"Oh they can be we first came to visit this kingdom 3 years ago. my grand mother warned Father. not to bring them with us but he would not listen." she says with a light laugh knowing if she dare says. her grand mothers first name the hole room mighty go crazy. since Umi was so famous when she was still a young adult she'd sing. for sold out shows,for royal family's and rarely over sea's. the young mermaid wonder why her grand mother was so lucky. to stay on land to be able to be a singer for years. till she had pick a time out to settle down and then to have a family.

Maria eats till she finish all of her food yet wonder what this town was like? she mighty would like to buy a few things any way. besides if she can come on land at times have clothes here. it could be fun maybe the doctors on land could help her mother?

[Hey sailor star, really really sorry for the long wait Anyway, introducing bad guy #2?]

Once Maria had finished her food, Lucas asked her if she was ready to go. "We'll just pass by the kitchen first. I hope that is alright with you. It'll be really quick and we'll head straight to the treasury afterwards, I promise." he added in a whisper. He still needed to thank the chef and he hoped she didn't mind.

---

---

"This better be the place!" Pheobe growled to herself as she looked up to a swaying wooden sign that showed the namesake of the inn happily laying on a rock with a fish in its mouth. Finally she had found the Sealion Inn in which she hoped she could find that capricious duchess. As the princess was about to set foot into the establishment, however, she found herself ramming into a great blur of frilly, bright mint green cotton and lace.

"Oh! I beg your pardon!!" Phoebe heard a familiar voice say as she was quickly approached by the offender. The princess had to quickly hide the angry scowl she had and changed her expression to one of cordiality.
"Oh it's nothing at all! I should be the one to- Oh! Duchess Emily! I have been looking all over for you!" she exclaimed. "I've been meaning to apologize about not having been able to join you and the Earl last night. I was just so tired. I also wanted to ask if you knew anything about that girl Prince Lucas was with last night. I believe her name was Lady Highwaters? I would have asked him myself but he has been spending so much time with her and I've barely seen him since the ball."

With those words the knowledgeable duchess' bright eyes lit up even more than it was thought possible. "Actually, that's what I wanted to tell you last night! Why I wanted you to come along with me and that dummy!"

"Dummy?" Phoebe repeated with a confused look.

"Earl Collin shall be known as 'dummy' until such time as the stench of his puke is gone from my memory, as well as my beloved pink dress! But enough about him! You wanted to know about Lady Highwaters, yes?" she asked, sort of teasingly.

"Yes." the green-eyed royal replied impatiently.

"Well get this: Lady Highwaters is a MERMAID!" Emily Roquefort could hardly contain her eagerness at having delivered such astounding news. But her audience, it seemed, was not as impressed as she expected.

Princess Phoebe merely stared at the duchess with an unimpressed look before abruptly laughing. "Ahahaha! Duchess, you really have a sense of humor!" she said. But the princess actually found nothing funny about it at all, thinking that perhaps seeking out the gossip had been a waste of time.

"Ugh! I can't believe you don't believe me! I know I love hearsay more than anything but I thought you'd know by now that I make sure my information is always reliable before I spread it unabashedly!" Emily scoffed in slight offense. "And I'll have you know Highwaters is a mermaid! I saw her with my own eyes last night! Fish tail and all"

"Sorry, sorry. But you must admit, Duchess, that it is still quite a story. I'm having a hard time believing...." the princess began but soon found herself interrupted by a gruff voice.

"Aye, you better start believin', Miss. Mermaids ain't no fairy tale."

The Princess and the Duchess both nearly jumped when they heard the man. Turning to see who it was who startled them and dared to be so rude, Princess Phoebe found an intimidating sight. On the street behind her stood a surly looking fellow whose height nearly blocked out the sun. He had scars all over, with a prominent one across the width of his bearded face. The man's skin was tanned, and with the hat and slightly tattered uniform he wore it was easy to figure out he was a man of the sea. And a captain no less.

"Excuse me, but what right do you-!" Phoebe started, but was once again cut off by the sailor.

