excerpt clearly establishes that the Fae see humans as something to be consumed, “The fish simply jump to me, unable to help themselves, ensnared. The birds of the lake come into my arms, hoping for some loving, but get eaten instead.”
• Adar warns Selina “The fae are the predators, and we’re prey.”

1. The Curse and the Pendant:

• Adar is cursed and the pendant is vital to breaking the curse. He states, “My problem is retrieving the pendant. I have to go back to the lake. One last time. And this time I’m not leaving without Isoton’s token.”
• The pendant is also a source of control as Adar says, “I need it, and it’s mine. If you’re a good person, if you’re a King and have any honor at all, you’ll return it to me.”
• The pendant and the curse seem to be connected to love and longing: “Give me the pendant, I whisper, ‘and I will kiss you, I want you to get away from here. I want to cure you.”

1. Identity and Duty:

• Selina struggles with her own identity, feeling like a pawn in others’ plans. At one point she cries “The worst thing about this is that my cousin is right. What am I doing? Am I about to throw my future away? And for what?”
• She questions her expected role as a wife when she comments on being married to the Prince. “Who says I want his children?” she calls out.
• She seems to be drawn into events because of family connections, however she actively makes her own choices.
• Her relationship with her cousin, Lilly is complex as Lilly is being supportive, yet also pushing Selina to be married when Selina doesn’t want that. “You’re so lucky to have his attention. Such a good family, such a steady kingdom, stable financially and without enemies at its borders. Not even that many Fae there, I’m told.”

1. Forbidden Attraction and Sacrifice:

• Despite the danger, there is an undeniable attraction between Selina and Adar. He says, “I kiss you, I want you to get away from here. I want to cure you.” Selina replies, “The best in my cheeks is not feigned, as I remember his kisses. I’ve been thinking about you, I can’t seem to stop.”
• Selina also admits “I am…and you were right. This prince who gave me the token…I’m not sure I’d like to spend my life with him. So I need the token so that I can return it to him.” hinting at a willingness to sacrifice for Adar.
• The dynamic between them is fraught, as evidenced by their dialogue: “’Why? Haven’t received any marriage proposal from him yet. Haven’t accepted one, either.’ ‘But you took his token.’ ‘I’ll give it back!’ ‘Oh God, you’ve lost your mind. All the rest of us are jealous of your good fortune and you want to throw it all away. What for? Wait…’ Her eyes narrow, ‘Is there another man?’ “

Key Facts & Plot Points:

• Selina: The protagonist, a woman who is entangled in the affairs of the fae and is being courted by a prince that is not Adar. She is described as someone who touches flowers, has a family that seems to control her life, and is clearly drawn to Adar.
• Adar: A merman prince who is cursed and seeking to break the curse using a pendant. He’s described with details of his appearance: “his tail is a gaping wound from side to side. The water around him has the red tinge of blood.”
• The Pendant: A vital object, described as “arrow-pierced heart gleams dully, a little muddy. My breath stutters out of my chest” that appears to be important to the curse and is now in Selina’s possession.
• The Fae: The realm of the fae is a dangerous place to become involved, as Selina herself says, “My mistake was dealing with one of them in the first place. I should have told my grandfather the lesson.”
• The Setting: The action takes place in a lakeside setting with hints of a kingdom and a palace. There is mention of a wood with a dangerous nature.
• Lilly: Selina’s cousin who is supportive yet pushing for Selina to be married to the Prince.

Significant Quotes:

• “The Fae are wily and devious, they’re beautiful and dangerous. My mistake was dealing with one of them in the first place.” – Highlights the dangerous nature of the fae.
• “Give me the pendant,” I whisper, ‘and I will kiss you, I want you to get away from here. I want to cure you.” – Shows the connection between Selina and Adar and the importance of the pendant.
• “The best in my cheeks is not feigned, as I remember his kisses. I’ve been thinking about you, I can’t seem to stop.” Shows the complex nature of their attraction
• “The fish simply jump to me, unable to help themselves, ensnared. The birds of the lake come into my arms, hoping for some loving, but get eaten instead.” Reveals the predatory nature of the Fae.

Conclusion:

These excerpts provide a compelling introduction to a fantasy world with a dark undercurrent. The conflict between duty and desire, the allure and danger of the fae, and the mystery surrounding the curse and the pendant all suggest a complex and engaging narrative. The main focus seems to center on Selina’s internal struggle and her growing connection to Adar, even in the face of danger. The reader is left eager to discover the fate of Selina, Adar, and the mystery of the pendant.

