18Once she had learned to swim, Cryssa went from never going in the water to spending hours at a time in the lagoon.
Each day, after morning chores and queen lessons with Grandpa Po, Cryssa ran straight to the beach and plunged into the bright water. Whenever something prevented her from swimming, like an unexpected afternoon chore or a learning session with one of the village women, she was so disappointed and out of sorts that she could barely get through the day.
A new world had opened up to her, and she couldn't get enough of it.
Sometimes, Cryssa played water games with the Kee and Sylva children, chasing and splashing and throwing hollow coconuts back and forth. Sometimes, she practiced holding her breath, competing with Eenie and Ayla to see who could stay underwater the longes
