Ariel sat on the boardwalk, gazing out at the ocean as the wind blew her red hair in front of her face. She didn't bother fixing it; she was alone, anyways.
She repeatedly drew hearts in the sand as she listened to the waves. Eric was on a "business trip," if you could even call it that. He basically had to meet with other leaders of kingdoms in Denmark just to discuss their kingdoms. Ariel would go occasionally, her being the princess and all, but she just found it too boring. Besides, it wasn't required that she go.
Most of the time when her husband was away, she would meet her father on the shoreline, where he would turn her feet to fins, allowing her to spend the day with her family under the sea. There was not much to do in the castle; Carlotta insisted that Ariel shouldn't help with chores, and she always encouraged her to spend the day in the ocean.
But today, her family was busy, so Ariel had nothing planned for the whole day. Saddened and missing her prince, she sighed as she continued to brush her fingers through the sand.
Eric thanked his lucky stars that he survived the dreadful meeting. To say that the other royals were merely overreacting about every topic that was discussed would be an utter understatement. They addressed the financial issues with terror in their eyes and constant squirming in their chairs, they conversed about mighty countries with a trembling voices yet when they talked about lower countries, they did not restrain to show the excessive pride in their voices. Eric would discreetly roll his eyes in annoyance and carry on with the matters at hand There was a time at the meeting that really struck a chord in him.
His hazy blue eyes gazed at the ticking clock hanging on the wall, not paying attention to the gossip that the Denmark delegates were so enraptured in. Eric glanced around the table taking notice that they no longer needed his presence. The sailor prince stood from his seat and gathered his papers. "Thank you for having me, gentlemen." Eric thanked as he began to stride over to the door. "I'll depart from this conversation and send me a letter when-"
"Oh your highness!" one of the younger delegates called. Eric refrained the urge to roll his eyes. He turned around to face the sandy haired man with a sly smirk. "How are your wife and daughter fairing?" He asked in a sincere tone. A few low chuckles could be heard amongst the group. However, Eric was completely oblivious to the snickers made and a genuine grin appeared on his lips.
"They're doing great!" Eric replied with a joyous tone. He was about to tell the group that Melody found a shell that had the same color of Ariel's eyes. When suddenly the sandy haired man interjected,
"Good to know! I thought for sure another sea witch was out to get them. Tell me, when you're away, does your daughter go gallivanting about with the merpeople?" Roars of laughter echoed through the room. "Or better yet, goldfish?" Another gust of obnoxious laughter was heard throughout the cramped room.
Eric balled his hands into fists, ready to give the young man a shiner. But his conscious outspoke his uncontrollable urge. He was a prince. And princes do not give delegates a shiner. No matter how much they insulted his family. But there was one tactic that he was skilled at that he, for sure, was going to use.
"Gentlemen, it is clear to me that throughout my time in this room you have conversed about nothing but yourselves. You disparage on those unfortunate to your high standard of living and make no effort to make their lives sustainable. You cower in fear when talking about prosperous countries, praying that do not invade our country. It is clear to me that you have no other business than to mock others and not attend to the dire situations that require immediate attention. Therefore, I relieve every one of you from your status." A chorus of rageful protests swarmed Eric all at once. "GENTLEMEN!" Eric forcefully shouted. A deathly silence crept into the room. Eric's ebony brows knit together as his infuriated eyes scanned the room. "My word is law. If you refuse to leave this room, the guards outside will be more than happy to 'escort' you out of the building." Eric nodded his head towards all of their gloomy faces. Before he exited the room he stopped and turned around. His eyes meet the sandy haired man's. "Thank you asking about my family, by the way. I'm sure they would be happy to know of your concern about their safety." On that note, Eric slammed the door and left the building.
Eric sighed heavily as the ship docked the royal port. A small grin plastered on his features as he raced down the gangplank. He scanned the beach, knowing that Ariel was probably taking an afternoon stroll around the beach. He spotted her sitting on the sand and tracing the little specks of gold. He quietly sped towards her. He tip toed up to her form and placed his hands between her eyes. "Guess who?" he whispered seductively.
