Ariel stepped into the dining room wearing a pink and white gown with long puffy sleeves; the one she wore her first evening at the castle. After meeting the queen that morning she did not want to be underdressed. The queen waited impatiently at the end of the table. Eric, who was already at the table and another man rose up from their chairs for Ariel. Eric walked over to Ariel who was slowly making her way into the large room.

"You look wonderful," he smiled. She grinned a bit, compliments from Eric always caught her off guard.

"Why didn't you tell me-" she started to whisper.

"Don't worry. You'll be fine," he interrupted. He took her hand and led her to the opposite end of the dining room. "Ariel, this is my mother, Queen Eleanora," Eric announced. Ariel grinned and curtsied politely. The queen made no acknowledgement she was being spoken to. "Mother," Eric nagged, "This is Ariel, princess of Atlantica. And my future bride." Eleanora raised an eyebrow at the young, doe-eyed girl. There was a strange silence in the air.

"I am Prince Adam," the man broke the silence and darted around the table. He took Ariel's hand and bowed "Eric's older, much more handsome, stronger-"

"That's enough," Eric interrupted, "He's my brother." Adam charmingly kissed Ariel's hand, holding a stare with her that made her feel a little uncomfortable. His blue eyes were the only thing him and Eric shared. He had a wide set jaw, prominent nose and high cheekbones. He had copper colored long hair he wore back in a ponytail at the base of his neck. Although his resemblance to Eric was minimal, he was indeed very handsome. He carried a slight sternness in his expression.

"Everyone, sit," Queen Eleanora barked. Adam sat to the right of the queen with Eric directly across from him and Ariel at Eric's side. Carlotta and a few others diligently served breakfast. Ariel noticed everyone seemed to be on their best behavior and a bit uneasy around the queen.

"To what do I owe this very unexpected visit?" Eric pried.

"Your wedding, of course," the queen replied. "We made the trip early yesterday as soon as we received news that my youngest child carelessly made the decision of choosing a wife."

"Where is Grimsby?" Eric asked, ignoring her remark.

"He's indisposed," Eleanora answered, having a sip of her tea. "Eric, don't slouch. You spend ten months away from the palace in this dreadfully tiny castle and have become so- uncivilized."

"Don't forget unruly, mother," Adam added with a smirk. Eric kicked Adam hard under the table causing Adam to hold back a wince in pain.

"Do not tell me what I have forgotten," she snapped. Eric hid a snicker behind his hand. "Don't think I forgot about that disgusting, inappropriate display I saw this morning. I never want to see that again." The queen pierced her eyes on Ariel, "You should be ashamed of yourself. What would your father say?" Ariel lowered her eyes to her food.

"Mother, stop it." Eric muttered.

"Oh- right. Is he a mermaid too?" she continued sardonically.

"Mer-man," Eric emphasized. "He is King Triton." Eric said, proudly, cupping one hand over Ariel's.

"King Triton?!" Adam squealed in a fit of laughter. The queen scoffed as she watched Ariel's expression grow angry.

"He would agree with you," Ariel shot her eyes at the queen. "He would also say humans are savages with no regard for anyone but themselves."

"Ariel-" Eric cautioned quietly.

"I disagreed with him," Ariel continued in a calmer voice, trying to regain her composure. "But I am questioning my own position on that notion as of this meal." Eric sunk his head into his hand while Adam stared at Ariel in disbelief.

"Well, then, if the merpeople have no other opinions to share I will go to my chambers and retire for the morning," the queen said rising. "Carlotta!" she shouted, "Prepare my bath." Ariel suddenly felt nervous, had she crossed the line? She should be trying to win the mother over, not antagonize her.

"Goodbye, my princes," the queen said dramatically.

"Goodbye, mother," both Eric and Adam responded in unison. Not a word was uttered until they could no longer hear her footsteps.

"Wow, way to go, freckles." Adam said in amazement.

"Ariel, the best thing to do with mother is not get on her bad side," Eric advised.

"Easy for the baby to say," Adam mocked.

"Was it really that bad?" Ariel said remorsfully. She didn't mean to be rude, she wanted to stand her ground.

"Nah, she'll be alright," Adam said with two hands behind his head, leaning back in his chair.

"You weren't a big help," Eric jeered at Adam.

"Come on," Adam rose from his chair, "Let's go to town and have a little fun. Are the Harper sisters still around?"

"Ahem!" Eric cleared his throat loudly, motioning toward Ariel.

