The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance by Mona Black Chapter 14 – Selina

These excerpts come from “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings).” The text centers on Selina, who is grappling with the implications of a marriage proposal from Adar, a merman. Selina contemplates the contrast between her simple life and the grandeur of the palace, while questioning the nature of her feelings for Adar. There are conversations with Lily, Selina’s cousin, and an old woman offering cryptic advice, hinting at potential dangers and betrayals. Selina is being used as a “healer” and a “place to hide”, but she considers whether she can fight for any treasure, for anyone who owns her heart. Ultimately, she decides to proceed, accepting a token from Adar, but still plans for a different outcome.

The Merman King’s Bride: A Study Guide

I. Short Answer Quiz:

1. What is Selina’s initial reaction to being chosen to marry Adar, the Merman King? Explain her internal conflict.
2. Describe the physical condition of Adar as Selina first observes him. How is his appearance described?
3. What “deal” or “trade” does Selina contemplate making to avoid marrying Adar, according to her internal monologue?
4. What warning does the old woman give Selina regarding Adar and his health?
5. What is the significance of the “Silver Mirror Lake” mentioned in the excerpt?
6. How does the text suggest that Adar is perceived by the palace inhabitants, or by fae in general?
7. Explain the significance of the token or bracelet Adar offers Selina. What does he claim he’ll do if she rejects it?
8. What does Selina realize about Adar’s character and motivation after seeing him and speaking to him?
9. How does Selina show that she might care for Adar?
10. What sacrifice does she agree to make for him?

Answer Key:

1. Selina is resistant and conflicted. She questions whether she should marry for feasts and celebration or for love.
2. Adar is described as pale, with a terrible wound across his face that seems to be splitting him in half. He is also noted to be barely breathing.
3. Selina contemplates trading her life of luxury for a simple life as a maid, enduring hard work and hardship, if it meant she didn’t have to marry Adar.
4. The old woman warns Selina that Adar is wounded and fading, suggesting that she needs a healer, and she should not leave him alone.
5. The Silver Mirror Lake is where one can supposedly see their future husband’s face in the water.
6. Adar is perceived with fear and discomfort, and it’s also mentioned he was brought to the palace.
7. The token or bracelet is a symbol of his proposal. Adar claims that if she takes it off and throws it down, he’ll be crushed.
8. Selina realizes Adar is trying to spare humanity and end a curse.
9. Selina pulls a blanket over Adar’s legs in a tender gesture.
10. Selina agrees to stay with Adar despite the curse and the unknown dangers.

II. Essay Questions:

1. Explore the theme of sacrifice in “The Merman King’s Bride.” How do different characters consider or enact sacrifice, and what motivates their choices?
2. Analyze the portrayal of gender roles and power dynamics in the excerpt. How do the characters challenge or reinforce traditional expectations?
3. Discuss the role of setting in establishing the mood and themes of the story. How do the palace, the lake, and the haunted woods contribute to the narrative?
4. Examine the use of internal monologue in revealing Selina’s character and her evolving feelings towards Adar. How does this literary device enhance the reader’s understanding of her motivations?
5. Compare and contrast the depiction of love presented in the excerpt. Is it a love based on duty, compassion, or something else entirely?

III. Glossary of Key Terms:

• Merman King: A male being, often of royal status, possessing both human and fish-like characteristics, typically ruling over a kingdom of the sea.
• Fae (Fairy): Supernatural beings, often depicted with magical powers and residing in a realm separate from the human world.
• Curse: A supernatural affliction or malediction, often causing suffering or misfortune.
• Healer: A person skilled in the art of curing diseases or injuries, often possessing knowledge of herbs, potions, or magic.
• Token: A symbol or object given as a sign of affection, promise, or commitment.
• Silver Mirror Lake: In this context, a body of water with the reputed ability to show a person’s future spouse.
• Haunted Woods: A forest associated with fear, danger, and the presence of malevolent spirits or supernatural forces.
• Palace: The official residence of a royal family or head of state, often associated with luxury, power, and intrigue.
• Internal Monologue: A character’s thoughts and reflections expressed in words, providing insight into their motivations and emotions.
• Proposal: An offer or suggestion, often referring to a formal request for marriage.

The Merman King’s Bride: A Cursed Fae Romance

Okay, here is a briefing document summarizing the provided excerpts from “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”:

Briefing Document: “The Merman King’s Bride”

Overview:

This document summarizes key plot points, themes, and character dynamics evident in the provided excerpts from “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings).” The story appears to involve a complex relationship between a human woman, Selina, and a cursed Merman King named Adar, set within a world where fae and humans interact, often with dangerous consequences. The excerpts highlight themes of duty versus desire, the cost of love, and the inherent risks in dealing with magical beings.