"I, too, have seen 'em. Quite the sight when I first did. Ain't no finer women I tell ya. But the men..." he paused to point a thumb at the scar across his face, "They can be quite troublesome if you ain't careful. Lost a few good crewmen to the creatures. But it was worth it. Merfolk are worth a fortune if ya know were to sell 'em!"

"How horrible! Selling people?! How could you even think of-?!" But as with the princess, the captain also interrupted the duchess mid speech.

"I like to think of them as extraordinary fish, young Miss. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some business to attend to." the captain said before making his way into the Sealion and towards the tavern to speak to another man who looked just as shady a character as he did.

"Humph! The nerve of that man!" Emily complained, stomping her foot in annoyance.

"Let's forget about him, Emily. Now what were you saying about seeing Highwaters as a mermaid?" Phoebe said, reverting their conversation back to her target and pulling Emily further from the tavern so that no other unwanted ears might hear them.

"Err, yes, where was I?" the duchess continued. "It was last night during the ball. The fuss and hubbub of the party was getting a little much after all the drinks I had and I thought I'd go out for some fresh air. I remember casually just wandering around the castle and ended up thinking 'How big is this castle anyway?'. So I thought I'd go around the whole of it just to see. When I got to the back, I was surprised to find a beach. But then I remembered that I did see the sea from the ballroom's balcony so that shouldn't have been such a surprise, hahaha!" The jovial noblewoman had to cut her self-amusement short after noticing the impatient look her companion now had.

"Ah, uhm, but as I walked on, I heard some voices ahead of me. I approached as quietly as possible so as not to interrupt. I wanted to figure out who else was out here at such a time of the night when the ball was still raging on inside so I hid behind one of the large rocks that were there. Although the lights from the castle barely provided much illumination, it was enough to help me make out two figures in the water. I was surprised to see that it was the prince and the girl he had first danced with. He was helping her get a clam off her finger, poor dear. But then, a moment later she just collapsed! I thought she had fainted, but her legs had actually turned into a wonderful, fishy fish tail!!! It was so beautiful ad sparkly!"

"And what of Prince Lucas? What did he do?" Phoebe asked.

"Well I daresay he was surprised, but not nearly as surprised as I was!!! They stayed together for a while then she swam off, I think, and he went back in the castle. If I were him, though, I would've stayed longer. I mean can you believe? An actual mermaid!"

"That's still hard for me to grasp..." the princess said, although she was starting to consider it a possibility. "And what did you do next?"

"I went back in of course! What else could I do out there by myself? Plus I wanted to tell everyone about it right away!" replied Emily.

"Why didn't you? As I recall, I had heard nothing from you for the rest of the party."

"I was going to but then I remembered that she had asked Prince Lucas to keep her situation a secret and I thought that I shouldn't spread around such a thing so carelessly either."

"What?!!! You?! The Queen of the Grapevine, not wanting to share news that is this good?!! This is the story of the century!"

"I know! I know! But I wasn't so sure I should. Then I bumped into Earl Collin and we had a couple more drinks and I couldn't help myself any longer. So I told him what I discovered. But afterwards I felt guilty so I asked him to keep it a secret too. He said he would but suggested that we 'let you in on it too 'cause we know how much you're into Lucas plus it would be hilarious!'."

"WHAT?!?!?!" the princess snapped.

"His words, not mine!" the duchess hastily added. "But yeah, then later on we went to ask you to join us so we could let you in on it but you wanted to sleep so ..."

"It's fine. At least I know now." Phoebe assured. Internally, though, she felt like kicking herself for passing up the opportunity. "Would you happen to know where she is now, by the way? I suspect Prince Lucas might be with her again this morning."

"I wish I knew. I actually need to return something to her." Emily said as she held up a large paper bag that held a package wrapped in colorful paper and tied with twine. Within it was a lovely silk dress that had been carefully cleaned and folded. "Coll- I mean, dummy, and I found this late last night. We stopped by the beach so I could show him where I saw them before we headed into town. I'm absolutely certain it belonged to her, although I wonder why she left without it. I was going to head back to the castle to ask that dummy if he had seen Prince Lucas so I could ask him to return it to her in case he knew where she was. All in a discreet manner of course. Wouldn't want to let him know that we know." the duchess giggled.

