Here we go with the eight chapter, and I want to thank everyone for the support. My friend appreciates the support for his old story and is glad it's getting better than the last two times he tried this. It's a slow progress, but I told him more people will like it. In time.
Also, apologies for not getting this out sooner. I had said November was going to be very busy for me. From getting married, moving to a new home, and then working during the very long-hours at work. I had to also make sure this chapter would go well. So, I hope everyone will enjoy this and will like with what happens, especially to set up for the next story.
Now then, time for a recap of what happened last time. We saw Gabriella revealed she knew who Melody really is as a princess. While making sure not to let her know she knows her other secret. Despite this though, both girls ended up becoming friends and Melody invited her friend to her home.
How will things go for Melody's party? Will things go well without any problems? Will Gabriella keep up her lies and make sure the others don't find out what she's up to? Or think something will come along to ruin everything?
Tune in today to find out everyone. Now, time for the disclaimer. I don't own anything owned by Disney except the OCs of my friend. Also, again I'm doing this for my friend who can no longer work on my projects.
Enjoy the chapter everyone.
Chapter VIII
Tirulia
After revealing her secret to her new friend, Melody brought Gabriella over to the castle. When they arrived, she was told her parents had taken off to take care of some things. With her dad speaking to the guards and making sure they'll be ready for tonight. While her mother was off with her sisters, out in the town.
So, this will keep them busy for most of the day. Allowing Melody to spend more time with her friend. Hopefully she'll get a chance to speak to them before they meet Gabriella. Since she wanted to make sure they didn't say anything about her being part-mermaid and the incident with Morgana.
She knew her parents had promised not to say anything, but she wanted to make sure her aunts at least won't reveal anything.
Melody just hopes today will go well, especially for tonight's party. It's her first time inviting someone who didn't know everything about her. Someone who isn't from a noble family or from the sea. So, she's hoping that it will all go well without any incidents.
"So, this is where you live huh?" Gabriella looks around at the ballroom and looks at how big this place is. "Pretty big place, which I guess is to be expected for a castle, huh? Still, do you guys live here with other family members?"
Melody shook her head in response as the two walk down the hallway towards the ballroom.
"My family from my dad's side live across the seas, while from my mom's side, well they live with my grandfather," said Melody as she explains where her family live. "Despite how big the place is, we still have many of the rooms, which the people who help us around all live in."
"Really? That's interesting," said Gabriella who didn't expect to hear that at all.
"What do you mean?" Melody asked.
"Well, from what I've heard, the people who work at the castle, they don't live in the castle. At least, not all of them," Gabriella knew only a select few would live in the castle.
"I see," said Melody who didn't know about that. "Have you been to a lot of castles?"
"Hmm a few times, but they've always been pretty boring," that and Gabriella would only sneak in to steal, without sticking around for too long. "What about you? Ever traveled beyond your home here?"
Melody gave a small nervous laugh knowing she indeed did travel far from home. Though it wasn't exactly for a good reason.
"Well, um I've traveled away from home before. I've visited my grandfather and my aunts from where they live, while also visiting some of my other relatives," Melody lied but also sort of told the truth too.
"But never traveled to places like England, France, or even across the Atlantic?" Gabriella asked knowing full well the answer, but she still wanted to ask it anyways.
"Well…no, we haven't," said Melody who wonders if her friend has traveled that far. "Have you?"
"Oh yeah," said Gabriella as she walks over towards one of the paintings of the family. "I've traveled across as far as the Atlantic towards the Caribbean and even traveled across the Pacific towards Asia."
"W-Wow. That's amazing!" Melody replied who was shocked and surprised at how far her friend traveled. "That's so cool. I never met anyone who's traveled so far. The places you've been to must be amazing."
"Yeah. They're all amazing and I love learning about these places I've gone to," said Gabriella as she did take some small pride at how far she's traveled. "Although, the Caribbeans is a place I'd recommend you would go."
The two soon make it towards the ballroom, which Gabriella looks on surprised. "Oh wow. This is pretty big," she's never seen the ballrooms in the castles before, so this was pretty new. "You guys must throw a lot of parties here."