Main Characters:

• Selina: The female protagonist. She is conflicted between a potential arranged marriage for the good of her family/people, a growing attraction to Adar, and her own desire for love and happiness. She seems resourceful and compassionate, willing to risk herself for those she cares about. She questions societal expectations. “How could so easy life and luxury compare to having him alive and breathing?”
• Adar: The Merman King, who appears to be under a curse. He’s described as wounded and potentially dangerous. His relationship with Selina is complicated by the curse and his perceived threat to her. “He gave me this token and Iason saw it. He was so angry.”
• Lily: A friend or servant to Selina. She is loyal and supportive, though cautious about the dangers surrounding Adar. “You’re not listening to me. Lily will help me?”
• Iason: Likely an antagonist or rival for Selina’s affection/alliance. He seems to have brought Adar to the palace, possibly as a political move. He seems controlling and angry, especially regarding Adar and Selina’s connection. “Maybe Iason made his first big mistake by bringing Adar to the palace.”

Key Plot Points & Themes:

• Duty vs. Desire: Selina grapples with the pressure to marry for practical reasons (alliance, wealth) versus her growing feelings for Adar. She questions the value of a loveless, practical marriage: “Really? I’d trade possibilities with the actual man? I’d marry someone for things that may be instead of the bond between us? I’d give up on him for the chance to have feasts and celebrations, or for a grand house and a horde of children?”
• The Curse & Its Impact: Adar’s curse looms large, influencing his actions and his relationship with Selina. It’s unclear exactly what the curse entails, but it makes him dangerous and impacts his ability to love. “He can’t break his curse, can’t give him anything. Because I may not have known him long, cousin, but I’ve seen right through the heart of him and he’s all I ever wanted, faetail or not, wound or not.”
• Dangerous Alliances with Fae: The story highlights the inherent risks in dealing with fae creatures. Adar is perceived as a threat, and the old woman warns Selina about the dangers of the fae. “Adar is not my lover. He’s the love of my life.”
• Love and Sacrifice: Selina appears willing to make significant sacrifices for Adar, despite the risks. This is demonstrated in her desire to protect him from Iason and the curse.
• Political Intrigue: The presence of Iason and the references to alliances and strategic marriages suggest a political backdrop to the romance. “This is my territory, my kingdom, my palace. This is not home, not Iason’s. I have a few allies, I have some power still.”
• Fear and Prejudice: There’s an element of fear and prejudice towards Adar due to his nature as a merman and potentially due to the curse. This is demonstrated by the reactions of Lily and the old woman.

Important Quotes:

• “How could so easy life and luxury compare to having him alive and breathing?”: This quote encapsulates Selina’s internal conflict and highlights the importance of love over practical considerations.
• “He can’t break his curse, can’t give him anything. Because I may not have known him long, cousin, but I’ve seen right through the heart of him and he’s all I ever wanted, faetail or not, wound or not.”: This shows Selina’s commitment to Adar despite his flaws and the risks.
• “Adar is not my lover. He’s the love of my life.”: This quote highlights the depth of Selina’s feelings for Adar.

Overall Impression:

The excerpts suggest a dark and complex fairytale romance. The story blends elements of fantasy, political intrigue, and emotional conflict. Selina’s willingness to defy expectations and her growing love for the cursed Merman King drive the narrative, creating a compelling story about the power of love and sacrifice in the face of danger and prejudice.

The Merman King’s Bride: Cursed Fae Kings – Story Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions about “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”

• Who is Selina, and what are her initial circumstances in the story?

Selina is a woman living in a palace, but seemingly not as a royal. She questions her privilege, noting the contrast between her comfortable life and the hard labor of servants. Selina seems to be unhappy in her current situation and contemplating running away to the woods.

• What kind of arrangement or agreement is Selina considering, and why is she hesitant?

Selina is contemplating marrying a man, possibly the Merman King, and it seems to be a transactional agreement. She wonders if she should marry him in exchange for things like feasts, a grand house, and children. She’s hesitant because she questions if she can truly love him.

• What is the nature of Adar’s curse, and how does it affect him?

Adar is described as a cursed Fae King, specifically a merman. The curse seems to be tied to his physical form and possibly his emotions, potentially preventing him from experiencing love or connection in a natural way. It seems to be so severe that some believe he can’t be saved, with the curse destined to ensnare humans. The curse appears to cause him pain and despair.

• What role does the character Lily play in the story?

Lily appears to be a maid or servant who is close to Selina. She offers help and advice, trying to understand Selina’s feelings and concerns. Lily helps Selina flee the palace and seems to be very loyal to her.

• What is the significance of the Silver Mirror Lake?

The Silver Mirror Lake is rumored to allow someone to see their future husband’s face in the water. It serves as a focal point for seeking information and potentially making decisions about the future.

• What is Selina’s plan to help Adar, and what risks does it entail?

Selina intends to help Adar break his curse. She plans to find a way to take care of him, even if he’s thrown in a cell far from water. Her plan involves using all her favors and allies, despite the potential cost.

