That evening, after another unfortunate meal with the Queen, it had been decided that the wedding was to take place in three days. There was much preparation to be done. Eric and Ariel met in the study where a large fire was set. Adam had decided to stay in town that afternoon, most likely for women and drinking.

They both cuddled on the rug facing the fire with their backs leaning against the couch. Ariel's head was resting on his shoulder and her hand was slowly moving up and down his chest, with her seashell diamond ring sparkling in the flamelight.

"I meet with an architect tomorrow for the wedding," Eric said resting his chin on her head while he stroked her arm.

"Architech? What are you planning?"

"It's a surprise," he said with a smile. He loved intimate moments where it was just the two of them, lately he felt like they always had people around- watching.

"Mhh, I can't wait," she snuggled in closer to him. "Can't wait to be yours."

"Forever," Eric added. "That was a very brave thing you did today, Ariel. Just, never do it again. I don't want you getting hurt."

"Poor Jacques. I hope he's is doing alright. How does your back feel?"

"It's great, Greta rubbed some stuff on it," he said casually. Ariel was silent, the thought of Greta always gave her mixed feelings. She hadn't seen her since the festival the day before in town. "You're not still worried about Greta are you? I am only yours."

"I know you are," Ariel looked up at him and smiled. He leaned his head forward and placed a small kiss on her nose.

"I love you, Ariel."

"And I love you, my prince." Their kiss was inevitable, Eric could not get enough of the taste of her sweet lips. Every time they kissed it was as if they never had before.

"Was that enough?" the queen snapped at the door. They both turned their heads in her direction but made no efforts to move from their comfortable position by the warm fire. "It is time for you to go to your bedroom, Ariel. I am going to have a word with my son." Ariel glared at Eric with a smirk and quietly rose to her feet.

"Goodnight, Eric," she said calmly as walked by the queen, both women holding a stern stare.

"Goodnight, mermaid," the queen said with a sinister amusement in her voice. Ariel did not acknowledge her words and continued straight to her room.

A couple hours later in her bed, Ariel couldn't sleep. She kept wondering what the queen would have to talk to Eric about, she knew she'd try turning him against her. She also knew he loved her and would never give in to his mother. Ariel began wandering the dark halls of the castle barefoot and in her nightgown. The castle had several large windows which let moonlight dimly illuminate off the marble floors. She tiptoed to Eric's door and knocked lightly a couple times- there was no answer. She had never been inside his room and thought it rude to barge in, so she continued to the main staircase.

Voices were heard coming up the steps and Ariel hid behind a large pillar. It was Queen Eleanora and Grimsby; although she was not able to make out what they were saying, she knew by their tone that it was very serious. She held her breath as they passed her and continued to the east wing. She walked down the stairs quickly and down a narrow corridor to the servant's quarters. A few different voices grew louder as she walked further down. There was a light coming from a room near the end of the hall and an accordion playing lightly. Laughter and some quiet chatter filled the air, she even heard someone singing. Ariel walked toward the room cautiously as to not make a sound. She peeked her head over the door frame into the room.

Many of the servants of the castle were gathered in the large room together. Some played cards at a table while others were feasting on food that was out. One man played the accordion quietly in a corner singing and others lounged about singing along a bit between conversations. Carlotta sat a large chair laughing at another woman who was mocking the queen. Knowing someone else disliked the queen made Ariel snicker.

"Ariel?" said a voice behind her. Ariel's eyes went wide and turned, panicked. It was Greta, who was also in her nightgown with her thick black hair tied in a braid and hanging down one of her shoulders past her breast. She was holding a small lantern for light. "What are you doing here?" Greta asked.

"I was- uh, looking for you," Ariel mustered.

"Me?"

"Yes. Can we speak privately?" she whispered, not wanting to be seen or heard by the others.

