"Sister? What do you mean she's our sister?"
"Father slept with her mother while he was lost in the great war," Eric explained.
"Eric, this is ridiculous. Can you imagine how many children father must've sprinkled around the world? We can't just track them all down."
"He loved her mother."
"So what? I love Belle!"
"Adam, she's your sister! My sister! It's unnatural," Eric wasn't sure what else he could say to make it clear to Adam.
"This can't be! She broke the spell."
"Did you and Belle- last night?"
"No," he lamented. "We wanted to but, it didn't happen."
Suddenly there was a quick knock at the door to the study, Belle walked in calmly a few moments later.
"You wanted to speak with me, Prince Eric?"
"Yes, Belle. Have a seat. There is something I- we must share with you," Eric pulled out a chair for Belle. Adam stood up from his seat abruptly and stormed out of the room, slamming the door on his way out.
"What's the matter with him? Did something happen?"
Eric suddenly felt uneasy. How could he possibly be the one to tell Belle the truth about who she really was?
"My father," Eric started and then sighed deeply as he tried to search for the best words.
"The King?" Belle tried to aid him along.
"Yes, the King."
"What about him?"
"He has some matters to discuss with you- I feel it's best if he'd be the one to discuss them with you, in private."
"Did I do something? Or did- was Adam promised to someone else? Someone royal?"
"No, no. I can't speak about it, but we're leaving for the Kingdom immediately. It's urgent," Eric said hurriedly. He watched as her face saddened. "Belle, trust me, it will be great news." She looked down at her lap and tried to think of what kind of 'great news' would upset Adam the way it did. "We'll have some of the help get your things ready. We leave in an hour."
"I don't have- things," Belle said softly, almost in a trance, "The beas- Adam, gave me everything I needed." Eric rose from his seat and Belle did as well, confused.
The two walked out into the main hall to find Ariel waiting anxiously.
"Ariel, do you know what's going on?" Belle asked almost immediately.
"Ariel! No," Eric snapped, shaking his head at her when he saw Ariel open her mouth to speak.
"Sorry, Belle," Ariel said with a frown, "But everything is going to be just fine!"
Days later, on a ship to the Kingdom, Ariel leaned over the taffrail while gazing out into the ocean. The early afternoon sun sparkling against the water left her mesmerized and grateful for her view from above. The air was crisp and cold but the skies were clear. She suddenly felt a body push against hers from behind. A pair of big, strong arms wrapped themselves around her midsection tightly.
"Mhhh," she moaned softly at Eric's familiar touch. She leaned her body back against his as he rocked them both gently.
"What are you up to?"
"Just getting some fresh air. Thinking about how lucky I am," she said proudly, covering his hands with hers.
"I'm the lucky one, Ariel," he whispered, kissing her temple. They heard heavy footsteps growing near and eventually Adam appeared beside them. He bent forward and rested his forearms against the rail, clasping his hands together and looking off into the distance solemnly.
"How are you feeling?" Ariel asked him, still in Eric's arms.
"I'm- I'm alright," he sighed. "So, underwater breathing, eh?"
"I told him about it," Eric confessed to Ariel. Ariel giggled.
"It's pretty amazing. Although, Eric can't be trusted underwater," she joked.
"Hey!" Eric exclaimed, squeezing her tightly. Adam watched the two of them and at that moment wished he could hold Belle. He turned away from the water and leaned back with his elbows against the rail, looking toward the deck. "It's been years since we've both been at the Palace together," he said to Adam, changing the subject.
"I was thinking about that. We need to go on a hunt during this season," Adam added.
"A hunt? Hunt what?" Ariel asked, concerned.
"It's ok Ariel, I won't shoot anything," Eric reassured her.
"Adam, how can you think about shooting a creature after-" Ariel started, but her voice trailed off.
"After what?"
"After being a creature yourself."
"Ariel!" Eric scolded quietly between his teeth.
"You know, I haven't thought about that. There is some truth to it," Adam said, looking down at his boots.
Faint, short footsteps were heard on the deck which Ariel and Eric noticed made Adam freeze in place. They both turned their heads to look as well. It was Belle, dressed in her warm winter coat just standing there, looking back at him.
"Go talk to her, Adam," Ariel whispered to him, "It's been 3 days."
Instead, Adam stood up from against the rail sternly and stormed off, stomping his feet against the wood floor without a word. He walked past Belle without a glance, but for a moment felt the urge to grab her and pull her toward him, wishing he had never heard the awful truth of Belle being his sister.
