Disclaimer: The Little Mermaid, all characters, places, and related terms belong to Hans Christian Andersen and Walt Disney Pictures.
Wish
"Prince Eric, Your Royal Highness, my lords, ladies, and gentlemen," Grimsby calls in a clear, dignified voice. "The fireworks are about to begin. If you move--"
The rest of his words are drowned out by the loud, excited squeal from Her Royal Highness the Princess Catherine. Grabbing my arm, she drags me -- followed by the rest of the company -- swiftly towards the large open doors that lead to the royal gardens outside. Despite the fact she barely comes up to my shoulder, I have to work to keep up with her fast pace.
The rustling skirts, shoes skipping over the stone path, and excited conversations surrounding us die down when the clock from the nearby tower starts striking midnight. The final dong has not yet faded away when the sky above fills with a dazzling fireworks display, and singing and pealing bells ring out.
A new year, I silently muse, eyes lifted upward. It is hard to look toward the future with hope and optimism. Things are just as they were yesterday-- I almost jump when my arm is pressed, interrupting my thoughts, reminding me where I am. The Princess Catherine is smiling sweetly up at me, fluttering her eyelashes. Her flame-colored hair instantly reminds me, yet again, of a brighter red shade. She giggles, and the image forming in my mind shatters. I know my face is heating up and fight the urge to fuss with the collar of my uniform.
"Isn't it the most beautiful thing you ever saw?" she breathes, leaning closer.
I swallow hard, as my eyes dart around. They pause on Grimsby, who is watching us a little ways back with undisguised interest. Returning my attention to the fireworks, I point to them. "They are lovelier than last year," I respond.
I sense rather than see the princess's face fall, and feel just a bit sorry for her. Soon her eyes brighten once more.
"My wish for this year is that I shall be married," she proclaims. I glance at her quickly, feeling my cheeks turning a deeper shade of red at her hint. The princess grins happily. "What's yours?" She places her other hand on my arm.
I look up once more at the sky. The disinterest I've felt since the ball started settles on my face. And I allow my wonderings to carry me away. What do I wish for this year? Peace between the sea and land. Alliances and friendships mended. The chance to say, "Thank you." To watch these fireworks from the beach, explain what they are...
"Prince Eric?"
I discover the Princess Catherine is watching me, puzzled by my silence and serious look. A heavy sigh escapes me.
"I wish you may find happiness," I say with quiet sincerity, suddenly realizing how much I have changed in the last year and a half. Her Royal Highness knows hope, joy, carefree delight. Things I no longer have, perhaps never will again. Yet I do not desire for things to be exactly as they were before.
Kissing her hand politely, I bow deeply to her and then slip away through the crowd. I pause a moment before going inside. The fireworks burst into bright colors, falling back towards earth before vanishing. Like wishes that could never come true, the thought brushes my mind.
I shake my head. Yet my heart remains heavy as I go in.
THE END