Chapter 4

Lisha waited till her mother had left her chambers before darting into it. Maana had taken Lina and two of the younger mermaids to go on what Lina termed a hunting expedition. They would, for the next few days, consistently hunt and gather a certain species of highly nutritious sea snails, which were currently in season. To avoid quarrels and mischievous acts, Lisha had long since been banned from such activities and she was nothing short of glad. Spending hours everyday gathering snails was not her idea of a fun activity. Scheming was a lot more rewarding and fulfilling. In her mother's absence, she was free to do whatever she liked and that included talking to Rana whom she found seated at the far end of their mother's chambers, looking straight ahead like someone in a trance, with Braana's head resting on her shoulder. Lisha swam over to the pair and flicked her fingers at her little sister.

"Braana, kindly make yourself unavailable. I'd like to talk to Rana alone."