"Well then, I shall join you. We shall hunt down the prince and his new friend, hopefully before my ship comes in this afternoon. I would very much like to make her acquaintance." Phoebe said with a false smile, and after lacing her arm around Emily's, she quickly dragged her along back to the castle.

"That's a grand idea!" Duchess Emily replied cheerily, oblivious to the princess' true intentions. "Oh, and her name is Maria, by the way!" she added as she tried to keep up with her friend's hurried pace.

Maria smiles at Prince Lucas yet nods her head in understanding to him. she was acting a bit shy today as well a bit worried. wondering where her dress form the ball had went to? but knew her cousins would have not look for it since it was by the ocean. if there legs go wet they would have to hide for a few days at her parents house. till it is safe go home to there own parents. "That is fine with me and I hope we can go in to town maybe. I want to buy somethings I brought some money with me this time. but it's form a ship I wonder if it can be used?" Maria says to Lucas yet wanted to thank the chef as well. the food was great it was better hot then cold to her.

"No problem. We'll add the town to the list of places to see. And I guess the money you found might still be accepted. All we can do is wait until we get to a shop and see if the owner will take it." Lucas said to Maria as he got up from his chair. Turning to his parents and the other guests at the table, the prince excused himself and once more bid them a good day. He waited a moment for the lovely marine maiden to join him before they both would head off to the kitchen.

The royal kitchens were just as busy as the rest of the palace, it would seem. About half a dozen servants rushed in and out delivering ingredients, clean linens, and other kitchen supplies that the cooks or scullery maids may need. They also brought in dirty dishes and utensils that have been used and are ready to be washed and put away. They hardly stay long in the cupboards, however, since every minute or so another meal is ordered and plated. Outgoing servants would carry off the ready meals to the dining hall, guest rooms, or anywhere else that food was ordered.

Few who walked about the kitchen could take a few steps without running into a small jet of steam emanating from a handful of covered pots sitting on the stone stoves. The lovely aroma of the boiling soups, roasting meats, baking breads, and sizzling vegetables filled the entire kitchen and spilled out into the hallways surrounding the cooking room. If one were to trace the steam as it rose up to the ceiling, one might spot a large cloth banner on the granite wall just above the cupboards. Embroidered on the tapestry is an image of a famous female singer whose golden voice once graced the opera house of Arlia and those of the surrounding towns and countries. While the songstress' clothes in the banner looked to be of local design, her youthful looks could be considered quite similar to those of a certain mermaid.

As for why there was a grand poster of the celebrity in the royal kitchen, the answer was quite simple. The chef, a stout and lively man with a grand mustache to make up for his shiny bald head, was a fan of the wonderfully talented Umi since he was but a youth. He would attend every performance she held whenever he could. At some point in his career the chef heard of her affinity for the ocean and he became inspired to specialize in seafood dishes. He wanted to be ready to prepare dishes that the singer would love in case she ever stopped by the restaurants he worked in at the time. That was how he learned of seaweed based recipes long before they became popular in Arlia.

Though many years have passed since his idol retired(?) from the public's eye, the chef who was eventually appointed to the castle, an ever faithful fan, continued to tell stories of her dazzling shows to anyone who would listen. He would even sing her songs as he tended to his stoves and ovens. Today was such a day when anyone entering the royal kitchens would be able to hear his baritone voice rising and falling to the melody of one of his favorite songs.

"Lucas do you hear that singing? it sounds so nice it sounds like my grand mother's song's. when she was a singer but it sounds like a man's voice." she says to her prince yet wonder if the chef knew. about her grand mothers love of the ocean? yet she kept quit after talking but kept. close to the one she loves hoping that her love for him. would not go unrequited but wanted be by his side if he would let her as well allow it.

Lucas did not fail to hear the energetic singing that was coming from the kitchen that they approached. "Yes, I hear it. That would be our chef, Mr. Souvlaki. He loves to sing." he told Maria before adding, "I didn't know your grandmother was a singer. I suppose being talented with music runs in the family." It was hard for him to forget the pitch perfect tune that she hummed during the ball as well as when she told him that she also sang in her hometown, albeit under coercion.