Selina and the Merman’s Pendant

What is the central conflict Selina is facing at the beginning of the excerpt?

Selina is grappling with the impending arrival of Prince Jason and the pressure to choose an outfit for the occasion, as well as a general feeling of unease and a sense of being trapped by circumstances beyond her control. She expresses a reluctance towards marrying him and seems to be struggling with a growing sense of dread and discontent about her prescribed path.

What is the significance of the pendant and why is Adar so desperate to retrieve it?

The pendant seems to be a powerful magical item, possibly belonging to the Fae. Adar is desperate to retrieve it because it is connected to his identity and possibly his power, as suggested by his statement that he needs it to return home. The pendant also seems to have some sort of curse or influence associated with it. He feels its loss is driving him to prey upon others and he must stop it.

How does the story depict the Fae, and what is their relationship with humans according to this excerpt?

The Fae are depicted as powerful, beautiful, and dangerous beings who are not to be trifled with. They are described as “wily and devious” and “predators.” There’s an implication that they are not bound by the same rules of logic and morality as humans, and they are shown to use humans for their own purposes. The Fae consider humans “prey” and “food.” It seems they are capable of manipulating humans.

What is the nature of the relationship between Selina and Adar and how does it evolve in this excerpt?

Initially, Selina seems wary and frightened of Adar. However, there’s a shift in their dynamic as the excerpt progresses. There’s a clear attraction and a growing sense of intimacy. She starts to show genuine concern for him, which is a stark contrast to her initial fear. Despite the danger he embodies, she feels compelled to help him and at the end of the excerpt she feels she must retrieve the pendant to assist him.

What are some of the clues that hint at the nature of Adar’s curse and his true identity?

There are several clues suggesting that Adar is cursed: his changing appearance (his scales, his tail) the spots on his face, the desperation to reclaim his pendant, and the fact that he is in a place not fit for him – a “shining silver” merman on shore. His speech also suggests he is not used to human company, using terms like “prey” and making it seem as though he has no control over his actions.

What motivates Selina to get involved in Adar’s quest, and what does it reveal about her character?

Selina gets involved with Adar not just out of pity, but also a sense of curiosity and possibly even a rebellious streak. She defies her cousin and ignores the implications and danger to help Adar retrieve the pendant. This suggests that she is independent-minded, courageous, and not afraid to go against expectations, hinting she may be more than a passive player in her own destiny.

How does the author use sensory details to paint a picture of the setting and the characters?

The author utilizes sensory details effectively throughout the text. Visual descriptions like the “shining silver” of Adar’s tail, the color of the mud, and the pale light create vivid images. We have tactile details like Adar’s scaly skin, or the feel of his rough braid against his hand. Aural details include Adar’s “voice, turning sharp” and the sound of mud squishing as they move. These details heighten the reader’s immersion in the scene and help to build atmosphere and depth of characters.

What hints are there of underlying themes within the excerpt and what ideas do they suggest?

Several underlying themes are suggested, including the conflict between duty and desire. Selina is expected to marry Prince Jason, but she clearly desires something different, and possibly more dangerous. The excerpt also touches on the idea of the power of true love, and the risks taken for it, even between humans and those who are not. There’s also an implication that appearances can be deceiving, and that true worth lies beneath surface attributes.

Selina and the Merman

The sources tell a story about a character named Selina and a merman named Adar.

• Selina is preparing for a visit from a prince and is trying to decide what to wear [1].
• Lily mentions that Selina is lucky to have a stable and financially secure family, and that maybe it is time she marries [1]. Lily also says that she is aware of Selina’s feelings for Adar [1].
• Selina seems conflicted about her feelings, and mentions that Adar’s kisses make her feel something for which she has no name [1].
• Selina’s cousin is also involved in the story [2]. She thinks that Selina is being silly and should stop interacting with Adar [2].
• Selina is trying to retrieve her pendant from Adar [2].
• It is revealed that the pendant was given to Selina as a love token and that she had given it to Adar, which suggests a prior relationship between them [2].
• There is a sense of urgency as the fae want to retrieve the pendant [2].
• Adar is described as having blue and silver scales and is of a beautiful and strange nature [2]. He is also described as a monster [3].
• Adar tells Selina that the fae eat people who fall in love with them [3].
• Adar tells Selina that he is cursed [3].
• Selina thinks that she can fix the situation by giving Adar back his pendant [4].
• Adar reveals that the best in his kisses is designed to make Selina want to stay with him [4].
• Selina wants to help Adar and says she was trying to help him when she went to meet him [4].
• Selina gives the pendant back to Adar, and he disappears [5].
• Selina realizes that Adar is fae and that she has to make her way back to the palace [5].