"Belle!" Ariel waved for her to come over. Eric bowed his head slightly out of courtesy.
"Thank you, Prince Eric," Belle said politely, bowing back.
"You don't have to call me that. It's just Eric," he reminded her.
"Did either of you hear any weird sounds last night?" Belle asked.
"What kinds of sounds?" Eric responded curiously, poking his head up a bit.
"Just sounds like activity after dark. Fishing maybe?"
"It may just be the crew," Ariel responded. "They walk around at night."
"How are you liking your first time being on the ocean?"
"It's great. Just lovely," she said as she stood near the rail.
Several moments passed, Belle looked down at the water with a blank expression on her face.
"Are you alright?" Ariel asked her. Belle lifted the corner of her lips and made a face before sighing deeply.
"I just- I don't know," she said with despair, "It was just all so perfect for a little while. And he was a Beast. I wish it could be the same as it was before, even if we could never physically be together- intimately."
"Even with him as a Beast?" Eric asked, baffled. Belle nodded her head slowly.
"Of course, Eric, she loves him," Ariel said.
"I don't understand what is happening and why all the secrecy," Belle looked at the couple and stared intently, trying to get a read on their expressions. Ariel and Eric looked at each other and then at Belle. Belle suddenly felt a tight, overwhelming feeling in her throat- her eyes started to water and she could no longer hold it in. She looked at the ground, embarrassed, and wiped her face with the back of her hand. Eric pulled away from Ariel and almost instinctively wrapped his arms around Belle, holding her closely to him. Belle was hesitant, she hardly knew Eric and they surely had never touched that way before.
"It's ok, Belle," he pressed her near him and stroked her hair, swaying slightly from side to side. Belle cried harder in his arms, feeling comfortable enough to let her inhibitions go. "I know Adam loves you. It will all make sense, I promise," He reassured her. Belle hugged him back, closing her eyes and wishing it were Adam she could hold near. Ariel smiled at the care Eric had for his sister. He had never had a sister, but it was as if he knew exactly what to do. Ariel felt lucky to have such a gentle, yet strong, man as her prince.
A tear escaped his eye as Adam watched the scene from his magic mirror, it was the only way he could feel close to her, even if he wasn't.
Late that night, Ariel pulled herself up from the ocean and to the deck of the ship, dress completely drenched with water as she quietly tiptoed across the creaking wood.
"Ariel!" a woman's voice called out, startling her. It was Belle and she was wearing her red winter coat. Her face looked as if she had seen a ghost as she made her way toward Ariel.
"Hi," Ariel said hesitantly, nervous she would have no clear explanation for wet clothing. Belle only stared, wide mouthed. "Belle? Are you alright?"
"You- you're a," Belle started to smile in amazement, "A- a mermaid!"
"Sshh!" Ariel cautioned her, with a finger to her lips.
"But, how?" Belle looked at Ariel's skirt, almost as if trying to see through it.
"Belle, I'm freezing! Let's get below deck and I'll tell you all about it!"
"Oh, Ariel, oh, Ariel! That is absolutely the best story I've ever heard my entire life! No one could ever make something like that up and put it into a story. Is the queen really that awful? How was it like to finally have a mother? Oh, I just have so many questions!" Belle cheered as she sat up in her bed, watching Ariel detangle her long wet hair. "You must've been on so many adventures! What is your next one?" Belle joked with a laugh.
"You are! Eric and I left the castle and went to the kingdom at the request of the King. He asked us to find Adam and you!"
"But why me?" Belle insisted. It wasn't the first time she had asked that question.
"Oh, Belle, I'm really not allowed to say. It's hard for me not to tell you, but like we've told you- it will make sense," Ariel explained. Belle became suddenly quiet and looked down into her lap. "Do you miss him?" Ariel asked.
"I do," Belle confessed, "It's as if- we understood each other in a way no one else did. I may be wrong, or it may have been one-sided, but I don't think anyone was ever able to know the real him- inside."
"I believe you. I know there is a bond between the two of you that is everlasting."
"Uhh," Belle groaned and fell back against the bed, "If only I could touch him again. Feel him on me, his hands on my body or just to lay in his arms." She ran her hands over her stomach and near her hips. "It was so short lived- my time with him. He turns me on more than anyone I've ever met, real or fictional," she smirked. Ariel was a bit surprised that Belle seemed to be coming out of her shell a bit more.
