"Has anyone seen Melody?" Eric asked around on Saturday evening at HollyFest, "I thought I just saw her around here."

"Eric, I'm sure she's fine," Ariel told him.

"Ariel, I know she's fine. I just want to see her, she's my daughter. I haven't gotten to spend any time with her today," he retorted, a little annoyed, "Is that so wrong?"

Tristan noticed the tension between the two and added, "You know, I think I heard her say she had something special planned for the two of you tomorrow or maybe Monday."

"She said that? When?"

"Yesterday, she didn't want to tell you because it's a surprise," Tristan told him.

Emmett soon walked by with Alice on his arm and Lauren not far behind them.

"Have you seen Melody?" Eric asked him.

"No, not since we were face painting for the children around three," Emmett shrugged and shook his head, "Did something happen?"

"Nothing happened, everything is fine," Ariel told him.

"Emmett, is this your mother?" Martha came by and placed a shoulder on Alice's hand. Emmett nodded.

"Oh, you should be so proud of him! We all love him and the children just adore him! You've raised a fine, young man," Martha gushed. Lauren rolled her eyes and nudged Emmett.

"Thank you very much," Alice said, beaming at her son who was now blushing, "We got lucky with him."

"She's being modest," Ariel chimed in, "Alice is a wonderful mother."

"You know, Melody needs a nice boy like Emmett instead of that big oaf Alexander," Martha blurted out.

The group was speechless.

"Who is Alexander?" Lauren whispered to Emmett.

"Have you seen Melody?" Eric asked her.

"Yes, I just saw her headed into the main classroom, right past the library," Martha told him, "Anyway, I should be going now. Happy HollyFest!"

Eric took off toward the classroom without a word.

"Tristan, can you, please go after him?" Ariel asked and Tristan nodded. Emmett took off behind Tristan as well.

"Alexander, move out of my way!" Melody yelled at him from inside of the classroom. Alexander had her pinned up against the wall by her waist with his leg between her legs.

"I don't care if you love him, I want you back in my life," he told her with a menacing look on his face, "Didn't you enjoy it?" He ran his hands over her breasts, down her waist, and planted a firm kiss against her mouth.

Melody raised her hand and smacked his face in an attempt to turn his face away from hers. Alexander pinned her wrists down at her sides and jammed his tongue in her mouth forcefully as she squirmed. The classroom door opened and her eyes were wide with fear.

"Get your hands off of her!" Eric lunged at Alexander from behind and wrapped his arm around the large man's neck, trying to choke him down to the ground. Alexander was caught off guard as he clasped on Eric's arms trying to get free from his hold.

"Daddy, stop it!" Melody yelled, not wanting anyone to get hurt, especially not her father.

"She's a child, you maniac!" Eric growled into his ear, tightening his hold around Alexander's neck. Alexander ran backward toward the wall and slammed Eric's body against it several times. Tristan and Emmett burst through the classroom door and looked in shock as they rushed over to Alexander and Eric.

"Stop it, Tristan, don't!"

Alexander bent down and flipped Eric's body over his shoulder, grabbing his head by the neck. He pulled out a knife from his sheath and held it at Eric's neck.

"Let him go!" Tristan commanded angrily.

"Stop!" Melody ran out between Tristan and her Father and Alexander, "Alexander, stop, don't hurt him! He's my father!"

Alexander looked surprised at the revelation and looked down at Eric angrily. He then glared at Melody and smirked before releasing Eric from his hold, leaving his knife in hand. Eric gasped for air as he rubbed his sore neck and Tristan rushed over to help Eric up.

"I'll have you detained for this. Taking advantage of my daughter, a princess!" Eric yelled.

"No, dad, stop!"

"She's the one who wanted it!" Alexander laughed. Tristan held Eric back from lunging again.

"Alexander, please!" Melody cried.

"She came by my house every night for weeks, begging me to have my way with her! You couldn't imagine the things she'd let me do to her."

"You're lying!" Eric yelled.

"She was my plaything, my toy. I know how she moans, I know how she tastes and my cock does, too," Alexander chuckled, "You think your daughter is better than anyone else's? I pity you sad, miserable royals. You think you own the world, don't you?"

"Alexander, just leave! Go!" Melody shouted at him. Alexander stomped his way to the classroom door.

"Just remember," he added, "When her eyes were bloodshot with my cock down her throat after she begged me for it, I was her daddy." Alexander opened the door and then slammed it behind him as he left.

Eric broke free from Tristan's hold and rushed toward the door. Emmett stopped him and Tristan soon helped. Melody rushed toward the door and locked it so that her father couldn't leave. The two young men tossed Eric down to sit on one of the student's seats. Eric got up filled with rage, lifted one of the chairs, and smashed it against the floor to pieces.

"Daddy, stop that!" Melody screamed at him.

"You were kissing him when I walked in!" Eric yelled.

"Dad, I had just slapped him and told him to leave, he pinned me down!"

"Is that true Melody?! Is any of what he said true?" Eric asked her panting, hoping she'd say it was all lies. "Tell me he's lying and I'll believe you, darling, I swear!" Tristan and Emmett both looked at her in anticipation of a response.

"I- I was involved with Alexander for about a month in October. But, we haven't done anything since, I swear," she admitted, looking only at Emmett.

"He's the one that was-" Emmett started to ask but then stopped himself.

"I ended it that day, the day I- got sick," she told him. Emmett looked down at the ground and clenched his jaw.

"Melody, who are you turning into? I knew Elizabeth would have this type of influence on you!" Eric shouted.

"It's not Elizabeth! It's me, Dad! I'm not a child anymore and you can't control me or fight my battles for me anymore. I'm not influenced by anyone. I did everything I did because I wanted to. No one forced me. If you can't accept that then I no longer want to be part of this family!" she yelled. All three men were silent.

"Emmett, I'm sorry if you're disappointed in me but you weren't here and I didn't get upset when you were with other people. I don't want to hide from anyone or anything anymore!" she continued. "I don't want Alexander in trouble. I don't want any of you to touch him, lay a finger on him or throw him in the dungeons! He's a little different but he's not a bad person and he doesn't deserve it."

"Don't even mention his name," Eric growled, shaking his head as he clenched his fist.

"Yeah, well, grow up and get over it!" Melody scolded her father, "Are you trying to lose me forever?"

"No, Melody! That's not what I want. I love you so much. I just-" Eric started pleading and then stopped.

"You what, Dad? You want me to stay a little girl with you forever? Locked up in a castle until some prince decides to marry me and lock me away in his tower until I give him children and die? If you want another baby so bad, go have one with mom," she shouted.

There was a sharp knock at the door.

"Eric? Melody? Are you all okay in there?" It was Ariel. Melody sighed.

"This is who I am and the three of you will have to accept that or leave me alone," she said. Melody turned and opened the door, letting her mother into the classroom- Alice and Lauren waited outside behind her.

"What's going on? Is everyone alright?" Ariel asked as she looked around at the red eyes and stressed faces. Eric looked down at the ground.

"Everything is fine, Ariel," Tristan said to her.

"I have to get back to work. Don't wait up for me," Melody said and left the classroom.

The nine o'clock bell rang, signaling that it was the end of the festival. The vendors began to pack up their items and the entertainers stored their instruments, readying to leave. Melody coordinated with the cleaners who began to sweep the floor and clean the stage.

"Great job everyone… nice work… if four of you sweep North South the other four should take East West, we'll be done in no time," she told the cleaning staff, "You four, clean the town center. Pick up the rubbish and wipe down all of the carts. Have a great evening everyone, we'll meet again in the morning." Melody turned around to find Emmett there waiting behind her.

"Hi," he said.

"Hi," she responded, unsure of what his next few words would be.

"I'm still here," is what he told her with a small grin and it was all she needed to hear. She walked over to him slowly and Emmett extended his arms and embraced her warmly. "Where do you want to go?"

"I just want to be with you," she said with her head buried in his chest.

The ride back to the palace was an uncomfortable one for Ariel, Eric, and Tristan- no one was speaking. No one dared to speak. Ariel turned to Eric and placed a hand on his back.

"I'm sorry," was all she could say. She knew he was feeling down and didn't want to make it any worse. She knew that Eric was having trouble sleeping at night worried about Melody.

"Does anyone understand how I feel?" Eric said in despair.

"We understand how you feel perfectly. You just want to protect her," Ariel said, "I want to protect her, too. Remember when daddy nearly drowned you to find me?"

"It's not the same, Ariel," he told her.

"Yes, it is! I was sixteen, you were eighteen and we were in love and wanted to get married. I was a mermaid and you were a human- what could be worse?! What did Daddy do to get us back? To get me back?"

"He welcomed me into the family, gave me the ability to become a merman," Eric thought to himself.

"We just need to let go, she'll come back," Ariel told him.

"You and everyone have been saying that for months, Ariel! She didn't come back!"

"You have to make it right with Melody, she loves you. You're her most favorite person in the world and you're mine, too," Ariel said warmly.

Once at the palace, Eric said nothing else for the evening and headed straight to bed.

"So," Emmett said to Melody while they laid in his bed, "Did you actually enjoy being hurt by Alexander?" Melody didn't respond, instead, she thought for a moment.

"At times. It was the control and the dominance that I enjoyed. It wasn't as bad as the bruises looked. I think I just bruise easily because I don't eat meat," she said.

"If you say so," Emmett shrugged.

"Does it bother you? Or, what exactly bothers you?" She asked him, raising her head from his chest.