Cursed Fae Kings

The sources tell a story that involves cursed fae kings [1-5].

• Adar is identified as fae [5]. He is also described as a monster and as having a cursed nature [3, 4].
• Adar’s curse is not fully explained, but the sources indicate that he is a fae [5] and that the fae are dangerous. He states that “The fae are the predators, and we’re prey” and that the fae eat people who fall in love with them [3].
• King Xyene is also a fae king, and it is mentioned that he “takes the royal guard to the woods to have him killed” [2]. This suggests that the fae kings are in a position of power and that they can be cruel and violent [2].
• The fae are described as being “wily and devious” [2]. They are also described as beautiful and dangerous [2].
• The fae have haunted and tormented humans for centuries [2].
• The fae are associated with a pendant, which is described as a love token [2]. This pendant seems to have some significance to the fae and their curse.
• It is mentioned that Adar tries to entice Selina to stay with him by “using the best in his kisses” [4], and that they are designed to make her want to stay with him [4]. This implies that the fae use manipulation to achieve their goals [4].
• The sources indicate that the fae live in a separate world, the woods, from the humans [2].
• Adar reveals that he was sent out to seduce and “eat out your heart” [3]. This demonstrates that the fae are dangerous and that their intentions are not good [3].
• The fae’s appearance is described as strange and beautiful with blue and silver scales [2].
• The fae’s power is derived from the pendant. Adar tells Selina he cannot leave without his pendant and that his people are waiting for him. It appears that losing his pendant weakens him [2, 3].
• It is indicated that the curse was put on the Fae as a result of their actions, when Adar says “The fae are the predators, and we’re prey” [3].

These points highlight that the fae kings are a dangerous and powerful group, who are described as cruel, manipulative, and cursed [2, 3]. They are a threat to humans, and the curse seems to be linked to their interactions with humans [2-4].

Forbidden Fairytale: A Dark Romance

The sources present elements of a fairytale romance, but with a dark and dangerous twist.

• Love and Attraction: There is a clear attraction between Selina and Adar. Selina acknowledges that Adar’s kisses make her feel something profound [1]. She also expresses a desire to touch and kiss him [1]. This mutual attraction forms the basis of the “romance”. It’s important to note that Lily acknowledges Selina’s feelings for Adar when she asks, “What’s the matter with you today? It’s been getting worse and I don’t know how to help you. Don’t tell me you have changed your mind about Jason?” [1].
• Forbidden Love: The romance between Selina and Adar is complicated by the fact that Adar is a Fae [2]. The Fae are described as dangerous, manipulative, and cursed [2-4]. Adar tells Selina that the Fae eat people who fall in love with them [3]. This creates a classic “forbidden love” trope, where the lovers face external forces that threaten their relationship. The romance between Selina and Adar is also impacted by the fact that she is betrothed to another man, Jason, which is part of the conventional fairytale romance setting [1].
• A Token of Love: A pendant is a significant symbol in their relationship. The pendant is described as a “love token” [2]. Selina gave the pendant to Adar, indicating a past relationship and affection between them [2]. The pendant is also tied to the curse of the Fae and becomes a source of conflict and a central plot device [2].
• Deception and Manipulation: The sources suggest that Adar may have been manipulating Selina. Adar admits to using “the best in his kisses” to make Selina want to stay with him [3]. He also reveals that he was sent to seduce Selina and “eat out your heart” [3]. This element of deception adds a dark layer to their romance, undermining the traditional notion of a pure and honest love.
• Rescue and Sacrifice: Selina is determined to help Adar and tries to return the pendant to him in order to lift his curse [4]. Her desire to rescue him demonstrates an act of love and a twist on the traditional damsel-in-distress trope. Selina’s actions are fueled by a need to fix the situation, showing that she is not a passive participant in the narrative [2].
• Good vs. Evil: The story sets up a conflict between humans and Fae. The Fae are depicted as dangerous and cruel [2, 3]. Adar admits to being a monster and describes the fae as predators [3]. This clash creates a narrative tension, typical of a fairytale, between good and evil, love and danger [3].

