Chapter 3

Disclaimer: I don't own The Little Mermaid. I'm just borrowing. Only the story belongs to me.

Note: Previously, in "Many Happy Returns," Ariel meets Eric and he asks her out on a date, during which they have a steamy interlude.

Hey, guys! I had an idea in my head about this next chapter of my Little Mermaid AU for a while, but didn't get the opportunity to write it out because of other obligations in my real life. But I think I can work on it now. No spoilers, just relax and enjoy.

Eric's Mansion – Early Next Morning…

The rays of the morning sun seemed to dance across his face as Ariel watched Eric sleep. She had managed to slip out of bed and get dressed. While what they shared last night was amazing, she knew she would have to get back to her sisters and Sebastian before they called the authorities and reported her kidnapped. The temptation to stay was overwhelming, but Ariel couldn't give in. She quietly grabbed her shoes and tiptoed to the door. As she turned the knob, she was startled by a grunting sound.

Shit, she thought. I hope he doesn't wake up. If he wakes up, I'll never get out of here.

Fortunately, her fears were unfounded when Eric didn't wake up, but shifted positions. She let out a sigh of relief and exited the bedroom, closing the door behind her. Once outside, Ariel made her way downstairs to the foyer.

"My, this is a surprise. Usually, Eric is the one leaving the girl, not the other way around."

Ariel heard a voice behind her and turned to see a well-dressed older gentleman standing there. Who's this guy? I didn't see him last night. And how does he know about Eric?

"I'm sorry," she said. "Who are you?"

"Forgive me, my dear, I didn't mean to startle you," the older man said. "My name is Grimsby. May I ask your name?"

"I'm Ariel Waterford," said Ariel. "How do you know about Eric, Grimsby? Are you his father or his grandfather?"

Grimsby laughed. "Oh no, I'm not related to Eric at all. You could say I'm his personal assistant." He saw the confused look on her face. "Eric didn't tell you he was a prince, did he?"

Ariel couldn't believe what she was hearing. Eric was a prince? She knew he was rich, judging from the fact he lived in a mansion, but a prince? Shit, I spent my birthday losing my virginity to a prince? Quata and the others aren't going to believe this. If anything, they'll probably be jealous.

"No, he didn't," she said. "I just assumed he was the heir to some fortune."

"Well, you got the heir part right," said Grimsby. "Eric is the heir to his father's throne. The only way he can secure it is to find a suitable wife. Unfortunately, he hasn't found a girl worthy of such a thing."

"In other words, he's a playboy." Ariel said. Great, it's just my luck to have gone on a date with a guy who's not only a prince, but I'm not even the first girl he's been with.

She then looked at her watch and saw what time it was. It was almost 7:00. "Oh no, is it that late already? I have to get back to the hotel before my sisters wonder what happened to me."

"Fear not, my dear, I've called a cab for you," said Grimsby. "It should be arriving any minute now. And I'll give Eric your regards when I see him."

Ariel scowled and when she went to the door, she saw a cab pulling up outside. She thanked Grimsby and quickly ran to catch it. She climbed in and told the driver the name of the hotel. As the cab drove away, Ariel reached into her purse, took out her phone and saw she had a dozen missed calls, as well as a voice message. She scrolled through the numbers and came across Aquata's number, which she immediately dialed. She felt her heart pound as she waited for her sister to answer.

"Ariel?"

"Yes, Quata, it's me," she said. "I saw that you tried to call me."

"Yeah, I did," said Aquata. "Sebastian asked me where you were last night and I told him you weren't feeling well. It seemed to work, but I got the feeling he was a bit suspicious. Anyway, where are you? Did you have a good time with the guy you met?"

"Funny you should mention him," said Ariel. "Turns out he's a prince."

"A prince? Like in the fairy tales we read as kids?"

"Sort of, yes," said Ariel. "I found out from his 'assistant' that he's been with other women while looking for a wife. I just had the best night of my life and it turns out I wasn't his first. Wouldn't you believe it?"

"Well, we're heading back to the States, so I doubt you'll see him again," said Aquata. "Oh, and Daddy called last night, wanting you wish you Happy Birthday. I told him you were resting. Let me tell you, it took me an hour to convince him it wasn't serious."

Ariel bit her lip. Looks like I'll have to call Daddy and explain before he gets too worried. "I'll call him later and put his mind at ease. I'm in the cab right now and should be at the hotel within an hour or two."

"All right, I'll see you when you get here," said Aquata. "Be safe, okay?"

Ariel promised to be careful, told her sister she loved her, and hung up, sighing as she sat back against the seat. She wondered what Eric was doing right now, even though she was still reeling from what Grimsby had revealed to her.

That Same Moment…

Eric found the note Ariel had left for him. He had woken up to find she wasn't next to him. Not that he was expecting her to stay for a morning after, but it still disappointed him to find her gone. He pulled his boxers on, as well as a bathrobe, and exited the room, the paper still in his hand. He headed downstairs and found Grimsby waiting for him.

"If you're looking for your guest, she just left in the cab," he said. "She was quite a charming young lady, if I do say so myself."

Eric ignored that and said, "You didn't tell her, did you? I was going to tell her when the time was right."

"Oh, come now, Eric, be reasonable," said Grimsby. "You don't think she's your future bride, do you? She's a tourist."

"To you, she might be a tourist, but she's more than that to me," said Eric. "After what happened between us last night, there's no doubt in my mind she's the one from my dreams. No matter what it takes, I'll find her and marry her."

"For your sake, I hope you're right," said Grimsby. "I'd hate to be in your shoes when it turns out she's the wrong fit for the kingdom."

He didn't wait for the younger man to answer him and walked away. Eric sighed and watched him go. You can doubt me all you want, Grim, but I know Ariel is the one for me. She's so much different from the others and if it takes the rest of my life, I'll prove to her I'm more than just some playboy prince she spent the night with.

Note: Well, as a reward for your patience, here is Chapter 3 of my AU. Don't worry, this is not the last time Ariel and Eric see each other. I definitely plan on them reuniting. I just have to plan it out.

ENJOY THE UPDATE AND REMEMBER TO REVIEW!