Just for Fins Read Online Free PDF Page A

find you when it is done, my love,” Tellin says. He presses a kiss to her cheek.
    When she’s gone, Tellin swims over to the chair opposite mine.
    â€œShe’s lovely,” I tell him. “She seems very sweet.”
    His smile is one of pure love and adoration. “She is an angelfish.”
    â€œI’m very happy for you.” And I am. Love is a gift. I know how it feels to love and be loved in return, and I’m glad my friend can feel the same.
    â€œThank you,” he replies. “As I am happy for you.”
    I give him a quick smile and then shift my focus to business. Now that we’re alone in the antechamber, it hits me hard that we’re about to host a council meeting. We need to talk through our plan so it goes as smoothly as possible.
    â€œI think the meeting will be pretty straightforward,” I say. “I’ll start by thanking them for coming, and then . . .”
    I trail off as I realize Tellin is staring at me with a very confused expression on his face.
    â€œWhat?” I ask. “Did you want to start the meeting?”
    â€œNo, I . . .” He shakes his head and smiles. “You do know that your hair is blue?”
    I reach up and pull my hair to one side, trying to hide the blue section behind my hands. “Yes, I know.”
    He nods, and I can tell he’s trying to stifle a laugh.
    â€œCan we focus on the important issue, please?” I say, tugging at my hair. I channel my embarrassment into professionalism, sitting up straighter in the chair and leveling a serious look at Tellin. “We’re speaking at a council meeting in less than an hour, and I’d like to feel prepared when we swim in there.”
    â€œYes, of course,” Tellin says, his demeanor floating back to serious. “Please continue.”
    â€œAs I was saying . . .” I give him a stern scowl. “After the introduction, I will turn it over to you, and you can describe the situation in Acropora. Then I will make the official request for aid.”
    â€œThat sounds like an ideal plan,” he says, his voice soft and sad. “I will have no trouble describing the challenges facing my kingdom.”
    I sigh. “I know. But just think,” I say, trying to sound cheerful and optimistic, “in a short time we’re going to be well on our way to getting your people the help they need.”
    He doesn’t look quite as optimistic as I feel. “I hope you’re right,” he says. “I certainly hope you’re right.”
    â€œI know I am,” I insist. “Our kin will rise to the occasion. I’m sure of it.”
    Â 
    â€œIs everyone here?” I ask, swimming back and forth in the hall outside the royal chamber.
    Daddy’s secretary, Mangrove, checks his clipboard. “Nearly all, Princess.” He runs his finger down the list. “I believe we are missing but one.”
    â€œLet me guess.” I pause my pacing long enough to look at him. “Queen Dumontia?”
    â€œYes, Princess.”
    I exchange an unsurprised look with Tellin.
    Dumontia is queen of Glacialis, a mer kingdom far to the north, in the arctic waters around Canada and Greenland. She is notoriously late, and not just because she has the farthest to travel. She enjoys making an entrance.
    â€œBut the others are here?” I ask, my stomach starting to tighten. “All the kings and queens?”
    Mangrove nods. “It is time.”
    â€œOh, boy,” I mutter.
    Tellin reaches out and takes my hand.
    â€œAre you ready?” he asks.
    A flutter of nerves upends my stomach, but only for a second. I remind myself why I’m doing this and what I expect to happen. Everything will be fine.
    â€œYes,” I say, squaring my shoulders. “Let’s do this.”
    Together we turn to face the chamber door. A pair of palace guards nod and then pull open the doors as we