"Are you ready?" Eric walked into one of the ship's bedrooms to find a nervous Ariel, sitting on the edge of the bed fidgeting with her hands. He sat next to her and took her hand. "I'll be right beside you the whole time. Everything will be fine." Ariel inhaled deeply and exhaled; collapsing her shoulders and burying her head in her lap.
"I can't do this," she muffled into her skirt. Eric chuckled and rubbed her back.
"Come," he stood up, gently tugging her arm along with him.
"Eric," she looked up at him from the bed, "Don't let me go." She rose to her feet and followed him up the stairs to the deck.
Eric held her hand as they walked toward the end of the ship. Ariel stood nervously and overlooked the water below.
"How could it have gone wrong?" the queen wondered aloud. The ship rocked back and forth slightly as she sat attempting to fix her hair in front of the vanity mirror of her room. "Those dirty scoundrels! Eric doesn't know, does he, John?"
"No, he does not," John replied. "Thank heavens you're safe."
"I wish I could have watched them all drown," Eleanora glared into the mirror, remembering what she had endured the previous evening. John walked over to the sitting Queen and placed his hands on both her shoulders from behind.
"I have missed you," he whispered, spreading his fingers open against her skin.
"Not now, John," she said sharply.
"It has been nearly a year since I last touched you," he leaned forward and pressed his nose against the side of her neck. The queen closed her eyes, letting her guard down a moment. It had been so long since she had felt the touch of a man- John's touch.
"Keep it down. Someone might hear you," she warned, feeling her body warm with desire.
"Remember when you used to wear it down for me?" John whispered more softly into her ear, smelling the hair that fell beside it.
"Stop it, I haven't bathed," she uttered with nervous breath. John wrapped his arms around her shoulders and kissed the side of her neck tenderly.
"You were fourteen when I first saw you," John recollected.
"You were nearly twice my age"
"Not quite," he smiled.
"I was sixteen when you kissed me. Do you remember, John? By my father's stables," she said, watching him in her mirror straight ahead with his face turned into her cheek.
"I believe you were the one that kissed me, Nora. You devil," he moved her hair behind her ear and kissed her cheek.
"Then, you left me," Eleanora looked down at her lap. She felt herself overwhelmed with emotions. She hated remembering the lonely years she had spent waiting for John.
"I had to. You know this," John said, collapsing his head onto her shoulder.
"You didn't. You could have stayed with me. We could have run away."
"I had no money. Where would we have gone? When I heard news the king had selected a new wife, I had no idea it would be you. He knighted me as a hero and made me member of his roundtable. Watching you sit next to him that first time took every power in me to not slit his throat," John breathed in deeply, clenching his fist. "You were mine."
"I could never be yours completely. For four years, I waited and you weren't there," Eleanora felt tears in her eyes.
"I was at war. Your king's war. We did spend many night together- in secret. But, it's been so long, Nora."
"After Eric was born, you changed. You could barely look at me, you didn't want to touch me."
"He suspected something. Don't you understand? He knew. He put me in charge of finding the person who was taking bed with you. Everything you did was being watched. I couldn't risk him killing you or the boys," John lied.
"You left me again. You were so close. I saw you every day and could never touch you or feel the way I felt in your arms," Eleanora sobbed quietly.
"Please, don't cry. I'm here now," John wiped Eleanora's face with his handkerchief. John cupped her chin and stared longingly into the eyes of his lost love. He placed his lips on hers with as much passion and desire as he did the first time they were together. She immediately opened her mouth, pressing her face firmly on John's scruffy skin. They kissed longingly, deeply yearning what had been lost to them for quite some time.
"I never thought I'd kiss you again," Eleanora huffed, stopping to take a breath.
"You're mine, Nora. You always will be mine," John growled against her lips and kissed her again.
The two were suddenly interrupted by a quick knock on the door. John released her body and walked backward a few steps.
"Come in!" Eleanora shouted, straightening herself up in the mirror.
"Mother? Are you alright?" Eric asked after opening the door.
"Yes, dear. I'm alive, aren't I?" she replied calmly.
"Mother, you are needed on deck at the moment," Eric informed.
"Right this moment? Eric, darling, I look a mess," she complained staring at her own reflection in the mirror, but mostly looking at John who stood perfectly straight a few feet behind her.
"Yes. It's very important," Eric said with a bit of nervousness in his voice. The queen rose from her chair and walked across the wooden ship floor. "You may want to come also, Grimsby," Eric said to John.
"I'll be right behind you, Prince," John Grimsby responded.