"Where do I start?" he joked, "No- I'm just kidding. In all honesty, I understand why you would've been with someone else when we weren't together. I just don't like the thought of you with anyone- at all. What bothers me is him and what you could ever see in him. What also bothers me is how much he hurt you." Emmett stroked up and down her back.

"I hope you can get over that," she told him and rested her head back on his chest.

"Mel, I lo- nothing can change how I feel about you," Emmett tried hard not to say love. Although she was there with him now, he didn't want to scare her away. "So, you did all this huh?" he asked, looking around the room.

"Hmm, yes, just for you to have women of every shape and size in here," she jeered at him.

"I didn't think I'd get this much attention. There weren't this many women back home. Wait, how do you know?"

"I peeked through your window sometimes. I was hoping to find you alone but that never happened," she slapped his chest playfully. "Oww," she groaned, clutching at her stomach.

"That doesn't sound too good," he said as he started to stand up, "I'll get you more hot water for that pan thing."

"That's sweet of the shoemaker's wife to let us borrow it."

Emmett boiled hot water and put it in a metal bottle, sealed it tightly and then wrapped it in a thin wool blanket. It was supposed to help relieve her menstrual cramps.

"You really don't have to. It's embarrassing enough what happened this morning," Melody said as she watched him dress the metal bottle.

"Here you are," Emmett handed it to her, "I'll make you another chamomile tea with what's left. I have plenty of honey." Melody took the bottle and placed it underneath her belly button, hugging it for dear life.

"How did you learn how to use an oven and cook?"

"My mother," he looked over his shoulder and smiled.

"I'd like to learn," she said, "Is it difficult?" Emmett turned around and walked over with the mug. Melody sat up and took it from him carefully.

"Not at all difficult," he told her, "I can teach you what I know, although I'm not very good." Emmett added a few more logs to the fire, it was the only thing keeping the room lit. He got an extra blanket from his dresser and draped it over her to keep her warm. His place was always a bit drafty. He then sat on the chair as he waited for her to finish her tea.

"Those girls you were with, was it fun?"

"Uh, well, I guess so," he laughed nervously.

"Any of them you really liked?" she asked.

"I did like Rachel. But, to be honest with you, after I saw you in town, everything Rachel did started to bother me. It wasn't even her fault- I was just comparing everybody to you."

"Why didn't you tell me how you felt sooner?"

"Well, I sent you letters. But then, when I saw you in town I guess I got nervous and panicked. I wanted you to know that I was okay with a friendship as well. But, I really wasn't. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do," he confessed, "All done?" He grabbed the teacup from her hand and placed it down on his small counter.

Melody laid back down, anticipating him to climb in beside her.

"Turn on your belly," he told her, hovering over the bed. Melody almost asked him why but she just complied. Emmett sat on the bed and began massaging Melody's lower back.

"Oh, wow, that feels nice," she moaned into the pillow, feeling her body melt.

"My dad does this for my mom when she has her cycle," he said, pressing down on her hips and pulling them toward him, giving them a stretch. "I'm really glad you're here, Mel. I was seriously going crazy seeing you every day. At least the festival ends early tomorrow. Mel?"

Melody didn't move or make a sound, Emmett looked over and realized that she had fallen fast asleep.

Ariel awoke the next morning to a cold, empty bed.

"Eric?" she called out, hoping he was in the bathroom. There was no answer and no sign of his clothes from the night before that were usually in a pile on the floor near the bed. She put on her robe and walked out the hall.

"Good morning, Princess Ariel," Lauren told her with a bow in the hall.

"Have you seen Eric?"

"No, sorry," Lauren replied, shaking her head.

"Alright, see you at breakfast," Ariel turned to leave.

"Wait, Ariel!" Lauren called out, "Can I ask you a question?" Ariel stopped to face the young girl.

"Of course," Ariel said warmly.

"Well, it's uhm-" Lauren looked around uncomfortably.

"Is it private?" Ariel asked. Lauren nodded, looking over her shoulder. Ariel took her by the hand and into her room, "Go ahead dear," she said sitting down in a chaise. Lauren sat down in a chair across from her. She tried to keep an upright posture as best she could and placed her hands on her lap delicately the way royalty would do it.

"If a prince wanted to, could he marry me?" Lauren asked, a little bashfully.

"Oh, well, you're a little young to be thinking about marriage," Ariel told her with a concerned look on her face.

"Yes, you're right. Nevermind," Lauren got up from her seat. Ariel regretted her sharp reaction to the girl's question. It reminded her of Melody and how she would shut down and not share anything because of Ariel's inability to listen.

"Wait, please, sit," Ariel asked her, "It depends on who the prince is and what kingdom they're from. But I suppose yes, absolutely." Lauren sat down eagerly.

"It's Prince James," Lauren told her with a big smile on her face, "We've written one another six times since Melody's ball. He wants me to visit him in Rotherham but mother won't let me visit."

"Well, perhaps he can come and see you," Ariel suggested.

"He said he'll have no choice but to just show up one day," Lauren giggled, "My mother just doesn't understand me. She doesn't believe he truly cares about me but I know he does."

"Can you see it from her perspective? She has her reasons to be worried. Men can be a little tricky- it's hard to pick out the good ones from the bad ones. We can't always see it right away."

"Well, she doesn't even know him. She says royals can only marry princesses and not people like us," Lauren looked to Ariel for confirmation.

"Some stick to that tradition, others do what their hearts tell them to do," Ariel smiled.

"Oh, that makes me feel so much better! Thank you, Ariel!" Lauren got up from her seat and gave Ariel a big hug. "I should go before they start looking for me. I can't wait to go to the festival later!"

As Lauren rushed out the door, Ariel noticed a piece of paper on the dresser.

Ariel, I have to go for a few days but I will return soon, I promise. I have to make things right with Melody. I love you, Eric

Ariel felt anxious with worry, she had no idea where Eric could've gone and why he would need to be gone for several days. She exhaled deeply and took the letter over to Tristan's room.

"Tristan, are you up, dear?" She knocked on the door several times before opening it. Tristan shot up in bed while a woman next to him quickly hid under the covers.

"Uh, hey, Ariel," he smirked sleepily.

"Your father took off," she told him, showing him the note, "Oh, sorry, I didn't realize!" Ariel looked away.

"It's fine," Tristan said casually and took the note from her hand, "So where is he?"

"I don't know. Everything is such a mess. Anyway, I'll let you get back to your company," Ariel said quickly and left the room.

"Mhh," Melody stretched as she yawned that morning, "Oh gosh, when did I fall asleep?"

"As soon as I started rubbing your back," Emmett said to her as he cooked breakfast, "I got some fresh rags for you and a toothbrush if you'd like to clean up in the washroom. There's clean water in there."

Melody smiled to herself as she watched him prepare breakfast shirtless. There was something very sexy about him doing something normally a woman would do. She got up carefully and went to the washroom. Right as she was finished, Emmett placed an omelet and toast on the table.

"Wow, that smells heavenly. And it looks so good!" she told him.

"No," he said modestly, "It's not palace food or anything but hopefully you won't find any shells in it." He placed his own plate down, leaned forward, and gave her a tender kiss on her lips; his blond hair fell in front of his face as he did. "How are you feeling this morning?"

"Great! I must've been so tired last night, I'm sorry," she apologized.

"You've been very busy and you had a rather eventful day yesterday," he reminded her.

"Ugh, don't remind me," she groaned as they began to eat their breakfast.

A few minutes later there was a knock at the front door downstairs.

"Tell them I don't want to see anybody," Melody told Emmett adamantly. Emmett hurried down the stairs and opened the door. Melody heard a woman's voice so she leaned over the staircase to listen in.

"Would you want to accompany me to the festival today? We hardly had a chance to spend time together yesterday when I saw you there," the voice said.

"I'm - I'm actually working at the festival today so I won't have any time," Emmett told the voice, "I'll see you around though… Great… Goodbye."

"Who was that?" Melody asked when he reached the top of the stairs.

"Just a friend of mine, no one for you," he told her and sat back down to eat.

"A woman friend?"

"Yes, I mean, she's not old," he said, shrugging. Melody got up and rushed to the window.

"It's that girl with the black hair who looks like me!" Melody exclaimed.

"What? No, she has black hair I guess but she looks nothing like you," he laughed to himself.

"You're more than just friends," she told him.

"We spent a few nights together when I first moved to the city, that is all. I haven't spent any time with her since before I met Rachel," he explained.

"You didn't want to tell her that-" Melody's voice trailed off.

"That what? That I'm here with you?"

"I mean, I guess it's up to you if you don't want others to know."

"Melody, don't even say that. You're the one that's sneaking around all of the time, keeping secrets from everyone. I want to tell the world you're mine and you feel we have to hide from everyone," Emmett finished his food quickly and tossed his plate in the sink.

"What do you want to do then?" she asked, realizing how upset it was making him.

"Whatever you want to do. It's not like I get much of a say, you have more at risk than I do. I'm nobody, you're a princess" He sat on the edge of the bed.

"Forget about me being a princess," she said, she walked over to him, sat on the bed beside him, and took a hold of his hand. "What do you want to do? What's the next step?"

"Well, if you weren't a princess I'd make you mine- publicly, find us a beautiful place to live-" he started.

"Where?" she asked eagerly.

"I don't know. Anywhere you want. Marcellus gets forty to eighty gold for each statue he carves," Emmett told her.

"I'm not even sure if that's a lot or a little," she confessed.

