After about fifteen minutes, I returned to my friends. When I sat back down at the table, The others kept teasing me about me and Arthuas spending time together, but this time I acted like I couldn't hear a word that they were saying. I knew that they were trying to get me to admit my feelings for him. But, I would not give them the satisfaction. 

"Guys, I need your help with something," I said, finally breaking my silence. "Let me guess. You need our help on how to seduce Arthuas?" Duncan teased. Everyone at the table burst into fits of laughter, and I could feel my face start to turn bright red with embarrassment. "Guys, this is serious!" I hissed. The laughs quickly turned into small chuckles, and then it was silent. "Arthuas has never been outside the palace walls before, and I thought that maybe we should sneak out tonight and show him what life is like outside the palace walls," I explained.

Everyone's eyes grew wide as saucers, and I started to worry that they were going to say something about him. "Wow, what kind of king won't let his son go out every once in a while?" Klaus shook his head in disbelief. "A protective one, he said that his father has been this way since his mother was killed by the Siren Queen," I added, sighing as I recalled Arthuas talking about it.

"What are we supposed to do about it?" Veronica asked. "It's simple. We explore the city together. Think about it. We've never got the chance to explore Atlantis, so now is a good time as any, and it makes it more special to Arthuas," I answered. The Quagmires all looked at each other. Their faces were full of worry. Violet and Klaus looked down at Sunny, who continued to eat small pieces of shrimp. "I like that idea, but wouldn't it be awkward since we're all going to be with him?" Veronica asked.

I knew that she was subtly trying to ask if I was okay with Arthuas being with other people, including her and Isadora. Deep inside, it was going to be awkward, but I wasn't going to let it bother me. I gave her a small smile, silently telling her that everything would be fine. She nodded understandingly, and then it was settled. We would all try to make this night memorable, especially for Arthuas.

******

Once we had a plan, I swam back to the palace to tell Arthuas what was going to happen, and I was silently hoping that he would agree with me on the plan. I approached Arthua's closed bedroom door, and I knocked on it gently, hoping that he would answer. "Enter," A voice called out. I opened the door carefully, and I could see Arthuas sitting on his kelp bed, looking down at a small object in his hand.

"Arthuas?" I asked softly. He looked up at me, and a smile spread across his face. "Oh, Delphine! I didn't expect you to be back so quickly. Come here," I complied and sat down next to him on the bed. The object that he was holding was one of the starfish that was on one of his shelves. It was small, almost the size of Arthua's palm. "It's one of the smallest starfish I have ever seen," Arthuas explained.

"I agree. It's pretty small," I smiled. Arthua's eyes met mine, and I felt the same tug that I had felt earlier. "I talked to my friends, and they want to help us sneak out and explore Atlantis tonight," I said. "Delphine, you didn't have to do that for me," he smiled. "Of course, I did. We've never gotten the chance to explore Atlantis," Arthuas moved the starfish to the side, and I felt him place his hand on top of mine. "I've enjoyed the time that we've spent together, Delphine. I feel like we're going to get along just fine,"

"I've enjoyed the time we've spent as well, Arthuas," I smiled. He moved his hand away from mine, and I felt him gently start to run his fingers through my hair. "Are you comfortable with me doing this?" he asked. I nodded slightly, and he continued to slowly run his fingers through my hair until he reached the end of each strand. He leaned in closer to me, and I started to lean in as well. "Delphine," Arthuas whispered.

Then, there was a knock at the door. We panicked slightly, and I moved away from him, trying to hide the fact that my cheeks were bright pink. I almost got to kiss him. I started smiling at thought of us almost kissing. My fantasy almost came true, and if it wasn't for that knock. It would've been fulfilled.