"Yes, of course. Come this way," Greta lead Ariel down another small corridor and into her small bedroom. She had only a single bed covered with plain white sheets, a nightstand and an old wooden armoire. The bedroom had no windows and was lit by the lantern on the nightstand. "Sit," she said, watching Ariel survey the room. Ariel sat on the side of the bed and Greta quickly joined her. Greta's bed wasn't as large or comfortable as her own and she suddenly felt terribly guilty for all the lavish luxuries she had taken for granted.

"Greta, I wanted to ask you something," Ariel started. Greta tuned in with her fixed brown almond eyes. "You know I have never done- well, you know," Ariel said looking down at the bed. "When I marry Eric, I want to be able to please him- like you have."

"Oh," Greta looked a little embarrassed and began to undo her long braid.

"I mean, you do please him, right? You and Eric have done- it before," Ariel waited anxiously for a reaction. She wasn't sure what Greta would say, she didn't know if they had gone that far.

"Yes," Greta responded softly, "We have. But it's not the same, Ariel. It is my job to whenever it is necessary. It has only occurred on occasion. Prince Eric is one of the gentler ones."

"Ones? There are more?"

"Ha, yes," Greta nearly chuckled at the reaction. "I wish there weren't any at all. But making love is much more different from what I do. You and Eric will make love. Something he and I have never done and will never do. His heart belongs to you." Ariel felt better at her words, but had to make sure of one more thing.

"Do you love him?" Ariel asked. Greta laughed.

"Love him? The Prince? He is a very nice young man and I am very fond of him. But I do not love him," Greta untied her hair, cascading loose waves down her back and shoulders.

"Is there someone else?" Ariel asked moving in closer, this time genuinely interested in having Greta confide in her.

"Yes, there is someone else" Greta smiled to herself and stroked a strand of her hair.

"Really? That's great, Greta! He's very lucky, whoever he is," Ariel smiled warmly at the olive-skinned brunette woman.

"Not as lucky as Eric," Greta smirked. Ariel blushed and thought of her Prince.

"He's just- so," Ariel sighed sheepishly, grinning to herself, "Perfect. When I am with Eric, something in my chest just throttles. My heart beats faster and my mind shuts off. And everytime he touches me I feel like I can't control myself. I get this feeling- and it doesn't go away. I think it's only getting worse."

"You know- don't tell him I told you this. But he feels the same way about you," Greta confided quietly.

"What did he say?" Ariel's eyes lit up eagerly.

"He-" Greta started but stopped at the sound of commotion in the hall. Someone was shouting, it was the deep voice of a man. They both paused a moment to listen.

"Greta! Greta, I need you!" the voice slurred. Greta jumped to her feet and hurried to her armoire.

"It's Adam!" she said panicked, she took a robe from her armoire and slipped it on quickly.

"Adam?" Ariel wondered. The voice was right outside the door. Adam tried to open the door but it was locked so he started to pound on it hard.

"Greta!" he tried to whisper by the door frame but it was still very loud.

"He's coming! Ariel, get in, there's no time!" Greta hurried Ariel into the armoire. There were only a few robes and uniforms hanging inside. Ariel pushed all the robes to one side and stepped in. "It won't be too long I promise," Greta said apologetically and closed her in. Ariel watched through a tiny gap between the old wooden armoire doors as Greta ran fingers through her hair and opened the door.

Is Adam her person? she thought to herself; excited that they were both in love with princes.

"What were you doing in here?" Adam said annoyed, slamming the door behind him. Ariel watched as he immediately pulled his shirt up over his head and pulled Greta in, kissing her roughly and squeezing her backside.

"You've had a lot to drink tonight?" she asked calmly, pulling away.

"Yeah," he burped and started undoing his pants. "It's hard for you," he had a difficult time standing up. He pulled down his pants and laid face-up on Greta's bed. Ariel couldn't see very well what was under his pants. But she continued to look as Greta pulled off her robe and let it fall to the floor. She then moved the straps from her white cotton nightgown and slipped them off her shoulders, revealing a perfectly curvy figure, wide hips and shapely legs from behind.