"Y-Yeah we do, but they're not always a lot of fun," Melody replied knowing they were very boring and always filled with kids who make fun of her behind her back. "The only time we have fun is when I'm with my family and we go out on the ship to go to the sea."
"Really? Huh. That's different," said Gabriella who's never heard of a princess hate royal parties, but then again. Melody isn't a normal princess. "Still, it sounds better than having a party in this place and sounds like it would be a lot more fun."
"It really is," Melody explains how she loves being in the ocean and has a lot of fun with those she loves. "What about you? What did you ever do for your birthday?"
Gabriella walks over towards the center of the ballroom, while she lets out a small sigh. "My birthdays were pretty normal. I would go out with my mother into the nearest town, get something to eat, and then we go out to watch the night stars."
She then begins circling around the center of the ballroom and gave a small smile. "Although, there were a few rare times when we'd go to an area where there's festivities going on and I get to dance a little."
Melody felt a little bit envious of her friend. It sounds like her birthday was a lot more fun than her own birthdays she's had for years. Still, she was happy for her. And that she got a chance for her to join her for her birthday.
"That sounds like a lot of fun. I don't mind dancing, but I wish I could find someone nice to dance with," said Melody who knew she's danced with a few boys before, but not all were nice.
"Is that so?" Gabriella got an idea and decided to go for it. "Well, why don't you show me what you can do."
"What?" Melody asked who's confused on what she means.
Gabriella didn't say anything and goes over to her. Grabbing Melody's hands, she moves one to her hip and held the other hand. Melody blushed a little from this, as she sees where she's going with this. Before she has a chance to say anything, Gabriella began moving them around.
Gabriella begins dancing with her as she begins moving her side to side, circle around, and she even twirls around her. Melody was completely in shock and couldn't stop. Did she hate it? No?
Did she want to stop the dance, or did she want it to continue?
Gabriella soon picks Melody up and flips her around before having her land on her feet. This loosened Melody up as she began giggling.
"Sounds like you're having some fun," said Gabriella as she giggled softly.
"I-I really am," said Melody who was indeed having some fun. "You're really good at this."
"Well, I do have a lot of experience," said Gabriella as she reminded her, she's danced a lot.
"B-But did you dance with girls too?" Melody asked who was still surprised that Gabriella was dancing with her.
She didn't see anything wrong with a girl dancing with another girl. But she was always told boys and girls should always dance with one another. At least, that's what her teacher would say. That a girl and boy dancing with the same gender would be frowned upon by other people, mostly the rich.
"Is that a problem?" Gabriella picks up Melody and spins her around, causing the princess to giggle and laugh before setting her down. "I don't really see anything wrong with a girl dancing with another girl. As long as we're having fun, right?"
Melody knew that made sense. As long as the ones dancing are having fun, then who cares what other people say and think.
"Come on, princess. Show me what you can do," said Gabriella as she has the princess now take the lead.
"O-Oh um okay then," said Melody as she saw Gabriella wants her to take control.
Melody begins leading in the dance as she circles around the ballroom with her friend. She then twirls her friend, which she had to take it slow since she was taller than her. She pulls her back and has her right arm move to her friend's back, while her left hand held her hand. Melody was a little nervous about taking the lead in this dance, but so far her friend seems to be having fun.
In fact, she was too. Melody has danced before, but never had this much fun. She also felt something in her making her feel weird. It wasn't a horrible or sick feeling, but one that made her feel happy about dancing with her friend.
Gabriella was feeling the same way as well. She knew what this feeling was and had tried not to have these feelings appear again. Mainly because she knew how badly this will end. And yet?
She couldn't stop dancing with the princess, who she has to admit…looks so beautiful and cute. Unaware that Melody was seeing her friend the same way. Maybe not cute, but very beautiful and someone she really is enjoying being around. But she's unaware what she's feeling is what her friend is feeling.
The two kept on dancing, until Ariel had returned with Eric. Ariel had gone out with her sisters earlier but were outside resting. They had gone out buying dresses, sweets, and something nice for Melody. Once they got back, her sisters decided to relax on the seats that they had outside.
Eric, meanwhile, was busy speaking with the guards and sailors. Getting ready for the arrival of the guests and ensure nothing or rather no one tries to ruin the party. Once they finished, Eric decided to head back. So, he can join his wife and get ready for tonight.
The two stopped when they saw Melody dancing with a girl they didn't recognize. However, the two figured it must be the girl that Melody met yesterday. They were about to speak up but stopped when they saw how much fun their daughter was having. It was actually the first time the two saw her having any fun when dancing with someone who wasn't part of the family.
Eric did find it odd that Melody was dancing with this girl and seems to be enjoying it a lot. But he wasn't against it at all, because he was happy to see her having fun. While Ariel was okay with this and was full of joy when she heard her daughter laughing with joy. She was happy to see her with a friend who she's happy to be with.
The two had planned to let them continue, until Melody spotted them and immediately the poor girl's face turned completely red. She broke the dance and turned towards her parents.
Gabriella seemed confused and thought she did something wrong, until she turns to see the two adults in the room. Indicating to her that they're Melody's parents.
"M-Mom! Dad! What are you doing here?" Melody asked while trying not to panic.
Ariel giggled softly as they walk over to her. "Well, we came in to make sure everything is ready for tonight. We're sorry for interrupting your dance."
"No worries," said Gabriella who didn't see it as a problem. "You must be Melody's parents," she took her hat and takes a small bow. "My name is Gabriella, nice to meet you both."
Eric and Ariel both gave a smile towards the young girl, while happy with how polite she is. Ariel and Eric gave a small bow back as well, before introducing themselves.
"It's nice to meet you, Gabriella. My name is Ariel," said Ariel as she decided not to use her title during the introduction.
"And I'm Eric. We're happy to meet you and glad to see you two getting along so well," said Eric who's happy to see her daughter getting a new friend. "Are you going to be joining us for tonight's party?"
"Of course," said Gabriella as she knew she'll need for her plan to work. "I'm actually looking forward to it. I'm sorry I didn't get you something though, Melody."
"Its okay," said Melody who didn't mind since she knew her friend just met her. "Having you here for my birthday can be my gift."
"Aww. So, I'm your birthday gift?" Gabriella teased her friend as she giggled softly. "Do you want to put a bow on me too?"
Melody blushed some more with what her friend said, while her parents snickered a little. They didn't mind what Gabriella said and found it cute.
"G-Gabriella!" Melody replied while embarrassed by what her friend said.
"Just kidding," Gabriella giggled softly as she jokes around with her friend. "I'm honored to be here with you all and to be here for your birthday. I just wish I had known I was going to join this party, since I don't have anything fancy to wear."
"Is that right? Well, don't worry, we can get something for you to wear," said Ariel who knew they have some dresses that they can give to Gabriella.
"O-Oh. Um that's great," said Gabriella who wasn't exactly happy to hear that. "So, where do I go then?"
"Follow me," said Ariel as she had Gabriella follow her so they can find Carlotta and see if she can help them.
Once they were gone, Eric walks over to Melody and clears his throat. "Well, she seems nice and funny too."
"Y-Yeah she is," said Melody who's glad her parents have taken a liking to Gabriella. "By the way, did mom have a chance to tell my aunts not to tell my friend the truth about me?"
Eric gave a small chuckle and nods before placing his hand on his daughter's shoulder. "She spoke to them after they got here. We even had them let your grandfather know too. He'll arrive in human form and join us until we go out to the sea. Hopefully by then, you'll tell her the truth?"
Melody sighed softly and nods. "I hope by then she'll take it well. She didn't seem to mind finding out I was a princess, despite me lying to her about it."
"Really? Well, if she was okay with this, then why not tell her the truth about everything else?" Eric suggested knowing her daughter should be upfront about this. "Listen, I know you're worried about how she'll react, but you can't keep worrying about making new friends and worry what they'll think."
"I know, I know," said Melody who knew her father is right, but she was still worried. "I'm just worried dad. I really do like her, and I want for once to have a friend that's outside my inner circle. Someone who's not from the sea and from around here that knows my secret. And pick on me."
Eric knew his daughter really needs this. He knew when he married Ariel, that there were a lot of people who made fun of him. He didn't pay any attention to it though. He didn't care what people thought about him and is glad his people have accepted his choice.