A bright golden light grew stronger under the water and of it, a trident appeared. Ariel clenched Eric's hand tightly. She wanted very badly to see her father, but knew of his hot-blooded temper. King Triton emerged from the sea hovering on a stream of water.
"Oh, Ariel!" Triton cried, extending his arms open.
"Daddy!" Ariel released Eric's hand after seeing her father's reaction. She knew it was safe. "I'm so sorry, Daddy." She began to cry against his shoulder as Triton rubbed her back. "Ursula tr-"
"It's ok," Trition interrupted, "I know everything. The prince told me everything. Ariel, I want you to come home to Atlantica." Ariel released her arms from around her father and took a few steps back.
"No," she shook her head. She held onto Eric's hand again with tears in her eyes. "Daddy, I love him! Can't you see?"
"You don't belong here, Ariel," the King pleaded, "Your sisters miss you. I miss you."
"Please don't do this, Daddy." Ariel cried. Eric wrapped his arms around her as she sobbed in his chest. "Eric, I don't want to go. I won't leave you," she said only to her prince.
"You're not going anywhere. Don't cry, I'm here," he consoled her, rocking her gently in his arms. Triton saw the bond the two shared. He had shared a bond of his own similar once.
"Your majesty, Ariel will be staying on land with me. You can see her at anytime. But you're not taking her back if she does not wish to," Eric spoke confidently to the king.
"I hoped it wouldn't have to come to this," Triton held his trident in one hand and with a serious look, pointed it at Ariel. Eric pushed her behind him for protection and began to draw his sword. A yellow beam of glowing magic penetrated through Eric and covered Ariel's body completely.
"No! Stop!" Eric shouted at the king. He ran toward the floating king and tried to wrestle the trident out of his hand, but it was too late. In one swift move, Triton pushed the young prince causing him to fall flat on the deck of the ship.
"Eric," Ariel called to him, with a smile on her face.
"Ariel?" he looked up from the ground, "You're alright!" He got up and rushed to her. "What happened?" Ariel smiled at Eric and took his hand, then looked to her father- she knew what had happened.
"It's up to her," the king explained. "For your wedding, I have given you the gift of choice. Whenever you're in the sea, you posses the choice of turning into a mermaid for as short or as long as you wish. When you leave the ocean water, you will transform back into a human. So now, you can come home and be with me and your sisters at any time."
"Oh, thank you daddy!" Ariel ran to her father and threw her arms around his neck. Triton felt relief at the possibility he wouldn't be losing his daughter forever.
"I love you, Ariel," Triton reminded his youngest daughter, "You're always welcome home."
"I love you, Daddy." After a moment Ariel turned to Eric who was happily watching the affection she expressed for her father. "But, it wouldn't be often the times I'd leave Eric's side," she explained..
"I understand," the king said, placing his large hand on her small shoulder. "I would have never left your mother's side."
"Your majesty," Eric called, interrupting their talk. "Is there anyway you can allow me the same- privileges?"
"Eric? What do you mean?" Ariel asked.
"I'll go wherever you go. You made changes for me, I should make the same changes for you. Ariel, I'll never leave you," Eric walked over and took her by the hand. "Is that ok, your majesty?"
"You want to be- a merman?" the king looked surprised. He had never imagined a human would ever willingly become a merperson.
"Yes, if that's ok. I'll be whatever I can to be close to Ariel," Eric looked surprised.
"Unfortunately, I can only give that power to a member of the royal family. But your intentions are very honorable, prince," Triton informed. He watched as the look on his daughter face grew disappointed. "But-" he started again, guilt ridden "How about a charm? I can charm an item that gives you the ability whenever you wear it in the sea."
Eric looked at the ground, thinking of what could be done. Suddenly, his eyes lit up. "The rings! Our wedding rings- we exchange them tomorrow during the ceremony. I'll wear it for the rest of my life," he explained.
"Yes, bring it to me and I will see to it," Triton placed his hand on Eric's shoulder while his other was still on Ariel's. He looked at the young couple beaming at each other from ear to ear. He pulled them both close to him and embraced them tightly. "You know, I've always wanted a son," Triton confessed jokingly. Eric laughed, glad he was finally accepted by her father- the King of the sea.
"You should meet mother, the queen," Eric told the king, "Wait here a moment, I'll go down and get her. I'll get Grimsby too, he has the rings." And with that Eric disappeared below deck.
"King Triton said we must keep the truth about Atlantica and merpeople a secret," Eric reminded Ariel and his mother later that evening.
"But why?"