"I feel the same way about Eric," Ariel giggled.
"They're both so handsome," Belle said smiling, looking up at the ceiling. "Ariel?" she sat up again, "Have you noticed that they don't look much alike? Being brothers and all."
"They're also very different," Ariel nodded, "But, I see some similarities here and there. They can both behave childishly when they're mad. And they're also both used to getting what they want in the moment that they want it."
"Yes, I noticed that!" Belle laughed, taking a pillow beside her and hugging it tightly.
"Also, they're both very passionate. Adam has a sensitive side to him that I've seen more of lately- because of you."
"Ariel, can I ask you a question?" Belle started, but didn't wait for a response, "All I want to know is, once we get to the Kingdom and I meet with the King, will I be able to marry Adam, like he promised?" Ariel didn't know how to respond to her very honest and direct question. "Please, just tell me that much. If I can't be his wife- I will not be his mistress. I can't share him, Ariel. If he's promised to someone else-"
"No. He's not promised to anyone else," Ariel stopped her, "But the answer to your question is much more complicated than what I can explain. We'll be there by morning, just wait a little while longer. But it is important that you meet with the King."
"Alright," Belle didn't want to keep asking, but had no idea what would possibly cause Adam's behavior.
"It's almost morning, look!" Ariel pointed at the brightening sky out the window as she got up to leave. "Have we been talking so long? You must be tired."
"I can't sleep anyway. Thanks, Ariel. I hope we can stay close friends after this journey," Belle said.
"I know we will," Ariel smiled before leaving the room.
Belle stripped down to her undergarments before slipping on her long sleeve nightgown in front of the long mirror in her room. Restless and wide awake, she decided to walk around the ship. She thought of all of the events that had happened and what had occurred to create the shift that did. She wondered if Eric would tell the King that she and Adam had slept in the same bed, she knew that royalty was strict about marrying virgins- virgin princesses. She sighed to herself. Either way, she was neither of those two things.
She suddenly felt a pair of strong hands grab her by her waist and turn her around, pushing her against a wall below the steps to the main deck.
"Ssshh."
"Adam?" she whispered, feeling her heart race. Adam pressed his heavy body against hers and caressed the side of her face with his palm. She closed her eyes and felt herself melt in his arms.
"You're so beautiful," he said to her, leaning his face in and touching his nose to hers. Her lips trembled just feeling his breath near again.
"Wha-" she began.
"Belle, let's go away together. Just you and me," he said hurriedly, staring fiercely into her eyes. Belle parted her lips, longing for his kiss. He shifted his gaze from her eyes to her lips, he hadn't kissed them in so long. "We belong together," he pressed his thumb against her bottom lip and ran a hand down her back. Belle nodded, in a trance. She felt her chest and breathing heavy and her body was so warm she could nearly faint waiting for his kiss. Adam couldn't resist any longer as well, ferociously invading her lips with his tongue. They were locked at the lips, not able to part. Adam felt his body ache for her. "Belle," he huffed into her mouth, "We have to go now, before we arrive at the kingdom."
"What? Why?" she asked turning her face and pulling Adam's head closer to her neck. He spread kisses below her earlobe and down her soft, fair neck.
"We just have to," he whispered, "It's the only way we can be together."
"Mhh, Adam," she moaned as she felt his hands trail down her chest and enclose around her soft breast. "But why? The king has to see me," she could barely breathe, let alone think.
"We have to do it, now, Belle," he pressed his hips against her.
"When? How?"
"As soon as we dock, I will get Rothbart ready. We'll tell Eric and Ariel we're taking separate carriages."
"They can't know? Why do you not want me to see the King?"
"No! Of course they can't know!" he whispered roughly, "This is the only way. They want to keep us apart."
"But why?"
"Belle! I love you," he cupped her face in both of his hands, "I love you more than my very own life."
"I love you, too," she smiled, relieved to hear the words again.
"So, as planned- we'll take separate carriages, I'll have Rothbart ride alongside the carriage and when I tell you, we'll escape."
"Won't they see us?"
"They'll see me, but I'll cover you. They'll think you're still in the carriage. But you'll be with me."
"What about the King?" she asked, "What is it he wants with me?"
"Look, Belle, it doesn't matter what he wants," he insisted.
"But Eric sa-"
"He wants to ask you to leave me alone. He wants to pay you off for your silence and pretend you never met me or saw me as a Beast," Adam lied. Belle felt her heart sink.