Lost in thought, Ariel hadn't even noticed the ship that had docked. She usually did, especially if Eric was away. Sighing once more, she started to stand up and go back inside, but someone had covered her eyes.
"Oh!" she gasped, then giggled as she felt a warm breath by her ear. "No.." she said to herself, a smile beginning to form on her lips. "Eric?" she guessed with a laugh. She reached up to grab the arms that held her, and upon touching them she knew it was her husband.
"No, Sebastian." he joked as he snaked his arms to her waist. He planted a shower of passionate kisses on her neck. Oh, how he longed to hold her like this. All that time wasted on listening to the delegates drone on made him imagine the lovely sensation of holding his wife close. To be in her arms once again. "How has my little mermaid been?" Eric piqued as he swayed the both of them. A dimpled smile crossed his handsome features as he waited for Ariel to answer.
Ariel couldn't stand the tickle torture anymore. She turned in his arms and stood on her toes, wrapping her hands around his neck and kissing him. "Good," she whispered. Looking up at him, she asked with a chuckle, "How were the meetings?"
Eric divulged himself in the kiss as he tightened the hold on her petite waist." He kept the charming smile on his face, however the smile faltered when she asked about the meeting. He knew that if he told her about what happened at the meeting she would be completely heartbroken. But he would rather find out what happened through him and not from the gossip of the chambermaids. He sighed heavily as he cast his eyes downward and released the grasp on Ariel. "Well, let's just say that it didn't end well. And I might have relieved them from their duties." He grimaced at Ariel as the words came out.
A concerned look came across Ariel's face as she bit her lip. She reached out and gently took Eric's hand, then said softly, "Oh, Eric. Did my…" she struggled for the right word, "past come up again?" She knew the other delegates thought their lives to be absolutely ridiculous, and she knew that it wasn't easy for Eric to deal with. "I'm sorry," she whispered, releasing his hand and looking down at her feet, tucking a strand of lose hair behind her ear. She knew he didn't blame her, but she couldn't help to feel guilty about making him go through all the mockery.
His heart wrenched when he saw a mopey expression grace her gorgeous features. Eric exhaled through his nose as he nodded his head solemnly. "It did come up." he informed her with a deep frown on his face. He stepped in front of her and placed his fingers under her chin. He directed her head to him, her sea blue eyes gazing back at him with longing. He gulped and said with pure adoration, "You never have to be sorry about what happened. I could care less about what those posh royals think of me. I care for your well-being, Miss mermaid. And to have them mock our lifestyle is downright immature." Eric has had enough of the royal mockery that was ensuing amongst them and he was determined to put that to an end.
"Enough of that talk, love. I'm finally home and I wanna hear how you're doin'." Eric persuaded as he intertwined their hands and lead them down the beach.
Ariel looked up at him as he led her, and though she knew he was being honest, she still did feel a pang of guilt. She gave him a small smile as he took her hand, and together they walked down the boardwalk to their castle.
"Well, I'm afraid Ursula came back," she said slowly, then stopped walking and looked at him, knowing he would be mad. "But don't worry," she said quickly, "I took care of it." She crossed her arms over her chest and smirked.
His jaw hung open. He blinked several times, not processing what Ariel just told him. "She's back?! How did she come back? We killed her!" Eric shouted in utter disbelief. NO. she couldn't return from the grave. That just wasn't possible. To make matters worse she told him that she took care of it. The sailor prince quirked an eyebrow, slightly baffled at how she took care of the sea hag and a little mad at himself that he wasn't there. Poseidon only knows what Ursula could have done. He raced to her side and gripped her arms. "What happened? Did you get hurt?" Eric questioned with concern and love in his voice.
"I don't know.. I don't know how she did it," Ariel started, looking at the sand as she shook her head. "Maybe she has some sort of alliance.. Another sea creature to help her. Daddy's never mentioned anyone else, but then again he never told me about Morgana either." She shuddered at the memory. "But I'm fine, really," she assured him.
Looking back up at her husband, she raised an eyebrow and said, "Well… I was walking alone on the shore, and then, well, then I just saw Vanessa." She cleared her throat. "And then, she, um," she whispered. "She turned back into Ursula.." She paused.
