Ariel and Eric had enjoyed their month long honeymoon immensely, but now it was time to face the trials and tribulations that awaited them- or rather, awaited Eric. They had only just received an invitation from their cousin-in-law, Princess Ella of France, to travel to her land and attend a banquet in their honor. Ariel was thrilled at the prospect, but Eric naturally had his misgivings. He was anxious to reconcile with his brother-cousin after all these years, but knew that it was going to be far from easy. In fact, he questioned Ella's logic in all of this. Did she really think it was a good idea, going behind Henri's back?
The prince of France would be furious at best, violent at worst. Granted, Henri had never been known to be even the least bit violent, but anger and grief has a way of changing people. As such, Eric had very nearly declined Ella's offer, but Ariel managed to persuade him otherwise. So, the two lovebirds found themselves on a ship getting closer and closer to France.
At long last, the ship arrived at the harbor, and while Ariel took off to explore the charming little kingdom, Eric saw to the unloading of their luggage. A carriage bearing the crest of the French royal family, golden fleur-de-lis on a field of blue, was waiting for them on the cobblestone street below. Once everything was settled, Eric called out to his wife, and they climbed into the carriage.
As they rode towards the palace, Eric wrung his hands nervously. This was it, no turning back. Finally, the driver slowed the carriage to a stop, and a liveried footman helped the royals step out. He proceeded to escort them through the courtyard and around to the side of the palace, coming upon an entrance that seemed to be designed for people of lower status. Taken aback, Eric stopped the young man, asking, " What is going on here? Why are we not going in through the main entrance?" The servant bowed his head. " Forgive me, Your Majesties. Her Highness the Crown Princess wished for your arrival to be as discreet as possible. His Highness the Crown Prince knows nothing of your presence, and the palace staff have been instructed to keep it that way until the day of the banquet."
" Ah, of course." Eric nodded in understanding. " Carry on, then." The servant bowed once more. " Yes, Your Majesty." He continued to lead Eric and Ariel through a maze of dark, practically deserted corridors until they reached what the young man described as none other than the princess's private sitting room. With a polite knock on the door, the trio was admitted in, and the servant dutifully announced the presence of the royals.
Princess Ella stood to receive her guests, garbed in a simple and sophisticated red dress, as fiery as her cousin's hair. Smiling warmly, she dismissed the servant. " Thank you, Philippe, and do please tell me how your dear sister is faring after you see her. I will personally come and care for her when I can." Not even batting an eye, Philippe, as he was apparently called, thanked the princess and left.
Eric stared at her in amazement. He had known his cousin-in-law was kind ever since he had met her, but seeing just how much kindness was in her was indeed a surprise to him. If he had spoken to a servant in such a familiar way and extended such kindness, he would likely have fainted from the shock. Besides that, other people in the palace might very well have frowned upon such behavior.
Chuckling softly, he decided to voice his opinion. " Your Highness's wisdom and kindness is commendable. I would never have thought of gaining the people's support in such a way." Ella frowned. " Oh, do please dispense with the formalities, Eric! We are family, after all. Now, will you embrace your dear old cousin, or continue to stand on ceremony?" Eric laughed. " I will do so with the greatest enthusiasm, Cousin Ella." He and Ariel rushed to their elder cousin's side, giving her a firm hug and kiss on the cheek.
" That is much better." Ella teased. " Oh, I am so very glad you are both here! But Eric dear, I am afraid you misunderstood me earlier. I do not see the palace staff as mere figures in the shadows that must cater to my every need. They are just as human as we are, and should be treated as such. I have made certain that they do not work too hard or too long, so that they may spend time with their loved ones or simply take a break. I myself do quite a bit of the work; dressing, sewing, tidying up my suite, cooking and the like. Of course, people have strongly objected to that, but all my life I have been used to waiting on people instead of the other way around, and do not wish to take my new life for granted. So, I do not show kindness to everyone to gain his or her favor, as that would be far too selfish. Oh, listen to me ramble on!" She giggled, clearly embarrassed.
"Forgive me, my dears. I am sure you came not to hear me explain myself, but to discuss the reason why you are here." Eric nodded. " Cousin Ella, Ariel and I have discussed this matter at length, hence why we are even here at all, but I have some concerns about this entire scheme. I appreciate your efforts to bring my cousin and I together, but it seems to be nothing but a pipe dream. Henri will never forgive me, and rightly so. That being said, I suspect that however much he loves and respects you, your actions will put a permanent strain on your marriage. I do not wish for you to sacrifice your happiness for my sake."
Ella shook her head. " I have complete faith in my husband, as I have faith in the bond between you two. What can we hold on to, if not faith? No, Eric, you are wrong, because deep down Henri still loves you. He knows that while he lost a mother, you lost so much more, and feels pain and guilt over the whole ordeal and his treatment of you. He is trying, Eric, trust me. Even though it has been three years, he still needs time to heal, as I'm sure you do. However, I believe that the banquet I have arranged is the first step to do just that."