Chapter 6

Chapter SIX Dad took Mola and me back to the palace with Jade and Inkibelle swimming along behind. I suddenly started to feel a little bit nervous. Would Mum and Auster be cross that we had stayed out so long? And our outfits were a mess! 'Almost there,' said Dad. 'I'll leave you both at the gates, shall I? It was lovely

to meet you, Mola, and hear all about Aquilla! And you know what? You really remind me of Emerald! The two of you are like merpeas in a pod!' Mola and I grinned at each other. 'And I think you're the best cook I've met!' Mola said. I gave Dad a big hug and then he swam away. The jitters in my tummy were still there. I was starting to feel really worried that we were going to get into big, big trouble. I looked down at my

bedraggled dress, and Mola plucked at his torn cape. We definitely didn't look like a princess and prince right now. But we'd had a very good time! Mola took my hand. 'Let's go in together,' he said. 'Come on!' Mola and I swam over the palace gates, across the gardens, and towards the front doors of the palace. We found both our families sitting round the table in the grand dining room. Royal dinners can last even longer than royal lunches as there are so many courses! 'Emerald!' cried Mum, swishing up

from her chair. 'There you are! We were starting to get a little worried. Yes, said King and Queen Seadragon, frowning. We were.' 'I'm so sorry!' I said. 'We didn't mean to stay out so long! But I got carried away showing Mola Scallop City and—' '—we were just having too much fun,'

finished Mola. I glanced at him and smiled. Even though we might be in trouble now, I was glad that Mola had enjoyed his experience here in Scallop City. It had all been worth it! Why did you run off in the first

place, Mola?' asked Queen Seadragon. She swam over to give Mola a hug, even though she sounded cross. 'It was very reckless to swim off without telling anyone where you were going!' Mola hung his head. 'I know,' he said. 'I really am sorry, Mum. I was just feeling so... uncomfortable. And I was missing Jade she's usually allowed to come everywhere with me. And this jewellery is very heavy. It