Ariel finally felt relaxed, like a huge weight was lifted off her shoulders. The pregnancy announcement went as smoothly as possible, with everyone feeling happy for the royal couple.
Grimsby said that this wonderful news was in need of a celebration, and he arranged for a party ship to depart at sunset. Many people joined the royals onboard, and as the ship sailed out onto the ocean, the merpeople of Atlantica emerged to the surface, taking part in the festivities to the best of their ability.
The party was filled with lots of joy, excitement, and congratulations. While people snacked onboard with some hors d'oeuvres, Ariel and Eric moved separately throughout the crowd of people, accepting the well wishes and congratulations that came their way. Occasionally, they would each walk over to the side of the ship, leaning over the gate to speak with the merpeople.
When they moved through the crowds of humans, Ariel tended to interact with the women, while Eric went over to the groups of men. Each woman Ariel met with squealed and embraced her, before examining her middle and telling her that the bump was evident, that the couple announced the baby just in time. "You even have that lovely glow!" one middle-aged woman exclaimed to her, making the redhead blush.
Eric, on the other hand, was greeted with friendly slaps on the back and handshakes, with a few men occasionally poking fun at him by calling him an "ol' rascal," or something along those lines. But to the sailor prince's surprise, many men said they saw it coming, considering how much love the couple obviously had for each other.
The night was long and busy, with so many loving people wishing to talk to each of them. Eric and Ariel barely had any time together throughout the night. But occasionally, they would pass each other and lock their blue eyes, grinning happily and interlocking their hands before being swept away. Of course, these little exchanges made the women squeal and sigh, completely jealous of the couple's relationship.
Ariel didn't know why she had been so worried in the first place. Everyone was happy for them. There were a few people, however, who politely congratulated her, but who Ariel could tell were worried about the baby. They would eye her stomach almost fearfully, obviously nervous that some sort of monster was nestled inside. It made the redhead uncomfortable, but she tried not to let it get to her. This was supposed to be a happy night, and she wasn't about to let a few people ruin her joyous mood. She would just confess her worries to Eric later, when the night ended and everyone went home. But for now, she would enjoy the attention and warm congratulations, celebrating the little bundle of joy that she and Eric had created.