"There are people who wish to hurt merpeople. The wedding must be private, mother. Not nearly as many people as we thought. Can we keep it intimate? Just us. I don't really care to have all the guests there. It's not what really matters," he locked eyes with Ariel, who sat next to him at the dinner table, and smiled. Ariel was surprised at how Eric still had the power to make her blush.
"But we made all those preparations and have guests coming to the celebration. Ariel, you must want to celebrate your wedding properly. We'll have a ball in the evening," Eleanora suggested.
"A ball?" Ariel's eyes lit up. "That sounds great! With dancing and music?"
"Yes! Plenty of dancing!" the queen slightly mocked.
"Could we have a ball, Eric?" Ariel asked hopefully, "After the ceremony?" Eric was unsure what to say to his bright eyed bride to be.
"Would you like that?" Eric asked, knowing her answer.
"Of course she would- look at her!" the queen interjected with a smile.
"I had plans to sail to Meridian tomorrow night," Eric said to Eleanora.
"Ugh," she scoffed, "You have an entire castle to yourself and choose to go to that dreadful place. Ariel, I will never understand him, dear." Eleanora stood from her seat and Eric rose as well. "We'll have it on a ship, on the way to Meridian. I'll inform Grimsby," she said before leaving the table. Eric remained standing until she left the dining room.
"Are you excited?" Eric asked Ariel eagerly.
"I can't wait!"
"Prince Eric, prince Adam has called for you at the door," a male servant announced at the doorframe of the dining room.
"Adam? Why didn't he have dinner with us?" she asked.
"He has this sort of- party, planned for me in town."
"A party?!" Ariel was excited.
"Yes, but, it's for men. It's just a bit of a get together. With drinks and fighting and bad jokes," he explained, "You wouldn't like it much anyway."
"Will I see you when you get back?"
"You are not allowed to see each other until the ceremony tomorrow!" Carlotta barked as she barged in to collect dishes from the table. "You have to get your dress fitted upstairs. The seamstress is waiting."
Ariel rolled her eyes and sighed with a small grin. "Ugh. The seamstress hates me," she joked.
"And as for you, young man," Carlotta continued, "Don't go crazy tonight! Adam has never listened to me, but I'm hoping you will."
"Alright! Alright, Carlotta," he smiled, a little embarrassed. He got up from his chair and extended his hand to Ariel, "I'll walk you to your room."
Upstairs at Ariel's door the young lovers were lost in each other's embraces. Eric held Ariel at her waist while she had both hands under his arms at his sides.
"I just found you. It's going to feel like forever waiting until tomorrow," he said to her after a short sweet kiss.
"It's in the morning, won't be too long of a wait," she tried to convince mostly herself.
"Listen, there are guards at every door of the castle downstairs and I will request one to tend the end of the hall. I will protect you as much as I can. Take this key," Eric took a long skeleton key from his pocket and handed it to her. "If anything happens and you feel threatened, lock yourself inside your room until you hear me call for you."
Footsteps could be heard coming up the stairs quickly and down the hall but neither one of them paid attention. They kissed once more, Ariel felt herself yearn for him in such a way it scared her. She was scared to be away from him, afraid she'd lose him forever.
Adam watched from a short distance at his brother leaning in to the pretty little redhead for a kiss. Seeing them together lately had been more than he could bare.
"Eric!" he called to his brother, "Let's go!" He stomped over to Eric and yanked his arm away from her. "We don't have all night- or actually, we do!" Adam laughed. He hated the way Ariel looked at him, with such disdain and disgust. He decided to not bother acknowledging her.
"I'll see you tomorrow, ok?" Eric said to Ariel, he held onto her hand with one hand while being pulled by the other. Ariel nodded and grinned, worried tomorrow would never come. Eric released her hand and tried to keep up with Adam's enthusiastic jabber about the evening as he was hurried down the corridor. He looked back to see a lonely Ariel, just standing there, watching as he walked away.
"Wait," he interrupted Adam abruptly, stopping dead in his tracks. He heard the seamstress impatiently calling to Ariel from inside her bedroom. Ariel was surprised when she saw Eric rushing back to her. Her smile beamed from ear to ear as he came closer. He held both her hands in his and brought them to his lips for a kiss. "I love you, Ariel," he said, gazing into her big blue eyes.
"I love you," she whispered, nearly in tears. He brought his lips to hers and kissed her one last time before leaving.
"Forever."
Ariel couldn't sleep that night. Her body felt exhausted from her trip but was too anxious for the next day. It's a dream come true, she thought. But couldn't understand why she felt so unsettled. Her father knew everything but, she wondered how he really felt. She knew how he felt about humans but, she wasn't sure if her and her father would ever have the same bond. Then there was Eric; brave, charming, kind, handsome and all hers. She felt in the dark as to the role other women in his life. She knew he would try his best to make her happy. For the first time in her life she felt a love so great it hurt her.