"Oh," Adam grinned at Ariel.

"I told Ariel I'd spend the day with her, since I didn't see her all day yesterday."

"But you saw her all night," Adam joked with a smile. Eric took an orange and lunged it at Adam's head, missing it and hitting the wall. "Woah, little prince. You're getting rusty!" Adam drew his sword and grounded his stance, waiting for Eric to join. Eric, for some reason, also had a sword at his side and pulled it out of its scabbard. Eric hopped on the table, causing all the silverware to rattle and shake, then jumped down in front of Adam. They dueled their swords back and forth roughly, striking the walls and chairs. Adam cornered Eric into a wall and Eric kicked the sword out of Adam's hands. He then tossed his own sword aside and wrestled Adam to the ground. Adam was a much better swordsman than Eric, but hand to hand Eric would always dominate.

"Boys!" Carlotta screamed at the top of her lungs. Eric got one last jab on Adam's face and stood up proudly, beaming at Ariel who looked concerned. As he started walking Adam jut a foot out, tripping Eric to the ground and then straddling his back.

"Mermaid, come with us to town. What do you say?" Adam invited while holding down Eric's arms.

"I'd love to," Ariel said smiling. "Now, could you please let him go?" She walked over to the two childish men and helped Eric off the floor.

"Ariel, he hurt me," Eric whined playfully.

"You big baby," Adam scoffed. "I'll be outside in an hour," he said on his way out the room.

"Eric," Ariel said taking a hold of Eric's hand. "Can we talk? Privately?"

"Uh-oh," he joked. She didn't laugh. "Let's go outside."

They sat out on a large balcony overlooking the ocean. Eric had spent many nights there playing his piccalo and planning his next big adventure.

"He's a little rough," Ariel said in regards to Adam.

"Ha, yes. He has a strong personality. But, he's not all that bad once you get to know him," Eric sat down on a stone bench near the edge and motioned for Ariel to sit beside him. "So, what's on your mind?" He couldn't get over how beautiful she was, especially in the sunlight. He looked at her tiny frame make its way beside him and placed her head on his shoulder. Eric wrapped an arm around her back as they sat together overlooking the sparkling water.

"I met Greta yesterday during my bath," she started.

"Ok. How was that?"

"It was a very nice bath. I had never been- well, bathed by someone else before," she went on a little haltingly.

"Good, I'm glad you enjoyed it," Eric nodded. He clasped her hand with one hand and started slowly stroking up and down her arm with the other around her.

"She- touched me," Ariel whispered the words.

"Did you like it?" Eric asked with a chuckle. He knew what Ariel meant by touched.

"I- I don't know. It was a similar, but different feeling than what we did last night," she confessed.

"Next time it happens, I want you to relax and enjoy yourself. I wanted to give you a treat. I asked Greta to teach you," Eric explained. "Teach you how to pleasure yourself and give pleasure."

"Oh," Ariel was a little surprised. "I stopped her and left. Someone walked in and almost saw us and I pani-"

"Ariel," Eric interjected. His hand wandered sensually from her arm to her waist and up and down her torso. "You're over thinking things. Greta is very good at what she does." Ariel loved feeling his touch on her body, it made her pulse race to know he was so close to her. They were facing away from the castle; no one could see what they were doing from behind.

"Has Greta ever touched you that way?" she asked. The answer to that question was her biggest concern. She didn't like the thought of anyone else touching Eric but her.

"Well, yes. But, it's what she does," he said carefully.

"Do you make her feel good as well?"

"Ariel, why are you asking all these questions," he asked tensely.

"What is it you do? Why is it she gets to see you- all of you. But I can't?" Ariel lifted her head from his shoulder, pulling away from him.

"Ariel, please calm down," he pleaded. "I never have to see Greta again. We'll get rid of her; she's gone. You're the only person for me." He moved his body closer to hers again.

"No, no. Don't get rid of her. Someone needs to give you a bath and it may as well be her," Ariel rethought her emotions. The thought of Greta pleasuring Eric made her blood boil, but she had never actually spoken to Greta. She decided Greta was someone she needed to keep close, someone to learn from. What made her insecure most of all was Greta's beauty.

"When you and I do it for the first time it will be special. It's the most sacred thing a man and woman could do. We will be making love and that is something I've never done with anyone before," Eric tried to explain but realized she still didn't understand. "Trust me, if I could undress you right here and now and make love to you, I would."

