Surrendering to the God of Air

I woke up to Daniel plunging his cock inside me. After almost a year of being his mistress, I was used to waking up this way. I spread my legs wider for him and wrapped my arms around his shoulders.

He kissed my neck as he thrust in and out of me, over and over. "You're so tight, Muriel," he whispered.

I thrust my hips up to meet him, making him go deeper inside me. I smiled a little as he groaned from the sudden movement.

He pulled out of me and started stroking his cock with his hand, spreading his seed all over my stomach. After he wiped it off, his hands started to move to between my legs, but I pushed them away. "Not this morning," I said.

His brow furrowed. "This is the third time this week you haven't wanted me to pleasure you. Are you all right?"

I smiled up at him. "I'm perfect," I said. "Just a little tired."

He smiled. "Well, we can fix that. How does breakfast and hot tea sound? It'll perk you right up."

"Sounds great," I said.

He kissed my forehead. "I wish I could join you for breakfast, but I have a meeting with my father this morning. But I hope you enjoy your breakfast anyway."

I used to hate it when Daniel had to leave me to focus on his duties as the prince, but now I was looking forward to the solitude. "I think I'll take a book out to the garden. I'm getting a lot better at reading now."

As a mermaid, I never had to read before. All of our stories were told orally. Nothing was ever written down. But Daniel insisted on providing me with a tutor to teach me human ways. I was glad he did because books were now my closest friends.

"I'm glad, my love," he said. But he sounded distracted. He was already mentally preparing for the busy day ahead of him. "I'll send the maid in with breakfast."

I sighed with relief after he left. Was this really my life now? Pleasing a man who viewed me as little more than stress release? All because I made a deal last year to become human for him. How naive I was.

After breakfast, I took a novel to the garden. There weren't many people outside because it was overcast outside and slightly chilly. I loved it, though. It reminded me of the ocean.

The only person outside was a gardener. Our eyes met for a second before he looked down with pursed lips. It had been almost a year since I was dragged naked up the castle steps by a guard, but no one was able to forget it or let me live it down. Daniel making the "naked whore" his mistress only increased their contempt and anger for me. Some even claimed I bewitched him and wanted me tried as a witch. At least Daniel had been quick to put a stop to that.

I gave up making friends months ago. At least I had books to keep me company.

In the middle of the garden was a small pond. I slipped off my shoes and lifted my skirt to soak my aching feet in the water. A small fish darted towards my foot and then away. I smiled. It was a pale comparison to the freedom of swimming in the ocean among whales and dolphins. But I didn't dare go back there. It would be too painful to face what I had lost.

After savoring the feeling of my feet in the water, I settled down on a nearby bench and opened my book to read. I became so absorbed in the story that I barely noticed it when the wind picked up or when someone joined me.

"Interesting day to be reading," a man commented.

I looked up, surprised anyone was talking to me at all. My breath caught when I saw the man in front of me. He was tall, probably taller than any human I had ever seen. He was dressed in black pants and a white button-down shirt, which was normal enough for humans, but his dark hair fell past his shoulders in slightly wild waves. It blew in the wind, reflecting colors of orange, green, and blue. He was no ordinary human.

"I like the peace and quiet," I said.

He sat down on the bench next to me. "You've had too much peace and quiet, Muriel," he said. "Tell me, why do stay with a man you're indifferent to?"

"I'm not indifferent to the prince," I said, glaring at him. "He's been kind and generous towards me. And if you're hoping I'll leave his bed and join yours, then you're wasting your time." "I didn't mean to offend you."

I scoffed and looked away. "Of course, you didn't. You only wanted to see Prince Daniel's whore in person. And now that your curiosity is satiated, you may leave."

"You're not a whore, Muriel. And you don't belong to Daniel." His voice was soft, but it sounded sincere.

I looked up at him, surprised to see kindness. When was the last time someone aside from Daniel had shown me kindness? I swallowed and shook my head. I couldn't fall for this trick. I couldn't afford to. "You don't know anything about me."

"I knew you were a mermaid. You still are one at heart."

"How could you possibly know that?" Panic seized me and I stood up, clutching my book. "Who are you? Why are you talking nonsense?"

"It's not nonsense and we both know that, little mermaid. You were a mermaid when you first broke the surface over a year ago. The second time you did, you had human legs." His brow furrowed in frustration. "I just don't understand how. Or why you stay with Daniel when he doesn't make you happy." His hand cupped my cheek. "I could make you happy. I could even return you to the sea if you wish."

I pulled away from him. "That's impossible," I said, looking away. "Please leave me alone."