"It's a lot, Mel, trust me," he nodded confidently, "He gets so many orders he has to turn some away. Especially small ones. I've been working with Bronze and modeling with clay of course, which is easy. But, the marble is king. It doesn't even cost him anything, the clients source the marble and have it sent to his home. He just works it when he has time."

"What do you do with him?"

"Not much at first, it took him a while before he let me do anything at all. He had me doing yard work for a week! He's a lazy, mean drunk eighty percent of the time. The other twenty- he's a genius. He has almost ten marble pieces just waiting for him to touch them outside. He has me draw up the models from different angles and then he has me model the smaller clay piece we use as a template for the real one. He will make some finishing touches to make sure it dries right. On his bronze and marble pieces he completes, he has me buff and polish them so that they're smooth where they need to be. Last week I did some light marble sanding. Cleaning up and putting away his tools is on me so I try to get that done as quickly as possible," Emmett said with such passion in his eyes.

"I think you're going to be an amazing sculptor. I have no doubt you can take care of us, you already do," she leaned over and kissed his cheek.

"I want to be honest with you," he told her solemnly, "I worry that I'm not enough for you."

"What? No," she worried.

"A prince could give you anything you want. It would take me some time to get there," he told her frankly.

"I only want to be with you. Besides, I don't need very much. You just made us a delicious breakfast, the fire is still warm, I have you here with me- what else do I need?" Melody took his hand in hers and leaned her head on his shoulder.

"Just tell me whatever I need to do to make you happy," he told her quietly.

"You're the most perfect person I've ever met," Melody said, "You're honest, kind, responsible, you love your family, and you truly care for me. I've never met someone like you. You're the one that's too good for me. I'm a complete mess."

"That's a good balance," he joked and tilted her head up toward him, "Thank you. You're not a mess, you're just passionate and I love every bit of it." He leaned forward and kissed her gently.

"Ready to go?" he asked.

"No, never. I just want to stay inside with you all day," she whined.

"Tomorrow we can stay inside all day and the next day and the day after that," he winked at her, "Want to leave first and I'll leave twenty minutes later like yesterday?" He rose to his feet and looked for his coat, knowing it was time to go.

"No," she stood up and took his hand, "I want everyone to know."

"Don't worry, Ariel, I'm sure he's fine," Tristan said to his mother as they walked arm in arm around the festival. "Besides, I'm here to protect you!" he joked, which made her giggle and rest her head on his shoulder. She loved the smell of him and wondered what he smelled of as a baby. It was midday and neither of them had seen Eric nor Melody.

Holly Fest was more crowded that Sunday than the previous day. There was a big commotion because the King and Queen were both there and the King was holding an arm-wrestling competition, which he always won.

Tristan and Ariel walked along the busy streets and purchased a few neat items here and there. They came across a vendor who had a hodgepodge of eclectic items. One of which was a large whale tooth necklace.

"Whale tooth, huh? How much?" Tristan asked the vendor and picked up the necklace.

"Ten silver. Saw it plucked from the beast's jaws myself!" the vendor exclaimed, a scruffy, little old man.

"It's a fake, not even worth ten copper," Tristan told him and tossed it back onto the pile of junk.

"It most certainly is not!" the old man protested.

"Is too a fake. Good luck getting it sold," Tristan told him, leading Ariel away.

"Five silver!" the man offered him.

"Fifty Copper," Tristan turned around.

"Two silver, please, it's my last day here and I haven't made enough money to cover how much it cost to get here," he pleaded with Tristan. Tristan looked at all of his items and then noticed the hunger in the man's eyes.

"How much for the whole lot?" Tristan asked. The man was stunned and speechless and could only hang his mouth open. "And you better give me a fair deal, I'm ridding you of everything."

"Uh- two gold, is that too much?" the man asked nervously, not having enough time to assess the value of everything. Ariel watched in awe, entertained by Tristan's haggling skills.

Tristan pretended to think long and hard, stroking his chin with his fingers. He looked at Ariel who gave him an odd expression he couldn't really read. Tristan reached in his pocket and pulled out a small sack of coins.

"Here's five gold, Happy Holidays," Tristan smiled at the old man, placing five gold coins in his hands. The man looked up at Tristan in disbelief.

"Thank you! Thank you," he cheered over and over again, near tears, "You don't know what a difficult year this has been for me and my family."

"We're sorry to hear that," Ariel told him sympathetically.

"This helps us so much," he told her.

"Papa, here are the roasted peanuts you like!" a pretty, young woman appeared beside the old man.

"Gisella, this young man just bought everything on our cart!" the man told her, "This is my granddaughter. She's helped me all week."

"How do you do?" Gisella grinned from ear to ear, "Papa that's fantastic!"

Gisella had straight, dark-blonde hair, light brown eyes, and light freckles on her rosy nose and cheeks.

"Hi," Tristan gawked at her sheepishly.

"Hello," she smiled bashfully, "So, I'll help package this up. How do you plan on carrying it?"

"Have one of the guards take it to the palace," Ariel instructed them. "They will sort the rest out for you."

"Papa, please, sit. I can do this for you," Gisella told him, leading him toward a chair.

"Will you be attending the festival when you're done?" Tristan asked the young woman.

"Uh- I'm not sure. We were supposed to stay one more night but since we've sold out early perhaps we'll just head home. It's a long journey," she told Tristan as she began placing the items in a wooden crate.

"Go and enjoy the festival, dear," the man told her. Ariel noticed how interested Tristan seemed in the young woman and started to pull him up the road again.

"So, would you like to join me, Gisella?" Tristan asked her, releasing his arm from Ariel's hold.

"I would love to but I should really help my grandfather," she said, "He has bad knees."

"I'm just fine!"

"I'll help," Tristan said, grabbing a crate of his own, "Go ahead, Ariel, I'll catch up with you later."

Ariel watched as Tristan became completely consumed by the task and the pretty girl. She didn't want to get in his way so she simply left.

"Is that your wife?" Gisella asked Tristan as she watched Ariel head down toward the town center.

"No way! That's my mother," Tristan laughed.

"You call her by her first name?"

"Yeah, I guess so," he shrugged, not feeling the need to explain himself.

With Eric gone, Melody nowhere to be found, and now Tristan gone, Ariel felt more alone than ever as she wandered through the busy celebration. She did spot the royal booth at the town center, Belle was there greeting some folks from inside and Adam was at the opposite end laughing with some men who were coaxing him to come out.

"Aunt Ariel!" Ariel heard a voice and turned. Prince John was standing behind her, grinning from ear to ear.

"Johnny, how are you?!" Ariel gave John a hug and kiss on his cheek.

"I'm great! Aren't you?! You're all alone?" John spoke a little loudly because of the music and noise, "Where is uncle Eric and Tristan?"

"My husband and children have all abandoned me," she joked half-heartedly.

"Oh, I'm sure that's not true. Would you like to dance?!" John extended his hand to hers. She hadn't danced with John since he was a young boy. She had also never seen him this outgoing and happy.

"Yes!" Ariel cheered, never turning down an offer to dance. John took her hand and led her to an area where couples were dancing about gleefully to the cheerful music. The couples would trade partners and switch from one person to the next. For a moment, it helped her take her mind off Eric.

"Tristan!" Tristan heard his name being called a few hours later as he strolled up the road and away from the town center with Gisella, his arm placed firmly around her waist.

"Oh, no, what now?" Tristan groaned to himself, he recognized the voice instantly, "What?!" he shouted without turning around. Gisella turned her head to see Melody running up behind them.

"Who is that?" Gisella asked him.

"My sister," he muttered.

"Let's stop and see what she needs," Gisella giggled.

"No, just keep walking," he rushed her.

"Tristan, stop! I need you!"

Gisella stopped in her tracks completely and turned toward Melody, pulling away from Tristan and giving him a smirk over her shoulder.

"What?! What is it, Mel?" Tristan shouted impatiently.

"There's no act at 4 pm! I need you to sing or play guitar or something!" she told him, nearly winded and out of breath.

"How did you even find me? And no way," Tristan took hold of Gisella again.

"Come on, just sing four or five Holiday songs. We have a guitar ready for you."

"No! I'm busy and I haven't even warmed up," he protested.

"Please, it's only for twenty-five minutes. You owe me," she told him, taking a hold of his arm and pulling him toward her.

"What? I don't owe you anything- are you crazy?!" he yanked his arm away.

"You can sing? I would love to hear you sing," Gisella added, trying to help Melody.

"Yes, he's so good! You should hear him, come on, Tris," Melody pulled him.

"I can sing for you right now. I was about to give you a private show," Tristan said to Gisella who giggled.

"I would also love to see you help your sister and save the Festival from complete ruin," Gisella added. Tristan glared at her.

"Yes! Okay, so you have to now," Melody pulled him.

"Okay, okay, fine!" Tristan agreed begrudgingly.

"Can I just say that I love her? Who is she? Who are you?" Melody asked Gisella and Gisella let out a small giggle.

Tristan showed up to the stage to find that everyone watching down below were a bunch of children.

"What are all these kids doing here?" Tristan asked Melody, puzzled.

"They're the students from school. Belle is giving out presents after your set, there was supposed to be a magic show," Melody explained.

"A magic show? I'm supposed to top that? You have me playing a kid's show?"

"Just go," Melody shoved him onto the stage.

"It's the magic show!" one of the children down below cheered and all of the children cheered and clapped for Tristan.

"Hello! No, no magic show-" he started.

"Boo! Booo!" the children protested and Tristan looked at Melody as if he'd kill her.

