Grim sat in the study smoking his pipe with a triumphant smile. Ariel was successfully detained, and would probably be put to death. It was a shame that Eric had to become so worked up over the matter. He was currently being held in his room. Every so often you could hear the smash of an object or shouting. Grimsby didn't understand the fuss over the strange little creature.

"Do you believe she's a mermaid?" Marcus asked from the window. He was looking out with his arms crossed over his chest.

Grim took another puff before answering flippantly, "Of course not, but superstition and nautical nonsense can be a handy tool. If the public learns that she washed up on the shore and how taken the Prince has become they'll be begging for her head if we tell them she can cast spells." He waved his hand dramatically.

Marcus was not so sure. She could barely walk the first time they met, and they both reacted so strangely to his taunts.

"Your tip was beneficial though." Grim tipped his pipe at him in a fake salute. It was satisfying to put the Prince in his place. Marcus was not accustomed to being denied what he wanted, and he wanted Ariel.