He sighed and took a step back from me. "I wish you luck, Muriel."

The wind whipped up suddenly, gathering up my hair and cooling the back of my neck. When I next looked up, the strange man was gone.

***

The night, I joined Daniel in his room again. As soon as the door was closed, he grabbed me and kissed me. There was something urgent in the way he tore at my dress before pushing me onto his bed.

"Daniel," I whispered. "St-- oh." He took one of my nipples into his mouth, which sent a shock of pleasure through me. I let out a small moan before pushing him off me. "What's wrong?" I asked.

He looked down at me, breathing hard. "My parents want to me to marry," he said. "There's a princess in a neighboring kingdom. Our marriage will strengthen our alliance with them."

I swallowed; my throat suddenly dry. I knew this day would come. Daniel had flat out refused to marry me because he would have to marry for his kingdom. But I felt a flutter of fear anyway. What if he left me?

The price for my human legs was great-- my soul was bound to Daniel. If he left me, or vice versa, I would melt into sea foam. I had never told Daniel about this. He never asked me to become human for him, after all. It was my own choice and I had to live with the consequences.

"Don't worry, my love," he said, kissing my forehead. "I won't neglect you just because I'm getting married. Your beauty is incomparable, my little mermaid."

Daniel always called me his little mermaid, but now a vision of the man in the garden flickered through my head. He had also called me his little mermaid, after all.

As my prince went to kiss me, I wrapped my arms around him, moaning. Daniel picked me up and pinned me against the wall. He growled as his hands went to my breasts, his thumbs teasing my nipples.

My legs wrapped around his waist and I could feel the hard length of his cock through his pants. He groaned and reached between us to unbutton his pants. His cock sprang free.

As his cock stroked my pussy, movement from the window behind Daniel caught my eye. I looked up to see a man standing on the balcony, leaning against the windowpane with one hand above his head. With a start, I realized he was the man from the garden. How had he gotten up here? Daniel's room was on the second floor.

The man looked at me with a slight smile. His eyes glinted darkly in the dim light. I couldn't take my eyes away from him, even as Daniel's cock entered me. My prince groaned. "You feel so good, Muriel," he said. "You're so wet tonight."

I moaned, knowing it was true. But I wasn't wet for Daniel. I was wet for the man on the balcony. He had a predatory grin as he watched me. The wind whipped up around him, blowing his hair in wild directions, almost as if it was floating in the water.

Soft whimpers and gasps escaped my lips as Daniel thrust in and out of me. The man watched me, looking entranced as the prince claimed me and used me. I could feel the pleasure build up inside me as I watched the man. Then he grinned and I came around Daniel's cock.

Daniel groaned as I came. Suddenly he pulled out of me and stepped back. I fell to the floor and opened my mouth in time for him to shove his cock into my mouth. He came in my mouth and I swallowed it down without tasting it.

When my prince stepped away from me, I looked at the window again, but the man was gone.

***

I told myself I wasn't looking for the mysterious stranger when I stepped out into the garden, but I knew I was fooling myself.

It was another windy day, enough to make me shiver. I missed my mermaid body. It could tolerate the cold so much better. At least the chill made clothing a little more pleasant. I held my wool cloak tighter around me as I made my way to the pond.

The man was already standing there, watching the pond. I stopped several feet behind him. I should turn back. I didn't need trouble.

But as if he knew I was there, he turned to look at me and smiled as he put his hands in his pockets.

I crossed my arms in front of me. "Who are you?" I asked.

"Why are you with him?" the man countered. "You were with him last night, but you couldn't take your eyes off me."

I blushed, knowing it was true. I looked down. "Answer my question or I'll leave."

"I'm called Zephyr."

I looked up at him. "Are you human?"

He smiled. "One question at a time, little mermaid. Why are you with a man who doesn't please you?"

I swallowed. "It's complicated."

"Few human affairs are truly complicated." He took a step towards me. "Does it have anything to do with you becoming human?"

I stayed silent. I didn't want to talk about it with him. Not only was my past too painful to think about, but talking about mermaids could possibly endanger my friends and family from home.

He reached out and grabbed my hand. I was shocked to realize his hand was colder than mine. "I've been watching you for some time now, Muriel," he said. "I've seen a million lovers join and part, but I don't understand you. He's not cruel to you and you're not afraid of him. But you do not want him. Why do you stay?"

I swallowed and pulled my hand away from him. "Why are you watching me? What do you want from me?"

"Isn't it obvious, little mermaid? I want you."