She stared at the midnight blue sky out her arched bedroom window, knowing it would be the last night she'd ever sleep alone.
"Ariel?" a soft voice called from outside the bedroom door, followed by light tapping. Ariel wondered why the person didn't come in, but then remembered the door was locked. Ariel stood quiet a moment, she knew who the voice belonged to. "Are you in there?" it whispered. Ariel didn't want to make a sound; it was Greta. After a few moments, Greta started to do what sounded like rustling through something. Ariel heard a key turn in the latch and quickly jumped into bed and closed her eyes.
"Oh, sorry!" Greta whispered after opening the door. Ariel pretended to look tired and freshly woken. "I have your dress," Greta announced. Ariel's face lit up as Greta displayed a sparkling white ball gown with long sleeves that were puffy up top. "Isn't it beautiful?"
"Yes! It's wonderful!" Ariel touched the shimmering fabric gently, as to not to soil it. Greta placed the dress on a hook by the wardrobe. Ariel got lost in a dreamland, picturing herself wearing the dress. "Why is it white?"
"White is the tradition," Greta explained. The two women looked at eachother, then looked down at the floor. "I- I'm really glad you're safe," she said to Ariel.
"Oh- uh, thanks," Ariel replied uncomfortably. Greta took a few steps forward and threw her arms around Ariel, hugging her tightly. Ariel didn't hug back, just left her arms limp at her side.
"I was so worried," Greta said with her head resting on Ariel's shoulder. Ariel didn't know what to say. "Don't worry, I won't be- inappropriate," Greta reassured, releasing her and taking a step back. "Afterall, you are marrying the prince tomorrow. You'll be a beautiful bride."
"Thank you, Greta. I am so nervous," Ariel sat on her bed and stared at the dress hanging in front of her.
"What are you nervous about? The wedding?"
"Everything! The wedding, my father, my family. I don't even know what a wife is supposed to do. Or a princess on land for that matter," Ariel fell back on the bed and stared up at the moulded ceiling. Greta walked over and sat beside her.
"Just enjoy yourself and look beautiful. Eric will take care of the rest."
"And tomorrow night?"
"Hmm," Greta took Ariel's hand in hers and began stroking it. "It will be so special. He will go at your pace."
"Will it hurt?"
"It will. But it passes. Besides, it's more than just body will want him, it's a deep connection," Greta's fingers running through the insides of her palms made Ariel feel at ease. "Just breathe and tell him what you like."
"Is he- large?"
"Yes, he's quite large."
"Larger than Adam's?" Ariel wondered curiously.
"Haha," Greta giggled, "Yes, I'd say a bit larger. But, don't worry. It will be fine. More than fine." Greta looked at Ariel's slim fingers and delicate hands. "Eric is so fortunate," she said with a grin. Ariel moved her eyes from the ceiling to the sensual brunette beside her. The women locked eyes, almost speaking without words.
"It's late, Ariel. I should go and let you rest properly," Greta looked away, releasing Ariel's hand and rising up from the bed. Ariel lifted her head and neck off the bed and watched as Greta looked around the floor. "Oh! I forgot your shoes. I can bring them in the morning," she said, making her way toward the door.
"You can get them now," Ariel suggested.
"Now?"
"Yes, I'd like to see them," Ariel lied.
"Uhm, alright. Wait here," Greta smiled, a little confused. The moment the door closed Ariel felt instantly lonely. She brought her left hand close to her chest and began caressing it like Greta had been. Ariel held it close to her face, it even smelled like Greta. She began to think of the first time Greta touched her and the night they kissed while Greta was naked. Ariel could feel herself become frustrated underneath her long nightgown and didn't know what to do.
Her thoughts were interrupted by voices in the hall, it sounded like a woman laughing. They're back, she thought, Did they bring women with them? She hurried out to the hallway in search for the sounds. But when she stood in the middle of the cold, poorly lit corridor, she could not hear anything. She ran over to the steps and looked over the railing; nothing. She heard a thud sound echo from the east wing of the castle. She knew it couldn't have been Eric, he would never go this way. As she walked more closely to it, she heard faint sounds of chatter. It was late, late enough for everyone to be asleep.
"Did anyone hear us?" whispered a voice. Ariel peeked through the door of the large sitting room that led into the royal bedroom. She couldn't see anyone, she only heard the voices. "Where's that girl?"
