James sneaks Regulus out into the ocean one night, after noticing how Reg's breathing has turned short and shallow. His scales have lost their sheen, and the tips of his fingers have turned blue.
James feels like he could burn their ship down. He loves his little prince so much. He hates what's in store for them and spends every night going over plan, after plan, praying to the gods to grant him the grace to save regulus.
The ease in which the siren lets himself be held and picked up out of his small pool, for some reason, is a twist on his heart. The unspoken trust weighs on him. He remembers stories of the titan Atlas and how he was made to carry the weight of the skies. James looks down at the siren trilling happily at the sight of the nearing sea, head rested on his chest — he thinks he knows what it feels like. He carries the weight of the seas with him.
When they plunge into the water, James closes his eyes. He doesn't want to see regulus leave. He won't. He'll wait as long as he can until his lungs start to burn. The cool of the water feels useless to the burn of his heart, aching for what can't be.
Smooth fingers trace over his features, and he can't help but open his eyes.
Regulus is right in front of him. Waiting. Looking at him with amused fondness. And before he can think of much else, Regulus, beautiful, so beautiful, leans closer — pressing a kiss to his lips.
Regulus, prince of the seas, shares with james the ability to breathe under water, though only until he surfaces. James chases after his lips, too consumed by the god of a being that's in front of him, to marvel at the breaths he's taking in depths that would've killed any man.
This is what they mean, the stories that have been told time and time again. Of siren-called men cutting their wrists open hoping to see regulus just one last time. He would. He absolutely would. James wants to drown in this very ocean. Have regulus kill him and then breathe life back into him.
The war drums beat on. Matching the pace of their hearts, beating for one another. A king is desperately looking for his brother. A father is looking for his son. Both are ready to start a war their loved ones never would've wished for them to start.