"You mean to your house? Where you live? Oh, yes!" Ariel lit up at the invitation. Clotilde didn't think Ariel would want to see her home. She only mentioned her stopping by to polite. "Where is it? Can we go today?"

"Ariel, we don't want to put Clotilde out of her w-"

"Oh, no, prince! Of course she can come over! It's just a few miles up the road."

"Is there a town?" Ariel asked with wide eyes.

"No. No town. This island isn't big enough- just scattered home here and there. Not too many people. There are some travelling vendors who get supplies and from shipments from the mainland."

"Clotilde, you really don't have to," Eric said to the plump, stocky woman.

"Oh, I have so much to do! I can't wait to have you over as my guest, princess!" she said eagerly before scurrying off. Ariel giggled at Eric who looked concerned.

"What's wrong?"

"I don't know," he said a little out of sorts, "I've never been to their home. It may be a little- uncomfortable."

"Why?"

"Well, because they're, well, common," he muttered. Ariel looked at him strangely. "I mean- there is nothing wrong with it. I don't mind going."

"So? Would you have married me if I weren't a princess?"

"Yes, of course I would have. I love you," he explained, "But it does help that you are a princess."

"Help who? Your mother?"

"Everything- everyone! I'm sure your fathered would have preferred you to marry a prince than-"

"No. He hates all humans just the same," she jeered. She noticed her words caused him to be silent a moment. "Eric, don't you understand? None of these things matter. Prince or princess. Gold or no gold. We're all the same, we're all special." She took him by the hand.

"You're right. I knew I loved you before I knew you were a princess. Before you were even able to speak! I loved you anyway," he pulled her closely and kissed her forehead. "Still want to go for a ride?"

"Hey!" George waved from a distance as Eric and Ariel rode down the road.

"Look, Eric, it's George. Hi!" Ariel waved. Eric smiled to himself at how easily excited she could become. "This is where Clotilde lives?"

"Yep," Eric replied. George helped her dismount and tied the horses by a post.

"Oh, I'm so glad you could come! I was starting to think you wouldn't at all. Simon will be home soon," Clotilde said once they stepped inside. She motioned for them to sit on wooden chairs that faced the fire place. "This one is for Eric," she walked over to a large mahogany chair in the corner that had many details carved into the tall wooden back.

"I've seen this chair before," Eric mentioned as he sat.

"Your grandmother requested to get rid of it before she passed. We took it home with us. I hope you don't mind. She said she didn't need it anymore," Clotilde explained, "But if you'd like I can bring it back and-"

"No, no! It's fine. I'm glad you made good use of it!"

"Eric!" Alice screeched at the door, leaning backward a bit as her stomach was heavy. He stood up again as she walked over to him and gave him a loud kiss on the cheek and then another. Ariel stood as well. "Ariel, you beautiful darling!" Alice hugged and kissed her also.

"Alice, set the table for dinner, please" Clotilde ordered, a little annoyed at Alice's behavior.

"I'll do it, my love," George interjected at the door. He walked across the floor and into the kitchen. Clotilde followed after.

"Isn't he the best?" Alice smiled.

"Do you all live here?" Ariel asked, "The four of you?"

"Yes, unless we have family visit," Alice rubbed her belly soothingly as she spoke.

"It's just so small," Ariel looked around the room.

"Ariel!" Eric scowled.

"No, prince. She's right. George is planning on adding another room," Alice announced.

"For the baby?" Ariel asked curiously.

"No, just for us- and the baby as well."

"We should get going before it gets dark," Eric rose from his seat.

"No you aren't!" Clotilde shouted from the kitchen.

"Aren't you staying for dinner?" Alice asked. Ariel nodded with a big grin.

"No, we shouldn't and Cleo is probably tired and hungry," Eric said as he walked toward the door.

"I just fed them both, prince," George said, walking into the main room again. Everyone was now looking at Eric, who had one hand on the door.

"I can't wait to eat- I'm starved!" Ariel rose and headed her way into the kitchen, George quickly moved out of the door frame to let her by.

"Eric?" Ariel asked on the ride back to the castle. The sun was only a small glimmer in the distance and the night slowly began to grow around them. "How can they all live that way? In that tiny little house?"

"I don't know why they do," he answered.

"What would it take to build them a home?"

"What do you mean?"

