He loved her enough to let her go, and she loved him enough to come back. Each year, true to her word, she returned to the sea. Although she was grown, he still cautioned against the forces of evil.

When she found true love, he accepted him. And when she gave him grandchildren, he delighted in them.

Time passed, and the king was near death. “You’ll be queen soon,” he said softly.

“I don’t wish to be queen. Please, don’t leave me,” she begged.

“Love me enough to let me go,” the king said.

She wept, understanding as he passed.