"Get over here," Adam barked, he sat up and pulled her by her arm onto the bed. She kneeled down by his knees facing him, with her long hair down her back made it difficult for Ariel to see what she was doing. She bent forward a bit and began to move her head up and down. Adam moaned heavily and placed both hands on her head as she continued.

Ariel wasn't sure what Greta was doing to him, but he seemed to enjoy it.

"Get on top," he huffed.

"No, prince, we really shouldn't," she pleaded to him at his waist, but it only seemed to upset him. He yanked her hair hard and lifted her head back to look directly into her eyes.

"You will do as I say!" he said firmly. He got up on his knees and flipped Greta over. Ariel's eyes grew wide when she finally got a look at what rested between his legs. It's enormous! Greta couldn't possibly fit that inside her! she thought. Greta, now on her hands and knees, looked directly toward the armoire- almost as if looking straight at Ariel.

Ariel watched as Greta winced, and with one mighty thrust Adam drove himself into her. Greta let out a short whimper.

"Don't act like you don't like it!" Adam scowled, pulling on her hair again. "You're supposed to like it." He started to shove himself in and out of her repeatedly as tears filled Greta's eyes. Adam's large frame towered over Greta's body, his hips slammed against her backside hard. One of his large hands tugged her hair while he squeezed her hips and slapped her skin. Greta made quiet noises as she tried to muffle the pain.

"Oh, yes! I know you love it. Look at how wet you are" Adam continued. Adam pulled out of her suddenly and readjusted himself onto her. Holding it and placing it in slowly this time.

"No, please don't put it in there. Please, don't-" Greta cried.

"Shut up!" Adam yelled, "We can't have you having my bastard child." The more he pushed himself into her, the more Greta screamed. Ariel couldn't bare watching any longer, she wanted to lunge at Adam and save Greta from that nightmare. She started to open the door of the armoire slowly.

"No!" Greta shouted at Ariel, shaking her head from side to side. Ariel slowly closed the door again, Adam didn't even notice.

"Scream all you want," he laughed. It only continued for a few minutes longer, but to both women it seemed like an eternity. When Adam was done he drunkenly got to his feet and pulled his pants up. "You're the best," he slurred before stumbling out the door.

Ariel waited a moment before coming out the armoire. She quickly closed the door to Greta's room, Adam had left it wide open. Greta curled up facing the wall, naked, and crying. Ariel draped the robe from the floor over Greta's nude body and sat on the bed beside her.

"Greta, I am so sorry. I had no idea he did that to you," Ariel said rubbing Greta's back. Greta turned over on her back to face Ariel, her eyes were red from crying.

"I'm sorry you had to see that," Greta lamented.

"He is a monster! I wanted to stop him."

"I know, I saw. Thank you, Ariel," Greta forced a grin.

"Is he the one you love?"

"No! Oh, no. He uses me, it is my job," Greta looked down in shame. Ariel took her hand and held it in hers.

"It shouldn't have to be anyone's job. I can put a stop to it. I'll talk to Eric tomorrow."

"No, please don't! He will only be here a few more days," Greta pleaded, now sitting up on her bed.

"Is that what Eric does to you?" Ariel asked sternly.

"No, no. Not in the least. Prince Adam and Prince Eric are very different," Greta insisted.

"Oh, Greta, I am so sorry!" Ariel threw herself at the woman's body in a long embrace. She felt guilty for ever judging Greta and feeling jealous. She had not realized how much pain her life really had. Greta, finding comfort in Ariel's arms, placed her arms around her waist and head on her shoulder. The robe Ariel had put over Greta's body slipped off and only the thin fabric of Ariel's nightgown separated the two women.

Greta sighed deeply, pressing her chest firmly against Ariel's as they hugged. The feeling of Greta's breasts touching hers through the fabric caused Ariel's nipples to become aroused and she wasn't sure why. Greta raised her chin off Ariel's shoulders a bit nestled her nose against her neck. Ariel felt Greta's deep breathing tickle behind her ear. She tensed up a moment as Greta placed her lips and entire face on her neck, inhaling profoundly taking in her scent. Her long exasperated exhale sent Ariel's body shivers, causing her to let out a small moan.