Ariel took his word for it, she knew he loved her. She also knew he was sincere, he had not let her down. Every time she doubted him, she had felt silly and remorseful. The burn on her finger reminded her of that. Eric leaned in and kissed her, parting her lips with his tongue; leading her tongue into his mouth. He continued to kiss her under the late morning sun. When he finally opened his eyes he noticed a figure up in the tower window.

"Mother's watching us," he whispered with a smile. Ariel boldly wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to her, planting a long firm kiss on his lips and running her hand down his chest when pulling away. Eric stood up and extended his hand.

"Let's get ready to go to town," Eric extended his hand to her. "I'll walk you upstairs." Ariel reached out and let herself be gently pulled from the bench. "What happened to your finger?"

Ariel changed out of the big pink gown into a much more comfortable red skirt and white blouse with puffy sleeves. Everyday Ariel noticed new articles of clothing added to her wooden wardrobe. The seamstress seemed to be working hard at making clothes that fit her. She walked outside where Eric and Adam were laughing shooting arrows into a target boss by the horse stables. She noticed the white circus horse from the night before, he was quietly eating hay in the shade.

"You're so beautiful," she petted the Arabian horse's face gently.

"Thank you!" the horse replied.

"You can understand me?" Ariel whispered, a little stunned.

"Of course I can- Ariel" the horse laughed. Ariel thought she could only talk to sea creatures. But then again, there was Scuttle.

"You were wonderful last night," she complimented the male horse.

"Thank you," replied the shy horse, looking down to the ground. "My master doesn't think so."

"Oh," Ariel sighed, "What is your name?"

"Jacques, they call me," the horse said bashfully. "Who is that? She is beautiful!"

Ariel looked behind her to see a proud light brown Mustang with a black mane and a white mark down her face run out of the stable and a large black Clydesdale following behind her.

"Stay away from me!" the brown female horse shouted.

"I thought you wanted to!" the black stallion grinned.

"Cleo! What's wrong girl?" Eric ran over and calmed the brown horse down. All Eric heard were neighs and whines. "Rothbart isn't so bad," he laughed, looking at the big beast. Rothbart stood upright and raised his front leg.

Adam ran over and jumped onto Rothbart's saddle making him trot proudly with his owner near.

"Let's go," Adam was in a hurry to head out.

"Lets take a carriage," Eric suggested.

"A carriage?" Adam grimaced and sighed loudly.

"Unless Ariel wants to ride with me and Cleo," Eric looked at his princess and smiled. Ariel looked unsure, she didn't want anyone going out of their way to make something easier for her. She wasn't as fragile as Eric thought.

"I'll ride Jacques," Ariel said determined.

"Jacques?" Eric asked, "How do you know his name is Jacques?"

"Yes, Eric, that's perfect. Let's go," Adam hurried them.

"You can't ride uh- Jacques. You don't know how to ride. The horses need to be able to know what you want them to do. Just get on Cleo and I can teach you how on the way," Eric said while holding Cleo's saddle and his hand out to Ariel.

"I've had a giant seahorse. I know what to do," she said with false bravado. She looked at Jacques who bent his front legs down to allow Ariel to mount him. "See?"

"Alright," Eric said while mounting Cleo, "We'll go at a steady, even pace." He meant that for Adam mostly.

"Thank you, Jacques" she whispered.

"No, problem Ariel. Just tell me what you need and I got it!" Jacque answered.

A short while later the three rode their horses down the dirt path through the woods that lead to town.

"So, you're a mustang, huh? I've never been out west," Jacques commented to Cleo.

"You have pink feathers on your head, how cute," Cleo scoffed at the white horse and rode ahead. Only Ariel could understand what any of the horses were saying. Adam, being as competitive as he was, couldn't let Eric and Cleo get ahead of him.

"Hyah!" Adam slapped the reins on Rothbart who shot out in a sprint. Cleo couldn't believe the nerve of that arrogant, black horse and burst in full speed ahead.

"Woah, girl!" Eric shouted, but she ignored his commands.

"Can't keep up, little brother?" Adam taunted. The challenge made adrenaline rush through Eric's veins. If there was one thing Cleo could do was keep up. The two raced ahead leaving Ariel and Jacques behind.

"She hates me," Jacques said.

"She doesn't hate you. She's a tough mare," Ariel reassured him.

"I'm faster than that other guy," he whined.

"Can you catch her?" Ariel asked, leaning in close to his ears.

"Psh! Oh, yeah! They're not going that fast. I was bred for racing. Not pony tricks," Jacques said confidently.