"Greta? She is going to sleep. The boys are out," Ariel recognized Grimsby's methodically grim voice anywhere. But it sounded a bit different.
"And the mermaid?" No one else called her the mermaid but Queen Eleanora, she realized. Oh, no! she thought, They're trying to get rid of me again. There were rustling sounds, as if they were rummaging through clothing. Their breathing became heavy, Ariel thought perhaps they were moving something large. She wanted to see what it was, she wouldn't let them get away with it this time. She was about to burst through the door when she heard the sounds of kissing.
"Come back to the kingdom with me, John," the queen pleaded between breaths for air.
"You know I can't do that. Eric needs me here," Grimsby responded. "You look ravishing."
"I'm not nineteen anymore and your boys are grown men," Eleanora scoffed as they shuffled around the room. "Come back. I order you to," she barked.
"I rather enjoy it when you speak like a queen," he responded playfully. Ariel winced at the thought of Grimsby and the Queen. Or Grimsby and anyone. His boys? she thought.
"Ariel!" shouted a voice down the hall, causing Ariel to jump up. Steps grew closer. "What are you doing? I have your shoes," Greta took her by the wrist and led her down the hall. Ariel couldn't get out of her mind what she had just seen, her heart was racing. Had the queen seen her?
Back in Ariel's room, she noticed Greta carried with her a white bodice bordered with a lace trim.
"What is that?" Ariel asked.
"It's your undergarment for tomorrow. Isn't it beautiful? It's from Paris!"
"Why does it look so fancy if I wear it under my dress?"
"Well, eventually, you'll have to take your dress off," Greta gave Ariel a patronizing look, "Eric will love it."
"Oh," Ariel realized why the garment was so decorated.
"Ariel, I must inform you. There is speak going around of the queen having to do something with your disappearance," Greta said, looking around the room as if someone were listening.
"Really?" Ariel faked. "Who told you that?"
"It is known she wasn't very fond of you. To be honest, I am not very fond of her," Greta added.
"She is not so bad. I'm sure those are just silly rumors," Ariel lied.
"I sincerely apologize," Greta said remorsefully, afraid the queen would know what she said.
"She is a big pain though," Ariel laughed, wanting Greta to know it was alright. The women heard footsteps and loud voices coming from the hall. The voices were deep, laughing and singing about something.
"The princes are back," Greta whispered. She rushed over to the candle and blew it out. They waited as they listened to Adam and Eric squabble over something, slurring their words.
"Cease that commotion!" the voice of the queen bellowed from down the hall. The men laughed loudly, not paying her any mind. The two women giggled as they heard the queen march down the hall and scold each one of the men into their bedrooms. "You have to be up in less than six hours, Eric, for heaven's sake!"
After the hall went quiet again, Greta stood from a chair in the bedroom. Ariel realized then that Greta had not attempted to get into the bed with her at all this time.
"It is very late now, Ariel. I should get going. There is a lot to do tomorrow," Greta made her way to the door and opened it slightly, looking both ways down the long dark hall. Ariel didn't want her to go, she didn't want to feel alone again.
"Wait!" she called to Greta. Realizing she may have done it a bit too loudly, she covered her mouth with her hand. Greta turned her head, she could barely see Ariel's face. The room was lit only by the moonlight outside Ariel's window. Ariel knew Greta was waiting for her to say something. "Stay with me," she said softly, with a subtle yearning in her voice. Greta looked puzzled again. "Please?" Greta closed the door gently and just stood there.
"Are you ok?" Greta asked.
"I just, don't want to be alone tonight," Ariel explained timidly. "Would you mind?"
"Of course not," Greta responded. Greta thought it was a dream, she had wanted to spend one night alone with Ariel more than anything. She closed the door quietly and walked around to the other side of the bed. Ariel readjusted her body as Greta joined her under the sheets. Both women looked straight up at the ceiling, neither part of them touching the other.
Ariel could feel the growing tension between them. She turned toward Greta and curled her knees up, barely touching Greta's hips.
"Greta?" she whispered.
"Hmm?" Greta replied sleepily.
"Thanks for staying," she said. Greta turned to Ariel, stretched her hand at the base of her back and pulled their bodies closer together, intertwining their smooth legs. Ariel wouldn't resist this time, she decided. Eric had wanted her to enjoy herself and that's what she'd do. Greta stroke Ariel's shoulders gently, all the way down her arm and to her fingers. She locked her fingers together with Ariel's leaned her face in. Ariel closed her eyes in anticipation. As she puckered her lips, she felt the warmth of a soft kiss being placed on her forehead.
"Goodnight, Ariel."
I can't wait for this wedding to happen. How about you guys?