He was about to ask his shy companion if her grandmother ever sang in operas. But once Maria moved closer to him, all thoughts of the question left him. For a minute all the prince could do was gaze at the serene beauty next to him, her soothing warmth was tangible even though there was still a small space between them. Lucas could not help but take her hand in his before they walked through the open doors of the kitchen. A small blush was on his face for anyone to see.

The young man was at a loss for words until he realized that they had already walked up to the head chef. Fortunately, the man had his back turned to them. He was busy pulling out a few trays of bread rolls from the oven and had not noticed their approach.

"Excuse us, Mr. Souvlaki." Lucas started. "We'd just like to thank you for a wonderful breakfast. My parents, and our guests as well, were very impressed with your seaweed dishes."

The stout man in white slowly turned to face the two who stood but a half-foot shorter than him. "Oh, well, Prince, I was more than pleased to serve! But I must say, whoever order the seaweed has good taste!" the jovial man said before letting out a merry laugh.

"Well then, let me introduce you to the connoisseur who suggested it." the red-head replied before playfully bowing towards Maria.

"Ohohoho! So you were the one who asked for the seaweed? I take it you're not from around here! Hardly anyone appreciates the potential of such a delectable ingredient. The sea gives us such amazing bounty yet most people only take notice of the fish!" the chef exclaimed, waving his arms around in complaint and almost knocking off a ladle that hung on the metal rack above them.

"I say, do I know you from somewhere?" he then continued. The cook abruptly leaned over and shoved his face in front of the blond maiden's face to get a better look before standing up straight once more. "You look sort of familiar..."
The chef did not know that he was noticing the family resemblance between granddaughter and her grandmother.

Maria wanted to back away but did not do so yet was shock. to hear the chef ask her if he knew her form some where. "I'm sorry sir but you must be thinking of my grand mother Umi. but her hair color is a deep blue I have been tolled I have her eye's a lot." Maria says yet giggles softly most people did not know. her grand mother even her grand children so it. was all ways fun to hear peoples reactions about her being a grandmother. "I must admit I like the see weed dish's in deed. I wish this country had quail eggs they are so yummy when boiled with soy sauce." she says taking a small trip down to memory lane. recalling the time her family went to chain for a weekend tried all sorts of new foods.

"What?! You're the magnificent Umi's granddaughter?!" the chef said, rather shocked at hearing of the relation. "Why-why yes, I see it now! You have the same sea green eyes as she has! How fortunate I am to meet someone so close to my inspiration! I am very honored, young miss!" Mr. Souvlaki almost jumped around in glee, unable to contain his joy. "Bella Signora, if quail eggs cooked in soy sauce is what you like, quail eggs cooked in soy sauce is what you shall have!" With a clap of the man's great hands, two assisting cooks who had been near enough to have heard the whole conversation began preparing the dish for the young lady.

Seeing that the task was being attended to, the chef once more turned to Maria. "Please you must tell me, how is your grandmother doing these days? I imagine that she still sings with a golden voice." And just as abruptly as he had tried to get a close look at her, Mr. Souvlaki then began dancing about while belting out his favorite song of Umi's. The other servants and cooks in the kitchen just smiled as their leader traipsed about. They were used to such a scene.

Lucas laughed lightheartedly as he too watched the performance. "Looks like we just found your grandmother's Number One Fan." he said to Maria, his hands still holding on to hers. The thought of letting go not once crossing his mind for the entirety of their stay in the kitchen.

"She has been doing well but is helping my father. with taking care of my mother and little brothers. yet she would like to sing again at lest for once last tour." she says to the chef yet giggle softly yet holds on to Lucas hands softly. the young mermaid wonder if telling someone. about her grand mothers plan to come back for a tour was such a good idea are? knowing Umi she would have the family come up on land while she is away.

Even so Maria's mother would have to stay inside are go see a doctor. to see if they found any new cures to her illness this time. her Father en Bothers would hang out at her uncles house. maybe take look around the kingdom with the family. Maria her self would go take her cousins to the ocean to look. at a new sunk ship that she found a year ago just a 2 hours swim away.

