"How about that." He pokes Sophie in the side, and keeps his tickles erratic enough to elicit shrieks of giggles as soon as they die down. "I don't mind fat, lazy sharks. That's a civilized fish that's learned to live and let live, particularly when the letting live applies to me."

His fingers drum all along Sophie's plump belly. "Oh please please please tell me I get to be the Prince," he begs her.