"Really? I didn't know. They kept saying everything would be fine."
"Eric thinks gold fixes everything," he said casually.
"I can't believe the King would do such a thing. Can we just explain to him that we love each other and want to be together?" she asked naively, her worried brown eyes made him feel immediate guilt.
"Trust me, ok?" he leaned in for a kiss. "I love you."
"And I love you," she replied before kissing him one more time. They heard the steps of one of the sailors walking above.
"People are waking, I'll see you in a few hours," Adam said to her, about to pull away.
"Adam, wait-" she stopped him.
"What is it?"
"Eric told us on his first night at the castle that he was looking for his- your long lost brother. Then he left to find him and he never mentioned another word about it when he came back."
"Belle," Adam started seriously, "That brother died- at birth. He was stillborn. But Eric was crushed and doesn't want us to mention it."
"Oh. I'm so sorry," she said, regretting bringing it up.
"It's quite alright," Adam stepped closer and leaned in, "I love you." He kissed her tenderly, hoping his plan would work.
A few hours later, the ship arrived at the royal docks which were only about a mile or so away from the Palace. The crew unloaded cargo along with the horses and other items. Several carriages were always waiting near the docks to escort the royal family or any guests of the palace. Adam watched nervously as Ariel took a hold of Belle and walked down the pier arm in arm, Eric followed behind.
"Eric," Adam caught up to him, "Belle and I will ride in our own carriage."
"Uhh," Eric looked at Adam nervously.
"I want to apologize to her and embrace her, like a sister. Get a new start and-" Adam's voice trailed off and felt his heart drop when he noticed the familiar purple carriage with gold trim.
"Father!" Eric ran ahead, past the women and toward the distinguished, king with the bright, blue eyes and warm smile who was sitting at the end of the pier. The king rose from his chair with the help of a cane. Eric gave the king a big, heavy hug.
"Oh, my son!" the king laughed, adoring how affectionate his youngest son had always been with him. "Where is he? Did you find him? Did you find Marie?" The Queen stood a few feet behind him and rolled her eyes. Eric stepped aside and they both watched as Ariel approached them with a big smile and Belle on her arm. The king's jaw dropped immediately and took a few steps toward them. Adam covered his face with his hands, knowing everything was ruined. He should have never agreed to come back to the kingdom, he thought to himself.
"Hello, your majesty!" Ariel waved.
"Marie," he said to himself, staring at Belle in amazement, "Sh- she's a splitting image of her!"
Belle felt uncomfortable, she looked around at Ariel and then Eric, who were both smiling. She looked back at Adam behind her, who quickly looked away.
"Hello," she bowed her head shyly.
"You're her!" the King cried, extending his right arm. "Marie's daughter! You're her!"
"Did you know my mother?" Belle asked. The tall king took her hand, pulled her into his arms, rocking her back and forth against his chest.
"My daughter. Marie's daughter! You're so beautiful. Oh! My daughter!" he cried, resting his face on the top of Belle's head.
"Daughter?" Belle said to herself quietly. "I think you're mistaken," she started politely and pulled away, "My father's name is Maurice."
"Maurice? Ah, yes- your grandfather. Maurice was Marie's father," the king said casually.
"Father?" Belle echoed, dumfounded.
"Yes! I'm your father! Weren't you told? Didn't you all tell her?"
Belle felt her head warm and spinning in a million loops. His words left her winded and lightheaded. She blinked hard, hoping it was only a dream.
"Belle?" Ariel asked, concerned.
"Belle is my daughter's name? Beautiful Belle!" the King cheered.
Belle's eyes closed and body slowly began to fall.
"Belle!" Ariel shrieked. Adam ran quickly toward Belle and dove beside her, catching her in his arms before she could hit the ground.
"He's going to keep her in there all day," the Queen scoffed, closing the doors to the library behind her, a few hours later.
"Mother, Father is meeting his daughter for the first time, I'm sure they have a lot to talk about," Eric said in his father's defense.
"I'm just glad she's alright. It was quite the shock for her," Ariel said, looking at Eric who was watching some hand gestures from Adam.
"Ariel, Adam and I are going to go for a ride," he told her.
"A ride? Where?"
"Don't bring back any whores this time," the Queen jeered.
"Mother!" the men said in unison.
"Shalalalalala hmm hmm hmm…" Eric hummed to himself in the mirror as he changed his clothes for dinner.
"What are you humming?" Ariel asked him curiously.