"Oh how spectacular!" Mr. Slouvaki exclaimed when the young woman told of her grandmother's desire for one more tour. "If she does go through with it, please PLEASE let me know!! I would buy all the tickets for all the venues! I'll take a month off- NO! A year off just to see her performances!" Then, turning to Lucas, he declared, "Prince Lucas, I'm going to take a year off to see Umis' tour!"

"Uhm, okay?" Lucas replied in bewilderment.

"Ah! But when the tour actually happens of course. Taking off right now would just be silly!" Mr. Souvlaki added.

Before he could say more, one of the two assisting cooks from before came up to Lucas and Maria to hand them a basket with a plaid cloth covering it. Underneath was a warm, double-layered, lacquer lunchbox. The lower compartment was filled with quail eggs that had been cooked in soy sauce. The upper compartment was filled with roasted seaweed. There were utensils wrapped in lace paper beside the lunchbox for them to use as well.

"We hope you enjoy it." the assistant chef said, bowing to them both out of respect before heading back to his station.

Maria could not help but smile and laugh for a little while at Mr.Souvlaki.yet was grateful to him for making them a packed lunch. "Thank you so much for the pack lunch and I'll try to see. when she is planing it hopefully it will be some time next year around the summer." Maria says taking the basket yet could smell the food in it. she wonder if anyone on land ever tried pickled plums? yet hope Lucas would like there lunch.

"Splendid! Splendid!" Mr. Slouvaki said. With a great, sweeping bow, the chef added "And I must thank you, Young Lady, for livening up my morning with your visit. You are most welcome in my kitchen any time you wish."

After the stout cook straightened up, Prince Lucas also thanked him for the lunch they had been provided with and bid him and the rest of the kitchen staff good day. It was time for them to continue on with the promised tour and the next destination was the treasure room.

The journey to the treasury was almost a ten minute walk because it was situated a few floors above them. The three flights of steep stairs certainly made for a tedious endeavor, according to most people. But the treasure room would prove the effort worthwhile. While being the chamber that housed the most valuable objects in the castle as well as most of the royal funds under the prince's watch, the door to the room looked rather ordinary. It mimicked perfectly the other doors that occupied the same hallway. However, guards stood watch over this entire floor and the locations of their posts changed randomly to confuse would-be thieves about the true treasury door's location.

"Would you like me to carry the basket for you, Maria?" Lucas asked after they left the kitchen for the treasury. He didn't feel it was right to let her hold on to the basket for the entirety of their walk even though the basket wasn't particularly heavy. She was his guest, afterall.

"Would you please Lucas and I wonder what happen. to the dress I left on the beach last night? I'm a bit worried it took a few months to get made." she says to the prince yet hands him the basket slowly. but hope they would have fun in the kingdom later on. Maria wish that what ever they do would be fun.

Eager to assist, the red-head took hold of the lunch that the blonde had handed to him. "It's rather suspicious for your dress to just disappear. Perhaps someone took it? The beach behind the castle is normally off limits to the public. I 'd guess one of the castle workers might have found it, but they would normally let us know if they discover anything amiss on castle grounds." Lucas said. "Don't worry, I'm sure it'll turn up eventually."

Soon the couple reached the floor of the treasury. Greeting the guards as they passed by each one, Lucas lead the way to the door of their destination. Three hallways down from where they had entered and a right into a small crossway. From there, they took a left down a narrow hall with a simple window at the end.

"Here we are.", the prince told the mermaid shortly after they stopped, "The second door from the northeastern window." Without waiting further, they entered the treasury. It's door was deceptively small for such a large room. One could surmise that the large chamber took space upwards into two or even three more floors. Gold, silver, precious gemstones, and polished wooden and amber trinkets filled the entire room. Although riches were found all over, they were all meticulously organized. All coins were stacked together and wrapped in groups, and every bauble, sculpture, and ornament was displayed either on a table or in a glass cabinet. Having arrived at such a memorable place, Lucas soon began recounting to Maria the history of some of the family heirlooms, or how a jade or silver figurine came all the way from a desert land as a gift to his ancestors. Perhaps thankfully, Lucas eventually got bored of his own historical ramblings and just spent the rest of their time in the treasury trying on the different crowns and jewelry with Maria. 'Fun' wasn't a word Lucas thought he would ever associate with the treasure chamber until today.