"Well, I have this guitar here and uhm- I was going to take some song requests but you children are much too naughty. Queen Belle, lumps of coal for everyone!" Tristan called out loudly.

"No! No!" the children squealed, sprinkled with laughter.

"Yes, that's what I thought," Tristan placed the acoustic guitar over his neck and walked around the stage comfortably. He played a cord to make sure it was in tune. "Sounds good to me. Okay, so, who has a song request?" The children started to shout out all at once. "What? Are these children or a pack of wild dogs? One at a time… You in the green hat, red coat with ants in your pants- pick a song."

"Play the snowman song!" he chuckled.

"The snowman song? Hmm, okay, okay," Tristan strum a chord, "Snowman song, snowman song…"

"No!... Boo!...That's not how it goes!" the children began to yell at him.

"What's the snowman's name again?" Tristan feigned forgetfulness.

"Frosty!"

"Oh, that's right," Tristan said and began to play the guitar, "Frosty the- wait, what is he again?"

"Snowman!... Ugh!" the children groaned.

"Alright, alright, it's been a long time since I was small and annoying like you all so you're going to need to help me out and sing along with me," Tristan told them.

Belle watched Tristan with delight as he sang song after song with the children. After the first two songs, adults and people from around town began to join in and a crowd gathered down below.

"Keep going!" Melody told him when it was time for him to leave, seeing how much the crowd loved his upbeat energy

Tristan took song request after song request. Belle instructed the Learning Center staff to silently hand out the presents to the children. Each child received a box with the same items in them. A toy horse or marbles for the boys, or a dolly for the girls, two notebooks for school, pencils, two pairs of socks, a scarf, and a pair of gloves. The children loved their gifts, mostly their new toys. It made Tristan smile to see the children so excited for presents, remembering his own childhood and how little he had.

Emmett appeared beside Melody offstage.

"Raul the magician will be okay. He just ate some bad food," he informed her.

"Thank you so much," Melody beamed at Emmett, glad that he was there with her throughout the day. Melody took his hand in her gloved one and Emmett smiled proudly, relieved that they didn't have to hide anymore.

After another twenty minutes of Tristan performing, Adam took the stage eagerly.

"What an incredible show!" he roared and the crowd cheered and clapped, "Thank you, to my nephew, Prince Tristan, son of Prince Eric and Princess Ariel."

The crowd suddenly broke out into whispers and murmurs.

"He was separated from our family for a very long time but now we're glad to have him back, safe and sound," Adam gave Tristan a hard pat on the back and Tristan winced as he forced a smile and a wave at the crowd.

"Prince Tristan?" Gisella said to herself in pure amazement. Tristan soon walked off the stage and toward her.

"Your highness," she bowed her head sternly, "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you-"

"It's alright, I'm not much of a prince anyway," he tried to make light of it, "Are you ready to go?"

"I should really head back to my grandfather," she told him, beginning to turn away.

"What? No, come enjoy the festival with me," he took her by the hands but she pulled away.

"It was a pleasure meeting you, thank you for everything," she said hurriedly and darted into the crowd.

"Prince Tristan!" a couple of young women pulled him over toward them but Tristan still had his mind set on Gisella.

Tristan rushed back over to Melody and grabbed her shoulder.

"Where are the vendors staying in town?" he asked her.

"Uh- Some are at the North West Lodge and others are at the Honeyback Inn in the South East," she said without even looking at him.

"This is the end of the show now so let's get the band back on stage while we eat and drink into the night!" he cheered.

Carts with chili were set up around the town center and the full kitchen staff was there to serve the townspeople bowl after bowl along with fresh bread and water.

"Melody!" Ariel let out with a big smile when coming face to face with her daughter, ready for a hug.

"Hi, mom, I have to go," Melody told her quickly, pulling Emmett by the hand into the sea of people.

Ariel felt terribly confused as to why her own daughter didn't want to speak to her. She almost felt like crying. Instead, she took the nearest royal carriage and headed back to the palace.

"What was that?" Emmett asked her, stopping her near the classroom building, "You should really talk to your parents."

"Don't start, you sound like Tristan now. I don't want anything to do with them and definitely don't want to see my dad," she told him, a bit annoyed.

"Family is all we have. I don't know what I would do without my family. Your parents really care about you and they've missed you. It may be worth spending some time with them and set things right. My family is here to see me and I've spent all of my time with you," he told her.

"Well, sorry for keeping you from your family," Melody said sarcastically, pulling away from him.

"Stop that," he said sternly and took her hand forcefully, "I want to spend every second I can with you. We're fortunate our families get along. I just want you to make things right with them so that we can finally be free of this tension." Melody didn't say anything, only looked at the ground.

"Emmett! Melody!" Lauren came dashing around the corner, "We've been looking for you since the ice carving." She threw her arms around Melody tightly and then took her by the hand. "Come see this contortionist- she's amazing!"

"Gisella!" Tristan called out as he ran up the North road toward the lodge. Gisella turned her head and continued more quickly up the road. He finally caught up to her, breathless and winded.

"Hey, stop," he pulled her by the arm, "Why did you leave like that? Did I do something?"

"No, of course not, your highness. I just have a lot to do before our trip tomorrow. We want to leave early before the storm hits and keeps us here," she told him, looking up at the evening sky.

"I want to see you," he told her, pulling her into him by her waist and tilting her chin down with his hand to look at him.

"When?" she could barely get out, staring at his lips.

"Right now," he whispered. Tristan noticed her parted lips as he leaned his face closer to hers. "Can I kiss you?" he asked quietly, his breath touching her lips. She shook her head.

"No," she breathed as her eyes became hooded. Tristan planted a soft kiss on her lips. "Your highness, I have to go," she said with closed eyes, feeling her body completely melt.

"Come back to the palace with me," he told her, raising a hand to her face and stroking her cheek with his thumb.

"I can't," she began pulling away.

"Why not? You can relax a little, have some dinner, a nice massage, sit in front of the fireplace," he tried to persuade her.

"I don't think so," she said more adamantly, "I am not that kind of lady. I'm here to help my grandfather." Tristan took her by the hand and led her over to the side of a nearby building.

"You're beautiful," he told her, crushing his mouth to hers for a kiss. Gisella gave in and kissed him back intensely. Tristan began to slowly undo the buttons of her coat and wrapped his arms around her warm, soft body. Gisella tensed at the feeling of his hand moving from her waist to her chest.

"Stop," she told him between kisses and gently pushed his hand away. Tristan grabbed her more firmly and kissed her down her neck. "Stop it!" she pushed him away completely, panting heavily.

"I- I'm sorry, are you okay?" he asked her, unsure of what he did, "Did I hurt you?"

"No, it's just that I don't want to do- that," she said uncomfortably, buttoning up her coat.

"I'm sorry. I thought you liked it," he apologized sympathetically.

"I- well, I did like it. I just don't want to. I'm sorry, your highness," she began to leave.

"No, wait! We don't have to do anything, I swear. We could just walk around or grab a drink, talk, dance, whatever you want. I just want to spend the evening with you," he suggested, with hopeful eyes. "Please?"

"I know royalty isn't used to hearing 'no'," she started.

"I'm not like that," he responded.

"And I know what princes like you do with women. I would just rather not, please, your highness. If you'll excuse me," she bowed and left.

Tristan looked up to the skies and smiled to himself as he watched snow beginning to fall onto the freshly plowed pavement.

"Melody, would you like to join us in the great hall for some desserts and cocoa?" Alice asked Melody as they entered the giant palace doors.

"No, thank you, I'm going to take a warm bath and then have to find my parents," Melody smiled at her and then glanced at Emmett.

"Well, your father has gone off- no one knows where to," Alice told her.

"What? He's probably still at the festival or with Uncle Adam," Melody said casually.

"No, he left late last night without telling anyone. Your mother's been a mess about it all day."

"Oh, no!" Melody looked at Emmett as she began to leave but then hesitated.

"Go," he encouraged her, "I'll be here with my family tonight." Melody rushed over to him and gave him a quick kiss on the lips in front of his family before heading off to find her mother.

"Mom?" Melody knocked on her parent's bedroom door and then opened it. Ariel was in bed in her robe and facing away from the door. "Mom? Are you awake?"

"Oh, hi, darling," Ariel turned over, drying tears from her eyes.

"What's wrong? And where's dad?" she asked her mother.

"Your father? He'll be back in a few days," Ariel said, not wanting to tell her he left because of Melody.

"Where is he?"

"I- I don't know. He only said he'd be back in a few days. He probably needed to sort something out with the trade ships or maybe it's a big surprise, I'm not sure," Ariel sat up.

"I'm so sorry, mom, I hope I didn't cause any of this," Melody said hopelessly, sitting on the side of the bed.

"No, darling, it's okay. We know you've been very busy with the festival and-" Ariel began.

"And all of that stuff that happened with Alexander last night-" Melody continued.

"No, don't feel the need to explain any of that. It's your personal life," Ariel said adamantly.

"Mom? I'd like to tell you- about what happened between us," Melody said looking at her lap. Something inside Ariel's stomach flipped. She was eager with excitement to hear all about Melody's life, just anything at all. Instead, she took a deep breath and nodded.

"Alright," Ariel said calmly, hardly able to contain herself.

"Would you mind if I take a bath first? I'm on my cycle and feel absolutely filthy."

"Of course, darling, I'll be here waiting for you whenever you're ready," Ariel told her.

"Alright, I'll be back!" Melody left the room and went back to her bedroom to have her bath drawn. She was excited to spend time with her mother especially after the eventful last few months she had had. When she was done she put on fresh rags, underwear and a warm, fuzzy robe.

