~Under the Sea~

Delshino quietly watched her hands brush across his knuckled before returning the gesture. "Yes, and you have yet to finish your studies from yesterday that you did not finish." he said and smiled at her.

"Ah. W-Well. Delshino is normally very on top of things like this." She blushed a little for the umpteenth time that morning. "Thank you." She paused. "I'm normally not this jittery, I hope I didn't eat anything bad." She muttered, slightly deflated.

Calypso gave him a small scowl. "But the history of King Neptune I is so boring to read now that all the important wars and such are over. I don't care how many scales he lost before he died and what his pets were named." She swam with Delshino back to get chambers though, and he had her list all the rulers of the seven kingdoms ever and all of their children. After that it was all the important wars, and then mathematics which she actually liked. As she fixed her hair she was solving each problem he gave her in her head.

Truo laughed. "That's very funny. Yet I hope you didn't eat anything bad either." Ge glanced up at the castle. "Oh. The formalities will be starting soon." He started swimming back into the castle with her. "would you mind if I moved your seat next to mine, on te other side of me from my sister at the feast table? You see, I really enjoy talking to you, and I'd like to get to know you more." he blushed slightly, but Craina was beautiful, and he hated to leave her.

Delshino laughed lightly and patted her shoulder. "I understand, I hate listening to it as well. Though your tutor is out today and I will have to take his place." He sighed as he sat in a chair behind her and began to tie up any loose strands into the hairstyle she was trying to make before giving her another problem to work on.

Craina started following him as they swam to the palace. "I suppose it will be, I should start getting ready then." She almost stopped swimming when she heard what he had said. "W-Well, I wouldn't want to be a bother." Her mind started racing a mile an hour. 'Was this considered flirting? Should I accept?' Craina smiled a little. "Well, I would love to sit with you." She said after finally making up her mind.

Calypso answered his questions and adorned her tail with the proper formal decorations, displaying her social rank, life accomplishments and blood line. There was a new decoration in the box which she kept the pearls and jewels in. "Oh." She bit her lip and showed it to Delishino. It showed that she was of marrying age. She sighed and put it on anyway, along with her crown. She turned to look at Delshino. "You ought to get ready too. I'm sorry that you have to wear your formal uniform, I've heard it's uncomfortable."

Truo grinned. "Then I shall see you there." He bowed low and kissed her hand before swimming off. Once in his room, he changed into his formal attire and gave his tail the proper decoration, including one similar to Calypso's. He stared at it for a few minutes, questioning its existence before putting it on. He check himself over one last time then swam down the hall to Calypso's room.

((Yay! A reply! My day is better~))
Delshino nodded at her with a small smile. "You look lovely. Well, it is but I'm used to it." He nodded and brushed her knuckles before opening the door to see Turo. "Oh, hello." He said an bowed his head at him and waited for him to pass before swimming down the hall and down several levels before entering his room. The formal uniform was actually kinda ugly, but is was stable and it would let him get through.

Crania blushed and watched him swim away frazzled. After a moment of silence she squeaked and spun in a circle excited before swimming back to her house that she managed to get by herself. Though her family had a lot of money, she liked to work for her title and so she had quite a bit of achevements under her belt. Her dress was a pale pink with small shells around the collar of the dress and it was also very light and swayed more than her normal clothes, which where a bit more stiff. She also had the ornament that let everyone know she could marry. That was depressing.

Truo watched Delshino go before swimming into Calypso's room. "You look amazing." He offered her a hug, which she gladly took. "I know you're worried. But just remember, as crown prince and princess, we have the ability to raise someone's social rank, with the approval of our advisors." He winked at her and she blushed bright red, giggling a little nervously.
"Delshino doesn't return my feelings, so stop that," she sobered. "It's the wisest choice to marry a Prince who has several older brothers. That way, he have to rule his own kingdom, but there is still a treaty and trade increases." She gave a small nod.
Truo sighed. "True. But try to listen to your heart, not your head. Let's go." Truo offered her his arm and they swam down to the great hall. They sat at the head of the table because the King and Queen were away. Truo slyly moved Craina's place card next to his.

(if there is more than 1 prince/princess, the two oldest rule together unless a different decision is made by the King and Queen.)

Craina swam into the great hall as soon as the guests were allowed and hugged a small shell wrap closer around her thin arms. She was slightly jittery and unsure of what to do or say. Slowly she looked around the table to find her name card and just as he said, her name was moved next to him. Shyly, she swam over to the chair and bowed slightly to Turo and Calypso.

((So, what is Delshino going to do during the party-thingie?))

(As her servant, he should staynear her chair in case she needs anything. But dont worry, it'll get interesting xD)
Truo smiled and rose from his seat to pull out Craina's for her. "You look wonderful." He gave her a low bow and grinned. "May I introduce my sister, Princess Calypso. Calypso, this is Lady Craina."