I shook my head. "You don't even know me."

"And that makes you all the more intriguing. There are very few people I don't know. But you.... you're a mystery. The depths below are beyond my domain. I know something happened to you. Something to make you miserable. I just wished I knew what it was. Maybe I could fix it."

I crossed my arms protectively in front of me. "There's nothing to fix," I said. "I made my choice."

"And your choice was Daniel?"

"Yes. I... I love him."

"You loved him. But no more. He would let you go. He would make sure you were cared for. Why would you stay with him?"

"Because I'll die without him!" I shouted. "The only way to become human meant binding my soul to his own. If I leave him, I'll melt into sea foam." I turned away from him. "You know my secret now. The mystery is solved. So, leave me in peace."

Zephyr didn't say anything. The wind stirred around me, almost as if it pulled me into an embrace that left my nipples hard from the chill. It was strangely comforting. When I turned to look back, he was gone.

***

It wasn't long before Daniel's fiancé came to live in the castle. To my surprise, she wanted to speak to me.

I couldn't help but feel dread as I was escorted to her chambers. What possible reason could she have to see me except to tell me to leave?

When I arrived, she was sitting in a private sitting room set up for tea with cakes and cookies. She was reading a book in one of the chairs but she closed it immediately when I entered. She smiled at me. "Thanks for meeting with me, Muriel," she said. "My name is Lily"

I kept my gaze down. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness."

"Please, just call me Lily. Have a seat." She gave me a friendly smile. It made me more uncomfortable. I didn't know what she was thinking or what her angle was.

I sat down on the edge of the other chair. I couldn't help but look at Lily. She was gorgeous with raven-colored curls and warm brown eyes. I didn't usually begrudge other women's beauty but it made me nervous. After all, if Daniel started to fancy her over me then my life would literally be over.

Lily took a dainty sip of tea. "I'll be blunt with you. I know you're Daniel's mistress. And I know about how you arrived at the castle. But I don't mean you any ill will. And I have no intention of exiling you from the castle or following through with any of the other ludicrous suggestions people keep throwing my way."

I frowned. "I don't understand."

She bit her lip. "I don't know if I want to be the sole person in his bed. I barely know him. I might hate him. He might be awful." She shuddered and then gave me a weak smile. "Besides, I don't see why we can't be friends. We know someone in common, after all, and friendships have been created for less."

I gave her a cautious smile. "Well, I can tell you now that Daniel isn't awful. He's kind and caring. I'm sure the two of you will get along well. And he's not bad in bed."

She blushed and giggled. "I'm glad to hear it. I was a little worried, to be honest. And maybe you can give me suggestions on what he likes? I would rather our wedding night not end in disappointment."

I smiled. "You're unlike anyone I've ever met."

Her smile disappeared. "Is that a bad thing?" She sounded nervous.

I shook my head. "Not at all."

We ended up talking for several hours about Daniel, the kingdom, and different books we liked to read. I never expected Lily to be nice, let alone be nice to me.

***

Lily and I became fast friends. But she also connected quickly with Daniel. I wasn't worried about it at first. They would attend their engagement celebrations and then he would join me in bed.

But after a while, he started staying out later and later and I knew he was spending the time with her. I couldn't fault him, though. Lily was a sweetheart.

One day I was on my way to the gardens and I saw the two of them together in the corridor. They were holding hands as they looked at each other and it was clear they were in love. Lily turned and saw me and the smile left her face as she pulled away from him. "Muriel. We were just about to have lunch. Would you like to join us?"

I managed a smile as I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Thanks, but I'm going to the garden for some fresh air."

"Let me join you." Lily took a step towards me, her brow furrowed with worry.

I shook my head. "No. It's okay, really. I'll join you for tea later." I walked as quickly as I could to the gardens.

Once I was alone, I kicked off my shoes and all but ran to the duck pond. I covered my face with my hands, breathing hard. I was going to die. It was inevitable. And it was my fault.

"Muriel." Zephyr's voice was a whisper in the wind.

"Leave me alone," I said. "I don't want your company."

His shadow fell over me as he stood beside me. "I'm sorry," he said.

"I shouldn't have taken that deal," I said. "I should have stayed a mermaid. If I had, Daniel would have just been a distant memory and I wouldn't be staring down death before turning twenty."

"You should tell them," Zephyr said. "Daniel won't leave you if you do."

I scoffed. "I'm not going to trap Daniel any more then I will betray Lily. She's my friend. My only friend. This would devastate her. You might as well tell me to stab them both in the heart."

"You don't deserve to die for making a mistake when you were eighteen."