Eric mentally slapped himself in the face. How could he leave Ariel with that sea bit- er…sea witch. "I'm so glad you're alright." Eric commented with a slight tremble in his voice. He clung to her knowing that with one squeeze of her tentacle , Ariel probably wouldn't be standing here. Eric peered into her sea blue eyes with admiration at the enduring and strong willed woman before him. "I'm so proud that you were brave enough to battle her on her own. His lips crashed on hers holding her in a passionate embrace.
He could not conceive life without his mermaid. His mind and soul could not handle even fathoming the thought of her not by his side. "I hope that the guards were there." Eric said when they pulled back from the kiss. He spent countless hours informing and mentoring the royal guards of what to do and what to expect when Ursula/Vanessa attacked. "Let's just get inside and put the Ursula issue behind us for now." the sailor prince persuaded as he glided his hand on her back and lead her inside the spacious castle.
"Well, I learned from the be-" she started, and was interrupted by Eric's kiss. She gently touched his cheek and giggled before they separated. "Wow, you really missed me, haven't you?" she teased him, then continued, "They were. I mean, she knocked them all aside once she, er, grabbed me. Luckily I had that dagger in my pocket. I, uh, stabbed her." She got quiet, then finished. "Finally, one of the guards swords stabbed her and she headed back to her lair."
After finishing her account, Ariel smiled at Eric as he wrapped his arm around her and walked with him into the castle. She saw Carlotta's silhouette in the kitchen, and upon hearing the door close, their head maid hurried towards them, obviously pleased Eric was home, as the princess was.
"That I did Miss Mermaid." he remark with a playful roll of his eyes. "If only you could know how much." he whispered softly in her ear. He always tended to miss his bright wife with her gleaming smile and alluring voice. His day would not be complete without Ariel being by his side. Even if she was cross at the world, he still found beauty that was deep inside of her.
"It's so good to be home!" Eric boomed with a wide grin spread across his face. Just as soon as he hollered that out, Carlotta zoomed out of the kitchen and tackled the prince in a bone crushing hug. "Oomph." Eric let out as the women's arms squeezed his waist. "I missed you too Carlotta!" Eric said in a high pitched voice. When she finally released him Eric smiled graciously down at the maid.
Not too far behind, Max bounded around the corner and slammed against his master's thigh. Eric wobbled a bit but heartily chuckled at Max's action. Eric bent down on one knee and scratched the sheepdog behind his ears. "How've you been boy?" Max barked ecstatically at Eric question. "this place never gets old." the sailor prince commented as he stood up next to Ariel. "Where's Melody? What has she been up to?"
Ariel chuckled and stepped away from Eric as both Carlotta and Max greeted him. She cleared her throat and said, "Well, she's been visiting with friends practically every day. She's been teaching them how to swim in circles and hold their breath underwater, simple things like that." She waved her hand, dismissing the simple skills. "And, of course, she's been with Daddy and my sisters a lot. We went to see them last Sunday," she informed him, looping her arm back through his. "Today, though, she's spending the day with Andrina. She wanted to show her how to explore reefs and the like."
"That's good to hear." he stated cheerfully. He remember the cruel laughs the royals children gave his daughter on her twelfth birthday. He couldn't express in words how crestfallen he felt when he saw his daughter rush up the stairs with heart wrenching tears streaming down her rosy cheeks. He mentally sighed with relief that Melody was back to her sweet and adorable self once more.
"How are they doing?" Eric questioned with interest. After 15 years of marriage he couldn't have possibly asked for a better in- law- family. Even though King Triton used to despise the whole human race with every fiber of his being, Eric could tell by the loving tint in his eye that he cared for Eric as a son. Which was truly an impact since Eric had never truly known his father.
"Hope she comes back soon." Eric muttered under his breath. "If our daughter has any of your stubbornness, she'll never come out of the ocean until midnight and my hair will eventually turn as white as your father's."
"Hey!" she teased, poking him in the chest. "What about your spirit of adventure? Besides, Daddy wouldn't let her. You know how strict he is. He'd make Andrina bring her home." Her sisters had a tendency to, well, break rules, but not her father. Of course, he loved Melody as much, or probably more, than her sisters did, but he knew rules were rules, and Ariel was finally starting to appreciate that part of him.
