Chapter 1: I Know Something's Starting Right Now!

After vows were exchanged and rice was thrown, the newlyweds headed to their limo. They both gaze at each other and sigh in relief and exhaustion. With a shared chuckle and bliss, the pair admired the sunset illuminated the sky and painted the countryside. The last of the sea-dwelling guests dissipated under the waves as those on land traversed the lush landscape in an attempt to reach their residences; all the while, the sun regained its place with the sea, settling for the night.

They both just held each other for a while as the limo left their wedding party in the dusk. The low hum of the car's engine was the only sound aside from the beating of the two hearts which, on this day, have molded into one. Stars speckled the sky and a familiar seagull passed overhead and continued toward the duo's destination. "Well that was absolutely perfect," he said happily as he held his new bride against him and kissed the crown of her fiery red hair. He loved every aspect of her because she did something that no one else did, she made him whole. He never saw himself as the marrying type, yet when this innocent, beautiful, albeit clumsy and altogether wholesome girl came into his life, it hit him…like lightening.

The two knew this day was coming ever since they met three years ago. As the limo arrived at the palace, the two were exhausted and could hardly stand. They adored their family and friends, but goodness knows that the time they spent alone was the most enjoyable. Eric got out of the car and helped Ariel out. He did not let her go and that was a promise that he intended to keep forever. He held her up and she sleepily went into his arms. "Welcome home" he whispered, as he grazed his lips across her temple. He could feel her smile.

They made their way onto the extravagant palace veranda. They sat on the satin lined bench as they stared up at the night sky. The ocean waves crashed upon the shore and a certain loyal crustacean took solace in knowing that the Sea King's most precious daughter was safe, and most importantly she was happy. He then said a silent goodbye for now and dove back into the ocean set back toward Atlantica. Back on the patio, Ariel began to sing the melody that she did when she first met him; "...but I know something's starting right now...Watch and you'll see..." "Someday I'll be" Eric chimed in. "Part of your world" they both sang in a harmonious chord. Their foreheads gently touched followed by a soft passionate kiss. "You know, I love that song, It will always be our song," he said.

"I cannot believe this is happening to me" she whispered against his chest. "I could say the same thing," Eric said. They both imagined the days to come, how the world would be outside of their little bubble and what the future may hold. The kingdom had just gotten to know Ariel and they loved the entire idea of her, they also saw that she was the first and only person who made Eric genuinely happy. Over the course of the courtship, the kingdom's inhabitants had circulated rumors that there was a new heir to the throne and that Ariel had used magical power to woo the beloved prince. However, this was all dispelled and the harmony was restored in the kingdom once more.

They entered the castle where they found the lights dimmed and a small candle illuminating a small handwritten card. The two walk over to it and Eric picked it up. "It's from Grims..."

"Dearest Ariel and Eric,

Congratulations on this joyous day. You two will make each other extremely happy and it is very apparent. Tomorrow you will be the rulers of this magnificent kingdom. Congratulations again.

Warmest Regards,

Grimsby"

"That was very sweet," she said. Eric agreed. He turned to her and all they did was smile at each other. "What do you say we head upstairs and get some sleep?" said Eric smugly. Being past midnight, Ariel agreed with a yawn. With that Eric blew out the candle, and the two proceeded up the grand staircase. As they reached the top of the stairs, Ariel felt herself being lifted. She began to giggle, but immediately ceased when she realized how loud she was. "What are you doing?" She whispered to Eric, "Carrying you over the threshold" he said. She just shook her head at him and smiled. Once in their master bedroom, he set her down, allowing her to slide down his body. "I love you, Ariel, to the moon and back and across the seven seas. She replied; "I love you too Eric, to every galaxy and across the seven continents." This seemed fitting as their vows because of where each came from. The two sealed this promise with a tender kiss. They changed into their pajamas, for Ariel a satin negligee and for Eric a pair of pants that showed his abs, that have become defined from years of sailing. He never bowed into the idea of wearing a shirt to bed since he wanted Ariel to see that he offered himself openly to her. He had so much to thank Ariel for, being that she saved his life on more than one occasion and he vowed that he would devote the better part their lives protecting her and repaying her for the light that has come and made a permanent place in his life.

They lay down in Eric's enormous bed that the palace staff had decorated with rose petals. Ariel snuggled against his chest as he pulled the covers up. Max, being the loyal canine he was, had curled up in his own doggie bed at the base of his owners'. "Thank you," Ariel said looking adoringly into his bright blue eyes. "For what?" he asked, "Loving me," she said simply as her eyes fluttered closed. He turned the light off and stroked her hair and slowly fell asleep, "Forever and Always Ariel" he said as they both drifted off to dreamland.

Til next time my lovelies! Thanks for reading and positive reviews only please