"I don't know. I've had this tune in my head. Tah-tah ra, sit and twirl come on and..."
"Sit and twirl?" Ariel laughed uncontrollably.
"I don't know the words!" Eric laughed, "It's been in my head for a while now and just recently I had a dream with it."
"There you see her,
Sitting there across the way
She don't got a lot to say but there's something about her.
And you don't know why but you're dying to try,
You wanna kiss the girl," Ariel sang softly.
"Kiss the girl! Yes! That's what it says. How do you know that song? Did we hear it together somewhere? At the festival?"
"No, not at the festival," Ariel smiled warmly, remembering a time that seemed like just yesterday, "Sebastian sang it to us when we took the boat ride on the blue lagoon; when I couldn't yet speak."
"Oooh," Eric tried recalling. "Sebastian did?"
"Mhh hmm," she nodded.
"Why don't I remember that? Wouldn't I know if someone was singing me a song?"
"Eric, what do you remember from that boat ride? What were you thinking?"
"Well, I was wondering what you were thinking- since you couldn't speak and all. I wondered whether or not you were enjoying yourself. I hoped you were having fun with me."
"What were you feeling?"
"Hmm, well, honestly, I was admiring you, your beauty. You would stare at me in a way that would make me a bit nervous. You also couldn't speak, so for a bit it was hard to tell what you wanted."
"And when you guessed my name?"
"Your name? That's right! I did guess it- but how?" Eric looked at the floor and tried to think.
"Mildred? Diane? Rachel?" Ariel giggled, poking fun at him.
"Haha, yes. Everyone's named Mildred, Diane or Rachel these days. But then you said Ariel- or I guess someone said Ariel?" he asked, completely puzzled, he walked over to her and pulled her near. Ariel nodded. "Or maybe I imagined that. Maybe I read your mind!"
"It was Sebastian," she giggled.
"Shalalalalala tatadum hmm hmm hmm sing a song blah blah blah, Kiss the girl," Eric sang. Ariel couldn't help but laugh. Eric bent his head forward and planted a firm, wet kiss on her lips. "Mhh. Yes! I remember now!"
"You do?"
"Yes! Something inside me kept telling me to kiss you. I suddenly felt my body aching for you, for the touch of your lips on mine. I did try to kiss you, didn't I?"
"It looked like it," Ariel said, "But then the boat tipped over."
"That's right! The boat tipped over at the worst moment! I had no clue how! I was so angry."
Eric continued to get dressed as Ariel looked out the window of their bedroom overlooking the gardens.
"Ariel, darling, what's wrong?" Eric appeared behind her after a moment, noticing her solemness.
"I'm worried- about Belle."
"Belle? But why? She should be the happiest woman in the world. Doesn't every little girl dream of becoming princess?"
Ariel chuckled at his words, "You're asking the wrong princess. Every little girl dreams of falling in love and being with the one she loves- more than anything in the world."
"Oh. But Ariel, her and Adam just can't be. Don't you understand? It's strange and unnatural," he said with a wince.
"What if right after you saved me from the Mermaid Hunters, you found out I was really your sister?" she asked firmly, crossing her arms and waiting for his response. Eric was at a loss for words. "What would you do?"
"I- I don't think I'd care," he responded, a little unsure.
"Care about what?"
"I wouldn't care if you were my sister. I would probably still do anything to be with you," he said, uncrossing her arms and wrapping them around his body. "But, good thing you're not my sister," he whispered sinisterly.
Belle wandered the halls late that night, she couldn't believe all that had happened. She felt angry at Maurice for never telling her the truth about her mother and father, but at the same time missed him terribly. She was in such a different place full of people she had never met before. She had wanted a familiar face, someone whom she knew and felt safe with. She had missed the Beast as well, everything felt right when she was with him; a castle to herself with no interruptions. She was saddened knowing she'd never have that again, she'd never have him again. She knew that Adam was too good to be true and that the best way to forget about him was to keep her distance.
As she walked down the long corridor, Belle was startled by two guards who she mistook for statues.
"Your highness," they both bowed in unison. "Is there anything we can do for you?"
"Oh!" Belle was taken back a bit, "No, I was only looking around. I couldn't sleep."
"Would you like something to eat? Or perhaps some harp music or a massage?" one of the guards suggested.
"Or a book to read?" the younger of the guards smiled and winked at her.