"But still, it's not too late. She still has an hour or two before we expect her home."
"My spirit of adventure is still alive through all the chaos that we've been through. The offer of riding on the back of an orca is still up for grabs." Eric offered as he winked at his wife. He nodded his head when she mentioned how strict her father was. "I can tell. He sometimes seems a lot more stringent than Grim." he remarked with a sly smirk on his features.
"And hour or two?" Eric questioned huskily as a sly smirk curled upon his lips. "Well, it appears we have some time to ourselves." Carlotta, taking notice of the attraction between the two coaxed Max to the kitchen for his dinner. He snaked his strapping arms around her waist and pulled her close once more. "What do you wanna do?" Eric whispered with a low voice.
"I don't know if anyone could ever be as strict as Grimsby," she teased, laughing as she was pulled into his arms.
She bit her lip and chuckled, placing her hands on top of his. The mischievousness of her personality grew as she said slyly and slowly. "Well… We could go get sea shells, or maybe see if there's anything new in the shops in town. I mean, the possibilities are endless!" She tapped a finger against her lips. "Unless, of course, there's something you'd rather do instead?"
The sailor prince was about to retort on Grim's strict self when his mind reviewed the answer once more. "Good point." he replied with a simple shrug of his shoulders. When it came to Grimsby, there were no 'if's' 'and's' or 'but's' about anything. HE wanted every little detail to be and none other than perfection. Of course, this was a risky and unrealistic but Grim made sure that something would be as near to perfect as it possibly could be.
"Oh really" Eric piqued with a coy smile gracing his lips and a jet black eye brow rising up in intrigue. "Well the night is young m'lady." He told her enthusiastically as he began to whisk her away from the castle and to the palace steps that lead to the road of the kingdom. "It would be a dreadful shame to waste such a dazzling night." The crisp twilight breeze blew his ebony locks behind him. He savored the outdoor aroma as he linked their hands together. The couple leisurely strolled on the path towards town. "Remember when I first took you into town?" He couldn't suppress the dimpled smile when he mentioned that moment. "How did you feel? I mean, I hope it was good enough tour."
Ariel tucked a lose strand of her red hair behind her ear as she walked in step with her husband, the sounds of the town below their castle getting closer and closer. She looked up at him and replied, "Of course I do, how could I forget? That was the first time I got to spend time with you and figure out how to communicate without my voice." She shuddered with the memory of not being able to talk to him.
"I remember being nervous and excited, and eager," she said as she glanced over at the ocean. "It was my first time experiencing human things, and just humans in general. I will admit, though, every little fact you told me I didn't even here. I was lost in my own little world then." She giggled and rolled her eyes at her naivety.
"If you want," Eric leaned in as the two continued to walk slowly along the path "I can retell everything you need to know." A cunning grin spread across his handsome face as he fixed his gaze on Ariel's warm face. The way the tangerine sky hit her fiery locks made his cheeks flush a tint of magenta.
The sound of high spirited music caught Eric's attention. He was completely caught up with the festivities that he gave a slight jump when he felt a pair of hands grip his shoulder in a friendly way. He let out a hearty laugh through his wide smile, upon seeing the baker. He made pleasant small talk with the townsfolk that passed by the royals. Asking for they were fairing and what sort of business was happening while he was departed. He concluded that everything was running smoothly. "You're a very generous princess Ariel." Eric commented under his breath but loud enough for his beloved to hear. "Thank you for helping take care of the town while I was gone." He thanked in a sincere voice as his mighty hand clasped her petite one.
High sprung music could be heard in the town square. Eric's hazy orbs wandered to the energetic quartet and the villagers dancing merrily to the beat. Some people lightly urged the two to join in on the dance. The sailor prince mock bowed and asked in a polite voice, "Care to accompany me in a dance, your highness?"
With a laugh, she replied, "I mean, I'm sure there's a few things I don't know, but I think by now I understand everything there is to know. Considering Grimsby is always happy to let me know about everything that goes on…"
Ariel stepped back and folded her hands as Eric greeted his subjects, and she admired just how kind and genuine her husband was. He really did care for them, and she knew that one day he would make a great king. She loved that about him.