The arrival of the Royal Treasurer unfortunately cut the couple's visit short. Lucas hastily apologized to the financial administrator as he and Maria quickly put down the treasures they had been fiddling with and left. The two, however, momentarily had to stifle their laughs after seeing the look of shock on the Royal Treasurer's face after having just seen two full-grown adults playing around with the priceless artifacts.

With the visit to the castle's treasure room now off their list, the two then decided it was time to head into town. It was a long walk all the way back down to the castle's front doors but neither Lucas nor Maria felt tired afterwards. The scenery of the castle's lobby was markedly different from that morning's. There were more people going through now since many of the palace guests were getting ready to leave for their homelands. It was so crowded with people and luggage being moved about that Lucas had to hold onto Maria for fear of losing her in the hustle and bustle. Once they had gone through the large front doors though, the traffic thinned considerably.

The coaches and carriages of the nobles passed by them as they walked down the cobblestone road, but the couple kept a steady, leisurely pace. It was just the two of them together just enjoying each other's company, engaging in light conversation as they went and none with a reason to rush. The noontime sun gleamed high in the sky but the tall oak trees that lined the sides of the road provided more than adequate shade for Lucas and Maria. The edge of the town of Arlia soon came into view and as they approached even closer, Lucas asked Maria "So what would you like to do first? Do you want to have lunch now or do you want to look around the town shops first?"

Maria had a lot of fun trying on crowns and jewelry on. till they had to leave do to the the Royal Treasurer yet. could not believe how much history was in that one room. she had enjoyed there walk around the castle. till they left go in the kingdom but as of now she thinks about the question first. "Lets look around the town shop first and then have lunch. I must say the land is nice yet I wish there was a why. I could show you my own world,even the sunken ship." Maira says to Prince Lucas so far she really like being on land. so far she was amazed by the castle and what she had seen of the land.

"I would love that greatly!" he replied "I mean, I can swim well, but to be able to stay under water for as long as I want and to be able to reach deeper places sounds amazing! Will my legs end up turning into a fish's tail just like your tail turned into legs though? Because I am pretty sure that it would take me a while to get used to." Lucas said with a light laugh. "And alright, we'll see the shops first. I'm not that hungry yet, anyway. Any store in particular you'd like to visit first, Maria?"

"I would like go to a shop that sell medicinal herbs. my Mother ask me to buy some for her if I can find some. we have a item in my family it's a seaweed necklace it has magical powers to it. but my uncle has it at his house for my aunt to use." she says to him while looking around with her eyes. Maria was not allowed tell people she did not trust about it. are to many humans since the item is so rare even for some menfolks to own one. yet she was unsure if Lucas legs would turn in to a tail are not. she'd have to ask her uncle about that to find out.

"A shop with medicinal herbs, huh? Alright, lemme see...." Lucas said as he scanned the buildings ahead, trying to remember where all the apothecaries were. "How about the Shrubwing? That store's the nearest, just over there-"

Before he could point out where it was to Maria, the prince was interrupted by a sudden and loud greeting.

"There you are!!! Good afternoon Prince Lucas!"a familiar voice called. "It seems like we haven't seen each other in a while."
It was Phoebe and her intrusive compellation was every bit intentional. Following right behind her was Emily, whose wide grin matched the excitedness she felt seeing the prince and the mysterious mermaid together.

Unlike the social duchess, however, the envious princess did not take kindly to the new girl cozying up to her Lucas. She kept her displeasure hidden as she continued but made a point to ignore Maria. "Are you on your way to town? I was just there looking for you. I heard from the earl that you had gone out and I was hoping to spend time with you at least before I have to go home. You wouldn't mind if I joined you, right?" Without waiting for an answer, the green-haired noble walked over and wrapped her arm around the male's free one.

"Err..well.." Lucas began but was again interrupted when Emily also started a conversation of her own.

