9: Amber and Prince Arnold

Hours after Amber’s disappearance, the stormy weather was already back to normal. Isis and Rhea were standing at their front porch looking around in their night dress.

“Why isn’t she back?” Rhea asked. “It’s midnight.”

“Amber!” Isis called out into the still of the night and her voice echoed, followed by a forlorn silence.

“What if something bad happened to her?” Rhea asked. “It was stormy and besides, she said she saw a mermaid, remember?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Isis chided. “No one has seen one in quite a long time and no one is believed even if they claim to have seen one. The last person that claimed to see one was Amber’s father and he was not believed.”

“So mermaids have been seen?” Rhea asked, surprised.

“Folktales tell that this kingdom used to worship one who disappeared because of the wickedness of many people. There are also tales of them giving wealth to good people but I think that’s just stupid tales. Let’s go back inside. When she’s tired of staying out, she’ll re