Giggling, Ariel curtsied and held out her hand. "It would be my honor, your majesty." She twirled around slowly as the music began to get louder.
"Yeah, Grim has a tendency to give more information than needed. But he means well." Honestly, Eric wouldn't know half the knowledge that he knows now if Grimsby had not inquired some facts. The sailor prince was incredibly grateful to have an adviser like Grimsby, who always knew the right things to say at the right time.
He spun her to the beat of the music around the village square. A dazzling smile never leaving his features. A crowd formed around the couple gladly watching the royal couple share a heartfelt dance with one another. It's not very often that the two go to town, but when they do, it seemed like the whole town became livelier than it normally was. He lifted her up and spun her around. With her mesmerizing laughter ringing throughout the town. He placed her back down and returned to the hyped groove.
The duo glided swiftly and slowly as the song began to die down. Once the band drew out their last note, Eric stopped their movement for a brief moment and locked his gaze on her radiant face. The townsfolk clapped and cheered for the band and the sailor prince nodded his head towards the band in appreciation. The quartet smoothly began a slow ballad in which Eric proceeded to draw Ariel even closer to him. The two swayed to the beat, with him feeling content at this blissful moment. "You know this song kinda reminds me of the time when I first took you on the boat ride. And Sebastian was singing that song. How did it go again?" His eyes peered up in mock contemplation. "Oh yeah," he dipped his wife down. "kiss the girl." he whispered passionately and proceeded to plant luscious kisses on her lips.
Ariel continued to twirl and dance in Eric's arms, and when he lifted her up and spun her around, she was reminded of the first time they had ever danced together: the first day she was with him. She laughed at the memory and threw her head back, letting her red hair whip back from her face.
Lost in the dance, the princess could hear the music, laughing and cheering, but she didn't even realize a crowd had formed around her and her husband. All she could see was Eric, staring at her lovingly with that contagious smile of his. And as the music slowed, it was nearly impossible for her to look away from him.
"Oh!" she giggled when he suddenly dipped her, and she threw her head back once more before meeting his gaze. When he mentioned the song Sebastian had sung on the boat, she gasped in recognition as a smile began to form on her face, her lips parting just as Eric kissed her. She wrapped her hands in his hair as she continued to kiss him, oblivious to the cheering that had erupted around them.
The roar of cheers and hollers became distant because he was completely enraptured in the kiss. "You have no idea how much I've missed this." He murmured as his lips grazed her left ear. he could feel her breath on the nap of his neck. A sly smirk appeared on his face as he lifted her up. Her gave her a final embrace before facing the audience that was apparently staring at the couple. Some with misty eyes. Eric interlocked his fingers with hers and waved to the people.
He strode away from the band with Ariel in tow, as the sea of people parted away from the royals. The moon loomed over giving the town a fluorescent and romantic atmosphere. His eyes traveled upward, to see the twinkling stars hanging above the world. He glanced back down at Ariel noticing that her eyes had just as much twinkle as the beaming stars. He gently squeezed her hand, attempting to break out of the lovey dovey trance for now. "Are you hungry?" Eric questioned. For he could smell the faint scent of pastries in the distance. Two weeks away from his homeland food made him strive for a homemade food.
His lips tickled her neck, and she giggled before opening her eyes to see many more eye watching them. She awkwardly laughed and cleared her throat, feeling herself blush as Eric lifted her up. However, she was able to calm down once Eric took her hand, and she felt herself relax as she waved with him to their giddy subjects.
She was grateful that he pulled her away, and as she walked with him, she looked up and noticed the stars. "How strange… The stars haven't been out since you left," she commented. She turned to look at him and found him staring at her again before asking if she was hungry. As if on cue, she heard her stomach faintly growl and she instinctively clutched it.
"I think something to eat would be a good idea," she replied with a grin.
"Good, cause I can taste the food from here." Eric remarked in a voice only she could hear. He opened the door to the baker's shop and let her enter first. The barker welcomed the couple with an animated tone as he polity awaited for the two to choose. A few minutes later they left the bakery with their food in a little bag. Eric held the bag in one hand and the other hand interlocked his finger's with hers. He guided Ariel to a spot a little ways away from the town. He set the bag under the willow tree and sat himself down, with his back resting against it. He patted the vacant spot next to him as he glanced up at Ariel with pleading eyes.
