"I truly am sorry," Ariel said, nearly in a whisper. She stood behind Melody at her vanity, taming her daughters wild and dark hair into a delicate crown of braids and curls. Growing up with so many sisters allowed Ariel many heads of hair to practice on, and she still loved arranging hair, especially on her daughter.
Melody met her mother's eyes in the mirror. She could see how upset her mother was. Melody was rash, she jumped to decisions quickly, but at heart, she was loyal to her family and country. After a half hour or so more of sulking by the sea, her temper cooled and she returned to the castle. Her dress and hair were completely disheveled, and Melody hoped it looked only as if a harsh sea breeze had caused this state of disorganization. She was herded to her room, where she bathed quickly and now sat in a robe, as her mother gently ran her fingers through Melody's hair.
Melody laid her hand on her mother's. "It's okay, mom. I know... You and dad had to do what you thought was best for the kingdom. It's alright," she said, in as strong of a voice as she could manage. Ariel placed a kiss on Melody's forehead smiling at her daughter. The tangled black hair was now delicately arranged around her head, with thin braids looping across the mass of curls. Tendrils ran down the sides, drawing attention to the slender curve of her pale neck. The overall look was very mature, and Melody was incredibly pleased. If she had to meet a dreadful prince, she was glad she would at least make a good impression.
Ariel had moved over to the dress which Melody had hastily shed. She lifted it gently, as sand peppered the floor and she examined the torn and dirty hem. She sighed. "I suppose I should be grateful you didn't wear your birthday gown to the sea," Ariel said. Indeed, upon her return, Melldy was given one of her gifts for the ball this evening, a beautiful ballgown that made her unmistakably royal. Ariel carried the dress towards the door, when a dull clunk resounded. Melody shot up. The medallion! Ariel turned to pick it up, but Melody was faster. She quickly slid it into her robe's pocket. Ariel smiled. "Another sea treasure you couldn't live without?" She said, reaching out to touch her daughters cheek. Melody chuckled nervously. "Something like that," she muttered.
Waving to her mother, Melody pulled the trinket out of her pocket. She ran her fingers over the cool and smooth edges. She could still feel it's weight from when Jim gave it to her. She could still remember the sun, the gulls cry, and his lips...
With a groan, melody shoved it back into her pocket, and reached for the garment her parents had prepared for her to wear. She slid the silky fabric over her head, the dress forming to her body as if it were created only to make Melody feel and look beautiful (which, of course, it was). Catching her reflection in the vanity, melody had to pause. The dress was a rich turquoise that turned from blue to green with every swish. It looked like the color of the purest seawater. Woven into the bodice were golden crystals, which swirled delicately up and down her chest. The entire gown was lined with a golden piping that matched the locket she wore each day. She moves slowly towards the mirror, letting the fabric swish softly, making each step look like a dance step.
"Oh, melody. Dear," came a voice from the door. Melody turned to meet her parents proud faces. Her father had spoken, and his eyes shone with pride upon seeing his daughter. Ariel grinned and the pair entered the room.
"You look... Enchanting," he said, embracing his daughter. Ariel moved forward, pressing a small parcel into Melody's hand.
"A gift, from your father and I," she said.
"It was your grandmother's," Eric finished, watching his daughter open the gift. Melody slid the thin paper off the box. She opened the lid, to find a gorgeous decorative comb. It was a lovely gold, freshly polished and practically radiating light. It was shaped like a shell, with twirls or diamonds and emeralds twinkling across its back. It glowed so beautifully, Melody couldn't help but gasp.
"Oh mother. Father. Thank you so much," she said, kissing me each of her parents on the cheeks. Ariel motioned for Melody to sit, and she slid the comb into her child's raven hair. She smiled at Melody's reflection.
"Ready?" Ariel asked. Melody held her gaze for a moment, before ducking her head. You can do this, she thought, praying it was the truth. Looking up again, she saw her mother's forehead begin to wrinkle as the look of uncertainty poisoned her complexion. Melody had no desire to trouble her parents anymore. She was tired of causing them problems. She was simply tired of fighting. She stood up and faced her parents.
"Shall we?"
