I hope you all are liking the story so far! It's pretty fun for me to see where this story goes since I haven't written an Ariel/Jim fanfiction before. Here, Ariel gets to see the village with the two young men.

Chapter 3

Ariel stared at the creature attached to the thing that was called a carriage. It was taller than her and had four legs, like the dog. But it wasn't covered in hair like the dog. At least not long hair. The hair all over the creature was very short, aside from its tail, and the hair going down its neck. And its feet were like nothing she's seen on any creature before. What in the name of Neptune is this thing? She came up closer to pet the creature, and it made a sound, which made her jump back, startled.

"Stay away from it, Ariel. You never know what that ting is or what it can do," Sebastian muttered from her skirt pocket. He has been with her since she entered into the palace yesterday. She stepped away from the large creature a few steps.

"Ariel," she heard behind her and she turned and saw Prince Eric walking up to her out of the massive front double doors to the castle. She smiled at him, and wished she could use her voice. Maybe, if she played her shells right, the prince would kiss her at the end of the day. Or hopefully before. A tour of the village is bound to spark something. She will just need to get him alone. "I see you met Sandy."

Sandy? That was this creature's name? She mouthed "What is it?" but Eric did not seem to catch on. He turned and someone came into view behind him. It was Cadet Hawkins! Her blue eyes widened as he came up and joined the two. Eric said, "Cadet Hawkins here is going to join us. Part of his job is to provide protection for me, and you as well."

He's going with them? So much for getting Eric alone. The cadet smiled and made a bow. "At your service, Miss Ariel."

Why did her heart have to start beating faster? She made a little bow as well. Sebastian muttered, "I have a bad feeling about dis..."

Eric said, "While he is going to be our protector, he is also going to be an interpreter for us. I heard that he can read lips pretty well, so I figured he would come in handy."

He's going to be an interpreter! Like earlier, he will understand everything that I mouth to him! She came up to him and pointed to the large tan creature. "What is that?"

"That's a horse," Cadet Hawkins said, and Ariel made a face. A horse? Like dog, she has never heard of it. Cadet Hawkins leaned over to Eric and said, "She just asked what the animal was."

Both men gave each other a surprised look, and then both their gazes landed on Ariel. Questions filled both of their eyes. She really needed to explain herself, at least, as much as she could without revealing anything crucial about where she came from. She started to mouth, and Cadet Hawkins stood at attention so he could catch what she is going to say, "Where I am from, we do not have creatures like that." She pointed to the horse. "Or like that." She pointed to the dog who was sitting at her feet, panting. "There are a lot of things here that I don't know or understand, so don't think that I'm crazy. I'm still learning."

Cadet Hawkins beamed, and tried to hold in laughter. What about what she said was so funny? He cleared his throat, trying to attain dignified composure. "Well, she just said that where she's from, she doesn't have animals like horses or dogs. And there are a lot of things that she doesn't know or understand. She just doesn't want us to think that she's crazy."

Eric smiled at her and gave her a gentle look. "Ariel, we don't think that you're crazy. We may have been surprised, but now that we know that you are trying to adjust to being here, we will help you in any way we can."

He looked to Cadet Hawkins and he nodded in agreement. Ariel smiled in gratitude. "Thank you."

"I caught that one," Eric said. "Forgive me, Ariel. I just can't read lips as well as Cadet Hawkins. He was trained to do so at the academy he went to."

Ariel knew a little about the military, but for her kingdom. They had army ranks and chiefs, and her father is the head general since he is the king. The men who wanted to join the army ranks went to what's called an aqua academy where they would learn the skills they need in order to serve and perform their duties. She nodded to Eric's explanation.

"Well, shall we go?" Eric asked, and held out his hand. "Ladies first."

She took his firm hand, and tingles swam up her arm like little guppies in her blood stream. She had the same reaction when she took Cadet Hawkins's hand earlier. Maybe it was just a normal reaction to touching a man. A rather handsome one. Both Eric and Cadet Hawkins are very handsome young men. She figured that there will be a lot of head turns from the female population in the village they're visiting.

She was helped up into the carriage and Eric came in after her, as well as Cadet Hawkins. She was at the farthest right of the carriage with Eric in the center and Cadet Hawkins sitting next to them. Ariel only imagined what it would be like to sit in between the two. Both of them made her feel things that she hasn't felt before. She has liked merboys her age before, but that was only an attraction. Here, these two young men actually made her heart flutter, her pulse rise, and made heat travel up to her hairline. No man has ever affected her in such a way before. Why did there have to be two of them?

But I am in love with Eric. Maybe what I'm feeling towards Cadet Hawkins now is like what I felt towards those merboys.