"And they don't deserve to have their lives torn apart by the same mistake!" I shouted.

Zephyr looked at me, his expression unreadable.

I took a deep breath and turned away. "I'm tired, Zephyr. I miss the sea. If I see it one last time, then it'll be all right."

"I wish I could give you the sea, Muriel," he murmured. "I wish it was within my power."

"What is your power anyway?" I turned to him. "You're not completely human, I know that. You know everything about me. The least you could do is tell a dying woman your secret."

He reached out and cupped my cheek with his hand. "You'll know soon enough, little mermaid. I promise."

***

I made plans to leave Daniel. He offered to buy me a house and give me enough money to be independent. But I refused. All I wanted was to go back to the sea.

Finally, it was time. Daniel and Lily took me to the beach where I had washed up on shore. Lily smiled. "I see why you like the beach so much," she said. "It's beautiful." She grinned. "Maybe we can meet here every year. We could have picnics and read stories until the sun sets."

I gave a strained smile. "You'll be so busy with ruling a kingdom that you won't find the time."

"You're my best friend, Muriel. I'll always find time for you." She swept me up into a hug. "Promise me you'll take care of yourself?"

I smiled as I hugged her back, tightly. "You too," I said. "You and Daniel will be happy together. I just know it."

"I'm sorry. I never meant to take him away from you, I really didn't."

"I know. Trust me, Lily, this is for the best." I smiled. In a way I was happy they were together. They were a great match. Much better than me and Daniel together. "Could I have a moment alone with him to say goodbye?"

"Of course," she said. She gave my hand a squeeze before strolling down the beach. Even on sand she looked like she was floating gracefully through the air.

Daniel turned to me with a trace of regret. "I won't see you again after this, will I?'

I shook my head. "No. This really is goodbye."

"Are you going back?" he asked. "To your home?" He looked out at the water.

I nodded. "Yes," I whispered. "I'm going home."

In a way, it was the truth.

After I said goodbye to Daniel, I waited until they were out of sight and I was alone on the beach once more. Then I stripped out of my clothing, tossing it aside. I breathed a sigh of relief, happy I would at least never have to wear clothing again.

Then I stepped into the water. I breathed deeply, enjoying the scent of the ocean again. I had missed it so much.

I floated in the water, my eyes closed. Part of me wanted to dive below the surface and keep swimming home until I melted away, but I didn't dare. I didn't want to spend my last few moments gasping for breath. I just wanted to enjoy feeling the water on my skin again.

Soon I lost all sense of time. I felt weightless and cool as I drifted through the waves.

"Muriel."

I opened my eyes. "Zephyr?" I looked around but I couldn't see him. And then I flipped over onto my stomach and realized I was floating in the air. I screamed and tried to thrash around but I couldn't move.

Hands gripped my arms from behind. "Easy," Zephyr said. "You're safe. You're free. It's okay."

"What's happening to me? This isn't right. I'm supposed to be seafoam."

Zephyr turned me around so I was looking at him. He looked even less human now with his hair and face shimmering, almost transparent. "Your body is seafoam," he said. "But you... you're now a spirit of the air." He smiled. "You're in my domain now. It's not the same as the ocean, but I'm sure you'll find some similarities." He gestured for me to look down.

My legs had turned back into my mermaid tail. I ran my hands over my scales before I twirled in the air and floated a few feet away. Flying felt so similar to swimming. "How did you do this?" I asked, awestruck.

"I'm the god of wind and air," he said. "And I give second chances to people who need them. Like you."

I shook my head. "But I'm supposed to be dead."

"Yes. You no longer have your mortal body, that's true. But this just a new form of life. Your second life. And I hope you'll be happy here. With me."

"You knew I was going to die," I said. "You approached me the same day Daniel got engaged."

"I had my suspicions," he said. "But I didn't want you to die. Truly. I was fascinated by you from the beginning. The life in the ocean is mostly a mystery to me. You were the first mermaid I had ever seen alive, and then you turned into a human. I wanted to know more about you." He sighed. "If I could have given you back your home, I would have. But the most I can do it offer you mine." He held out his hand and I realized I had no choice but to take it. I either went with him or wandered aimlessly in the air above the ocean, always alone.

We flew up into the clouds and emerged in a huge city in the clouds. I couldn't help but stare as I saw human and merpeople and other beings I didn't recognize, all living peacefully together. They flew together, the merpeople flicking their tails to move and the humans floating lazily next to them.

"You saved all of these people?" I asked.