"How would you build one? Is it easy? Could we have one built for them?" her thoughts ran with ideas.

"I'm not sure if they'd like that, it is their home. They may be insulted," Eric cautioned.

"No. Didn't you see? We have to do something," Ariel said loudly and a bit annoyed at his response. They rode in silence for a few minutes. Eric didn't like the uncomfortable feeling in the air. He tried to think of something to do. He had never considered that the people he cared about and spent time with were going without.

"There are some things from our old nursery in the attic," he said. He had gone to the attic after their fight the morning after the wedding.

"Nursery?"

"That's a baby's room. Where the baby sleeps and gets taken cared of,"

"There are whole rooms for that?" she asked.

"Haha, yes. There are!"

"Is there still a nursery?"

"I- I'm not sure. I assume so. Unless my grandmother changed the room before she died. But we can check for baby things they can use," he rode a little more closely to Ariel and extended his hand.

"I'll race you!" she shrieked before taking off on Jacques. Eric followed behind her.

Once at the estate, Ariel jumped off Jacques, ran inside and up the stairs, opening every door in the hall.

"Ariel?" Eric called out a few minutes later from the main entrance, "Ariel what are you doing?" The sound of knobs turning while doors opened and closed echoed throughout the mansion. Then suddenly, it stopped. "Ariel?" Eric ran up the stairs and down the hall.

"Look!" she called out from a room on the opposite end of where he stood. He ran over to find her inside a dusty dark room full of furniture covered in sheets. "What is this?" she said, she sat on something that rocked back and forth. "It looks like a seahorse!"

"It's my rocking horse!" he laughed, "How do you fit on that?" She quickly got off and pulled a sheet off wooden furniture, coughing a few times as dust filled the air.

"That's a tall desk!"

"It's a changing table," he explained. "Wait, I'll get us some light." When Eric came back to the room, all the furniture had been uncovered. There was a crib, an armoire, a rocking chair, and a dresser. The room was large and bright and decorated in a sailing motif with a large compass mural displayed above the crib.

"Wow, I remember this room!" Eric was amazed at memories he had growing up in the house. "Look at this," he said, he moved to a door near the crib and opened it. Ariel darted in front of him into the room. "Careful!" he called out, as she tripped over something. He laughed aloud at her silliness, "Are you ok?"

"Eric, what is all this?" she wondered as she looked around the room at the colorful trinkets of all shapes and sizes.

"It's our old play room. It was made for us so that we wouldn't be in the way terrorizing the help," Eric said. Ariel looked and touched in wonder.

"Who lives here when you're away?" Ariel asked

"Well, it was my grandmother's family home, but they're no longer around. She only had my father- the king. Why?"

"So, no one?"

"Unless we're here visiting- which we haven't since my grandmother died. Yes, I guess nobody," Eric rubbed his head in thought. Ariel's eyes grew wide as she let out a big smile. "Did you want to live here?" he asked, a little confused.

"No! Alice and George and the baby! They can all stay here!"

"Ariel-"

"It's only the four of them. Well- five. And you said yourself that the queen hates it here and so does Adam. No one else would come and live here. It's such a beautiful place. Oh, it would go to waste if someone didn't use these wonderful things," she went on and she looked around.

"Ariel, I'm not sure that would be such a great idea," he said calmly.

"You're a prince aren't you? If you have the chance to help someone in anyway you can, wouldn't you?"

"Yes, of course," he said boldly.

"Then? Why don't you? It's not hard. It's not like you're giving it to them, you're just letting them stay for as long they need to. You can still come and visit as much as you'd like. It's not like they're strangers. These are people you've known practically your whole life!"

"You're right," he looked around at the things and thought a moment, "No one ever comes here. There are about 10 bedrooms in this place, none of which are in use. It's not just the four of them, you know. There are many of them. Alice's family lives just up the road from them."

"Eric, let's go," Ariel said as she ran into his arms and hugged him tightly, "Let's leave them them a note and get back to the castle. I miss it already."

"Alright," he chuckled a little surprised, "I'll see if I can get a ship to come in the next day or two."

"Let's go tonight!" She smiled mischievously.

"Tonight? But there are no boats."

"We'll swim. It's not very far with fins," she wrapped her arms around his neck and watched his eyes light up with excitement. Ever since their brief time in the ocean, Eric had been anxiously waiting to be back in the waters.

