Chapter 1.

Far away, under the depths of the Pacific Ocean, reigned a royal family of goddess mermaids. They wore their last name, Goldenheart, proudly. Among the youngest of the family was Esperanza. Esperanza was glamorized by the creatures of the sea for her sparkling pink tail, collection of crystal sea shells, and mesmerizing singing and dance. Her family knew her as the playful one with a calm spirit of introspection, and energetic spirit of extrospection, and a curiosity for trying new things. Bound by the strict rules of their governing mother, Goddess Charlotte Goldenheart, Esperanza was a quiet creative on the outside and an outburst of adventure in her heart. All daughters of Goddess Charlotte were to obey the rules of always respecting elders, maintaining a graceful composure, attending the annual sea creature ball, and not wandering beyond the territory of their kingdom. Ever since Esperanza was a young mermaid, she followed these rules, but always felt hidden behind the the strict orders of Mother, the coming of age of her older sisters, and the duties and expectations of being a royal. Life was safe. Life was a daily normal. Life was easy, and even beautiful at times, but Esperanza knew there was more to the big life, surrounding her.

One afternoon, Esperanza had overslept. She leaped out of the comfort of her seashell bed, combed through her textured coils with a seashell pick, and adorned herself with her tiara and jewels. She rushed to take a seat next to her sisters, right before Mother spoke.

“I see you have overslept again,” Mother said.

“My apologies mother, but keep a watch-out all yesterday, made me extremely tired,” Esperanza responded.

“Sure it does, but it was your turn as your sisters were out gathering seaweed and pedals for dinner.”

“Right.”

“...And, as the rulers of this ocean, it is our duty and calling, as gifted by our ancestors, to stay on guard at all times. The protection of our creatures and sea depend on us to always show up on time, and maintain our composure.”

“I know. I won't be late again,” Esperanza muttered under her breath.

Not too far in the distance, a yellow seahorse with a groovy tune ringing from his ears and a jolly pep in his step, came bopping his head towards Mother and Esperanza. The other daughters were still away seaweed and pedal picking.

“Hello, my beautiful and sovereign ladies of the sea,” the sea house spoke as he took a bow.

“What is it, Simon?” Mother said as she arched her eyebrow.

Simon reached into the pockets of his fins, and pulled out a sparkling golden scroll. “As the usual expectation and per the deep fish committee… Goddess Charlotte and the Royal Daughters of the Pacific Ocean are invited to the Annual Sea Creature Ball. Please, dance in your beautiful tails, sing with your hearts, and eat a big delightful feast. This grand event will be held in the heart of the Pacific Ocean with the next 24 hours.”

“Thanks you for your remarks,” Mother said.

“You are welcome, my sovereign,” Simon replied as he took another bow and scurried to the right side of Esperanza.

“I can't wait to attend the ball. I have been practice a song. It's filled with joy and love.”

“I can't wait either,” Mother said as she kissed Esperanza's forehead and went back to sight guarding from her seat.

Moments later, Simon whispered “Esperanza,” into Esperanza's right heart. 

Esperanza whispered into Simon's left ear, “What, Simon?” They continued whispering.

“Let's go play.”

“Okay.”

Esperanza and Simon snuck away, and swam in the opposite direction of Mother.