Even have accepted his wife, who had to deal with the people who mocked her behind her back and didn't accept her. But thankfully the people of their kingdom have accepted her. Welcoming her and their daughter as part of the kingdom. Still, he knows Melody wants to have a friend who isn't from around here and will accept her for who she is.
"Melody, I know you're worried about what your friend might think, but I think if you trust her enough to tell her you're a princess, then she'll accept you for who you are," said Eric who knows if her friend is as nice as Melody says she is, then she'll accept her.
"I hope so, dad," said Melody who's hoping what her dad said is true. "For now, though? I'm going to keep this a secret. At least, before we go out to the ship. I'll tell her then and hopefully she'll be okay with this."
Eric knew she should tell her now before the party begins, but if she's sure about this, then he'll trust her decision. "All right. But for right now? How about we go get things ready? Your mother and I had a nice dress made for you as a birthday gift."
"Really? Oh wow! And I can wear it early?" Melody asked who knew there was still time before the party begins.
"Of course," said Eric as he begins leading his daughter upstairs to get her birthday gift.
Meanwhile
After being taken away by the queen, Gabriella was soon led to a room. A room with an older woman with fair skin, black hair tied up in a bun, round cheeks, brown eyes, and appeared to be one of the maids. Along with her are two other younger maids, all listening to what Queen Ariel was telling them. How the girl is Gabriella, how she's Melody's friend, and how she needs a dress for the party tonight.
Gabriella forgot to mention this to her friend, but she hates dresses. She never felt comfortable in wearing any of them. They're always stuffy, leaving her almost immobile since it limits her movement for combat, she feels embarrassed, and then there's the corset. Oh, her mortal enemy.
That vile and torturous device that women have t wear. To try looking slimmer, while at the same time suffocating the victim.
Gabriella spent the next hour standing on a wooden stand as she was measured, sized, and had to try on different dresses. All the while the maids took her clothes and set them away. She did notice the look they gave her since what she has on is an outfit boys use. She didn't care though what they thought but did warn them not to lose her things.
After the long hour was done and after being used as dress up for the women, they finally settled on a dress. It was a long red dress with around the shoulder area being a little pinkish color. The women all seemed proud of the dress and even complimented on how cute she looks. But Gabriella was not happy about it and hated how this made her look.
Of course, she had to behave and avoid doing anything rude. She needed to make this work and avoid doing anything to jeopardize that.
However, when they offered to give her a corset and put on makeup, she drew the line. She'll be fine with her hair being done, but she won't do anything else. Even insisted on wearing her regular shoes. With the gown being long, it will cover her feet, so she won't need to worry about people seeing them.
Once the maids had finished, they got the dress then took off to help fix it up before tonight. This allowed Gabriella to get back in her outfit and sighed in relief.
Ariel used this chance to spend some time with her and get to know her better. "I'm sorry if this was uncomfortable for you, Gabriella."
Gabriella turns towards Ariel and knows she was sincere in her apology but didn't think too much about it. "It's okay. I should have known this was going to happen when I said I don't have a dress for tonight."
Gabriella turns towards the nearest mirror and sighs softly. "Just never been a big fan of dresses. I usually wear what you saw me in. In clothing that are very comfortable. I mean, no offense."
"Don't worry about it," Ariel replied while giggling softly with what she said. "I will admit, I've never seen girls wearing outfits that well you we were wearing."
"I understand that completely," said Gabriella as she tries to fix the dress to make it more comfortable. "I imagine you've gotten comfortable wearing these dresses?"
Ariel was going to let her know she's always been used to it, but she knew that wasn't always the case. She knew when she was under the sea, they never wore dresses. They never needed to. So, when she came to live in the surface, she began wearing all these different dresses.
It took her time…okay, a long time to get used to them, especially for the royal dresses she had to wear. But she got used to it. Although, when she saw Gabriella wearing her outfit and she explains how comfortable she is with them, it did make her a little envious. Wishing she could wear normal and casual clothing too.
"Well, it took time, but I'm used to them. Although Melody is still having trouble wearing them," said Ariel who knew her daughter is still not happy with all these dresses she has to wear.