"I'll have a boat get the horses in the morning," he smiled and leaned in to kiss her soft lips. "Mhh, I don't tire of that!"

"Are you ready?" Ariel asked as they tread the ocean water. Eric nodded. He turned his ring and with a deep breath dove beneath the water. Ariel closed her eyes and he watched her magical transformation before him. She tried to speak, but he couldn't hear her well. He closed his eyes as well and waited. Ariel placed a hand on his shoulders and he opened his eyes. She blew air bubbles from her mouth and signalled for him to do the same. She knew that with air in his lungs, his body wouldn't know to transform. He hesitated a moment and then did the same. Suddenly, his body gasped for air involuntarily and almost instantly he felt his legs tingle.

"This is incredible!" he cheered. He swam up to the surface, jumped out of the water and dove back in again. Ariel giggled.

"Come! This way," Ariel lead. Eric had stopped to follow a glowing jellyfish. He had never seen one alive and swimming. He extended his hand to feel the colorful hood. "Don't touch that!" Ariel called out.

"Why not?" he laughed, he stuck his hand out and felt a sharp electric shock. He snapped his hand back quickly and stuck his finger in his mouth. Ariel sighed.

"Why didn't you listen to me? You're like a guppy," she said a little frustrated.

"I'm not a guppy," he whined playfully. "Let's go to Atlantica!"

"No!"

"Yes!" he started to swim away, "Which way is it? I say this way!" he swam off quickly.

"You don't know where you're going!" she began to follow him, but he did show signs of hearing her. She followed deeper below him and tried to stay out of sight. He realized Ariel wasn't behind him and stopped to look for her.

"Ariel? Ariel!" he swam back to where he had left her. "Ariel, where are you?" She giggled to herself as she watched him worry frantically. He's such an awful listener as a merman, she thought.

"Eric," she called to him faintly. He swam over quickly.

"Are you ok? Come on, let's go and see King Triton and your friends!"

"I'm so tired. Atlantica is too far from here to go tonight. Let's go to the castle and we'll come back," she said, feigning some strain in her voice.

It was late in the night when Ariel and Eric returned to the castle, tired, disheveled and soaking wet.

"I wasn't expecting you back tonight! Where did you come from?" Carlotta scolded at the door, "Did you fall overboard?"

"Something like that," Eric said with a smirk as he looked at Ariel and they both laughed.

Ariel felt good to be back. Although it was nice to be away, the castle had started to feel like home to her over the last couple weeks. She didn't realize until then how much she had missed it. The couple began their walk up the long stairs to their bedroom.

"Ariel, you have a gift from the queen," Carlotta announced before they reached the top.

"A gift? For me?!" Ariel was excited. She looked at Eric who smiled back at her.

"Pardon me, Prince Eric," a tall, strong man with dark brown hair and dark brown skin in full naval uniform said sternly, rushing into the room. "We have some leads on the bandits who kidnapped the queen and princess."

"Leads? What do you mean, Admiral? We drowned them all," Eric said a little unnerved.

"Not quite, prince. We'll brief you in."

"Go ahead and see what it is," Eric said to Ariel, "I'll be upstairs in a bit."

Ariel walked up the stairs with Carlotta not too far behind. She began walking straight down the hall to her room.

"No Ariel, you're married now. Your room is now in the east wing," Carlotta informed her proudly.

"But that's the king and queen's room."

"It's yours and Eric's now," Carlotta took her by the arm and guided her down the hall and into the large sitting area before the bedroom.

"It's lovely in here," Ariel said as she looked around the room. She had caught a glimpse of it before when she saw the queen with Grimsby just a week prior. Carlotta left her to change out of her wet clothes. Ariel saw a package wrapped with a golden ribbon. She pulled the ribbon open and found a beautiful thick purple silk robe with golden thread patterns. She pulled the wet dress off her shoulders and slipped into the majestic robe. On the nightstand, she found an intricately carved wooden seashell comb. The note beneath it read, "Might be better than the spoon ~Greta"

Ariel placed the comb in the pocket of her new robe and darted out the bedroom. She knew exactly who she wanted to see. The door to the study downstairs was closed and she heard the muffled sound of men speaking as she passed by.

"Mermaid hunters," the strong dark man said with a grave look in his eyes.

