The three of them sat alone on the beach. Ariel in between Eric's legs, leaning into his muscular frame. Vanessa watched them; their love and affection brought an unbreakable smile to her face.
Vanessa had told Ariel everything, almost everything, the truth of her mother's death was still a secret she was unable to tell.
"I want to meet your family." Ariel smiled turning to look at Vanessa, her skin glowing in the sunlight.
"I'd love you to, but…" Vanessa faltered, how could she make her understand all she was risking.
"My father. I understand. What I don't understand is how you can help me?"
"I have magic, I can make your father accept your relationship with Eric."
Ariel smiled up at Eric, and he kissed her. Worry was in his eyes though, he was fearful of the future, he loved Ariel, with all his heart but could not stand to face the danger this love put him and her in.
"I must return to the castle for lunch." Ariel sighed
"Yeh, I must return to work." Eric smiled.
The two shared a long passionate kiss, then pulled away still clinging to each other. Ariel let go of him first and watched as he climbed into his boat and sailed away.
Ariel turned to Vanessa with a smile.
"Will you come with me to the castle? I'm sure my father will have forgiven your sins, you are his daughter."
"I'm sorry, I can't. I shall meet you again tomorrow, same time?" Vanessa smiled, eyes filled with sadness.
Ariel embraced her, and then ran off down the beach waving carelessly behind her. Vanessa watched her disappear along the sand, and eventually into the walls of the castle.
She turned and began walking back along the beach; she wanted to see her caves, where she had spent hours hiding from life.
As she walked she caught sight of the guards, they stood on they dunes above her watching, and following. There must be five of them.
Vanessa began to play over in her mind as the possible things they had in store for her, and why they had not yet arrested her. That made her nervous, as it meant they were waiting for something to happen, but what? She could disappear right now in a cloud of smoke, but what about her family?
She had no choice she had to go to them, this was going to be on her terms, and she was going to control what happened. Vanessa took a deep breath in restoring her courage, and began to walk up to where the men stood.
She was not alone in her journey, Jones travelled towards the men to, from the castle, he was ready for her to be collected, and wanted to see the look of defeat in her eyes himself. This was his favourite part breaking them down, making them beg and confess. He could barely contain his excitement. Then he saw it, she was standing with the guards, allowing them to arrest her, not fighting one little bit.
He marched quickly, feeling his heart pounding from exertion and hatred.
"Name?" he barked at her, Vanessa leaned back in shock
"Vanessa, no last name."
"Lies." He raised his hand at hit her hard across the face. "What name were you born with?"
Vanessa meet his eyes, they were evil and greedy. She composed herself, making sure she appeared strong and powerful.
"I was born Ursula, daughter of Triton, King of Atlantica."
"Yes, you are. I knew it! Witch!" Jones smiled and licked his greasy lips. "Take her to the prison cells."
Vanessa was led away, she prayed Ariel would defend her release her form the prison. She pondered as they got closer escaping with magic, but again decided against it, she had to prove her innocence, after all she had done nothing wrong.
The prison floor was damp, and pools of sea water had formed. Vanessa was led down through the cavernous prison, to the last cell. Where Jacob hung, hands in shackles, she cried out, but was forced into another cell, where she could only just see him.
The moment the door closed, she realized this cage was not ordinary it blocked magic, now there was no escape.
"Where are my children? Please tell me. Please?" Vanessa begged as the guards headed away from her. They remained icy and silent, not letting a single noise slip that may give her a clue.
Vanessa sat down on the bench, and felt moisture stick to her. Fat tears began to roll down her cheeks, despite her fighting to keep them back.
Jacob groaned and opened his eyes, head ringing from where he had been hit with a truncheon. Vanessa hearing him rushed to the cell door, and stared at him.
"I'm soo sorry, I should never have brought you here." She wept
"This is not your fault, its Triton's and moment he figures out you mean no arm, he'll let us go I know it." Jacob winced, shackled digging into his wrists.
Vanessa could not find the words to respond; she simply shook her head, and bit back the fresh tears forming. She had to find a way out of here. She had to find her babies.
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