In conclusion, the “fairytale romance” in these sources is not a traditional, happy one. It incorporates common elements of the genre like love, a token of affection, and rescue attempts. But the story also subverts those tropes with elements of manipulation, danger, and a dark, cursed nature of the fae, which adds layers of complexity to the idea of a fairytale romance.

Lily and Selina: A Confidante’s Concerns

The sources provide information about Lily, but Blaise is not mentioned.

Here’s what the sources reveal about Lily:

• Lily is a character in the story, and she interacts with Selina [1].
• Lily and Selina are in the same room, and Lily appears to be helping Selina get ready [1].
• Lily is aware of Selina’s feelings for Adar, and even asks, “What’s the matter with you today? It’s been getting worse and I don’t know how to help you. Don’t tell me you have changed your mind about Jason?” This shows that Lily is aware of the romantic entanglement between Selina and Adar [1].
• Lily mentions that Selina is lucky to have a stable, financially secure family and suggests that it might be time for Selina to marry. Lily says to Selina, “You’re so lucky to have his attention. Such a good family; such a steady kingdom, stable financially and without enemies at its borders. Not even that many Fae there, I’m told.” [1]. This seems to be a reference to Jason, Selina’s betrothed, as well as a subtle reminder about the dangers associated with the fae.
• Lily also mentions that she has always loved having Selina in her room but that Selina’s “head aches and there’s another strange ache in my chest… which seems to spread into my belly and lower when I think of the merman” [1]. This is a complex statement that indicates she is concerned about Selina’s interactions with Adar.
• Lily seems to be trying to guide Selina towards a more conventional path, suggesting marriage to Jason, while recognizing Selina’s feelings for Adar.
• Lily’s dialogue suggests that she is concerned about Selina’s wellbeing and is trying to offer advice and support [1].
• Lily appears to be a close confidante of Selina, given the intimate nature of their conversation [1].

The sources do not mention Blaise. Therefore, there is no information in the sources about Blaise.

The Fae’s Cursed Pendant

The sources indicate that a magical pendant plays a significant role in the story, particularly in relation to the Fae and their curse.

• The pendant is described as a “love token” [1]. This implies that it is a symbol of affection and connection between individuals.
• The pendant was given to Selina as a token of love [1]. She then gave it to Adar, which suggests a prior relationship and affection between them [1].
• The pendant seems to be significant to the Fae and their curse. Adar tells Selina, “I can’t take the guards. Not that I care about a nasty Fae’s life. After all, the Fae have haunted and tormented us for centuries. Handsome or not, he’s not my problem. No, my problem is retrieving the pendant. I have to go back to the lake. One last time. And this time I’m not leaving without (the pendant)” [1]. This shows that the pendant is important to him.
• Adar also states, “I’m here for my pendant, I say. No more tricks, Adar. No more games. I need it, and it’s mine. If you’re a good person, if you’re a King and have any honor at all, you’ll return it to me” [2]. This implies that the pendant is needed to restore his honor as a king and potentially to break the curse.
• The pendant is described as silver [3].
• Adar states that he cannot leave without the pendant [1]. This suggests that the pendant is also a source of power for the Fae, and that they are somehow bound to it. The pendant also seems to weaken him as he needs it to return to his people [1].
• Adar says to Selina, “Give me the pendant,” I whisper, “and I will kiss you, I want you to get away from here. I want to cure you” [3]. He suggests here that the pendant has the power to break the curse, and that Selina can be cured by giving it to him [3].
• Selina believes that returning the pendant to Adar will somehow fix things and help him, and she is willing to help him [3]. This shows that she believes in the pendant’s power.
• Adar says, “The best in my cheeks is not feigned, as I remember his kisses. ‘I’ve been thinking about you. I can’t seem to stop.” This seems to be an attempt to manipulate Selina into staying, and implies that the pendant is central to the Fae’s strategy to seduce and entrap humans [3].
• After Selina gives the pendant back to Adar, he immediately leaves, which further reinforces the idea that the pendant is essential to his existence and power [4].
• The pendant is described as a silver disk hanging from a chain [3].

In summary, the pendant in the story is more than just an accessory; it is a crucial element with magical properties that are deeply connected to the Fae’s identity, power, curse, and their interactions with humans. It is a symbol of love, power, and perhaps the key to breaking the curse.

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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