"What?" Eric wasn't sure what he was hearing.

"The bandits were paid to kidnap the princess, she was their main target," the admiral explained. The other men stood and nodded as the prince was briefed behind the desk.

"I don't understand," Eric rested his elbow on the armrest and sunk his head in his hand. "Why would they want Ariel?"

"We believe they were paid to kidnap the princess and then planned to sell her off to mermaid hunters," the man explained.

"Here prince, have more drink," another sailor said as he refilled the prince's glass with thick brown alcohol.

"Paid by who?"

"We-" the man looked uneasy and looked around the room. The other men looked down at the floor. "We're not yet sure."

"What? What are you not telling me?!" Eric demanded. He rose from his chair and took another shot of his drink.

"The queen, your majesty," the admiral mumbled.

"My mother? What about her?"

"We believe she was involved in the princess's kidnapping,"

"How?"

"Well, that she made the arrangements and they turned on her, kidnapping her as well,"

"You have to be mistaken. My mother wouldn't be capaba-" Eric swallowed his words and sighed. All the men looked at him a little uneasily. It was a big risk for them to bring up the issue. They all knew the queen was ruthless.

"What would you like us to do, prince?"

"Make sure you're right. Cross examine your informers again. See if you can get a location for these mermaid hunters and what they want with mermaids."

"That's another thing, prince. The circus bandits were on their way to meet with them in the ocean. So we believe they're in our waters currently."

"Find them!" Eric ordered, almost slurred.

"We'll, take care of it, prince. Here, have another drink," the sailor said. "Let's celebrate your safe return from your honeymoon." He poured a round of drinks around the room and the men held their glasses in the air.

"To the prince and his princess- and their honeymoon!" the man smirked. The men laughed at his candor. Eric smiled, feeling the effects of the alcohol hitting him like a truck.

"So- eh, how was she?" the sailor whispered, "Is her bush red too?" The room roared with laughter. Eric also laughed.

"That's enough!" the admiral scolded the man.

"Sh-she's fantastic!" Eric smiled sheepishly. The men clapped, cheered and whistled for him.

Ariel walked past the kitchen and down the servant's quarters. The servants seemed to be having a loud celebration in their lounge and for a second Ariel almost wanted to join in, but decided against it. She heard as Carlotta tried to quiet everyone down, warning them that the prince was back. Ariel moved down the hallway to the thinly made wooden door to Greta's room. She knocked gently once, but there was no answer. She thought maybe Greta was celebrating with the rest of them. Before she turned to walk away, she heard giggling coming from inside. Ariel perked up and opened the door boldly, bringing a draft into the room and making the candle on the desk flicker a bit.

Ariel watched in shock as Greta's lips was buried between the brown skin of Camellia's smooth legs. Camellia moaned sharply with a giggle while Greta seemed lost with her nose brushing against Camellia's short hairs. Greta's eyes looked up at Camellia and instantly widened when her eyes met with Ariel's at the door. Ariel shut the door immediately and walked quickly down the hallway.

"Ariel?" Greta sat up and let go of Camellia's thighs. She jumped out of bed and threw on her nightgown that was tossed on the floor.

"Where are you going?" Camellia asked, lost and confused. Greta darted out the door in hopes of catching up to Ariel.

"Ariel, wait!" she called out in a whisper when catching a glimpse of red hair.

"I'm- I'm really sorry," Ariel said as she walked away, barely able to look at her. Greta stopped Ariel by the arm and turned her around.

"Wait. When did you get back?" Greta asked. Ariel looked down at the floor. "Was it just now?" Ariel nodded. "Did you get my gift?" Greta tried desperately for Ariel to look at her.

"Yes, thank you," Ariel said politely as she turned to walk away.

"Wait," Greta stopped her. She took her arm again and didn't let go, "Are you upset with me, princess?" Ariel felt something in her throat choking up. She wasn't sure how she felt about what she just saw, but it wasn't a pleasant feeling. Ariel looked at Greta and shook her head as she tried to muster up a smile. Greta brought her hand to Ariel's cheek but Ariel quickly pulled away. "She doesn't mean anything to me, Ariel."