The moan surprised them both; Greta, seeing it as an invitation to continue, brushed her cheek against Ariel's. Ariel's short sweet sighs made Greta want her more. Greta traced her lips up Ariel's jawline and to her chin. She pulled back slightly, locking eyes with the beautiful redhead, whose trembling pink lips were slightly parted and inviting. Greta removed her hands from around Ariel's waist and stroked the side of Ariel's face, feeling it's smoothness and warmth. Ariel knew what was about to happen, it had been building up since that day of the bath.

She felt frozen, not wanting it to continue but also not being able to stop. Greta moved in slowly, placing her nose on Ariel's as they continued to lock eyes. Ariel closed her eyes at the touch of Greta's hand on her cheek. She snuggled her face into it and moved her chin forward, finding Greta's lips almost instantly- barely touching them. Ariel's soft lips sent chills down Greta's spine. She could not tease her any longer, she decided, she wanted her.

Greta covered Ariel's lips with hers completely and slipped her tongue in the entrance waiting to be met by Ariel's. Ariel did, she shyly stroked the tip of Greta's tongue with hers inside her own mouth. Greta pushed her face forward into a deep kiss, completely exploring the inside of Ariel's mouth.

"Mmhh," Greta moaned as she placed a hand on Ariel's covered breast and cupped it firmly.

"This is wrong," Ariel whispered breathlessly between kisses.

"It feels so good," Greta huffed, kissing down Ariel's chin to her neck and chest.

"Stop," Ariel said, pushing Greta away and rising up to her feet. Greta took a hold of her hand.

"Ariel, please don't go," she pleaded. Ariel yanked her hand out of Greta's, giving her an apologetic look and heading toward the door.

"Ariel," Greta continued, "I love you!" Ariel froze in her step and turned around sharply.

"What?"

"I love you," Greta sat at the edge of the bed looking down at her lap with her long dark hair covering her naked breasts. "I- I saw you. Rescuing Eric from the shipwreck, I was looking out the window of the palace and ran outside to help. No one else seemed to be around, so I went alone. When I got near, I heard you singing to Eric and it was so beautiful. You were a mermaid- green tail." Ariel stood speechless.

"I fell in love with you immediately. I knew the prince was looking for his 'mystery woman', who would've believed me that it was a mermaid? But when news got around that a young woman was found from the shipwreck with bright red hair, I knew it was you. But you couldn't speak and I didn't understand why

"Eric would speak so highly of you when I'd see him. I wished so badly it was me instead of him who got to touch you- to kiss you. I watched you dance at the festival, I know how kind you are with people. I saw you save that horse in town today. Everything about you is just so- beautiful. Inside and out," Greta rose from the bed completely naked and walked over toward Ariel.

"Stop, please," Ariel moved back a step, "Greta, I am so sorry. I don't love you. I love Eric. And I want to be with him. We're getting married. Besides, you're a woman. I don't know if that's normal or natural for women to like each other. Although you do make me feel very good when you touch me, I don't think I like women- emotionally." Greta lowered her head and looked at the ground. Ariel walked over and took her hand.

"I still want us to be great friends," Ariel said and placed a light kiss on Greta's cheek. Greta used the opportunity to place one last deep, wet kiss on Ariel's mouth. They gave each other a lingering look and Ariel quickly pulled away, opening the wooden door and closing it behind her.

It was more than she could handle for one night, Ariel quickly hurried through the castle and up the stairs. She found herself in front of Eric's large arched doorway. She looked around the hall and then gently pushed the door open, making a creaking sound. She was relieved to find her prince sleeping safe and soundly in his bed. The room was chilly from the large open window and Eric was on his stomach, bareback exposed to the open air.