Melody walked into the great hall to find Emmett's family laughing and chatting around the fireplace. Alice sat in a large tuft chair and George was on the opposite side of the fire in a chair of his own. Hugh laid down on a couch with his feet up and Lauren was laid on a pillow on the floor. Emmett sat up on the floor near Lauren.

"Sorry to interrupt," Melody said cautiously, "Emmett? Could I speak with you for a moment?"

Emmett quickly rose to his feet and met her outside the door.

"How are they? Did everything go okay? Any news on your dad?" he asked her.

"No. We don't know where he is. I know my mother is more upset by it than she's letting on. I'm going to spend some time with her right now, just wanted to let you know," Melody smiled at him. Emmett took her by the waist and gave her a gentle kiss.

"That's great, Mel. You should really be there for your mother. Hugh and I are headed out tonight it seems. Andrew invited us," he told her.

"Oh," she said, a bit surprised.

"Tristan might join as well. We'll have a proper lad's night," Emmett chuckled.

"Well, have fun," she said half-heartedly. What if Rachel is there? She thought to herself.

"Don't worry, I won't be back so late. I'm staying at the palace this week while my family is here. I have to go home and get a few things tonight as well."

"Alright," she mustered up a smile, "I'll see you in the morning?"

"Or maybe later tonight, if you're up. But, don't stay up for me. I know you must be tired."

She pulled him in by his neck for a kiss. She could hear the footsteps of someone walking behind her but she didn't care, she didn't pull away.

"Goodnight," she whispered seductively.

"Sweet dreams, my princess," he smirked, biting his bottom lip. Melody slowly pulled away and headed down the hall to her mother's room. Emmett watched her until she disappeared around the corner. Emmett walked back into the room to find his family gawking at him with dumb grins on their faces.

"What?" Emmett asked?

"We haven't said a word," George smiled at him. Emmett sat back down on the floor and stared at the fire, thinking about Melody and when he'd be next to her again.

"Just be careful, son," Alice told him, "We love you so much. You can come home at any time."

"Yes, mom, I know. I love you, too." he laughed, "I'm really enjoying it here."

"I bet you are," Hugh threw a pillow at the back of Emmett's head.

"Don't throw those pillows! They're probably worth more than we make all year!" Alice scolded him.

"I'm going to live in a palace one day," Lauren gazed into the fire.

"Keep dreaming," Hugh laughed at her.

"Dad," Emmett started, "I want to show you some work I've been doing with Marcellus tomorrow. Are you free after breakfast?"

"Of course, son, anything you'd like," George responded, "We're so proud of you."

"Alright, let's head out, Em," Hugh got up from the couch with a big stretch, "Love you, mom. Love you, dad."

"Goodnight, boys, be safe out there. It's snowing pretty heavily. Looks like there is a storm coming so don't be out too late," Alice told them as they walked out of the room.

Melody rested her head on Ariel's lap in the large, majestic bed of the room. Melody's long, black hair was still damp and sprawled out across the bed as Ariel ran her fingers through it gently. Ariel was glad to have her baby in her arms again.

"That's quite a relationship," Ariel told her, "Do you miss Alexander?"

"Sometimes," Melody answered, "But, not really. I liked the secret and I liked the bedding, of course, as twisted as it was. When he'd hold me at night after an intense evening, I'd feel safe and protected. But, I'd secretly imagine it was Emmett." Melody giggled to herself thinking of her strong, sweet Emmett.

"So, everything with Emmett is going well?"

"Apparently he's been over with Rachel for over a month! I just found out yesterday during the festival. I've been avoiding him this entire time because I thought they were still together," Melody sighed, "I have to tell you something- something I haven't told Emmett."

"What is it?"

"Today during the festival Alexander's wife showed up!"

"What?! How do you know?"

"She came over to speak to me- I was terrified," Melody sat up to tell the story.

"What did she say?"

"Well, she said she was his wife and I apologized profusely. She then smiled and took my hand and I realized Alexander was standing a good distance away, staring at her- that intense way he does. She said that she wanted to thank me for keeping him company while she was away and to thank Belle for letting him out of the dungeon," Melody recounted.

"Wow, she thanked you?!" Ariel looked shocked.

"Yes! And then, she said that Alexander apologizes for what he's done and that they would both love it if I joined them that evening- or any evening, for a night of fun. She said that there were few people who could understand their relationship and she thinks I've been the closest to experience what that's like. Isn't that insane?!"

"I can't believe it. So she asked you to join them? Is she attractive?," Ariel asked curiously.

"Uh- I guess so. I don't really like women the way Lizzy does," Melody winced.

"Oh, does Elizabeth like women?"

"I think so. I mean, I've seen her with Helena and I don't think it's been her first time with a woman. Have you ever been with a woman?" Melody asked, wondering if her mother would answer the question honestly.

"Me?" Ariel stalled, not wanting to answer the question directly, "Why would you ask me that?"

"Well, have you?" Melody insisted. Ariel sighed deeply and looked down at her lap. "You have! Who?"

"I- well. Yes, I have," Ariel said, quietly, almost ashamed, "There have been a few."

"Really?! I can't even believe it! You?" Melody said excitedly, completely shocked.

"Yes, yes, please, don't make me regret sharing that with you," Ariel said, sternly.

"Alright, you're right. I'm sorry," Melody apologized, "Who?"

"Who? Well, some you don't know or it happened before you were born."

"Any that I know?" Melody stared at her mother expectantly.

"Oh, Melody," Ariel laughed nervously, "You don't really want to know this do you?"

"Please, mom. I told you about all of those embarrassing things I liked with Alexander."

"Alright, alright- hmm, people you know," Ariel dawdled some more while she pretended to think. "Okay, Alice was one-"

"Alice?! Really?"

"Uh huh, we were much younger and you were all just babies. We put you all to bed- Lauren wasn't born yet. We were enjoying some drinks by the fire and she and I were cuddled under a blanket. We probably had one drink too many but one thing led to another and we started kissing," Ariel told Melody with a grin. Melody's mouth hung open the entire time.

"Does dad know?"

"Yes, both him and George were there. We all went to bed together that night," Ariel giggled.

"You and George, too?"

"No, your father would never allow another man to touch me. He's very possessive. He doesn't really like it when I'm with women, even if he's there," Ariel explained, clutching a pillow to her chest like an adolescent girl.

"Do you enjoy being with women?" Melody asked.

"I do," Ariel nodded, "It doesn't happen often but it does add some variety to our bed life."

"I suppose," Melody shrugged, unsure of what to say, "Anyone else?"

"Uhm, well, Jasmine a few times; some other princesses as well. Some of our staff at the castle Helena, Rebecca, Tilly-"

"Tilly?! My old nanny?"

"Yes, your father really liked her," Ariel laughed.

"And you didn't mind seeing him with these women?"

"Mostly not, because I was always there and part of it all. I wouldn't be happy if I were Alexander's wife," Ariel shook her head, "Your father didn't get involved with all of them, just a few he liked."

"Wow, I'm still in shock. You've never been with another man while with dad?" Melody asked.

"Not entirely," Ariel giggled, "I've definitely thought about it. But, I would never do that to your father."

Melody groaned and tossed her head on the pillow beside Ariel.

"My cycle has been terrible this time around," she moaned, clutching at her stomach.

"The first cycle back on land is the worst. They get better throughout the year," Ariel said, taking her hand and stroking Melody's face, "Get into bed and rest if you'd like."

Melody climbed under the sheets and Ariel did the same. The two women rested their heads against the pillows, facing each other with their knees touching.

"So," Ariel said quietly, "Are you in love?" Melody let out a big grin and bit her bottom lip.

"With Emmett? I think so. I can't picture myself with anyone else and I think about him all of the time," Melody's face became warm with excitement.

"Have you told him you love him or has he told you?"

"No, neither of us have. He used to say he wanted to marry me all of the time around the time of my ball. Seems like ages ago now, I feel so different. I just want to enjoy him and see where this goes."

"That's very wise of you, dear," Ariel said.

"Mom, I want you to know that if I chose to marry someone who isn't a prince I would give everything up to be with that person," Melody told her, without hesitation.

"Oh, darling, you wouldn't have to give anything up- I promise," Ariel pulled Melody into her body and Melody tucked her head under her mother's chin.

"I've really missed you, mom," Melody sighed into her mother's chest.

"I love you so much, Melody."

"I love you, too," Melody responded sleepily with a yawn.

There was a sudden commotion of deep voices talking and joking in the hallway.

"The men are back," Ariel giggled, "It must be late."

The next morning Melody woke up all alone in her mother's bed.

"Mom?" she called out, seeing if her mother was in the bathroom. She put her robe on and realized it must've been time for breakfast. She headed down the hall to the dining room to find everyone eating breakfast and discussing their plans for the day.

"Good morning, Melody," Ariel smiled at her.

"Good morning," Melody yawned and took her seat. She glanced over at Emmett who looked at her sternly but then looked down at his plate.

"What are your plans for today, Melody?" Belle asked her.

"Well, I have to go into town to make sure the carts are properly stored away for next year and also-"

"Don't you worry about that," Belle told her, "We have people taking care of it. Enjoy your holiday."

"Well, I guess I don't have any plans then," Melody smiled to herself. She didn't feel particularly hungry and ate a few pieces of fruit.

"George, your boys are alright," Adam laughed, "Should've seen them last night. Drinking like champions. Unlike this one here."

"Hey, I don't need to fit in with the crowd," Tristan shrugged with a smirk.

