4. Isn't it obvious, Daddy? Ariel's in love.

"Do you think she swam away with him?" Arista asked, anxiously chewing her fingers.

"I doubt it," Andrina replied. "She's always been way too attached to that Flipper kid to leave everything behind."

"Flounder," Atina corrected. "And he hasn't been seen since she left, either. Father sent someone to his school to see if he knew where she is."

Aquanta interrupted, pushing her sister aside. "But where else would she disappear to other than with this merman she's in love with? I know Ariel's always been a bit floatier in head, but she's never been gone this long."

Arista popped her head between her sisters, bobbing up and down with each of her rapid questions. "Who do you think it is, Quanti? Have you ever heard her mention anyone? Do you think it's one of Queen Harmony's nephews? Is it Mak? Tuber? Gem?" 

Adela flicked her tail at her chatty sister's face in agitation. "Chill, Ris! Yikes, you're obnoxious."

"She's got a point though," Atina separated her sisters as with a gentle hand. "If Ariel did swim away with a merman, it probably was one of her mother's nephews. They're always swimming around her trying to win Father's favor."

Andrina snorted in derision. "And it's not like Harmony does anything to stop them. Mother never would have allowed that kind of behavior from her relatives if she were still alive. The polyp doesn't fall far from the coral."

"That's not fair, Dree. Ariel is our sister, too. And Father wouldn't have married Harmony if he thought she was unworthy. She makes a very good queen and Father loves her. She's never been unkind to any of us. You have no reason to be unkind to her."

"But if Ariel did swim off with her lover, what is Daddy going to do? Can he make her come back if they find her? Will they get married? Why wouldn't she tell Daddy who he is?"

Atina caught Adela's tail before it reached Arista's face a second time. "We don't know if she swam off with anyone. It's just as likely that she's on another one if her adventures and has lost track of time."

"Three days? Really, Tina?" Aquanta laughed at her sister's innocence. "Ariel comes in here obviously in love and that's the last any of us see of her. You know Ariel. When she decides she wants something, she gets it." 

"Human!" Alanna rocketed into the clearing, panting from her quick swim. Her sisters spun around at her urgent call. "Ariel's marrying a human!"