"Yesterday began as a glorious celebration of the eighteenth birthday of our prince, Filbert," spoke Grimsby in the banquet hall where Filbert was smiling with glee.

But it took an unexpected turn when our ship caught fire," Grimsby paused, "and we almost lost our shining heir to the throne."

Eric was sitting near the very end of the table. His father forced him to put on some nice clothes, "Celebrate your beloved Prince's arrival!", and all that… It wasn't that he wasn't happy that the Prince was alive… He just wished that they didn't fawn over him so. Sickening. He may be the crowned Prince, but Eric believed that being pampered and spoiled by the court couldn't help with his ruling the kingdom someday.

But who cared about his opinions?

Eric zoned back in on the speech, "Thank heavens our Prince fought his way from the dreadful… monster..." Eric grinned. One thing Eric knew about his father is that he didn't believe in mythical creatures. If Grimsby wasn't so fearful of the Prince, maybe he'd say so. But he didn't.

The room sounded with applause. He must have missed the end of speech. Absentmindedly, he began to clap along with the others. When the clapping ceased, everyone took to their plates, but Eric couldn't.

It was nice… King Crab, Hush Puppies, a piece of fish, some bread sticks and stews… Food prepared especially for the occasion by Louie, the Chef. Food that he may never get to eat to again.

Eric planned to leave the castle, soon. Grimsby was determined that he become the caretaker to Filbert's children, but Eric couldn't do that. He wanted a life on the sea, far away from the kingdom on land. After all, as soon as Filbert came into power, he was sure the kingdom would erupt into some disorder, possibly a revolution, which Eric didn't want to be around to see.

The banquet was over in less than an hour. Everyone retired to the ballroom. No dances, no music, just mingling. Boring mingling.

Eric didn't plan on staying for more congratulations to the Prince. He slipped through, out to the beach.

It was amazing how different a shade of light made the beach. There were still no clouds, or waves… There was no sun, either, but the moon and stars filled its role adequately.

Even the beach was boring.

Somewhere, something must be going on. Something exciting.

And he was right.

Far underneath the ocean, a little red-haired mermaid was making a decision that would change forever her life, and Eric's.

But Eric couldn't know this. The night was still, cold, and quiet. Maybe it would be better to go back in.

So Eric traveled back into the castle. Maybe he could go back to his and Grimsby's room, go to sleep. Ah sleep… That sounded good…

It was not easy for Eric to go to sleep that night. He tossed, and he turned. But, an hour in bed, he eyes finally stayed fixed shut, and Eric took a rest for awhile.

Awhile.

He was reawakened two hours later by Grimsby, who was just coming back from the banquet party.

"Ah, there you are," he said. "I missed you at the party."

"Mmmhmm…"

"Prince Filbert missed you, too. He's very grateful that you found him."
"Is he?"

"Don't be so surprised," snapped Grimsby. "I know you haven't lived here long, but the rumors out there about him are absolutely not true…"

"Yes, yes, those stories don't do him justice."

Grimsby spied Eric, trying to test his sincerity. "Yes, yes…"

His parents were great rulers, I'm sure Filbert will follow suit."

"His parents?"

"I know Filbert doesn't like us to talk of them… But they loved him, and ruled this empire efficiently. I remember his father requesting I take care of him on his deathbed. So sad… That was twelve years ago… Filbert was never the same again after that."

"Filbert? Not Prince Filbert?" questioned Eric.

"You're learning much about me, tonight, aren't you, my boy," laughed Grimsby. "Yes, I'm very close to him… In some ways, he's my second son."

"My brother?" said Eric, sarcastically.

"You could say so, that would explain the sibling rivalry,"

"Sibling rivalry? What are you trying to say?"

"You just seem," Grimsby was thinking of the right word, "jealous, of the Prince."

Grimsby had not chosen the right word.

"You spoil him far too much! How can he rule a kingdom when-"

Grimsby stopped him.

"Eric, you're in no position to question our Prince!" stamped Grimsby.

Eric cooled down. He messed up, big time. He told his opinion. He couldn't do that. He shook his head and covered the sheets back over him.

"Good-night…" his father said as he left the room, blowing the candle out.

"Good-night," returned Eric. He hoped tomorrow would be much, much better.