"I'm never going out with you again, your majesty," Hugh groaned, clutching at his stomach.

"Hugh!" Alice scolded him.

"Sure you will, tonight!" Adam laughed.

"Please, no- Dad!" Hugh whined playfully.

"You'll be alright, Hugh," George patted him on the back.

They all soon dispersed and Melody and Emmett dawdled behind. Melody felt butterflies whenever she saw him for the first time. She walked up to him coyly and threw her arms around his body. Emmett didn't hug her back.

"I missed you," she told him, "Emmett, are you alright?"

"Where were you last night?"

"What?" Melody pulled away.

"I went to your room when we got back and you weren't there. You weren't there this morning either. Your bed didn't look like it was slept in," Emmett said coldly.

"I fell asleep in my parent's room. I told you last night I was going to spend time with her, remember?" Melody was a bit annoyed.

"You were there all night?"

"Yes," she responded.

"You weren't out with him?"

"Him? Who is him?" she asked. Emmett glared at her suspiciously, "Alexander?! You cannot be serious right now. You went out on the town last night and I didn't ask you if you saw Rachel or any of the other thirty women you've been with. And instead of asking me, you just accuse me?"

"I did ask! Didn't I just ask?"

"You don't control me, Emmett, stop trying to act like my father!" Melody turned to leave but Emmett grabbed her wrist and pulled her near roughly.

"I do control you," he said sternly as he leaned into her face aggressively, "You're mine. I'm going to show you just how much you're mine in a few days." Emmett took his hand and slipped it between her robe, cupping her left breast and rolling her nipple between his fingers. Melody felt her insides suddenly tighten.

"Someone can walk in," she breathed, her privates beginning to throb.

"You like that anyone can walk in, don't you?" he smirked. Melody nodded. "I can't wait to taste every inch of you again. Remember that night I had my tongue deep inside of you?"

"Em, you ready to go?" George asked as he walked into the dining room and the couple quickly separated, "Oh, sorry."

"Ready to go, dad!" Emmett cheered with a big smile. "Goodbye, princess, let's make plans after lunch?" Emmett asked her in a completely different tone.

"Do you want to take the carriage?" George asked him.

"Let's take the horses, it stormed heavily last night," Emmett told his father as they walked out of the room.

Melody felt aroused and confused. It shocked her how quickly he changed from one person to another.

"How much further, son? We're going to catch our deaths out here in this cold," George complained, chattering his teeth from the cold. A trip that would've normally taken twenty minutes on horseback took them almost twice as long due to snow on the ground through the forested lands.

"We're here," Emmett smiled proudly. They came to the foot of an old cast iron gate. Emmett jumped off the horse and opened the gate as it creaked eerily.

"This is where Marcellus Rohan lives?" George asked, puzzled.

"No, it's better," Emmett beamed. The men rode down the tree-lined path that led up to a French-style manor that was covered in vines. Some of the windows were broken and the fountain near the entrance had greenery and plants growing out of it.

"Son, where are we? No one can possibly live here," George looked around, unimpressed by the condition of the place.

"Come," Emmett told him, dismounting his horse and using a large, old, skeleton key to open the double french doors. George followed his son inside and began coughing at the amount of dust that thickened the air.

"Isn't it great?" Emmett asked.

"Emmett, who owns this place?"

Emmett reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a large blue envelope that had an official red seal on the back of it.

"No!" George's eyes widened with surprise.

"I do," Emmett said proudly, "Just signed and sealed the deed last week."

"But how? How could you afford this? How much did you pay for this?" George looked around.

"It was one of Marcellus' properties. He says no one has lived here in at least thirty years. He sold me this manor and about 350 acres of the surrounding land for fifty gold," Emmett told him.

"Fifty gold?! Where did you get all of that gold? 350 acres? That's incredible. You can work this land, you know," George looked around, suddenly impressed by everything he saw.

"Oh, I know. I knew you'd appreciate it. There's so much we could do with it," Emmett said.

"We?"

"Yes, the family. I want us to have a place of our own and not live in fear of the royals threatening to take our home away."

"Oh, son!" George walked up to his son and embraced him tightly, a tear falling from his eye, "You're doing all of the things I never could as a man."

"It's alright, dad," Emmett hugged him back, "I'm doing everything you've raised me to do. I have you to thank."

"I'm so proud of you! Proud isn't even the word- I'm embarrassed by how many emotions I have right now!" George's eyes watered.

"Let me show you the best part," Emmett said eagerly and darted up the large foyer stairs. George followed behind him, looking at every detail he could take in.

Emmett went through a tall set of doors to what looked like a master bedroom

"Look at this," Emmett opened an old dusty curtain that made George sneeze. You could see the entire ocean over a bed of trees.

"Wow. What's at the end there?" George asked.

"A small cliff overlooking a beach," Emmett informed him, "I'm going to build her a staircase so that she can always come home to me."

"She?"

"Melody," Emmett smiled, gazing at the water.

"So, you did all this for Melody, huh," George smiled and wrapped his arm around his son as they overlooked the water.

"She's the love of my life. When she leaves for the ocean, I always want her to find her way home to me."

Tristan watched from a distance as Gisella helped shovel the show from around the inn with the rest of the vendors, eager to leave for the holidays.

"Do you need a hand?" he called out as he approached her.

"No," she responded. As she turned away Tristan noticed she cracked a slight smile. He darted over her way, his pants getting wet- knee-deep in snow.

"I'm sorry you're trapped here," he told her.

"I'm sure you are, your highness," she answered, looking away.

"I am. If I could take the storm back I would. But, it was too late. By the time it started snowing it was already out of my control," he explained to her.

"There's nothing I want more than to see you get home safely," he added, "Well, getting a hot chocolate with you or a cup of coffee would top that… Come on, Gisella. Why do you hate me? We were having such a great time yesterday."

"Alright," she gave in, "Just for a half hour."

"We can do so much in a half hour," he joked.

Emmett walked up to Melody's bedroom door and knocked a few times before straightening his hair and tucking in his shirt.

He was surprised when Ariel opened the door.

"Oh, hello, your highness," he bowed nervously.

"Good afternoon, Emmett," Ariel smiled, noticing for the first time how handsome he had become. He looked like a perfect blend of both George and Alice, unlike Hugh who looked a lot like George.

"How are you this early evening?" he asked awkwardly.

"I'm great. How are you?"

"Great, as well, I suppose," he responded, glancing behind her for a sight of Melody.

"See you later, Mom," Melody barged past Ariel and took Emmett by the hand.

"Goodbye, princess Ariel," Emmett said as Melody pulled him down the hall.

Melody dragged him down all the way to the great hall and closed the door behind them. Emmett pressed his lips to hers almost immediately and lifted her up off the ground as they kissed.

"I missed you," she breathed as he brought her over to a long chaise near the far end of the room.

"I've missed you," he huffed, laying her down on the chaise and positioning his body over hers. Emmett slowed down his kisses, not wanting to get himself too excited. Melody held his face near hers with her arms around his neck.

Emmett shifted his body beside hers, both on their sides as they kissed.

"How was your day?" he asked her, as their kissing died down.

"Fine," Melody moved her body on top of his, not wanting to stop.

"Look at this view!" Emmett turned his head and admired the snow-covered mountainside the window faced. Melody sighed deeply and rested her head on his chest.

"It is very beautiful," she said, watching the snowfall against the boulders. Emmett laid on his back on the chaise and Melody adjusted herself beside him with one leg over his body.

They watched in silence for a moment, Melody anxious to know what Emmett was thinking and Emmett just enjoying the view next to his most treasured person in the holiday-themed room.

"If someone would've told me a week ago I'd be here like this with you, I would've said they're crazy," he told her.

"Why's that?"

"I didn't know how you felt about me," he told her.

"I was telling my mother about you," she confessed with a giggle.

"Oh, yeah? What did you tell her? Is that why she was looking at me like that?"

"I think she looks at everyone like that. I was just just giving her details about what happened between us-"

"Wait, did you tell her everything?" he asked nervously.

"Yes, I told her. I told her about how good I feel when I'm with you and how much I miss you when you're not around. I told her about how kind, industrious and talented you are."

"Wow, that's embarrassing," Emmett said, his cheeks glowing a shade of red.

"Embarrassing? No way," she rubbed her hand against his chest. They gazed out the majestic windows as they embraced each other warmly.

"What do you want us to be?" Melody asked him, hesitantly.

"Uh, what do you mean?"

"You and I, how far would you like to take it?" Melody asked, looking up at Emmett.

"Uhm, as far as you feel comfortable. We have no need to rush anything," he reassured her, nervous to say what he really felt and scaring her away. "Do you like the city or the country?"

"Hmm, both. I'd like to live somewhere where I can be near the ocean and the city and the country," she laughed, "I want everything!"

"You wouldn't live in the palace? Or a castle?" he asked.

"Would you like to live in a palace or a castle?"

"Only if you're there," he smiled, "But, no, it's too big and too cold. I don't feel comfortable living somewhere where I don't know the names of the people who are in and out of my home."

"It's a bit impersonal. Everyone knows you when you're in the royal family. They all cater to you. You never know if you have any real friends or if they're just paid to pretend."

"So, no castles," he laughed, "Near the beach, in the country, near the city- got it. What else would you like?"

"Hmm, a garden and a terrace!"

"We can do that," he smiled to himself.

"Oh and the horses of course."

"Of course. How many bedrooms?"

"Two, three? I don't know. It's just for us," she snuggled into him more tightly.

