It was the month of March, and the warmth of the water increased everyday, as did Ursula's heart. As far as she was concerned, no one knew that she hung out with Eli each night. Morgana's suspicions lengthened more and more, but never bothered asking because Ursula wasn't as focused as she often was, hence making her appear smarter and gain more attention.
Ursula had never been more excited, for in a few days she and her mother were to go on a special trip. Where, Ursula was not sure, but she simply had to assume it was somewhere special because of how her mother said it;
"In 3 days we are to go somewhere not many go to. Be ready at all times."
And with that her mother turned and left.
Although Ursula was not good with children, as she sat telling the 7 year olds about the Three Goddesses of Fate, her excitement resonated through her words and felt the kids' interest spike up.
When Ursula finished telling what Atropos's job was, which was to cut the thread, she asked out loud rather loudly,
"Questions?"
A chunky-looking little boy with curly black and brown hair raised his hand and questioned,
"How come they're girls?"
"Because they are." Ursula answered, rather annoyed.
"But why?" He prodded.
"Why does it matter?"
"Because it's a story." He said.
"Hm. It is, isn't it?!" Ursula said, feigning shock.
The boy nodded solemnly.
"I'll let you in on something. It's a true story. The three sisters decide anyone's fate, even yours, and no one should question what they do. If you question what they are that is an offense." Ursula said calmly.
His eyes widened.
"She could cut my thread?"
"That's right, sweet." Ursula said while stretching.
"So no more questions, right?"
"I have a question!" Screamed out another boy with long dark hair.
"How come you're here?"
"It is required. I have to read to all of you, it is part of the joy of being the empress's daughter." Ursula answered dryly.
"But you're a girl." Another boy with chubby cheeks remarked.
"Yeah!" The other little boys agreed, and Ursula felt her anger boil.
"So what if I am female? What, did you think only males would be in here all the time? This is an all-boy school but that will change sooner than later when I am empress."
Ursula said, struggling to keep her voice quiet.
"But my dad said girls shouldn't go to school." The same chunky boy argued. Ursula finally had it.
"Then your daddy is a fool!" Ursula snapped icily,
"We are just as capable as learning as we are cleaning and cooking. You are being taught incorrectly. But tell me this, how is it that all the greatest rulers here have been girls?"
The boys quieted, looking confused.
"I will give you valuable advice that you will listen to." Ursula growled,
"Most men prefer for ladies to be perfect little dolls doing nothing except cleaning and wasting away, and times are changing, some of you will become guards and you will learn that women can do all that men brag about, if not better."
She continued,
"Do this to really impress the ladies: show them your support. Don't underestimate them."
With that Ursula crept to the exit, leaving the teacher with his mouth hanging open.
Hours after her outburst, Ursula was still fuming.
I can't believe they are turning little boys into macho little imps. It's despicable and loathsome.
As Ursula thought about the unfairness of it all, she smashed into Morgana while turning towards the hunting supplies.
"Oof!" Morgana squealed, then looked at Ursula and observed, pulling her up,
"Who made you look like this?"
"Obnoxious chauvinistic little males." Ursula huffed.
"And you?"
"I was just heading to the kitchen to get a bite. Ma says I'm too skinny." Morgana sulked.
"You are too skinny, sis. I'm going hunting." Ursula said and continued her way.
Morgana smashed next to her while draping her arm on Ursula's shoulder, saying with excited sarcasm and waving her hand in the water,
"Behold! Ursula of the Dark Underwater Empire of Atlantica, gunna be awarded the 'World's bestest and most supportive sister of all times Nobel Prize!' Bravo! Bravo!" Cackling hard with a hint of disdain, Morgana swam away while shaking her head.
Ursula grinned innocently, and trudged to the East Wing's hunting supplies room.
*****
"What would your mother do if she found out about us?" Eli asked thoughtfully.
"Kill you." Ursula replied.
Eli nodded.
"I thought so."
"Why the question?"
"I was wondering... would you do me the honor of-"
"No." Ursula interrupted.
"allowing me to-"
"Don't say it." Ursula growled.
"Date you?" Eli smiled evilly.
"The evil smile doesn't suit your face." Ursula said and turned around, looking up at the moon.
"You didn't answer." Eli pressed, swimming in front of her.
"And I don't have to." Ursula answered, crossing her arms .
"Is that a no?" Eli's face looked suddenly sad, so heartbroken, so defeated and full of hurt. He turned away with his eyes looking down, his smile instantly vanishing.