"I have one started in my room, thank you," Belle answered with a chuckle. The sounds of footsteps and laughter approached from behind the two guards, they all turned to see Adam with both arms around two curvy women, headed to his room. Adam stopped and noticed Belle before turning the corner.
"Guards!" Adam shouted from his place, the guards rushed over to him and waited for his command, "Get these two out of here!" Adam pushed the women away toward the guards.
"Hey!" one of the women protested angrily while the other drunkenly wrapped her arms around the younger guard seductively.
Belle turned around abruptly and began to walk quickly back toward her room.
"Belle!" Adam called out for her, chasing her down the hall. When finally catching up to her, in front of her room, he yanked her by the arm.
"Get off me! I don't want to see you!" she shouted, pulling away from him.
"Belle, you-" Adam grabbed both of her arms and held them tightly against her sides so that she couldn't move or hit him.
"I don't want to hear it! You disgust me!" she turned her head, trying to pull away. Adam looked down the long hallway and pushed her against the door to her bedroom, making it open. Once inside, he kicked the door behind him closed. "Let me go!"
"No!"
"You're a liar! You lied to me!" she cried, trying to break free.
"I had to!"
"Ugh, you repulse me. Your disgusting touch repulses me!" she screamed harshly, looking straight into his eyes.
"Does it?" he leaned his face into hers closely, focused on her piercing glare.
"You're my brother. You knew you were my brother and you couldn't even tell me. You wanted to keep me from everything, from all of this!"
"I couldn't lose you!" he bellowed ferociously, nearly a growl. Belle closed her eyes and felt warm tears rolling down her face. She swallowed hard with a sniffle and looked back up at him. "It pains me to see you like this, Belle."
"Please," she spoke softly, nearly a whisper, "Please, leave my room."
"No."
"Adam, I-"
"Belle! I don't care. I love you, and I know you love me," he eased his grip on her arms.
"I don't love you."
"Yes, you do," he said coarsely, before planting a firm hard kiss on her quivering lips. His mouth was just as burning hot for her as she was for him. She wanted to scream, to bite him, to kiss him, to hold him and hit him all at once.
"I feel nothing. You're disgusting," she said nastily, back away from him. Adam pulled her near and kissed her some more, plunging his tongue into her mouth in circles. Belle could feel his chest pushing against her soft breasts. His kiss left her flushed and panting heavily. "I hate you," she snarled.
"No, you don't," Adam smirked and moved his hands from her arms to her waist and down her hips before kissing her again, running his tongue over her bottom lip and sucking on it roughly. This time Belle kissed back, feeling her posture completely collapse against his strong will. Every inch of her yearned for him.
"Belle! Are you ok?!" a voice shouted in the hall, followed by a pounding at the door.
"It's Eric!" Adam whispered, in a panic. Belle looked at Adam and then at the door. "Don't," Adam shook his head at her.
"Eric!" Belle called out.
"Stop it!" Adam shook her by the shoulders and then gently pinched her right nipple over her nightgown with his fingers. The sensation made a quiet moan escape her mouth and she felt her body on fire.
"I'm ok, Eric! Everything's fine!"
"Do you need me in there? Or maybe Ariel?" Eric asked, a bit concerned.
"No, no, thank you! Have a good night!" she shouted, trying to sound as stable as possible while Adam continued to rub her now hardened nipple.
"Goodnight, Belle!"
"Goodnight, Belle," Adam mocked him with a snicker, before kissing her again.
"Adam, you have to leave. I'm your sister and this is wrong," she said sternly and half heartedly. Adam pulled his white shirt over his head, exposing the rippling muscles that made her weak.
He could see the desire in her big brown eyes, they were almost speaking to him, begging him to make her his.
"You're mine," he growled before kissing her roughly. Belle stopped fighting, instead she kissed back with equal vigor, digging her fingertips into the bare flesh of his back. She could feel her womanhood throbbing as it became moist for him. He had her right where he wanted her, desiring him. He removed her hands from around him and took a few steps back toward her bed, knowing she was being left wanting more.
"Adam," she called out softly. He sat on the bed and slowly leaned back, propping himself up with his elbows behind him. She wanted to run to him, to pounce him and fill herself up with every inch of him. But she didn't, she knew he was asserting his dominance over her, he thought he had all the power. She needed for him to come to her. She turned away and walked over to a desk that was against the wall. Adam watched her curiously, wondering what she was doing as he began stroking himself through his pants. Belle bent over the desk and slowly lifted the nightgown well over her soft, plump bottom. Adam's mouth dropped open. He couldn't imagine a more beautifully seductive sight.
