I looked at the ocean from the edge of the deck, admiring the waves and dolphins. I wish I could be as free as a pirate. Being able to explore the ocean every day would be–

Laurence: "Princess Leona! Get away from the edge; it's dangerous, young lady!"

I looked at Laurence, my personal advisor. For a second, I thought of listening or making a snarky comment, but instead, I ignored him, and of course, it pissed him off more.

Laurence: "Don't ignore me! Ugh, you are a headache, Princess... why can't you be a normal princess? You dress like a prince! and for your 19 birthday, you decide to go on a dirty little pirate trip!"

I rolled my eyes, still ignoring him. My eyes then landed on the water, and I saw something swimming alongside the ship. I couldn't make out what it was. I leaned over the edge a little more, but Laurence grabbed the back of my shirt, pulling me away.

"Alright! Stop these lectures. It's my 19th birthday. I can decide what I want to do! Besides, we'll be back at the castle tomorrow morning."

Laurence huffed, walking away. I looked back to get another look at it, but it was gone. It was probably just a dolphin.

---

Late, when almost everyone was asleep, I sat on the railing at the edge of the boat, watching as the stars lit up the night and reflected beautifully on the water.

That's when I saw something in the distance. A creature, maybe a dolphin or a mermaid, leaping in and out of the water gracefully. I was stunned. I wiped my eyes and squinted to make sure I wasn't going crazy, but it looked like a mermaid!

Omg! No one will ever believe me, but I had to show Laurence. I ran to his room and basically dragged him onto the deck.

"Look! Look! It's a mermaid, I swear!"

Laurence grumbled, looking out at the ocean and seeing nothing. He let out a tiny growl of frustration before walking away.

Laurence: "Go to bed, Princess Leona." he grumbles.

"But..."

I murmured, looking out at the empty sea. I know what I saw... and it was gorgeous...