"I get it, but I also know you guys have to," said Gabriella who knew the rich and royal families have to wear these uncomfortable clothing. "I still appreciate you doing this. I owe you."
Ariel walks over to Gabriella and placed her hand on her shoulder. "You don't need to worry about this. My husband and I really appreciate you being friends with our daughter. She does have friends, but it's always someone within our inner circle."
Gabriella could understand why but did feel bad for Melody for not having more friends. "I'm glad to be friends with her. I have friends myself, but they're out around parts of the world."
"Is that so? That's amazing, but what about your parents?" Ariel asked when she realized she hasn't seen her parents around.
"Oh, well that's because I travel around on my way," Gabriella knew she had to keep her lie up, while trying to throw some bit of truth in here. "My father never knew about me before I was born. He left my mother before finding out she was pregnant. She raised me on her own, while my grandfather helped her out from time to time. But once I was old enough, I went out on my own."
Ariel was shocked by this revelation. She didn't expect it at all and from someone so young. For someone her age to go out on her own into the world and without any parental supervision. It's not something she'd do at all.
"A-And your mother was okay with this?" Ariel asked.
"Doubt it, but I'm very capable of holding my own," said Gabriella who was proud of herself as a capable fighter but could tell the mother of her friend didn't seem okay with this. "Oh, um but don't worry about me, your majesty. I've been taught by my mother and grandfather how to survive in the world. I've been taught how to fight, how to sail, and survive."
Ariel really knew she would never do anything like that if she was her mother. She wanted to offer the girl a place to live, so she wouldn't have to go out into the world. Not that she didn't believe her as a capable fighter. She just didn't want to risk her getting hurt.
"Well, don't you think your mother would want to see you again? And maybe not travel around so much?" Ariel asked while trying not to seem rude.
Gabriella knew where Ariel was going with this, but she knew it wasn't that big a deal to her. "Perhaps, but I wouldn't worry about it. Knowing my mother, in time we'll come across one another again."
"Well, if you ever want to stick around for long, you can. Our home is open to you to live here if you want," said Ariel who knew Gabriella can stay here if she wants.
Gabriella was a little taken aback by what she said. She's offering her to stick around and welcome her to live in the castle. Gabriella never expected anything like this. But she knew she couldn't stay, especially if they find out the truth.
"I um appreciate the offer and will think about it," said Gabriella who knew she needed to lie to her about this.
"All right then," said Ariel before the door opened Carlotta came into the room to inform Ariel her sisters are back. "I'll be back. If you want to roam around until I return you can."
"Thank you, your majesty," said Gabriella as she thanks the queen for her hospitality.
"You can call me Ariel and you're welcome," said Ariel before she left the room.
Once Gabriella was sure she was gone, she walks over towards the door and makes sure no one is near the door. She then locked the door and begins walking over to check on her clothes, before hearing a familiar bell sound ringing nearby.
"My oh my. Don't you look very ladylike," said Lara as she mocks her friend.
Gabriella looks towards her friend while narrowing her eyes. "Keep it up and I'll put you in a bottle."
Lara giggled softly before flying down towards her friend. "Oh relax, Gabby. I'm just teasing."
"Yeah, yeah," said Gabriella as she frees her hair after the women had tied it up. "Anyways, did you manage to do what I asked you to do?"
Lara nods and begins taking out a paper that she had used to mark down everything. "I managed to find a way to get to where the barrels are at. Filled with the drinks that the guards and some sailors will drink out of during the party. I plan to put the drug inside once the party begins. There also appears to be at least 20 guards and 30 sailors."
Gabriella knew they'll need to be careful. Even if they drug the guards and sailor, doesn't mean they'll be out of the woods. They'll need to make sure to time this just right. Once they sneak away, they'll need to do it once the drug knocks out the guards and allow them to get to the ship they want to steal.
They'll need to do this before more guards show up and see what happened. Gabriella though sees Lara seem to be ahead of her on this and shows the time the time shifts for the guards after spying on them.
"Perfect. This is exactly what we needed," said Gabriella as she begins working out how this will work. "Did you find the right ship for us to take?"
"I did see a few noble ships arriving and did find one we can take," said Lara as she flies over to the window and points to the ship. "What do you think?"