He wanted to be near her, he craved it. He'd do anything to feel himself inside her and her becoming part of him. He got up from the bed and walked over to her assertively, staring at the moist hair-covered folds at the base of her buttocks. He placed both hands on her back and ran them down both of her cheeks, caressing them before striking down a hard, sharp slap with his left hand. Belle let out a gasp of pain as adrenaline rushed to her head. She had never been struck that way before, to her surprise it made her nipples harden even more.
"More," Belle breathed, preparing herself for more pain as she stood on her toes.
"Mhh, you liked that?" he growled, caressing the redness on her fair skin before striking down again with a smacking sound.
"Ohh!" she shrieked, spreading her legs apart instinctively. Adam pushed her upper body down onto the desk hard by the back of her neck, making Belle's cheek press against the wood and a few objects fall over. He released her firmness from his pants and pressed it against her twitching, wet entrance.
"Tell me you want it!" he commanded.
"I want it!" she begged.
"Say 'please'," he teased her, slipping it in slightly and then taking it out again.
"Please, I want it now!" she cried. With that he drove himself into her, spreading her warm, flesh with his own for a tight, snug fit. "Ohh!"
"Ohhh, this is heavenly," he grunted, before rhythmically pumping himself inside her.
"Oh, yes, yes!" Belle moaned, scratching her fingernails against the wood, face still forcefully pressed on the desk. It had been quite some time since Adam's last sexual encounter; in his mind, it had felt like years as the Beast. After a few minutes, he stopped, embarrassed to finish too early. He picked her up with one hand and carried her over to the bed, tossing her like a rag doll and then pulling her legs down toward him as he stood beside the bed on the floor.
He held her legs up by her ankles, both by each one of his shoulders, and buried himself inside her again.
"Mhhh," he moaned, closing his eyes and remembering how beautiful she looked when they played in the snow together just a few weeks prior. She was so warm, so sweet and nurturing. When he opened his eyes, he saw a completely different person down below. A seductive vixen that could arouse him beyond measure.
"Harder," she breathed, breathlessly.
"You don't tell me what to do," he said sternly, opening her legs apart even further and bending down to place a firm grip around her neck.
"Mhh," Belle grinned sinisterly, "Get on your knees."
"No," he answered defiantly.
"Now!" she barked. Adam smiled to himself and obeyed. How cute, he thought, letting her win. He placed both knees on the floor and found himself face to face with her womanhood. Belle wrapped both legs around his neck and pulled his face into her middle, her thighs squeezing the sides of his head. "Ahhhh," she moaned in ecstasy, "Don't stop." Adam had been intimate in that manner with very few women. He never seemed to care before if a woman was enjoying herself, he only cared about his own needs. He loved pleasuring her. He loved seeing her bite her bottom lip and have her eyes roll back.
After bringing her to orgasm with his mouth, he pushed her legs up from around his head and took the remainder of his clothes off. Belle only watched, naked and breathlessly. Adam hadn't realized when she took off her nightgown; but didn't care. He walked around to the other side of the bed and got in slowly, removing the pillows from their place and sitting up against the headboard. He didn't say a word as he only stared at her and stroked himself.
"What are you doing?" she asked, seductively, inching her way closer to him. He loosened his hair from the low ponytail he wore, making his hair fall forward down the sides of his face. "Mhh, I love it when you wear your hair down," she purred, straddling his lap and pulling his head in for a deep, wet, kiss. Adam pointed his erection against Belle's flesh and felt her slide right on to him. "Ohh!" she gasped at the intrusion and Adam covered her mouth with kisses.
Everything about the position was warm and passionate. Belle felt safe in Adam's arms while Adam could stare deep into her brown eyes as they made love. Every so often Belle would lean back and nestle Adam's head into her chest, allowing him to suck on each one of her soft breasts and piping hot nipples.
"I don't want to stop," he huffed into her ear some time later, nibbling on her lobe.
"Me neither, never stop. Never stop making love to me," Belle answered, wrapping her arms around his neck. Their bodies were hot and sweaty.
"I love you, Belle. I don't think I can last much longer," he grunted, feeling her tighten around him.
"I'm ready for you, my love," she kissed his lips and he held on to the sides of her hips tightly, digging his fingers into her soft flesh as he felt his body overwhelmed with excitement.
"Oh, Belle!" