With the divorces done with, quiet returned to the grotto.
Empress Orlena went home, but Cassius remained.
Much to Marinus' displeasure!
At least Cassius had not been set to sleep in Crassus' house.
But the young prince did not give up in his pursuit of Theanore!
He made her flower crowns every morning and wrote poems, which he then read to her at sunset.
That made Marinus step up his game!
He made Theanore wooden carvings of different animals and original merfolk art!
He made her figurines of clay with seashells sticking out of them and told her stories every time it was their bedtime. He held her hand as they slept and even went with her to give a brush down on Marferik every afternoon after their nap time.
The dragon was amused by the efforts of the two boys. He advised Theanore not to accept too many gifts per day, no matter how much the boys tried to guilt-trip her into doing so.