The carriage went on and Ariel watched as the scenery went by. They traveled down a road that had a clear view of the sea on her right. She looked off into the horizon and knew that Atlantica was just below it a ways. Was it bad that she didn't miss her sea home? She looked to the front and watched the horse trot on the dirt road. It was fascinating, the way it moved. She looked at the ropes that Eric was holding, then at his face. He noticed her look at him.

"What is it?"

"What do the ropes do?" she mouthed, and Eric turned to Cadet Hawkins and nudged him. He looked over and Eric told him that Ariel was trying to say something. Eric asked her to repeat it, so she did.

"She's asking what the ropes do," Cadet Hawkins said.

"Oh," Eric said and held up the roes. "These are called reigns. They help drive the horse. You see, they are connected to a piece of metal in the horse's mouth called a bit. When you pull on the reigns, it causes the horse to halt." He demonstrated and the horse stopped. "Then, when you jangle the reigns and click your tongue, the horse moves forward again." He demonstrated, and the horse continued walking. Ariel was in awe. This was just like how they tied up and drove the dolphins and other fish that pulled their shell carriages back at home.

"I understand," she mouthed, and Cadet Hawkins repeated aloud. Ariel's heart jumped when she realized that he was watching her the whole time Eric was explaining. Well, he would have to if he wanted to catch what she was trying to say. "We have similar techniques we use with our... creatures."

"She said that they have similar techniques with the creatures she has where she's from," Cadet Hawkins said. Eric looked from him to Ariel for a moment.

"I think it would be a wise idea to have Cadet Hawkins sit in the middle so it will be easier for him to interpret for Ariel," Eric said. "But on the way back. We're almost to the village."

"Yes, your majesty," Cadet Hawkins said.

Ariel could not stop herself from liking the idea of Cadet Hawkins sitting next to her. What was wrong with her? She needs to be completely glued to Eric's side so the curse can be broken. She has only until sunset tomorrow. She needs to get him alone at some point during the day. But she won't push herself at him. A few of her sisters have tried that on some mermen, and they always were turned off by that. Eric was not a merman, but was a man. He was probably the same way. She needs to be quick but subtle.

"There's the village," Eric said, and Ariel saw that some houses came into view. She could see this village from her bedroom window since it was so high up in one of the castle's towers. It was fascinating seeing these little structures up close. Once they got more into town, she awed at the streets, the houses, the people... so many people! She's never seen so many humans at once! She started to bounce up and down gleefully and she heard the two men with her laugh, and Cadet Hawkins said, "I think she's excited."

"I think so, too," Eric said, and pulled on the reigns. "Whoa..."

The horse stopped where other carriages sat near a busy square in the village, and Cadet Hawkins, Eric, then Ariel exited the carriage. Eric helped her out and she came really close to his face as she stepped down. Her eyes widened, as did his. Her heart started to pound as they stared at one another for a moment. If only they were in a secluded area. She could just lean in a little and...

"Look, it's Prince Eric!" some woman shouted, and people started to surround him and talk all at once. Cadet Hawkins stood with him, but did not stop all the people who were beginning to swarm him like a school of fish. They all seemed friendly enough, and were just excited to see their prince. Maybe Cadet Hawkins felt like they weren't a threat. Said young man turned his head in Ariel's direction and said,

"People are always like this when they see the prince. Everywhere I go with him, this always happens."

She nodded, understanding. Merfolk would flock around her and her family at times because they are royalty. She knew how prince Eric felt.

The people started to disperse, and the trio were finally able to walk around. Ariel jumped to every street stall that she could and looked at all the human objects that were being sold. She stopped where there was a large gathering of people, particularly children. They were watching a large box with miniature people moving around in it and talking. Curious, she went over for a closer look. The little people were not people at all, but were made out of the same thing her clothing was made out of. Regardless that people were watching, including an amused Prince Eric and Cadet Hawkins, Ariel touched the material person and pulled it off of a hand. She jumped, startled, and scurried away after putting the material back on the person's hand.

Oh my goodness, what was that all about? What kind of entertainment was that? It reminded her a bit of the dolls she and her sisters would make out of rocks and shells, only you could put your hand in these ones. Interesting.

She met up with Eric and Cadet Hawkins, and they were both covering their mouths. Eric, once he noticed Ariel staring at him with an incredulous look, he dropped his hands and cleared his throat, as if pretending that he wasn't laughing at her. Cadet Hawkins, on the other hand, couldn't hold it in. He belted out laughing. Ariel stared at him in shock, and honestly, she felt a little hurt. "I'm sorry," he said. "But that was just too funny."