• What are the different perspectives about Adar and his curse portrayed by the characters?

Some characters, like the old woman, see Adar as a dangerous creature who is more like wicked creatures than a man, suggesting that he isn’t worth saving. On the other hand, Selina believes that he can be saved and is willing to fight for him.

• What is the significance of the token exchange between Selina and Adar, and how does it relate to the themes of love and sacrifice?

The exchange of tokens between Selina and Adar signifies a proposal and a connection between them. However, Selina ultimately withdraws her proposal and takes back the token (a bracelet), which is then crushed. This act shows her determination to save Adar, even at the cost of their potential relationship and her own happiness. The story suggests that tokens are not what matters in love, but the love given is what matters.

The Merman King’s Bride: Cursed Fae Kings

The provided text discusses Fae kings in the context of “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”.

Key points about Fae kings:

• One character is referred to as “the King” and another as Prince.
• The old woman indicates that marrying the King will make good on a promise to her.
• One character is referred to as a “cursed Fae”.
• One character says that Iason made his first mistake by bringing Adar to the palace.
• Adar is referred to as a merman and a wounded one.
• Adar is the Fae who lives in the water.

Lily and Adar: A Merman’s Love

Here’s a discussion of Lily and Adar, based on the provided text:

• Lily is going to see Adar by the lake. She takes a deep breath and looks at Lily and tells her to save him because he saved her.
• Lily is asked if Adar still loves her, to which she responds that he loves the idea of her. She also wonders if some other Fae lurks in the water.
• Adar is a merman and is wounded.
• Lily thinks Adar is not like other Fae who live in the water and attack Mina.
• Lily says that Adar is not her lover but the love of her life.
• Lily gave Adar tokens, even as she knew they were worthless.
• Iason made his first big mistake bringing Adar to the palace.
• Lily loved Adar despite what it might cost.
• Lily mentions Adar smiling at her, guarding her always.
• Lily states she cannot break Adar’s curse even though she has tried because she can’t have him.
• Lily states Adar is a merman, a wounded one.

Selina’s Role in “The Merman King’s Bride”

Here’s a discussion of Selina, based on the provided text:

• Selina is mentioned in “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”.
• Selina’s face is described as a wrinkled plum.
• Selina speaks to Lily and mentions helping her find justice with the King.
• Selina says she doesn’t think Adar ever took any interest in justice, but she has always taken an interest in stability, weddings, and family.
• Selina speaks to Lily about her future husband in the water of the Silver Mirror Lake.
• Selina tells Lily she saw a Fae in the lake, but it couldn’t be her husband.
• Selina tells Lily that Adar is a merman and a wounded one and that she doubts Lily could leave him to come to that event.
• Selina says, “Pale gods, Selina. That is some curse”.

The Merman King’s Bride: Curses, Fairies, and Love Tokens

Here’s a discussion of the terms “curse” and “cursed” based on the provided text:

• The title of the story is “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”.
• One character is referred to as a “cursed Fae”.
• Selina says, “Pale gods, Selina. That is some curse”.
• Lily states she cannot break Adar’s curse even though she has tried because she can’t have him.
• One character says he won’t offer Lily the curse.
• The old woman is the one who said the Selina line.
• Lily observes that the tails split into two, cradles the bracelet to her chest, knowing that tokens are what matters in love, but this was a token given in love and in the name of love, and what doesn’t matter is if it’s crushed or not – only that it exists.

Lily and Iason: A Marriage Proposal

Here’s a discussion of the marriage proposal, based on the provided text:

• Lily’s cousin has just walked in on her packing blankets and a few undergarments and stormed right out.
• Lily says she’d marry someone for things that may be instead of the bond between them? She’d give up on him for the chance to have feasts and celebrations, or for a grand house and a horde of children. She would give it up for an easy life? Or fight for it so she could fight for any treasure, any person who owns her heart.
• Prince Iason is proposing to Princess Selina of Aytone.
• Iason withdraws his proposal to the Princess and says she may let men be her witnesses.
• Iason tells Lily he didn’t tell her he wanted to marry her. He tells her to take off the bracelet, lift the pendant off her chest and let them fall in the dirt.
• Someone asks Lily if she is still wearing the ring, but she pulls it away.
• Lily is asked about a wedding and what about children.
• Lily is in too much of a shock to register much more than his words and sneering face, his guards behind him: “I’m with my cousin and one more woman. I’m not alone.”.
• Lily says “And yet I proposed to you like a fool. You’d probably been with fae before, haven’t you? The supposedly virginal Princess Selina of Aytone.”.
• Iason asks her to leave with Adar alone.
• Iason observes her with mock interest wondering if his lover can even function as a princess and a cursed Fae and wonders if he really couldn’t have done better than that.

By Amjad Izhar
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https://amjadizhar.blog

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