"Do it then! Let's win this!"

Ariel's enthusiasm boosted Jacques motivation, he hadn't raced in a while, he'd have to really push himself.

"Alright," he started gaining speed. Ariel found it hard to sit upright. "Ariel, ride lower. Closer to my mane," he coached. "Raise yourself off the seat but keep your feet in the stirrup. Hold on tight!"

Jacque started at a steady pace until Ariel got the hang of riding him. He knew Rothbart wasn't as fast as Cleo, so she wouldn't be trying very hard to beat him. He picked up speed after a few minutes, finally being able to see both horses up ahead. He continued to run faster, feeling the hard ground wearing on his horseshoes.

"Great job! Keep going!" Ariel cheered. She loved the thrill and the speed of the Arabian horse. He cut through the air effortlessly, riding so fast his feather headband blew off and almost hit Ariel in the face, making her laugh. Jacques joined the other two horses who were somewhat neck and neck.

"Ariel?" Eric said to himself puzzled. Cleo was also taken back a moment, giving Jacques a mean glare.

"Hyah! Hyah!" Adam slammed the reigns of his horse harder but the strong Clydesdale was going as fast as he could go. Jacques smiled at Cleo while running beside her. She went even faster, knowing that her new competition was the jeweled circus horse. Jacques could easily keep up with her.

"You're really good!" he said to the beautiful brown mare.

"Give up, fancy pants!" Cleo jabbed. Jacques, thrilled at the remark, gained speed so fast it made it difficult for Cleo to keep up. The town was visible from the road and Cleo ran about twenty yards behind him; Rothbart was more than five times as far away.

"Let her win, Jacques." Ariel whispered, petting his mane. Jacques slowed his pace and made it more steady. The mustang caught up to him and eventually reached the pavement of the town a full body ahead. The horses slowed to a stop; Rothbart arrived about fifteen seconds later.

"Good job, girl," Eric jumped off his horse and patted her shoulder.

"Congratulations," Jacques smirked at Cleo.

"That was incredible!" Eric praised Ariel, "Where'd you learn to ride like that?" He helped her dismount Jacques.

"That's ridiculous! She's like a little jockey!" Adam bellowed, dismounting Rothbart, "She weighs about 90 pounds!"

"Alright," Eric said tying up Cleo and Rothbart to a post, "We have to get this speed demon back to his owner."

Eric and Ariel led Jacques through the small town while Adam stopped to talk to a group of ladies who were sitting by a fountain.

"Ariel!" Camellia waved eagerly from across the the fountain. She was setting up a floral arrangement and had a few petals in her hair.

"Hi!" Ariel waved back, letting go of Eric's hand and walking over to the flower stand. Eric continued to walk Jacques toward the docks where the traveling circus was setting up to leave. "How are you today, Camellia?"

"Great! Oh, Ariel. You looked so great up there last night! What a show! And the prince! Ohh, it was all so romantic," she sighed, almost caught in a daydream.

"Oh, thank you! Yes, it was all Eric's idea! I hadn't seen him all day. I didn't even know what was happening," Ariel beamed with gratitude. She bent down to touch a white Cala Lily that was waiting to arranged. "They're so beautiful."

"I hope someday I meet the love of my life," Camellia clasped her hands together with hope, almost saying a little prayer.

"I know you will. I am sure of it," Ariel smiled.

"You look almost identical to a friend of mine from the sea. Her name is Gabriella. She sings with her hands!"

"Really? How?"

"She signs. She's the most wonderful person and a lot of fun!"

"I think I know what you mean. Is she shy like me?" Camellia asked, "It's hard for me to talk to people sometimes. I just never have much to say, or I get nervous. Mother says it's an issue."

"There is nothing wrong with that. We can't all be the same. That's what makes you who you are. Just do what you feel, in your heart and you can never go wrong," Ariel placed a hand on Camellia's arm to lift her spirits.

"Ariel, when is your wedding?"

"I don't know! I haven't even thought about it. Hopefully soon, the Queen arrived this morning and she is staying until the wedding she says," Ariel groaned.

"Is it not going well?"

"She doesn't seem to be the easiest to please. This morning she-" Ariel started but was cut off.

"Hello, beautiful ladies," Adam said out of thin air, placing his arm around Ariel's shoulders. He looked at Camellia who was nervously twirling a flower stem between her fingers. He reached for Camellia's hand and gave it a firm kiss, not breaking his gaze from her face. "You are exquisite," he smiled.