Calypso smiled just her brother. "Its lovely to meet you, Lady Craina." She dipped her head a little and wondered where Delshino was.

((Okay. fun))
Delshino finally made his way to the table where Calypso was and swam behind her chair quietly. "Excuse me for being late." He said in his usual boring voice that he had to use when they weren't alone. Truo seemed very fond of this girl that he was introducing and was a little happy for him, but remained still.

Carina smiled at him, finally resisting the urge to turn redder than coral. As she sat down dipped lowly to his sister. "As for me Princess." She said calmly with a smile. She just hopped the awkwardness wouldn't last for too much longer.

Calypso and Truo conversed easily with the various nobles seated around the large table. A bell rang out, and dinner was served. The delicious looking meal was being set out before them as Truo rose from his seat to give a few words for tradition's sake.

Ladies and Gentlemermen, friends. It is my pleasure to welcome you all here." He skimmed the crowd with his eyes for possible suitors for Calypso as he spoke. After a few more moments he concluded his small speech. "Now please, eat and be merry!" He sat again and smiled at Craina as he started to take a bite.

Next to him, Calypso began to eat, until she felt a searing pain in her stomach. "Truo! Stop!" She swatted his food from his hand. She realized that the face of the man who'd served the two of them had oddly been unfamiliar. "The servant.. he was from Drachma.. i think.." She clutched her stomach and doubled over in pain, Truo yelping in surprise.

"Everyone! Stop eating! Someone, get the court physician! The princess was poisoned!" He called. Calypso felt the world sway aroind and she reached numbly for Delshino before passing out.

((*spazzes* What is this unexpected plot twist?!))
Delshino after seeing Calypso fall over instantly took her in his grasp to hold her steady before laying her on the floor. "Hey!" He shouted at her worried. He quickly checked her pulse, still alive.

Craina stopped eating with the food just inches above her tongue in her mouth. The girl paled before spitting it out and dropping the food in surprise. She swam over as fast as she could to Calypso with the look of panic written on her face.

(yeah.. my little sister was like "posion the princess!!!!!" *insert 7 yr old laughing maniacally* so I thought, why not? and i thought the poison should be solid since theyre underwater)
Truo pulled Calypso up gently but quickly, and pressed a few pressure points on her throat and stomach. She gave a horrible cough and spit out the chunk of poison, and a little color returned to her face. "Delshino? Take her to her bed, the physician will meet you there. Craina, why don't you go with him?" He gave her a faint smile, trying to be calm and collected like a king.

Truo rose, immediately quieting the chaos of the room like his father always did. "Be calm. I apologize, and this will be handled." He pulled a guard to him and spoke quietly to him. "I want a guard at Calypso's door. The entrances are already sealed, correct?" The guard nodded. "Round all of the new staff, we're looking for a Drachman merman with dark hair and earrings."

((Haha. Gotta love 'em
But I think I'll add a plot twist of my own *gets and evil glint in eye*))
Delshino quickly took Calypso and held her securely and turned to Craina and nodded his head in the direction of Calypo's room before swimming off. He swam as fast but as gentle as he could, though he was very worried. But at least she was okay, and he was glad he was there.

Craina swam to try and keep up with Delshino. As she rounded a corner, she bumped into another merman, someone no matter how many times she swam the halls of the palace for political reasons has never seen him before. She stopped and turned to him to apologize before stopping with her mouth open in surprise. He was Drachman, and didn't look too friendly at that. By now Delshino was long gone so she couldn't really call him for help and there was no one in the hall they were in. Before she could react, he felt herself get tugged along by her wrist as she struggled trying not to be taken before she broke free and swam as fast as she could to find Delshino.
((Lame, plot twist was lame. But I tried. :< ))

Calypso's eyes flickered open once she was safely in her bed. "Delshino...? Her voice came out as a hoarse whisper. The physician hushed her and began examening her. She slipped back into sleep, still wondering where Delshino was.

Truo was on his way to Calypso's chambers when he saw Craina swimming as though she were being chased. He caught up to her and gently grabbed her wrist. "Craina? Whats wrong? Are you all right?"

Delshino had gently placed her on her bed, but held onto her hand worried. But he didn't say anything. She had fallen asleep again, and he finally noticed that Craina wasn't with them. Delshino looked around worriedly, hoping she didn't get lost when he found her with Truo.

Craina squeaked and turned around sharply, but sighed in relief that it was Truo. "Th-Th-Th-Th-There was...I think I saw who tried to kill Calypso." She said with panic in her voice.

A dangerous fire lit in Truo's eyes. His hand went to the sword now on his waist as he spoke. "Did he harm you? Where is he?" Once his questions were answered he kissed her head. "Go to Calypso's room. I'll be back." He swam off to get some guards ajd find this assassin.