"What about clothes? Jewelry?"

"I don't need that stuff, Emmett," she scrunched her nose, "How about you? What would you like?"

"Just you," he smiled and kissed the top of her head.

"I knew you'd say that. But, seriously- you need an art room and a studio for your sculptures. We can get two barns, one for the horses and one for you!"

"But where will you sleep?" he joked. But she ignored him.

"And there needs to be good lighting, big, warm fireplaces, blankets in every room," she went on.

"We need a chicken coop for eggs and a few cows for milk," he told her.

"Yes! I've never milked a cow. Is it easy?"

"Easy enough, I'll show you if you'd like."

"I want a dog, no two dogs! One big and one small," her eyes lit up.

"Oh? Two? What would you name them?"

"Hmm, Max and Lady,"

"Ah, good names. I've always wanted to have a dog," Melody said, her leg falling between his. She could feel the firmness in his pants. "Are you erect?" she sat up and asked him with a grin.

"From kissing earlier," he admitted. Melody reached down and rubbed over his pants.

"Mel, stop," he squirmed with a fearful look in his eye, "Someone can walk in."

Melody buried her hand underneath the band of his pants and took a firm hold of him in her palm.

"It's just for a little while," she lifted herself up to kiss him, "You can finish quickly, can't you?" She began to stroke him firmly.

"Mhh, if we get caught I'm telling them you seduced me," he began to thrust his hips up toward her palm.

"What happened to the big, tough guy you were earlier?" she teased him.

"He's around here somewhere," he kissed her back, "Are you still on your cycle?"

"Uh huh, until Friday," she whispered into his mouth, "Why? What would you do if I weren't?"

"So many things," he responded.

"Tell me. Close your eyes," she instructed as she continued to stroke him, "What do you picture yourself doing to me?"

"Me undressing you completely, licking every inch of your body, having you suck on me, then you tell me it's your first time and want me to be gentle…"

"You like bedding virgins like me?" she whispered in his ear. He nodded with a groan.

"Just you," he smiled and kissed her intensely.

The two doors to the room suddenly slammed open making the couple jump up. Emmett quickly hid his erection back into his pants.

"Where is everyone?!" a female voice shouted into the room.

"Lizzy?" Melody stood up from the chaise where they laid and rushed to the door to hug her cousin.

"Hey, Mel, look at you!"

"You look beautiful!" Melody gave Elizabeth a warm embrace, "You're so cold- did you just arrive?" Elizabeth wore an elegant green gown underneath her coat and her hair half-up in a clasp, flowing over her shoulders and down her chest to her waist. Much different than the side braid and pants she usually adorned.

"Just now- and look who is here," Elizabeth smirked. Emmett walked up behind Melody and bowed.

"Hello, your highness," he said quietly. Elizabeth stared at his crotch and let out a smirk.

"You bad girl!" Elizabeth squealed at Melody.

"Lizzy!" Lauren's voice footsteps echoed through the halls.

"My love!" Elizabeth shouted with arms open. Lauren jumped into Elizabeth's arms and Elizabeth picked her up and twirled her around.

"How was Rotherham? Did you love it? Can you take me next time?" Lauren bombarded her with questions.

"I got something for you," Elizabeth pulled a letter out of her jacket. Lauren's eyes nearly bulged out of her face.

"A letter? From James?!" Lauren snatched the letter from her hand and tore it open.

"What does he say?" Melody asked.

"He's- wait, no! Really?!" Lauren asked, before dashing out the door and down the hallway.

"What's going on?" Melody asked Elizabeth, "Is James here?" Elizabeth nodded with a big smile on her face.

"I better go check on her," Emmett said protectively, he tried to leave but Elizabeth stopped him.

"Leave the girl alone. Worry about your own love life," Elizabeth stopped him with a hand on his chest, "What's going on with you two anyway? Are you both madly in love yet?"

The couple became suddenly quiet and Melody looked down at the ground.

"She knows how I feel about her," Emmett said, looking over at Melody for a response.

"Is Harrison here?" Melody asked her, changing the subject. Elizabeth nodded eagerly.

"He's in my room."

"Are you madly in love yet?" Melody mimicked her.

"Absolutely are. He drives me crazy but I love him," Elizabeth said adamantly. Melody felt suddenly uncomfortable. She could feel the pressure of Emmett's eyes on her.

"I'm so happy for you, Lizzy," Melody told her with a smile.

"I'll leave you back to it. I have to find father," Elizabeth said before turning to leave. Melody walked over and closed the door behind her.

She leaned against it as she looked up at Emmett with a smile.

"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked her.

"Talk about what?" she asked coyly. Emmett exhaled deeply, frustrated by her response.

"Nevermind," he sighed.

"Em, look, I-"

"Stop. Let's not complicate things," Emmett said. He walked over to the fire and added a few more logs.

"We're planning our lives together. You must know how I feel about you."

"I know, Mel," he said quietly with a nod.

"Things were so much less complicated with Alexander," she blurted.

"What did you say?"

"I mean, we never really had to communicate about anything."

"Are you trying to hurt me?" Emmett asked, a little loudly as he made his way back toward her.

"No! I didn't mean it the way it came out. I just mean that there are much more complex feelings involved between us," she tried to correct her comment and calm him down.

"Well, you know where to find him," Emmett said before making his way out of the room.

"Emmett, stop!" she pulled his arm, "Please, don't go! I'm sorry."

"Why do you say things like that?"

"I don't know. I- this is new to me. Emmett, you know I care about you," she said looking up at him with her big blue eyes.

"I hate when you talk about him. I hate what he did to you."

"I know," Melody said, throwing her arms around him. Emmett brought a hand to her head and stroked her hair as she let out a deep sigh of relief.

Elizabeth felt her heart racing when seeing Hugh and George walking down the hall toward her as she left her room.

"Princess Elizabeth, beautiful as always," George bowed, "How was your trip?"

"It was great! The ride home was grueling but we made it through sleet and snow!" she replied charismatically.

George noticed that Elizabeth and Hugh were making strong eye contact with one another.

"I'll uh- leave you two to catch up," George said softly before continuing to head to his room.

"You look great, Lizzy," Hugh said, unsure of where to start.

"Thank you, you do as well," she responded. She had always had a strong attraction to Hugh since they were children. He fought back words as he continued to stare at her. Elizabeth inhaled and exhaled deeply, hoping to simmer her thoughts.

"I really want to touch you," he blurted, leaning slightly closer to her.

"I can't do that anymore, Hugh," she said gazing at his lips.

"Can't do what?" he stepped closer to her.

The door to Elizabeth's room opened and out walked Harrison.

"Elizabeth, are you ready to go?" Harrison asked. He walked over to Elizabeth and smoothly placed his arm around her waist. Harrison didn't acknowledge Hugh, instead walked Elizabeth right past him.

Hugh continued to the room where his parents were staying. His father was shaving in the bathroom mirror.

"Olivia is a nice girl, son," George said, almost pleading with Hugh.

"I know, she's great," Hugh said casually, secretly seething about Harrison.

"I know it may not be as wild and passionate as you'd like. But, she is very caring and would make a great wife and mother. That's something you have to start giving thought to at your age," George continued.

"I don't know. Sometimes I feel as if I'm too young to start a family. I haven't seen enough, done enough. Emmett has his talent and was able to leave Meridian. I feel, well, stuck," Hugh sat on the edge of the bed and looked down at the marble floor.

"What would you do if you could leave?"

"I don't know. I guess I never thought about it."

"Well, Emmett is gone and Lauren is one foot out the door first chance she gets. You're going to leave me and your mother all alone?"

"Come on, dad, you won't be alone. Besides, I'm not going anywhere- yet," Hugh chuckled. "Dad? How do you know when it's real love?"

"You know, I loved your mother the moment I saw her. We were young adolescents and although I got her to myself for most of the year, I had to suffer through watching her pine over Adam for two or three months. It was torture. He wasn't very nice then, either. He broke my arm one summer, I caught a terrible fever from an infection," George recounted as he wiped his face, "Your mother and I grew closer and their trips became more and more infrequent and for shorter periods of time. In time, it seemed that she forgot about him altogether."

"Wow, dad, I'm not sure that's a great example of love," Hugh scratched his head curiously.

"Love can withstand anything, son," George beamed, with a big smile on his face. Hugh pitied his father and how he settled for second place. But he knew for himself that there were only a few selections of women in Meridian. Hugh decided then and there that he had nothing to lose.

"What do you think of the palace?" Tristan asked Gisella as they walked through the music room that had a small stage, a grand piano in one corner, and a harp in another.

"It's beautiful," she smiled, "I never thought I'd see the inside of a palace."

"Stick with me and I'll show you whatever you want," Tristan said smoothly. He had kept his word and didn't touch her- which was difficult for him. It was already late in the evening and the pair had missed dinner with the family.

They heard rapid footsteps outside of the room and soon Adam appeared at the door in a panic.

"Hey, copper-top, can you hem a band? It ripped on the edge and I can't find anyone anywhere," Adam fussed around with the green band around his waist.

"Your majesty!" Gisella bowed down graciously at the king. Adam looked at the young woman and then at Tristan and smirked.

"You're on your own, big-mouth," Tristan chuckled at Adam.

"If I may, your majesty," Gisella said, reaching for the needle and thread in his hand. Adam handed her the thread. "Would you mind taking it off so that I can fix it?"

"That's the thing, it doesn't fit me anymore- that's why it ripped. It's my favorite, if I take it off I'll wreck it," Adam sounded worried.