"Thank you, Prince Adam," Camellia bashfully looked down at the floor.

"You have lovely chocolate skin," he said, leaning in closer.

"Adam, this is Camellia. Her family owns the flower shop here in town."

"How quaint," Adam remarked arrogantly under his breath. "No, flower is as beautiful as you are, Camellia."

A bit further in the distance, a commotion was brewing near the docks. Claude, the ringmaster from last night was forcing Jacques up the ramp into the ship but Jacques refused. He pulled his head back, tugging the reigns from Claude's hands.

"Get up there, beast!" Claude scowled, undoing a leather whip that was coiled at his waist. Jacques neighed in fear, the loud neigh caught Ariel's attention. Claude lifted the whip in the air and struck it down hard against Jacques' side. Ariel, stunned for a moment shouted out to the man, but was too far away to be heard. A few of the other horses, along with Cleo and Rothbart, neighed from across the town's center. No one else seemed to mind the punishment. He struck the whip over and over as Ariel began to run toward the man.

"Stop! Stop it!" she cried, in full speed toward the docks, leaving Camellia and Adam behind. Other crew members tried to lasso ropes around his neck while Jacques' front legs reared up in the air, whining loudly- nearly a screeching sound. Claude, in a rage, did not hear Ariel's cries as he continued to whip the white Arabian horse. Eric, however, did.

"No!" Ariel shouted one last time before tossing her body between Claude and the horse, holding her hands up in the air for protection. She watched as the whip came down once more, nearly in slow motion and closed her eyes. She heard Jacques neighing loudly again and the sound of Eric's voice. She felt the embrace of a pair of arms completely surround her body and knocking her down to the ground. She opened her eyes and realized she was falling backward while watching the whip strike down rapidly over Eric's shoulder and across his back. Claude had a stunned expression on his face, he knew it was too late to undo what he had just done.

Everyone around gasped as they watched the prince getting hurt by the ringmaster in order to save his princess.

"Eric!" she cried, worried for his back. Adam appeared from out of nowhere and lunged at Claude, wrestling him down to the ground and punching him several times in the face while making loud grunting sounds.

"Are you ok?" Eric asked, touching her face. She nodded quickly, concerned for her prince and for the horse behind her.

"Stop him," she whispered to Eric, motioning toward Adam who was still hitting the man. She rose up from the ground with Eric's help and rushed over to Jacques.

"Are you alright?" she went to pet his side but realized his wounds looked sore, some were almost open and had started to bleed. "Oh, no. I am so sorry, Jacques," she lamented, with tears in her eyes.

"Thank you, Ariel. I am alright. I can't go back there. I can't" Jacques said determined.

"You won't. I promise you won't," she reassured him.

"Alright, Adam!" Eric shouted, holding Adam's arms behind his back, prying him off the cowering ringmaster on the ground.

"A million apologies, Prince. I did not know she would get in the way. It was too fast for me to realize," he begged. "I didn't mean to hurt you, Prince- Princess. Please, spare my life."

"Life?" Ariel asked puzzled. "Eric, Jacques cannot go back there." She said firmly touching Eric's arm. Eric saw the concerned look in her eyes and how much care she had for an animal she hardly knew. Everything about her was beautiful, even when she was upset.

"Sir," Eric began, "Is there anyway we could make some sort of monetary arrangement for the stallion?"

"Don't do business with that scum, brother!" Adam called out in a fit of anger.

"J-just take him," the ringmaster said in fear. "As an apology, he is yours."

"It was an accident, I understand. You should not mistreat your horses. They perform better and are loyal if you treat them right," Eric lectured. Ariel patted the horse on the face and tears came down her eyes, she wish she could have gotten there sooner.

"See? You're not going anywhere," she said moving her hand up and down Jacques' nose. She quickly started removing all the fancy circus saddle and jeweled material Jacque had over her body, revealing old scars from previous beatings that had healed. "I am so sorry, Jacques," she said running her hand over the scars. Eric and Ariel led Jacques over to the other horses and began to tend for him.

"He can't be ridden for a day or two," Eric said examining the wounds. Camellia walked over with several strips of white fabric and a small pail of water.

"Thank you," Eric said to the timid brown girl as he began to clean the wounds and bandage them. Although Jacques was in a bit of pain, he was more excited to be next to Cleo again.

"I don't understand," Ariel sighed. "How can some humans be so- cruel?"