Ariel watched his tanned chiseled back glowing in the moonlight coming in from the window. His arms were spread out across the enormous bed. Ariel touched the cool skin of his forearm, causing him to move a little. He opened his eyes.

"Ariel?" he shot his upper body up and looked around the room, "What's wrong, are you ok?!"

"Yes, yes. I am fine. I just wanted to see you," She explained. Eric gave a sleepy grin and plopped onto his back, motioning for Ariel to lay next to him. "I won't stay long, I promise."

Eric cuddled her in closely to him and wrapped his arms around her, with his nose buried in her hair.

"Couldn't sleep?" he asked, almost a yawn.

"I just missed you. I'm so lucky to have you," she smiled to herself. Eric kissed the back of her head and they both dozed off to sleep.

"Have you no shame?" the queen snapped over breakfast the following morning. "You were in each other's quarter's again? Doing lord knows what! I am left with no choice but to call off the wedding." Queen Eleanora looked down at her lap as she tried her best to keep her composure. Ariel dropped her fork against her plate, making a loud clanking sound.

"You can't do that!" Ariel shouted, nearly rising from her chair.

"Oh, can't I?" the queen shouted even louder.

"Mother, please," Eric said sternly, "You're taking this too far."

"Yes, mother, you're being a tad more dramatic than usual this morning," Adam added.

"Silence! All of you!" the queen snapped. She sat up straight in her chair and swallowed hard a couple times before speaking again. "I had warned that mermaid that if she were to engage in inappropriate behavior with my son before the wedding again, it would not end well for her."

"Your son is not a child," Ariel rose to her feet abruptly. "In no way imaginable do you have the power to make decisions on my or anyone else's life!"

"Ariel, that's enough," Eric commanded in a steady tone that shocked everyone at the table. Ariel looked at Eric in disbelief. This was her prince, the man she loved. Everything she had ever done, she did for him. How could he side with his mother?, she thought. Eric's eyes gave her a disapproving stare she had never seen before. She didn't know what she had done wrong, but was too angry to care. And without another word hurried out of the dining room, leaving everyone behind. Eric exhaled deeply and closed his eyes a moment.

"Who told her she could be excused?" Eleanora scoffed.

"Mother," Eric began calmly, "I would appreciate it if you showed Ariel some respect, she's done nothing to you. Now, I will marry Ariel with or without your approval. There will be a wedding- you don't have to come. She will be part of my life and part of this family forever. If you ever want to maintain a relationship with me or any grandchildren we may have, I suggest you apologize to her."

"Eric, I-"

"Immediately!" Eric stood up in one quick movement and stomped out of the room. Grimsby locked eyes with the queen, who looked away quickly and clenched her jaw in frustration. He politely excused himself and followed Eric out the door.

"You've done it now, mother," Adam chuckled. "You're losing your baby boy."

"Shut up!" she hissed at the cocky man. "How dare she. The little tramp!"

"You know, she's not so bad," Adam remarked in Ariel's defense. "She's beautiful and smart and she has a hot temper. Remind you of anyone?"

"Too hot. She does not know who she trifles with."

"Eric seemed pretty serious."

"How serious can he be for a girl who spreads her legs for any wealthy man who comes along. She really hit the jackpot this time; landed herself a prince!" the queen mocked.

"She's a virgin, mother."

"Yes. That's what they all say, son. Don't you believe it one second."

"Father would have liked her," he added.

"Your father was a fool! Just like Eric. Besides, she won't be around much longer. I'll see to that."

Ariel cried quietly in the stable right beside her new friend, Jacques. Her hopes of ever truly being with Eric had started to disappear.

"How could he?" she sobbed, resting her head between Jacques's eyes. He snuggled his head closer to her for comfort. Jacques owed Ariel his life, he hated seeing her upset. "We should go far away from here, Jacques... Oh, who am I kidding- I don't belong here. I should return to the sea to be with my own kind again." Jacques shook his head no. "Why aren't you talking?" Ariel asked.