"She's a very nice girl," Ariel said to her, and she meant it. Greta could tell there was some sadness in Ariel's eyes. The sadness gave her a bit of hope. She boldly took Ariel by the waist and pressed her hips against hers. Ariel felt her breathing almost stopped as her heart beat uncontrollably. She looked into Greta's big almond eyes and wished the feeling she got when Greta was nearby would go away.

"Greta?" Camellia's voice echoed from the darkness down the hall. Ariel pulled away from Greta and rushed down the hall, leaving her standing alone in the darkness. Greta walked back to her room to find Camellia wrapped in the plain white bedsheets.

"Greta, the prince needs you for his bath," Carlotta said to her, a little rushed, "I brought you here as a favor to your parents. Your father's a physician I care very deeply for. It's a shame what he's going through. You need to be mindful of yourself and focus on your work!" She walked past Greta's room and toward the party.

"You have to go," Greta said to Camellia as she began to gather her uniform and supplies from the wardrobe.

"But, you said I could stay the whole night," Camellia said as she looked up at her with hurt in her eyes.

"Well, I didn't know they were coming back so soon."

"But it's so late. I can't go all the way in to town alone." Camellia began to dress. Greta slipped her nightgown over her head and quickly changed into her sleeveless white uniform. She tied her hair in a neat high bun on her head and slipped on her shoes. She walked over to Camellia, who was sitting at the edge of the bed watching her, and kneeled in front of her.

"Wait for me here, until I get back," she smiled at the sad girl and leaned in for a quick kiss. Camellia instantly perked up and nodded.

"Carlotta, have you seen Eric?" Ariel asked in the main hall a half hour later.

"He's having his bath. Upstairs, love," she answered before hurrying off. Ariel walked up the curved steps, down the east wing hall and through the sitting area before their bedroom. Once in the bedroom, the door to the golden bathroom was wide open and had bright lights shining from inside. She was excited to see him in his bath full of bubbles. She may even help him herself, she decided. As she approached the bathroom she heard voices coming from inside. One she recognized very distinctly as her prince. She got closer to the door to listen but still couldn't make out many words. She looked inside and realized the bath was around the corner of a tall wall. She took her shoes off so they wouldn't make any noise on the marble and tiptoed over to the edge of the wall.

"No. Or- I dunno," Eric said a little haltingly. It was hard for Ariel to understand.

"How was your honeymoon, prince?" It was Greta. Ariel heard as water moved around the bath. She peeked around the corner of the wall to find Eric sitting at the far end of a large rounded porcelain bath with gold accents. The bath was on a platform following some steps. Greta kneeled outside the edge of bath as she scrubbed his back and shoulders gently.

"Huh? Honeymoon? Oh, we're still on the honeyspoon," Eric slurred and then laughed at his mistake. "Lemme get ah'nother," Eric said, extending his hand. Greta reached down beside her and handed him a glass cup filled with a transparent brown liquid. Eric took a sip and handed it back to her clumsily, spilling some on her arm and uniform. Ariel noticed Greta exhale deeply and quietly before continuing to wash him.

"Did you have a good time at Meridian?" she asked politely.

"Yes. Yes. Greta, you shoulda seeeen it!" he took his hands out of the water and splashed them back in. "I was a mermaid. Mer-man. Mer-maaan," he giggled.

"Oh. Were you?" Greta answered, as if she were talking to a child. Ariel laughed to herself quietly as she wondered why Eric was behaving so strangely. "Give me your leg prince." Eric wobbled around in the water and tried to lift his leg out to hand to Greta, but kept missing the rim of the tub, making it slap back into the water with a big splash. He tried again several times. "Prince, please, give me your leg. Focus," she pleaded, a little frustrated.

"I can't, just come in," he said, resting his head on the edge of the tub and shutting his eyes.

"You know I can't do that anymore. Ariel wouldn't like it-"

"Ariel," he echoed with a smile, "I love Ariel."

"Yes, I know you do, prince." Greta knew nothing would get accomplished with the prince in this state. She stood and slipped her damp uniform off her curvy body. Ariel watched Greta's large, exposed breasts bounce against her chest as she walked around the bath to the short steps leading up then inside. Eric watched Greta's curvy body slowly disappeared into the hot water in front of him.

"Your leg, prince," she requested again. He lifted his leg slightly and Greta held it at her waist underwater as she scrubbed.

"You're sooo good to me, Greta," Eric leaned back and closed his eyes as Greta continued to wash him. "I want Ariel here," he mumbled.