He began to munch on his cheese roll with his arm wrapped around his wife's shoulder and her head resting on his toned chest. He sighed contently as he rubbed his hand on her delicate shoulder. "You know," Eric started as he swallowed the last bit of the cheese roll. "soon we're going to have to be crowned king and queen." Eric stated in a serious yet gentle tone. He fixed his gaze on her. Her round sea blue orbs gazing back at him. A genuine smile crept on his lips. "And I think you will be a gracious and knowledgeable queen. You will have nothing to fear, love. " Eric soothed as he closed his eyes and brought her closer to him. He lightly kissed her forehead.
After picking out a few things for them to eat, Ariel thanked the baker and gratefully followed Eric, thankful to get away from the constant eyes of the people watching everything they did. It was wonderful that they admired them so much, but sometimes Ariel just wanted some privacy.
Upon reaching the swaying willow tree that looked out onto the water, Ariel relaxed into Eric's arms, her legs feeling tired from all the dancing and walking the couple had done. After finishing her cheese roll, she turned onto her stomach and rested her chin on Eric's chest, playing with the buttons on his shirt quietly.
When he mentioned their upcoming coronation, Ariel's content gaze faltered and she sat up, hugging her knees to her chest as she tucked her hair behind her ear silently. "I don't know," she mumbled, her expression downcast. She didn't want to ruin the happy evening they had together by talking about her insecurities, so she said nothing and instead rested her head on her knees, hugging them close to her.
Eric frowned at his wife's position. He mentally hit himself. 'Why bring up a subject like that you dolt!'Eric angrily thought to himself as he scooched closer to her. His fingers brushed against her delicate chin and tilted it to his adoring gaze. "Hey, I'm sorry I brought it up." Eric shook his head and brought her into a compassionate embrace. He wanted nothing more to wipe away her insecurities that were obviously there. The last thing he wanted to do was create a bigger fear in her heart.
However, an idea popped into his mind. One that will definitely make her smile. Or at least forget about what they were originally talking about. A playfully mischievous grin crept on his face as he eyed her up and down. He stealthily snaked his hand over her waist. Silence. Good. His plan was going smoothly. Eric diverted his eyes away from Ariel and stared intently at the ocean. More silence. Suddenly, the sailor prince sent the former mermaid a barrel of tickles at her waist, using both hands. Her furious giggles were contagious, making Eric burst into a fit of laughs himself. "You can't run away!" Eric exclaimed as he continued his irresistible tickles.
She looked up at him and forced a small smile. "It's okay," she said and gently squeezed his hand reassuringly. But she soon released it and looked away just as he embraced her.
Sure, she was happy to be Queen. But she wasn't exactly looking forward to it. Although she knew the people loved her, a thought always crept into her mind that she didn't deserve to be Queen. She'd only been human for a few years, and now she had to rule over a kingdom? She always had this fear, that the people didn't really think she was fit to rule. How much could she possibly know about ruling? For goodness sake's, she'd used a fork to brush her hair for years. Simply, she didn't feel she deserved it, and she didn't think Eric deserved to have such a naive Queen.
Lost in her thoughts, the redhead didn't notice Eric had suddenly grown quiet and wrapped an arm around her small figure. Suddenly, she gasped with a smile and laughed loudly, falling onto her back as she tried unsuccessfully to pull Eric's hands away from her waist. Her hair cascaded onto the grass and she threw her head back, unable to control her laughter.
His hands slowed their frantic pace and he admired her dazzling smile that was clouded by her fiery locks. Eric snickered lightly as he swept away the loose strands. A swell of pure love emotions coursed through his body, but mostly his heart. He couldn't get that sweet laughter out of his head. It made his stomach do summersaults and his cheeks tint magenta. He caressed her rosy cheeks and planted a firm kiss on her lush lips.
He wanted nothing more than to hold the way he was at this very second. This moment…it was more than just bliss. It was pure elation. Like he was floating on cloud nine. When he parted from the kiss, he flipped her over so that she was on top of him. He grinned up at her with a devilish smirk. "So, what to do now Miss Mermaid." he whispered more of a statement than a question. He patiently waited for Ariel's response.
When he kissed her she finally stopped laughing and wrapped her arms around him as much as should could, not letting go until she was resting on his chest again. She slowly and quietly folded them across his chest, resting her chin on them. She looked up and gazed at him, feeling her hair wrap around her arms.
"I don't know," she whispered back in the same tone, biting her lip with a grin.
Adorable. Simply adorable. The way her hair curtained her lovely face made Eric's mind go one tracked. A crooked grin formed on his lips as his narrowed his eyes at her playfully. "Well, gee, I was thinkin' about doing something, but it requires us to be in our room." he winked up at his wife with a slick smirk gracing his handsome face.
"Oh really?" she said innocently. She raised her eyebrows with a devilish grin on her face, a rush of adrenaline running through her. She quickly kissed him, but not long enough that she knew he would want, knowing it would drive him crazy. Then, she lifted herself off of him quickly and turned, looking behind her while pulling her hair to one side.
"Well are you coming or not?" she said, feigning annoyance. Then she added seductively, "I don't want to wait all night."
His eyes immediately lit up at the sound of her seductive voice. "Well what are we standing around here for?" Eric hastefully hoisted himself up and raced towards Ariel. From behind, he laced his strapping arms around her waist and lead her down the road. He inhaled her fragrant scent of the sea and sighed contently. The palace was in plain view and he whispered sweet nothings in her ear. With his words lingering on and on. "I really don't want to keep you, my love." He huskily spoke as a slick grin formed on his features as the two ventured up the palace steps.
She grinned up at him and raced into the castle, quietly pulling him along so they wouldn't alert the castle staff. But suddenly, she heard Carlotta's voice, and she grimaced, her whole body shaking with excitement.
She stopped on the stairway and listened to see what Carlotta was saying, something about Melody. Oh no. They had forgotten about their daughter's expected arrival. Ariel groaned and bent over the banister to try to hear Carlotta, her mind barely able to concentrate.
"Ariel, His Majesty King Triton came up to the shoreline before. He said Melody would be spending the night with her aunts. He thought it would be alright with you, and she will return tomorrow afternoon," Ariel heard her say as she looked deeply into Eric's eyes pleadingly.
So close. And yet so damn far. Eric restrained the urge to bolt up the stairs in high anxiety. He whirled his head to Carlotta, mentally absorbing what Carlotta told him. Well, he did want to see his daughter soon, but it wouldn't hurt anybody for her to spend the night at Atlantica. "I see nothing wrong with that. She can stay." Eric nodded his head toward the maid as he scooped his wife in his arms and threw her over his muscular shoulder. Eric held back a few snickers that he knew were coming but instead he smiled teasingly at the maid. "Goodnight, Carlotta." the sailor prince called over his shoulder as he bounded up the palace stairs.
Once at their bedroom door, Eric hastefully yanked the oak door open and entered with his wife still firmly placed on his shoulder. He kicked the door closed and darted to their grand bed. He gently lifted her off and placed laid her on the comfy bed. he dashed over to the other side and peeled off his leather boots. He flailed on the bed and crawled on top of her. Without further ado, he showered her with an abundant amount of kisses. He smiled through the kiss as his lips crashed with hers.
Ariel gasped and giggled as Eric lifted her up, playfully biting his shoulder as he spoke to Carlotta, her stomach doing somersaults in anticipation of what was coming next. When he yanked open their bedroom door she quickly thrust her arm out to push it shut, thankful for the automatic lock it had on it.
She purred and sighed contentedly when she was placed on the bed, hoping for a brief moment of relaxation before the busy night she knew was ahead. Adrenaline was rushing through her veins as she waited for him, making herself busy by messing up her hair and stretching her arms out to the side of her; intentionally, she was in a vulnerable position. When he collapsed on top of her she intertwined her fingers in his hair, pulling him as close to her as possible while kissing him fiercely. Gosh, how she had missed her husband.
The princess smiled as she kissed him, knowing she was in for a long, exhausting, blissful night with the love of her life.