Guilt tugged at Ursula's twisted heartstrings, and she finally half-snapped-half-sighed,
"Fine! Just until we die."
"We'll settle down in Tartarus, then." Eli grinned, all sadness gone from his face.
"You grub. You planned this. You deceived me!" Ursula scowled.
"I knew you could not resist." He grinned.
Ursula felt her face go raspberry, and she sat down with her bottom lip stuck out in defeat. Scooching closer to Ursula, Eli said quietly,
"It's almost been a month."
"And?" Ursula asked.
"You haven't said it back." Eli said cautiously.
"And Im not going to. If I say it your fate will be sealed and so will mine."
"My fate is your fate? I never thought you as an emotional sap. I like it." Eli smirked, nudging Ursula's arm.
"Don't get used to it." Ursula scowled.
"You're going to land? With your mother?" Eli suddenly asked.
Ursula stared at him for a moment, confused.
"Land? Why ever would we need to go there?"
She continued,
"And how would you know if we are going to land?"
"Atlantia told us that the empress and you will be heading above our waters. She said guards will be needed, and I figured it was land since you or the empress don't need guards for protection."
Eli explained.
"But we are more vulnerable in land, therefore needing the extra protection." Ursula said,
"Will you be accompanying us?"
"No. Chances are your lady will gamble us away. I believe Macedon, Desma, and Enyo will be going."
Ursula took on her thoughtful duck-face, and nodded while saying,
"Huh. You would let me explore land without you?"
Ursula collapsed on an algae-covered rock dramatically, with her hand splayed across her forehead and wailed,
"I'll have to return here knowing this torture will continue! I will not have your protection or your compliments on land!"
Eli floated down below them, laying in the sand and groaned,
"It is painful. I won't see your beautiful face or receive your well-rehearsed insults for, pray, 5 days?"
"I pray it is much more." Ursula sobbed sarcastically, and Eli continued wailing,
"I miss your crooked nose already! I-". Eli broke down laughing, leaving Ursula to widen her eyes further.
"You grub! You pathetic, squirming, conniving larva who eats-"
Eli tackled her, and Ursula wrestled back, holding his face against the sand, while Eli pulled her hair with his arm and spun her in a circle upside down. Ursula grabbed his arm to regain balance, and Eli pressed her against the sand, her arm twisted and her face smushed.
"Let me go!" Ursula scowled, then laughed.
"Larvas can't beat you, can they?"
"Hmph. I'll have to find a good larva with better hair."
They laughed and headed back towards the Empire while scuffling and throwing insults, their hands clasped so hard nail marks were left on Eli's knuckles and blood on Ursula's from Eli's armor.
*****
It was done. They were official. Triton and Athena had been dating since February tenth, and Athena couldn't have been happier.
"What could I give him?" Athena asked her friend Mel, pacing thoughtfully.
"Food." She answered simply while playing the C Major scale on her harp.
"That's too simple, Mel." Athena said, laughing,
"He needs something that will last him forever. Triton is the most supportive, kind-"
"Hotheaded." Mel remarked.
Lifting a brow at the golden-haired mermaid, Athena nodded while smiling cheekily, forcing herself to admit it. Triton was quite the hothead.
"Well... apart from that. What could I give to him that would last a long time?"
"Marriage." The blue-tailed mermaid answered while moving on to the Eb Major scale.
Athena blushed with embarrassment, and said,
"Mel! We just started dating! It's too soon to think about matrimony."
"You said it was too soon to think about dating not even two days before he asked you." Mel snickered, then said gently at seeing her friend's face turn pink,
"But it's never too soon if it's right."
Athena thought about Triton. Her sweet, handsome, and temperamental Triton who never failed to be there for her when she needed him most. When the empress assaulted her, he was right with her the very next day, comforting her with dancing and helping her with chores. Athena felt herself smiling, and an idea slammed right into her face.
"I know what I'll do." Athena said, brows set in determination.
"What will it be?" Mel asked.
As Athena explained her idea to her best friend, Mel questioned her,
"Are you sure you're up for it?"
"Of course." Athena said firmly, her voice quivering with excitement.
"He will love it. I hope he will love it."
"I could never." Laughed the mermaid, nervous for her friend.
Athena grinned.
"Anyone could." She said, looking at her friend mischievously.
Mel stopped laughing.
"N-no." She stuttered, "You can't be serious."
The redhead nodded with animated elation. Mel groaned, leaning against her harp while playing a tragic tune.
Athena swiped it, and played a melodious tune which caused her heart to flutter with precedented excitement.