Theanore was sad.
Elmar, Dereck and Diana were leaving. They told her they were going on a grant adventure and that when they come back, they will bring her a special gift.
She didn't want a gift; she wanted her friends at the grotto!
She was sulking, and that was not very princess-like, she knew. But she didn't feel like doing anything else today.
Marinus came and sulked with her. Then, just as the sun was setting, he broke the silence.
"I'll miss them," the merman said. "Even though Dereck called us spoiled babies when we first met."
"But Di is nice," Theanore whispered. "And Elmar is my Court Wizard."
"I know just the thing to get your mind off of this," Marinus said, standing up and holding out his hand to Theanore.
"And what is that?" she accepted it and let herself be twirled around.
The little nymph giggled.
"A royal ball! For just the two of us. May I have the first dance, princess?" Marinus asked, bowing.
"You may, Grand Duke," Theanore said, and she curtsied.