"Hi! Hello!" the cheery girl said directly to Maria. Much like her friend, she forced her way into the blond's personal space. However, she bore no ill will towards Maria and sincerely wished to befriend her. "You're Maria yes? I'm Emily, nice to meet you! Well, again anyway. I believe we may have met during the Prince's party last night. Oh, but I understand if you don't remember. There were a lot of people after all and , well, we never actually talked to each other? Ah! But nevermind that! Here!" The duchess then eagerly held out the paper bag she had been carrying. "This is your dress. I found it last night behind the castle. I know it's yours because I sa-..ummm...I remember that it was what you wore at the party! Yeah..."

Emily was relieved that she had caught herself before she let slip that she knew something private. "Ehehe, a-anyway!" she continued in an attempt to change the subject. "Like what Princess Phoebe suggested, how about we join you two? You know what they say: Three's a crowd, four's a party!"

Unbeknownst to the cordial and well-meaning aristocrat, she was derailing Princess Phoebe's attempt to put distance between Maria and Lucas. Emily never saw the discreet but clearly annoyed eye-roll that the princess just gave her after she had finally finished talking.

Maria was surprised when the princess and a other lady run over to them. yet go's quite hearing she wanted to hang out. but once Emily said hi to her as well talk for a few minutes till. before she wanted to speak but notice Phoebe's annoyed eye-roll. "Oh thank you so much duchess Emily I was wondering today. what had happen to my dress my cousin's would freak out. if they knew it got ruined are stolen and sure the both of you. can join us besides if it's all right with the both of you I would. like try be your friend if that is all right? that sounds like a nice shop Prince Lucas." Maria says to the prince in a happy yet cheerful voice. she would not dare just call him just Lucas around the princess.

"If you are alright with them joining us then I am as well." Lucas said once he heard Maria's reply, but wondered why she would suddenly add his title when she addressed him. "Let's be on our way then."

"Hurray!" the duchess Roquefort squealed with sincere glee. "I can already tell we'll have lots of fun together! And you are very welcome Lady Maria! You have a very nice sense of fashion, by the way." Emily added the last part in a whisper to the blonde maiden. Without further warning and in a similar manner to the princess, Emily linked her arm around Maria's free arm. Now the foursome had formed an awkward chain which only drew curious glaces from passers-by. "And hurrah for making new friends!"

"Yes...friends." Phoebe repeated almost unfeelingly. However, she put on a warm smile that could fool most people. "I'm sure we'll get along wonderfully!" she continued, this time with a more amicable disposition.

With that, the red-haired prince led the way to the Shrubwing apothecary store. The young man had really hoped to spend time with his lovely Maria alone. Despite the change in plans, he found he was not too disappointed in the extra company. In fact, Lucas realized he was falling in love with the kind-hearted mermaid even more.

Soon they were making their way through the crowd in the streets in the most cumbersome of manners since neither one of them would let go. Phoebe would not let go of Lucas due to stubbornness. Lucas would not let go of Maria due to protectiveness. And Emily...just wanted to fit in so she didn't let go either.

Because of this, they often bumped into others around them. Their fumbles brought much amusement to the duchess, but much consternation to the princess. When they finally entered the medicinal store, they all breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing as there was not much space in the small shop to keep their human barricade formation, they agreed to let each other go for the time being.

Once they where all in the shop Maria walks off to go talk to the shop keeper. to ask if this store has any Asian medicinal herbs. if so she would buy some for sure yet was happy right now. but deep down she did not trust the princess at all with. the fake smile she had used before. Maria's grand mother teacher her how to read peoples facilely expressions at a young age. but played a long to not be rude are to be mean to anyone. but could not help but giggle to her self. when Emily tolled her she had very nice sense of fashion truth be tolled.


She would not tell them about her secret place like she had with Lucas. yet would need there trust first if she would share it. her cousin's would have some water proof bag's at there place. she could use to bring her shopping home if. she bought some fresh herb,fruits,meats are vegetables. her family know of small island in the ocean that they can go to. when they need to cook with fire it was a nice place plus. it was a bit far form there home but. they all ways find new sunken ships that way.