Ariel knew at that moment that Eric's baths with Greta would not be a threat. She walked into the room and approached the bath quietly. She cleared her throat to get their attention. Eric's eyes didn't budge.

"Good evening, princess," Greta said calmly after turning around at the sound. Eric's eyes shot open.

"Ariel!" he said alarmed, retracting his leg from Greta's hold. " 'S not as it seems, I promise," he added a little drowsily. The two watched for Ariel to react, waiting for her to get upset or leave the room. Instead, Ariel tugged at the satin tie of her robe, opening it wide before slipping it off her shoulders.

"Wow," Eric said with his mouth wide open. Her small naked body and slender figure made him instantly aroused. Her full, perky breasts, pink nipples and smooth fair skin were enough to drive him over the edge. "Get in here," he called to her playfully. Ariel walked up the steps and slowly eased her body into the water, as she watched Greta do earlier. She walked past Greta in the water and over to her sitting prince. She leaned forward and planted a kiss on his lips. But the strong taste and smell of alcohol on his lips made Ariel pull away.

"What were you drinking?" Ariel asked wiping her lips with the back of her hand.

"Huh? Just some stuff," Eric responded with a sleepy look in his eye. He took his hands and ran them over Ariel's shoulders and down her chest. He suddenly grabbed her and pressed his head against her chest, holding her tightly at the waist and whimpering like a child about to cry.

"It's ok, Eric," she said to him as she stroked his hair. Ariel looked back at Greta and gave her a puzzled look. She had never seen Eric behave that way before.

"Are you ready for you bath, princess?" Greta said a little loudly. Ariel tried to gently pull herself out of Eric's tight grip. He finally released her, opening his eyes and smiling sheepishly.

"What's wrong with him?" Ariel whispered to Greta.

"He's drunk," Greta whispered back.

"I'm not drunk!" Eric retorted. "Here Ariel, have some," Eric reached behind him and lifted the half empty glass off the ground. He took a sip before extending it out toward Ariel. Ariel looked at Greta, who shrugged and looked away. She moved over to Eric and took the glass from his shaky hand. She smelled the substance a winced. "Don't be scared now," Eric joked. Ariel boldly put the glass to her lips and threw her head back, drinking every drop. "Hey! Not the whole thing!" Eric took tried to stop her but it was too late. There was none left.

"Ugh!" Ariel stuck out her tongue and scowled, regretting having that bitter taste in her mouth.

"You're too little to drink that much, you silly woman," Eric jeered jokingly. Ariel splashed water in his face with her hand. "Hey!"

"Come, princess," Greta smiled. She led Ariel to the opposite end of the bath.

"Wash her good, Greta. She's a dirty little thing," Eric hissed as he leaned his head back against the edge of the bath and and shut his eyes.

Greta moved Ariel's thick red hair aside and over her shoulder, giving her full view of her slender back and neck. She began to gently rub the sponge down her neck and across her back. Ariel wasn't sure what she was getting herself into by being naked in a bath with Greta, all the while Eric sat a few feet away resting his eyes. Greta moved her hand across Ariel's belly beneath the water and pulled her body closer in to her own. Ariel didn't resist. Instead she relaxed her back against Greta's breasts, allowing Greta's hands to explore her. The steam from the big hot tub was soothing for both women. Greta ran the sponge across her stomach, between her breasts and then across her collarbones from behind.

"I'm feel a little funny," Ariel said softly, blinking hard a few times and then leaning her head back next to Greta's. Greta pressed her own cheek against Ariel's ear, she could smell the ocean on her skin and in her bright red hair. Ariel rested her head on Greta's shoulder and closed her eyes. It was a different feeling for her to be in Greta's arms than Eric's. Greta could catch glimpses of her perky breasts and soft pink nipples as Ariel's chest rose and fell. She wanted desperately to touch them, to taste them. She let her hand trail down Ariel's belly button and pass her hips. She started to feel the softness of the plump lips between her thighs, causing Ariel to let out a quiet moan. Greta suddenly remembered Carlotta's words from earlier. She looked at Eric, who was dozed off at the far end of the round tub. What if he were to wake? She thought.