"Her highness will live, but she'll be very fragile for some time. She'll likely bruise easily and tire faster, but she'll want more food. Try and keep her in bed. I'll have medicine for her." The physician told Delshino before he left. While they were talking, Calypso had woken up again.

Delshino nodded at the physician and looked at Calypso as she woke up. He swam to the side of her bed worried. "How are you feeling? Is anything wrong? Are you hungry?" He asked a little too fast and squeaky for normal.

Craina stuttered. "I-I, no. He just tried to grab me. He was headed to downstairs at the lower levels." She watched as he left before starting to swim to Calypso's room. She seemed to be already awake when she got there.

Calypso blinked. "I feel...weak. And hungry.. what happened?" He voice was still a hoarse whisper, but she managed to sit up. She remembered going to the feast, but then nothing. She peeled the ornamentations off of her tail, as they were a bit uncomfortable. "Where's Truo? Is that you, Craina?"

She looked around, wondering how she even got into her room.

Delshino's tail twitched a little. "Well, you where poisoned." He said, not really sure how she would react as he gently pushed her back down. Craina hesitated a little before swimming up to her. "Yes, it's me." She said, and spoke up a little louder. "Truo went to go find the assassin."

Calypso slowly registered what they'd said. "A-assassin? Poison?" Her eyes grew wide in disbelief. "Was anyone else hurt?" Despite Delshino's attempts to keep her down she sat up quickly, instantly regretting it as a powerful ache invaded her head.

Truo came in a moment, a guard on either side of him. "We caught the Drachman assassin. He wasn't working alone, but the others escaped. Mother and Father are coming back. Are you feeling better?" Calypso nodded and Truo moved over to Craina.

Delshino shook his head and laid her down again. "Please do not overexert yourself." He said calmly to her. He floated to the side of the room when Truo came into the room. "There where others?" He said, slightly nervous. If there where more out there then that wasn't too good. Craina sighed. "At least you caught one of them. But the others out there worry me a little." She mumbled as bubbles floated out of her mouth in a frustrated way.

Truo nodded, looking equally frustrated. "We should let Calypso rest..." He said to Craina before going over to Calypso's bed. He kisse the top of her head and smiled a little. "Feel better. And listen to Delshino." once she nodded in agreement he went out into the hall with Craina. He watche Craina for a moment and wanted to lighten the mood a little. "I just realized that we didn't get to dance since there's no ball." He grinned and pulled her to him, holding her for a waltz.

Calypso stared at the ceiling for a few moments before beckoning Delshino over. When he sat in the chair beside her bed she swam over to him, and curled up in his lap. She finally let her fear out, and it came in shudders and quiet sobs. She never acted like this in front of anyone else, but she trusted Delshino. "What did I do to deserve an assassination?" She sobbed, but she knew the answer already.it wasn't anything she had done, but who she was.

Craina smiled at Calypso. "I hope you get better soon." She waved as she swam out of the room with Truo. The air seemed a lot calmer as she inspected a small group of flounder swim by the door. "Oh. That is true." She mumbled before she was pulled over to him. Craina blushed and tried not to look away.

Delshino was quiet for a little while. "Yes, it is because of your title." He said sadly and brushed away a stray hair from her face. He just wished he could take her away from violence, so she could remain as innocent as the day he met her. "I just...I just wish..." He trailed off and started to go to the chair across the room. "You need some rest. Please try to get some sleep before your father gets back."

Truo smiled gently. "It's all right. There's no need to be afraid." He began to hum a beautiful tune, and he began to lead the dance. He couldn't take eyes away from her gorgeous face, and once he finished the song, he debated about kissing her. He figured this would be a good time since they just danced, even though it was to him humming and in the middle of the hallway. He smiled and took her face in his hands, gently placing his lips on hers, praying that she felt the same way.

"No! I want you close by. When I was asleep earlier it was all nightmares. I can't... Just come here." Calypso had caught Delshino's hand, and she pulled him to her. She made him sit on her bed and she laid next to him with her head in his arms. "I'm going to have you promoted to a Lord." She smiled and yawned a little. "Tell me about when we first met?" she asked.

((Honestly. I was spazzing for five minutes while reading that and replying ))
Craina blushed a little deeper and let him lead the dance, getting lost in his humming. Before she knew it they had stopped. Her heart fluttered when he placed his lips on hers. Shyly she went into the kiss.

Delshino turned and sat on her bed and stroked her hair comfortingly. He averted his gaze, and looked out the window. A lord? He really hadn't thought about it. He was content with being her servant, but that had him thinking.
"Well, we where much younger and you had snuck out of the palace when I was cornered by some older mermen." Delshino paused for a minute before continuing quieter. "I would have died that day if you hadn't showed up. You where so reckless then, you still are, but much more free. I think I feel in love with you that day." He felt his face redden, Delshino never mentioned that part, but it was the reason he tried so hard in the beginning to become her servant was to see her every day.