"I told you, I believe in second chances and redemption," he said. "Everyone here needed a second chance. A second life. Just like you."

I turned to him. "I thought you wanted me personally," I confessed. "The way you watched me... it felt intimate."

He cupped the side of my face tenderly. "It was, little mermaid," he said. "You're so beautiful and perfect. I do want you for myself." Lust entered his eyes as he looked me up and down. But then he dropped his hand and moved back. "But I won't trap you with me. You can move freely about the city. You can be with whoever you want to be with. No one will hurt you here, not like in the human world."

I bit my lip. "I can be with whoever I want to be with?" I asked. "I'm not tethered to anyone? Not even you?"

He shook his head. "No. You're free. Your domain is anywhere the air touches." He smiled ruefully. "I know it's not the ocean, but I hope you'll be happy here."

I looked at the people in the city. A couple flew between two buildings made of clouds. They were two mermaids. They laughed as they flicked their tails to move. Their arms were wrapped around each other in an embrace. "In a way, this feels a lot like home," I said.

"And you can have anyone you want. You don't have to be alone anymore."

I turned to him. "I think I know who I want," I said.

He raised his eyebrows. "Already?"

I giggled. "Yes, of course." I grabbed his hand. "If you'll have me of course."

His gaze heated my insides. "I'm yours, Muriel," he said. "I'll always be yours."

Together, we flew through the city. In the back of the city was a castle made of clouds. Zephyr's castle. He led me through one of the windows, into a bedroom. "We won't be disturbed here," he said.

I touched the bed. It felt like cool mist. I lied down on top of it, on my stomach. "I'm ready," I said.

His fingers caressed my back. "Oh no, little mermaid," he said. "You're no longer the mistress of a prince. You don't exist just to please me. You're going to get your pleasure. Turn over."

I turned over onto my back. Zephyr grabbed my hands and pinned them over my head before he got on top of me. His legs straddled me on either side as he leaned down to kiss me. The wind picked up around us, running between our bodies to tease my nipples into hard points. I moaned, knowing Zephyr was controlling the wind. He had been controlling the wind every time it had hugged my body or cooled me down. He had always been there with me, even when I didn't know it.

Zephyr trailed kissed down my neck, his lips feeling warm compared to my skin. A little shock of pleasure accompanied each kiss. His lips traveled to my earlobe and his tongue snaked out for a second to lick it. I gasped from the sudden pleasure. "You're so beautiful, Muriel," he whispered. "I've spent centuries and centuries flying through the air, but no one has captured my attention like you." His hand went to my breast and he squeezed it. "And now that I have you, I'm never letting you go."

His thumb teased my nipple as his kisses traveled down my body to my other breast. He took my nipple in his mouth and flicked it over and over with his tongue. I moaned and started to squirm but the wind picked up force around us. It was so strong that it didn't let me move. I was helpless to do anything except feel what he was doing to me. My pussy grew wet with need. I wanted him inside me so badly.

"Please," I whispered.

He grinned against my skin. "Please what?"

"Please fuck me."

He chuckled as he licked my nipple. "I want you to beg," he said. "Beg for my cock inside you."

I whimpered. "Please. Please put your cock inside me, Zephyr. Please." I continued begging and pleading with him as he tormented my breasts. Finally, he relented and turned me over, exposing my pussy to him.

"You're so wet for me, little mermaid," he said as he ran a finger down my slit. "So wet and ready for me."

I whimpered as I felt the tip of his cock touch my entrance. I wanted him inside of me so badly. "Please," I whispered. "Please fuck me."

Slowly he pushed his cock inside of me. I moaned as I got filled up. I moaned. Fuck, that felt good.

Zephyr kissed the base of my neck. "You're mine, Muriel," he growled. "Just like I'm yours. I'm all yours." He thrust into me faster and faster and I gasped, enjoying the feeling of being well and thoroughly fucked.

His arms wrapped around me, holding me tight against him. His hands went to my breasts and he played with them. "I want you to come all over my cock, little mermaid," he whispered in my ear. Then he thrust into me hard.

I gasped as I came. The pleasure burst through me and left me shaking. My pussy squeezed Zephyr's cock and he groaned as he came inside me, his seed bursting inside of me and filling me up.

I smiled and closed my eyes, happy to have a man come inside me again. It felt so good. It made me feel used but also wanted.

Zephyr pulled out of me slowly. "You're amazing," he said as he gathered me in his arms. "I can't wait to make you come day after day. For eternity."

I smiled and closed my eyes, feeling myself surrender completely to Zephyr. I surrendered completely to the god of air.