Chapter 2

Chapter TWO 'It's them, it's them!' squealed Delphina. The carriage drew up to the bottom of the palace steps, and we all swam over to greet our guests. 'King and Queen Seadragon!' said Auster. 'Welcome to Scallop City!' Two merpeople got out of the carriage, their tail scales shimmering and

glittering with jewels. They were wearing crowns even bigger than ours!

'King Auster,' they said, smiling. 'Queen Coral, it's so lovely to meet you and your family! Thank you so much for having us.' The grown-ups started shaking hands as two smaller merpeople emerged from the carriage a boy who looked a bit older than me and a little mergirl. Both of them were wearing heavy-looking

royal necklaces. 'This is Prince Mola and Princess Melody, said Queen Seadragon, ushering them forwards. Princess Melody was grinning excitedly, but Prince Mola didn't look too happy.

Delphina immediately took Melody's hand. 'I'll look after you!' she said. 'I can show you all my toys!' Melody gazed up at Delphina adoringly, and I could just tell that she was going to love my stepsister! King Auster beamed. 'It's wonderful to meet you all!' he said. 'The butlers will take your carriage round to the back of the palace. And we have special stables for the manta rays.' Mum and Auster led our guests towards the palace. Delphina and Melody immediately shot off in front, leaving a fizz of bubbles behind them. I trailed

behind with Mola and Inkibelle. She kept squiggling up close to me and trying to hide behind my back. I think she might have been feeling shy.