Ariel huffed through her nose in agitation and waked off down the street. She heard Eric say something to Cadet Hawkins and she noticed that the two walked a little ways behind her. They still spoke to one another, but Eric did not sound angry that Cadet Hawkins hurt Ariel's feelings. She glanced back and saw that the two young men were leaning in to one another, saying things. They smiled at one another as well, and Cadet Hawkins even nudged Eric in the arm.

Were they friends? A prince and a servant?

She turned back to the front and something caught her eye. It was a table full of the white crusty food that she had with her dinner the day before, and with her lunch earlier. Her eyes widened at the assortment of different sized... what were they called? She looked at a wood sign handing above the shop door. "Bakery" it said. "Fresh loaves of bread." That's what this is called! It's bread!

"Do you want some?" she heard Eric ask as he came up next to her and eyed the assortment as well. She nodded vigorously. Eric looked to the owner, a middle aged man with a bald head, rounded pink cheeks and a friendly smile. "Two loaves, please."

"Anything for the prince," the man said. "And I can give you a discount."

"Oh, no need," Eric said with a gracious smile, and handed the man a few pieces of round metal. The man looked at the pieces in his hand.

"Why, this is too much, Prince Eric."

"Keep it. You deserve it for your hard work."

"Bless you, My Prince."

Eric smiled at the man once more, and the trio was off. Ariel couldn't help but stare at Eric. He's handsome, friendly, kind and generous. He's perfect! Her giddiness elevated at the thought of kissing him. Hopefully sometime soon. She looked to Cadet Hawkins who was walking with them passed the people and small buildings. He noticed her eye him, and she immediately turned her head to the front. She kept her nose up a little, trying to let him know that she did not appreciate being laughed at earlier, after she told them not to think that she's crazy.

The trio stopped for a little while near someone's property and leaned against a fence that held in a few horses. Ariel was enchanted by them. There was a black one, a white one, and a white speckled one. They moved with such graze, and they were absolutely beautiful, unlike the sea horses at home. She leaned on the wooden railing and munched on the whole loaf of bread. She looked to Eric as he was watching the horses as well, and took off a piece of his loaf and popped it in his mouth. She looked from him to the horses. What do horses eat? She about asked, but huffed, knowing she had to talk to the person she was irritated with. She turned to her other side and tapped Cadet Hawkins on the shoulder. He turned his head to face her.

"What do horses eat?"

"Horses? Grain, grass... mostly grass. At least, I think they do. We don't have horses where I'm from, either."

"What about this?" She held up the loaf.

"They'll eat it, but I don't know if it's good for them." He leaned down and pulled a handful of blades shooting out of the ground. Was that grass? He held out the bunch, extending his long arm over the fence. The white horse noticed and came walking up to them. Ariel's heart about burst with excitement as the horse greedily ate the grass right out of his hand. She laughed, but no sound came out due to her lack of vocal cords. "Here."

Cadet Hawkins held out a bunch of grass to her and she took it. She extended it to the horse and it ate it hastily like the previous time. She jumped up and down gleefully and Cadet Hawkins laughed. Again. She stood back from the horse and turned away from the palace guard. She faced Eric, who was smiling at her.

"I take it you like horses," he said, and she nodded. She just wasn't a big fan of Cadet Hawkins at the moment. "What else do you want to do? There are more street stalls that sell little trinkets, there are restaurants, neighborhoods, a church... There are also places where you can dance to music."

Music? He didn't know about her love of music! She nodded, and mouthed "Music."

"I understood that word," Eric said. "Alright. The music hall it is. Let's go."

They left the horses, and walked down the streets. People greeted Eric several times, and Ariel sometimes had to stand out of the way because so many people swarmed him. He was so loved by his people, which was an admirable quality. It made sense, considering what he did for that bread seller. The crowd finally dispersed and the trio was able to make it to a building that was bigger than the others, but still very small compared to the castle. Ariel saw the sign that read, "Seaboard Music Hall." She ran in, and the two men with her followed her in haste. Once in, she was met by music played with instruments she has never seen before—tall wooden things with strings, and long pipes with holes that were to be held with two hands.

People stood around talking with one another, and sitting at tables eating food. Was this a public place to eat, as well as listen to music? People were also out dancing. Ariel's mouth opened as she watched the men twirl around the women. She's never seen dancing like that before! Given, these people had legs and not fins. She stood a little too close to a couple, and they gave her an odd look. She stepped away and turned around to find more people talking with Eric. A mild frown crossed her face. Will she ever be able to catch him alone? Her gaze went to Cadet Hawkins, standing with Eric. How will she be able to get rid of him so she could be with her prince?

Eric met her eyes, and he smiled. He made his way out of the people and came up to her. "So, do you like this place?"

She nodded, and tried to say something. Cadet Hawkins appeared by Eric's side instantly. She mouthed, "I love music. It is one of my most favorite things, along with dancing and..." She was about to say singing, but it would be better for them to just think that she never talked before. She's known merfolk who were born without vocal cords.