"Someone is here," Jacques whispered. Ariel turned around and much to her surprise saw Adam, closing the stable door behind him.

"Aw, how touching," Adam teased.

"What do you want?" Ariel sneered, wiping wetness from her cheeks with the back of her hands.

"Enjoy the show last night, mermaid?" Adam grinned. Ariel stood frozen, she felt her heart beating out of her chest. Had Adam known she was hiding in Greta's wardrobe last night? Adam laughed smugly, "I heard things. Or better yet, I saw things; with my own eyes." He walked closer toward Ariel, his large body slowly casting a shadow over her in the already dark stable.

"You're a monster!" Ariel shouted, worried he was there to do the same thing to her as he did Greta.

"Sshh! Keep it down. You wouldn't want me to tell Eric about your uhm- lover," Adam whispered the word. Oh, no. had he seen us? she wondered. He stopped nearly a half foot away and looked up and down her body, examining her slender frame and subtle curves. Adam imagined what it would be like to touch her smooth skin and kiss her angry lips. His stare made Ariel feel very uncomfortable, but she never broke eye contact.

"I would never touch you!" she snapped, as if reading his mind. She could smell his strong, musky cologne from where she stood.

"Woah, easy! As much as I would love to see what aquatic treasures are hiding under that pretty little dress of yours, I am not into redheads," Adam smirked.

"What do you want?"

"Your friend- from the town center. The caramel-skinned girl, Camellia. I want her. Her family is providing the flowers for the wedding, aren't they? She was asking about you this morning."

"She's too good for you," Ariel snapped.

"Too good for me? I'm a prince," Adam looked baffled.

"Even so."

"I only want to speak with her," Adam pleaded with a smile.

"And beat and torture her!"

"Oh, please. I was drunk! And that whore, Greta, loves that stuff! Don't let her fool you. Besides, you probably just want Camellia all to yourself, don't you?" Adam leaned his face close to Ariel's as she tried to move backward, pressing her back against Jacques' strong side. "You want to have some girl time fun with her too? You may want to have Eric join in next time. Or maybe even me." Ariel's eyes widened, she opened her palm and slapped Adam hard across the face. Her pulse was racing, she knew Adam had a temper and was not afraid to hit a woman, so she tried to be alert of his following actions. He clenched his jaw, drawing in air slowly and exhaling through his nose. "Mmhhh, no woman's ever hit me like that before. It really, really gets me going," Adam smiled a devilish grin.

"Well, maybe they should start," Ariel remarked.

"Ha! I'd have their heads," Adam began moving away toward the door. "The only reason you still have yours is because my brother would kill me if I ever touched you."

"No, he wouldn't."

"Yes, Ariel. He would," Adam opened the entrance of the stable door, letting the sunlight in. Ariel turned toward Jacques again in relief she wasn't harmed. "He really does love you," Adam said quietly before marching toward the castle.

Eric walked along the ocean sea shore, as he did often when upset or worried. The castle had been his home for nearly a year since he left the palace. Him and his father had enjoyed many summers there as a child and it had been his most favorite place to be. Adam always preferred the winters in the castle in the woods, it was much older and much larger- he could shoot and hunt all day. Max was at Eric's side, mirroring his solemn mood. It had all gotten completely out of hand. He wanted the only two women he loved to get along and able to be in the same room with each other. He knew his mother was a tough woman to be around and Ariel was bold and headstrong, but he had to make things right. Ariel didn't know well enough to just ignore his mother's crude comments.

He sighed to himself as, in the distance, workers busily constructed the large dock he had ordered to be made for the wedding. Servants, workers, and a few townspeople were moving about the castle's beach, getting things in order. He looked out to the ocean and thought about how beautiful and dangerous it was at the same time. He then turned his head up to Ariel's window- she wasn't there. He missed being able to look up at her window and find her there, smiling back. What was even stranger was that her curtains were drawn, as if she were never there that morning.

It was all his fault, he thought. He knew if he would have just escorted Ariel back to her bedroom the night before, he could have avoided this whole mess.