"That's why you have to lay off the creampuffs," Tristan joked. Adam made a gesture as if to slap him which made Tristan dart out of the way.

"Lay down here and I'll fix it for you," Gisella said warmly. Adam laid down on the chaise and let Gisella get to work.

"Do you work in the chambers?" Adam asked her.

"No," she shook her head, not at all embarrassed by the question.

"She and her grandfather are in town for the festival. They were snowed in so I brought her by for a tour of the palace," Tristan said quickly.

"You're very beautiful," Adam told her as he glanced at Tristan and grinned.

"Thank you, your majesty," she responded with a shy smile, "I have to rest my arm on you for a moment if you don't mind."

"Of course," Adam said, placing his hands behind his head on the chaise casually. Gisella gently grazed the area where his torso and hips met with her elbow. From Tristan's angle, their position almost looked sexual.

"Uncle Adam, why have you gotten so fat?" Tristan asked. Adam scowled and looked for Gisella's reaction. She looked up at him and then back down at the band.

"It shrunk on me, I'm not sure how that happened," he said to her.

"The six creampuffs you had for dessert know how," Tristan mocked him.

"How did a nice girl like you get involved with a deviant like this?" he asked her and she giggled to herself. "You should consider working here. We always make good use of beautiful chambermaids." Adam stroked her hair with his large hand and then tucked a few strands behind her ear.

"My father also enjoys cream puffs. I had to let out all his shirts and bands last year as well," she said to him with a smirk, ignoring his suggestion. Adam's face went still and it made Tristan giggle. "All done, your majesty. Good as new," Gisella announced proudly as she slipped the band up back into place, "Just be careful taking it off. There isn't much give."

"Yeah, yeah," Adam muttered, "It looks great. Thank you." Adam got up from the chaise and made his way over to the door. "Are you kids going out or staying in tonight?"

"I'm not sure," Tristan responded, "I haven't seen John all day so I think I will be staying in for tonight."

"I'll be at the North East tavern tonight. Any word from Eric?" Adam asked. Tristan shook his head. "Tomorrow morning, we'll check the mirror. Have a good night!" Adam began to leave the room and then turned around. "Here! Catch," he tossed Tristan a coin sack, "That's for her."

Tristan handed Gisella the sack with a big smile on his face. Adam was soon out of sight. Gisella looked at Tristan cautiously and then opened the sack and let out a sharp gasp before closing it quickly.

"This is too much!" she shook her head at him in disbelief.

"Hey, I don't know. Take it up with the king," Tristan said, throwing his hands up in the air.

"Tristan! Where've you been all day?" John seemed to appear out of the shadows of the halls.

"Oh! You scared me. I've been around," Tristan smiled and motioned to Gisella.

"I'm Prince-"

"Prince John," Gisella bowed, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"This is Gisella," Tristan introduced the young woman. John walked over and kissed Gisella's hand.

"It's a pleasure to have you here," John smiled and gave her a wink. "We're in the bathhouse tonight, Tris, if you'd like to join."

"Where is that?" Tristan asked.

"East wing, on the way to the north gardens."

"I want the bubbles!" Elizabeth squealed from inside the large, heated pool. The air smelled of cedar and pine wood. The room was so humid the walls were sweating.

"Would you like the windows opened so that it vents the air?" one of the male masseuses asked.

"Yes, that's good," Elizabeth responded. The masseuses soon added a liquid mixture to the water creating a layer of thick, foamy bubbles.

Hugh was already in the tub with her, pulling on her arm.

"Stop, Harrison will be here any minute," she warned him with a sly grin on her face.

"I don't care about Harrison," he told her firmly. Hugh wrapped his arms around her from behind, caressing her breasts and trailing one hand down in between her legs.

"Mhh," Elizabeth moaned, turning her head to meet Hugh's lips for a kiss.

"I love you, Lizzy. You know I do," Hugh whispered against her lips.

"I know. I love you, too," she sighed before kissing him again. Elizabeth's heart raced like it always did when Hugh was around. Growing up she had always craved his attention, either positive or negative.

"Leave with me."

"Elizabeth!" Harrison shouted from the entrance to the bathhouse.

"Harry! Come- join us," Elizabeth smiled at him, feeling Hugh's grip around her even more tightly. Harrison was confused, he wasn't sure what to feel. Surely he was justified in feeling angry.

"What are you doing?"

"We're just having some fun. Come, get in," she laughed as Hugh kissed her neck, "No clothes." Harrison hesitated a moment before removing his robe and hanging it on the wall. He walked over to the tub and placed a hand in the water as he watched just the heads of Elizabeth and Hugh poking through the sea of white bubbles. He climbed the small steps up into the tub and then slowly eased his naked, muscular body in.

"Mhh," Elizabeth purred as she pulled away from Hugh, "I missed you, my darling." She wrapped her arms around Harrison's neck and placed a deep wet kiss on his lips. Hugh felt suddenly defeated and sat up against the perch that hugged the perimeter of the tub. He glared angrily as the two continued to kiss.

"Room for one more?" John asked at the doorway.

"Always!" Hugh cheered at him. John noticed the love triangle as he sank deeper into the heated water.

"What's he doing here?" Harrison whispered to Elizabeth, motioning toward Hugh- although everyone could hear.

"Just relax, have some fun," she told him. Hugh and Harrison locked eyes like two bulls, neither of them wanting to be the first to look away. "Stop that!" she scolded both of them and then laughed.

"I don't want you engaging with him," Harrison told her sternly, guiding her away from Hugh toward the corner of the tub.

"The Lizzy I know wouldn't let herself be controlled by a man," Hugh said nonchalantly.

"No," Elizabeth pulled away, "You don't control me."

"Elizabeth, don't start," Harrison warned her. Elizabeth turned away from him and bounced her way back to Hugh in the water. Hugh looked at Harrison and smiled cheekily.

"Why, hello there," Hugh smirked at her right before she stood between his legs and wrapped her wet arms around his neck.

"Okay, you're right. I'm sorry," Harrison blurted, feeling his pressure rise. Elizabeth kissed Hugh hungrily, unashamed of her feelings for him. "Come on, that's enough," Harrison followed behind her to where Hugh sat and tried to take her by the arm. She turned her body to face him and Hugh quickly wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her up to sit on his lap. Hugh's fingers found her breasts beneath the water.

"Kiss me, Harry," she teased him seductively, extending her arm to grab a firm hold of his member beneath the water. "Wow, you're a bit firm under there."

"Stop that, come on- let's go," he said seriously. Elizabeth stroked him with her left hand, inching him closer to her more slowly.

"Kiss me, darling," she purred before standing up to kiss Harrison. He was resistant at first but then slowly succumb to the princess' erotic spell. He often felt as if he were in a dream around her; a crazy, erotic, sensual, sick dream. Hugh tugged on Elizabeth's waist gently and guided her onto his lap once more, she pulled Harrison along with her.

Elizabeth felt Hugh's hand stroking her neck before he removed her hair out of the way and sucked on it tenderly as she kissed Harrison. She brought her hands down to Hugh's thighs and realized that Harrison's legs were pressed against Hugh's knees. The thought of their bodies touching underneath the water brought her great arousal.

John watched from the sidelines as his sister managed to make two grown men who were in love with her bend to her sexual prowess.

"Hello, hello," Andrew cheered as he entered the room accompanied by two women, "Princess Elizabeth is back and now we can really party!"

"She's a bit preoccupied," John turned and watched as Andrew and the two women undressed. He knew one of them was meant for him, of course. He stroked himself underneath the water as he admired the contoured muscles of Andrew's back and buttocks- hoping he could keep it up long enough for when the women were around.

"I'm glad we decided not to join your cousins in the bath," Gisella said as they entered Tristan's bedroom, "The princess seemed a bit scary."

"Elizabeth? She's harmless," he said, "But, I'm glad you're here. Thank you for spending the day with me."

Tristan hadn't laid a hand on her all day- as promised. He knew the game he was playing but wasn't so sure he'd win. The accomplishment for the day was getting her back to his room as he had with so many others. He knew that some women liked aggressivity while others preferred passivity.

"Do you bring many women here?" she asked him as she looked around the large room.

"What do you mean?" he asked, placing a few logs into the fire.

"I can't imagine I'm the first woman to see the inside of your bedroom."

Tristan walked over to her and took her by the hands.

"Chambermaids are in and out of here so I'd say you're right," he smiled. Gissella only focused on his lips as she felt the warmth of his body leaning closer toward her.

"Do you prefer to be here or in your castle down south?"

"You've asked me that already," he told her, bending down to give her a soft kiss on the lips. "Sorry, I had to. It's getting late. Would you like me to accompany you back to the inn?"

Gissella jumped up and pressed her mouth on his, letting his tongue dance with hers wildly. As they kissed, Tristan slowly undid the ties behind her dress. He had already planned out how he'd undress her.

"Tristan, I- I've never done this before," she panted as he kissed down her neck and to her chest.

"Me neither," he chuckled, continuing to tug at her cleavage.

"I'm serious. I was waiting for marriage or someone special- like you," she said sweetly, embracing his head.

"Uggghhh!" he groaned into her chest. For a moment he thought about Sienna and how much he missed her. He thought about the long nights they spent together and the way she'd look up at him when she'd smile.

"What's wrong?"

"I can't take your innocence," he said regrettably.

The door to Tristan's room flew open and in stormed Melody with Emmett not too far behind her.

"Tris!" she called out, panicked and nearly out of breath, "It's dad!"