"She loves music, and loves to dance," Cadet Hawkins said. "She says it's one of her most favorite things."

"I see," said Eric. "Well..." He held out his hand. "Would you like to dance?"

She liked to dance, but she didn't know how to dance with these new legs of hers! Nonetheless, she nodded, glad to be held in Eric's arms and be that close to him. He took her hand and led her out to the dance floor. They were about to start dancing when more people came up to him and started talking to him. People across the room called him over to meet their family, and Eric gave Ariel an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Ariel. I will be right back, um..." He looked over to Cadet Hawkins. "Cadet Hawkins." He came over quickly. Eric said to him, "Could you keep Ariel company while I go talk with these people?"

Cadet Hawkins looked from a not-so-thrilled Ariel to the towns people. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

Eric gave Ariel one last smile then went off to the people. Ariel knew he loved his people, but... she wanted to dance with him. She looked to Cadet Hawkins, who was looking at her with his big blue eyes. Not wanting those eyes and his handsome features to get to her, and because she was still a little upset with him, she turned her head away.

"Are you mad?" he asked. She kept her gaze away from him. "Well, do you want to dance?"

"Dance? No Ariel," Sebastian whispered in warning, still in her pocket. "Not wit him."

Sebastian read her thoughts. She didn't even feel like talking with this strapping cadet. But... she was not a mean person. She nodded, not wanting to embarrass him, and she heard Sebastian sigh in disappointment. Cadet Hawkins smirked and took her hand in his, and his other went to her waist. She held her breath. No man has ever touched her there! Heat rose on her cheeks, and she new they were turning pink. Her sisters always made a point to tell her when she was blushing.

"I'm sorry if I offended you in any way," she heard Cadet Hawkins say, and they started turning to the music. Her legs surprisingly cooperated. She met his blue eyes. She might as well let him know of what he did.

"You laughed at me, even when I told you to not think that I'm crazy."

He stared at her for a moment, and then he twirled her out, and she came back into his hold. She came dangerously close to his face, and saw his eyes up close... they reminded her of the blue of the sea. His fingers dug a little more into waist, making a shiver run up her back. They stared at each other for a moment, and for that moment, there didn't seem to be anyone else in the room. He said in a low tone, "I didn't think that you were crazy."

Her eyes widened, and she attempted to ignore the emotions swirling in her like a whirlpool, as well as the tingles swimming up her legs and arms. "You didn't?"

"No. Actually..." He looked away and pursed his lips together. Ariel was surprised to notice that a bit of color entered his cheeks, and his grip on her hand tightened slightly. "Well... I guess I just thought that you were.. cute. With both the puppets and the horse. That's why I was laughing."

She stared at him, stunned. He thought that she was... cute? Her?

"Nevermind," he said, trying not meet her gaze. "Forget I said anything."

Okay, now I can see his cheeks turning red! He really is attracted to me! And the way he's trying not to look at me tells me that he's embarrassed for revealing his feelings! I can't believe it!

They continued dancing, and she felt something tug at her heart—guilt. She tapped his shoulder that she was holding onto. He met her eyes again. "I'm sorry for being upset."

"Don't be."

"My father has told me before that I can have quite the temper. He says that I get it from my red hair."

He smirked attractively. "When are you going to tell us where you're from? I'm curious. Were you really shipwrecked, or is there another story?"

"Ariel, make up somet'ing," Sebastian whispered, and she doubted her dance partner heard. "Revert the conversation." She nodded, still keeping Cadet Hawkins's gaze. "How about you? Tell me where you're from first."

He noticeably gulped. "Well, uh... far away from here. Very far away. You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

He is from a place that is unbelievable as well. Is he also keeping a secret about where he's from, like me? "What's your home like?"

"Sorry about that," Eric said as he suddenly appeared next to them and they stopped dancing. "Everyone wants to talk with me." He held out his hand. "May I?"

"Of course, Your Majesty," Cadet Hawkins said, and left the two to dance. Ariel eyed the young cadet as he went and stood near the door and pursed her lips.

"I told you I had a bad feeling about dis," Sebastian whispered as Eric took the same stance that Cadet Hawkins has. "He's getting in the way of the plan. I saw the way he was lookin' at you. You have to be careful."

Ariel knew exactly what he was talking about. Sebastian was an intelligent crustacean, and he definitely noticed Ariel's attraction to Cadet Hawkins, and his attraction to her. This isn't good. Developing feelings for another man is out of the question since it gets in the way of the plan, as well as the feelings she has for Eric. Sebastian was right to worry since... now, she actually would rather still be dancing with Cadet Hawkins. It alarmed her to her mermaid core.