Ariel and Eric were lying together in her bedroom once more. Though Eric was determined to wait until they were married, he still stayed with her every night. Being away from her made him nervous for some reason. He liked having her nearby. She even refused to wash the shirt he initially gave her, but finally, let him bring her others to use each evening. She had taken to snatching up whatever shirt he discarded before bed and breathed in his scent.

He was rubbing her arm and watching her face as she traced circles on his chest with her finger. They often talked late into the night, but this time he was content just to be with her. She curled up against him and fell asleep quickly. Just as the sun rose, there was a pounding on her door. It was loud and insistent causing Eric to tighten his grip on Ariel.

The door was kicked in, and several guards burst into the room to find Eric in her bed. Shirtless and furious he began trying to cover Ariel, who was clinging to him.

"What is going on here?" He demanded.

"Your Highness we have orders to arrest the girl." The leader said.

"Me? What did I do?" Ariel asked, shocked. She tightened her grip on Eric's arm.

"Who ordered the arrest?" Eric was furious, while Ariel was just plain terrified.

Grimsby walked in then, looking very satisfied. "I did. It's for your own good your highness." He nodded to a guard who took a step forward. Eric threw an arm in front of her.

"Get away from her. I order you to get out of here and never repeat what you have seen to anyone."

"I'm afraid you do not get a say in this matter, Prince."

He glared at Grim, "Why the hell not?"

That same smug grin crossed his face, "Because we have reason to believe your judgment has been impaired. We have evidence that she," he nodded at Ariel, "has put you under a spell."

"You can't be serious?"Ariel was completely horrified.

"This is ridiculous!"

"It's for the best, Eric. Guards," Grim signaled for them to move in and Ariel buried her face in Eric's back.

"No! Get back! Don't touch her!" Eric did his best to fight them off, but he was no match for half a dozen soldiers. Ariel kicked and protested, but in the end, they dragged her off as four of the guards worked to detain the Prince without harming him. "Ariel!"

"Eric!" She called over her shoulder as they took her to the dungeon.