Where art thou?

Whether or not her charm was boundless, Hadama had been King for several years now, and he was no stranger to beautiful courtiers plying their wiles on him in an attempt to gain favors. He gave Nysadeia the same stoic courtesy that he gave his nobles, neither more nor less. Her constant motion - between hands, octopus arms, and her expressive mouth -  drew occasional glances her way as he swam slowly with the basket, careful to go slowly enough that the young woman could easily keep up.

A pleasure to meet you, Nysadeia, he rumbled. After a moment's thought he nodded a slow confirmation that he did, indeed, know her parents. Or at least thought he recalled patrolling the waters around the eastern reef and speaking with a pair of octopi kelp farmers once or twice in the past.

He considered her intentions, and then he considered her mannerisms. Hmm. If she was truly as flighty as she seemed, there would be few enough jobs in the Palace for her. The seneschal was good at weeding out shirkers, and Hadama knew better than to interfere with that worthy Mer's running of the underwater castle since long before his own time as King.

But there were other options...

I can take you to the seneschal, he said slowly, wheels turning behind bright emerald eyes. What are your skills?