"Why yes, madame. We do have a variety of herbs from the magnificent Asia!" the store keeper said. "They are all on that display to your right if you would like to browse. And if you need help with anything, let me know!"

"What kind of herbs are you looking for, Maria?" the prince asked as he picked up a small bottle that was on one of the display cases. "I could help you find it."

Hearing Lucas being so familiar with the foreigner only proved to irk Princess Phoebe. But she was going to play along, if only to remain on the prince's good side. "I believe the herbs are divided by the kinds of ailments they could treat. I'm sure the shopkeep has a catalog somewhere...."

"It's over here!" Emily chimed in. In her hands was a soft, leather-bound pamphlet of sorts that contained pictures and descriptions of the plants and medicines shown on the shelves that the store owner had pointed out. "Are any of these what you want?" the duchess asked, handing the small booklet to Maria.

"Why thank you Duchess Emily and I don't recall which herbs it was. but it help my mother out a lot it work for a nine long months. before my twin brothers where born. if I recall right it was herb form chain are japan." she says while taking the pamphlet form the duchess's hands. then starts to look in it carefully to see if it was a rare herb are not. heck Maria blush's softly when Lucas using her name so freely. around Princess Phoebe wondering if she was jealous?

After they had bought what they could from Shrubwing the group proceeded to the other medicine stores to be found in Arlia. Their quest, however, was hindered by the fact that the princess and the duchess insisted on taking multiple side trips to other shops such as boutiques, salons, jewellers, and shoe stores. By the time they had managed to complete their round through the town, they had to request for castle servants to assist them with their purchases. All that they had bought had been transported back to the castle for Lucas, Maria, and Phoebe. For Emily, the servants had delivered her things to the Sealion Inn.

After watching the carriages filled with their day's finds pull away to their respective destinations, the group continued on towards the ports to partake in the lunch that was packed for the prince and his beloved mermaid. Throughout their meal, the foursome carried on light conversation about various topics. While the duchess kept a light and friendly tone, the princess tried to besmear Maria's good name by highlighting the fact that the prince's new interest was, by her understanding, not of noble birth.

But Lucas couldn't care less about whether Maria was of noble blood or not. He loved her and that was all that mattered.

Lucas ignored Phoebe's attempts to sway his high opinion of Maria, but not in a way that was meant to be mean. He just did not believe that there was any seriousness to his green-eyed friend's dislike of the blonde. Even so, he still wanted some privacy for himself and his love since the red-head had something important to say. One the group had finished their meal, they returned to the city so as to continue their shopping.

The prince, though had other plans. As soon as Phoebe and Emily had their attention elsewhere, Lucas took Maria's hand and quietly urged her to go with him. The couple secretly parted company from the other two and headed back to the castle. By then it was already late in the afternoon and the sun cast an orange blanket across the sky. Once again, Lucas found he did not want to let go of Maria and held her soft hand, fingers intertwined, as they slowly walked up the cobblestone path up to the Wynyard castle.

"Maria, remember what you told me after you turned into a mermaid? I also have a confession to make." It was at this time that the young man stopped and took both hands of the comely maiden. The mermaid seemed to glow in the golden light of the sunset. "I love you."

Lucas leaned in close to Maria. Once his lips touched hers, it seemed as the world around him stood still. The prince cared for nothing else but her and he wanted to make her his and his alone.

Maria had bought somethings as well for her self with her own money. it was sent to the castle she bought a few dress's. even some aquamarine jewelry,she bought herbs form a few shops. when they stop for lunch she giggled a few times at. what the princess and duchess first said about the food. she had explained to them it was asian type of food that it's healthy for you. after they had ditch them later on she loved being a lone with Lucas but was happy.

After the group went back in to the city she bought a few pair of shoes. while they walk back to the castle she held on to his hand. yet blush like crazy when he tolled her he is in love with her. Maria kiss's Lucas back softly right now she felt so happy. to hear the man she had fallen in love with loves her back. hopefully she could find something to help her stay human. but did not want to eat fish en never be able go back to sea. not being able to see her parents,brothers and grand mother. maybe the old kind sea witch doctor knows of something? if so she would ask for something so Lucas can be able to breath under water.