"You're all set," Greta said before releasing Ariel from her hold and moving back a few feet. "Is there anything else you need, princess?" she asked calmly. Ariel was so confused, she wondered why she wanted Greta so much and if it was wrong to do so. She wasn't sure why but she also wondered if Greta had moved on and truly only wanted Camellia.

"You," she replied quietly. Ariel felt her mind a bit hazy. For some reason she felt the need to say and do things she normally wouldn't.

"I don't understand, princess," Greta lied. Ariel moved closer to the woman who looked down at the water. She wrapped her legs around Greta's body, tossed her arms around her neck and leaned her face inches away from her. Greta held Ariel up with her arms under her backside so she wouldn't slide down. She tried to look into Ariel's eyes but Ariel was only focused on Greta's lips. Their breathing became a heavy and deep as their hearts raced. "D-do you need anything, princess," Greta could barely make out the words.

Ariel pressed her lips on Greta's hard, finding her tongue and running her own against it rapidly. The kiss of Greta's slippery wet tongue was different from Eric's wide, strong one. Greta wrapped her arms around Ariel closely while Ariel buried her fingers in Greta's hair at the base of her neck. The feel of her skin, the smell of her hair, the taste of her tongue; all the tensions that had built over the last couple weeks were finally being released.

"What about the prince?" Greta huffed between kisses, she turned her head and glanced at the sleeping prince while Ariel continued to kiss her cheek and neck.

Eric's head throbbed as his body, becoming warm from the heated tub, reminded him of where he was. For a moment, all he could see and breathe was steam. His eyelids were heavy as he tried to opened them sheepishly. He was taken back by the sight of Ariel and Greta kissing each other passionately directly across from him in the water. He thought he was dreaming or imagining things. He immediately wanted to go over and snatch Ariel away, but the longer he watched the women caress each other's bodies, the more aroused he became. There was a conflicting feeling inside him. He yawned loudly to get their attention and rubbed his sleepy eyes. Greta tried to pull away from Ariel, but Ariel snuggled in to her chest and closed her eyes.

"Greta, what's going on?" Eric asked sternly. Greta shook her head and shrugged.

"I- I don't- She's a little drunk, prince," she explained nervously.

"Ariel?" Eric moved over to them in the water and touched her shoulder. "Ariel?"

"Eric," Ariel smiled, opening her eyes slowly. She let go of Greta and threw her body against his. "Eric, I missed you," she purred onto his lips and kissed him. She straddled his lap with his legs between hers on the seat of the tub. Eric kissed back, her kisses made him forget about everything. Greta felt uncomfortable and a little hurt when they'd kiss. She didn't even like to think about it. She began to quietly make her way out of the tub, leaving the newlyweds to their intimate moment.

"Greta?" Ariel looked over her shoulder, "Greta, come back. I need you to finish."

"Why are you calling her?" Eric whispered, a little annoyed. Greta knew what Ariel wanted as she slowly made her way toward her in the water. She stood behind Ariel, who was still on Eric's lap, and embraced her back onto her chest. Her arms wrapped around Ariel's small frame and hands immediately caressed her breasts underneath the water. Eric watched as Ariel relaxed her body into the arms of the woman. His hands, resting on Ariel's hips, moved up her stomach and to her chest, lightly brushing Greta's hands out of the way. Eric couldn't stand it.

"Ooh," Ariel moaned loudly as Greta moved her right hand down her side and between her legs. Eric leaned forward and kissed Ariel's neck while squeezing her wet breasts in his hands. Ariel's moans grew louder and higher pitched as Greta rubbed her soft vaginal lips with her fingers while Eric kissed her neck. Greta could feel the tension between her and Eric, he could barely look at her. She extended her left hand across Ariel's lap to Eric's and took a firm hold of him. An inexplicable feeling came over him as his erection grew with his rage in her hands. He gasped at the soothing feeling of Greta's grip stroking him. Ariel, completely unaware, leaned her head back and rested it against Greta's shoulder. Greta ran kisses down her long, exposed neck while she rubbed fervently between Ariel's legs with one hand and Eric in the other.

Eric squeezed Ariel's, now exposed, breasts together and sucked gently on each nipple- flicking them with his tongue. Ariel sat up straighter, off Greta's shoulder, and held Eric's head at her chest. She ran her fingers through his wet, jet black hair while he licked.