Gabriella walks over and looks out the window. She sees the ship the other is talking about and sees it's a brig. A sailing vessel with two square-rigged masts, one fore, and one main. She knew this must be one of the ships used to protect the main ship a royal or noble family.
Gabriella knew this ship would be perfect. It's small yes and wouldn't have the kind of firepower that she might need against stronger enemy ships. However, it's fast and maneuverable, which is what she'll need. Even if she goes up against a big ship, it will be too slow to catch her and use her speed to outmaneuver the larger ship.
"This will make things easier for us to sail the ship…at least until we can get a bigger crew," said Gabriella who knew she'll need a crew to help her sail the ship.
"And as long as you don't let the royal family make you give up on the plan," said Lara who seem to suspect Gabriella is letting her feelings get in the way of their plan.
Gabriella sighed as she brushes her hair back. "Don't worry about it. I'm not going to let them keep me from going through with our plan."
"Are you sure?" Lara asked as she flies up towards her. "I saw how you were having a good time while dancing with the princess. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were enjoying it."
Gabriella blushed a little but tried not to think too much about it. "Oh, shut up. So, what if I was enjoying it? Not often I get to dance with a princess," even if it's a cute and beautiful princess.
"Whatever you say," said Lara as she flies down near the window and leans against the glass. "Gabby, it's okay to have some fun and enjoy yourself. But let's not forget this; she's a princess, you're a pirate, and if they find out the truth, it won't end well."
"I know that already," said Gabriella as she crossed her arms, while knowing what her friend says is true. "As much as I'm happy to have some fun, I'm enjoying my time with Melody, and I'm enjoying the kindness from her family, but I know it's going to end with a lot of broken hearts."
Gabriella was feeling very guilty with her lying and how she's using Melody's kindness. She was fine with it earlier, until she found out the truth about her. Even saw her as a good person and wanted to tell the truth. But she was worried about how it will turn out and worried she'll end up leaving her heartbroken.
"I don't want to leave her hurt and hope my plan will keep that from happening," Gabriella is also hoping once she finished meeting her father, she'll come back and maybe live here with someone she was starting to like. "If I can do that and if all goes well, then maybe she'll never find out what we're going to do."
Lara knew that's what she's hoping will happen too. If her plan can work, then maybe things for once Gabriella can finally have a happy life.
"For now? Let's focus on getting everything ready," said Gabriella as she begins making sure her plan on how to sneak away from the party will go well. "Stay out of sight and if anything happens, you'll let me know, okay?"
Lara nods and begins fixing her hat before she begins flying up. "Just remember the plan, Gabby and don't let your feelings get in the way, okay?"
"I know, don't worry," said Gabriella who knows she'll need to ensure nothing gets in the way of the plan. "Now, get going and be careful."
Once Lara flew off, Gabriella begins looking out the window and sighs softly. She'll need to make sure nothing and no one gets in the way of her plan.
Completely unaware though that a few of the sailors that were working on the docks appeared to be doing a little spying on heir own. Writing down small notes on the number of guards around, number of royal ships in the docks, and the number of soldiers that were hired to protect the nobles.
Once they finished, they would pass the note on to one another, before passing it off to a kid. The kid would run out of the area and heads towards some nearby trees. The kid would hand the notes off to a hooded and cloaked woman. She gave the kid a gold coin, before the kid ran off.
The woman begins to smile softly before she begins walking away, while whistling a song as she heads into the forest.
That's the end of the chapter and it seems things are getting ready for the upcoming party. With Melody looking forward to the party and to have her friend there. While Gabriella is getting ready for her own plans. While trying to make sure it doesn't end up hurting her friend.
Of course, knowing how these liars reveal stories go, it will likely not go well for Gabby. Not unless something comes around to change that. Maybe it might involve the group that's been appearing in the story. So, it seems they're likely going to get involved and ruin the party?
If that happens, then how will it go? Will this end up in a big fight? Will this end up with a lot of people getting hurt? And will we find out more on who these people are?
Tune in next time to find out & thank you all for the support for my friend. He appreciates all the support for his story and if you like how this chapter went, then please leave some reviews. Just nothing negative please. See you all next time, take good care, and have a good day.