"Eric," a hoarse voice said behind him.

"Ah, hi, Grim. You caught me by surprise," Eric said rubbing his head.

"Eric, you mustn't go through with this wedding. Your mother is-"

"What? What are you talking about? Are you all crazy?" Eric turned his back to Grimsby and stared out to the water.

"You barely even know this girl," Grimsby continued.

"What's so wrong with her? Why doesn't mother like her? Why don't you like her?"

"It's not about liking her, Prince. She cannot be trusted. She's not even a princess. She knows nothing about the proper way a lady should behave. She knows nothing of being a princess of a kingdom. She seems to be very much delusional. She would never be fit to be queen one day. She continues to go on with this mermaid charade. You just cannot-"

"She was a mermaid! She is not lying, Grim," Eric exclaimed, he had been over this with him many times before.

"Have you ever seen her as a mermaid?"

"No," Eric replied. "But, she saved me from that wreck. She saved my life! How could anyone do that? I saw her voice come back to her, before my own eyes. A bright golden orb and her skin glowing. It was a spell. I know it sounds far fetched but, you have to trust me. The truth will reveal itself overtime. You know me, Grim. You know I am not one to make up wild, outlandish stories." Grimsby looked down at the sand with little empathy. Eric placed his hand on Grimsby's shoulder and lowered his voice, "All my life, you've been like a father to me. You're my best friend and the person I can always count on. If you don't believe me, who else can I count on? I need your trust, Grim. Please." Eric looked into the old, stuffy man's eyes. Grimsby exhaled, knowing he had lost this battle.

"I will try... Eric," he said with a softer touch in his words.

"Thank you," Eric smiled and gave Grimsby and big hug, lifting him off the ground. "I need to go find Ariel and set things right."

Ariel decided it was time for her to talk to Eric, she needed to work things out with him. If his mother was going to be constantly meddling in his life, this was something she wanted no part in. She made sure Jacques had a bucket of water and his bandages were changed before leaving the stable.

"Yer highness!" a short, stocky man called out to her, running over in a frenzy. "The prince had asked for you to choose some flowers for the wedding."

"Oh, hello. I am sorry, but I really can't right now. I'm sure any flowers will be lovely," Ariel apologized with a smile. The man's face grew disappointed, he took off his hat.

"But, yer majesty, he said we cannot start the arrangement until the selection was made by you, specifically. It will only take a minute," the concern and sincerity in the man's voice made her feel guilt ridden. The queen had called off the wedding and these people had not yet gained knowledge of it.

"Sure," she replied, "Where are they?" The man's face lit up with excitement.

"Right over by that stagecoach. Follow me," the man pointed, to a horse drawn coach over near the main road. She followed as he led the way. "Real pretty wedding this'll be, I'm sure ov' it, miss." Ariel smiled a little, saddened at the thought that there will be no wedding at all. They reached the coach and Ariel noticed the road was busier than usual, some people were around busily preparing for the big event being held the day after tomorrow. They reached the coach and the man quickly walked around the horses to the other side.

"Where is it?" Ariel called out to him.

"Right here," a voice said behind her. A hand appeared in front of her face and clasped her mouth tightly. Another person yanked her arms behind her back and tied her wrists together securely. Her screams were muffled. Ariel kicked wildly as the person behind her lifted her off the ground.

"Tie her feet!" someone shouted. She felt powerless to the strong men as they held her legs straight and wrapped rope around her ankles. A ball of shreds of cloth was shoved into her mouth and another band covered her lips and was tied forcefully behind her head. "Get her in the trunk," the same voice commanded.

She was lifted off the ground and gently placed into the back wooden trunk of the coach. Ariel tried to kick and scream as much as she could but it was to no avail. Hot streams of tears once again rolled down the sides as her eyes. A command was given to start the horses and the coach began moving. She realized she could see through a tiny sliver of light in the old trunk. She watched as the castle grew smaller before her eyes.