"Ariel," Greta whispered, hoping to gain her attention. Greta's breasts were still firmly pressed against Ariel's back. Ariel turned her head. Her sleepy eyes stared intently at Greta's parted lips. Eric watched as Greta ran long wet laps with her tongue into Ariel's mouth. Ariel's moans grew deeper as her body squirmed with desire. Every part of her body was being pleasured all at once by the two people she desired most.

Eric had had enough of watching. In one quick movement, he lifted Ariel and turned her around to sit on his lap against his chest. Ariel giggled at the fun she was having, oblivious to tensions surrounding her. He held her closely to him as he kissed her neck from behind and cupped her breasts. Greta stood by their knees, unsure of what to do.

"Thank you, Greta," Eric said abruptly, dismissing the young woman.

"Greta, I want you," Ariel whimpered with a smirk. Greta smiled and placed her hands on Ariel's thighs as she stood between the pair of them.

"Greta, get out!" Eric snapped.

"Eric!" Ariel scolded playfully, "What's the matter with you?" Eric acknowledged his tone. It was unlike him to lose his cool.

"I'm just tired, my love. Let's get to bed," he kissed her cheek.

Eric moved his way out of the tub, taking Ariel by the hand along with him and leaving Greta behind. He helped a stumbling Ariel into her robe, a little wobbly on his feet himself.

"It's just a little fun," Ariel leaned against the thick wooden post of their new majestic bed. "You used to have fun with Greta all the time."

"It wasn't fun. It was just- release," he tried to explain. Ariel stood up as straight as she could in her drunken state and tossed her robe off her shoulders.

"You can have me tonight," she purred as she traced across her chest and down her soft belly. "You can have us both."

There was nothing Eric wanted more than to feel himself deep inside Ariel's soft, warm body. He tackled her against the bed, making her shriek with laughter. He planted gentle wet kisses on her lips. They could hear Greta's footsteps making their way out of the bathroom and to the bedroom. Ariel looked at Eric and pouted.

"Let's have fun with her. Like you used to," she pleaded.

"Fine. But I'm not touching her. Not once. I'm only yours," he said seriously.

"I love you," she smiled at him before he kissed her again. Greta made her way through the room quickly and quietly toward the door. "Greta," Ariel called to her from the bed, "Wait right there." Ariel sat up on the bed and out of Eric's hold. "Close the door," she smirked.

Greta woke up to the sight of bright red hair for a second time. It was early morning and she was used to being up to get the day started. She thought of how beautiful Ariel looked lying on her back between her and a softly snoring Eric. She slipped out of bed quietly to not wake them and started on her way back to her room. Much to her surprise, she found Camellia lying in her bed with her body turned toward the wall. She closed the door gently behind her and eased herself into bed.

"It's her isn't it?" Camellia said abruptly, shocking Greta who was suddenly lost for words. She placed a hand on Camellia's shoulder. "Don't," Camellia jerked her arm. "She's the reason you've been acting so- so strange lately. I was wondering why you were distant. For the last few days I had the old you back. But now-" Camellia's voice began to crack.

"Oh, Camellia, I love you," Greta said closely above her ear.

"You don't," Camellia sniffed as she wiped tears from her eyes.

"I do," Greta gently moved a few hairs in Camellia's face behind her ears.

"Then be mine. All mine," Camellia pleaded as she turned to face Greta. Greta sighed heavily.

"You know I can't do that yet. I need the gold for my fam-"

"I can help you! I've told you, you can help at the flower shop and we could-" Camellia started.

"But where would I live?"

"With me."

"But I need to pay for my meals and more costs and I- I just can't afford that. It's just easier here, Camellia, you have to understand," Greta rose up from bed and started to put on a fresh uniform from the wardrobe.

"Easier? How can it be easier?" Camellia said a little agitatedly as she sat up in bed. "You work tirelessly all day with baths and massages and washing. What happened to being a nurse?"

"I am a nurse!"

"You're the castle's whore!" Camellia shouted. Greta stopped and stared at the angry young woman, but didn't say a word. She continued to get ready for her day. "Greta, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to. It's just that-"

"I have to get ready and you have to go," Greta said before leaving the room.

"You called for me, prince?" Carlotta asked at the door to the study as she closed it behind her.

"Yes," he replied with his back to her. He looked out at the ocean through a large arched window by a telescope.

"What is it?" she asked.

"It's Greta. Get rid of her."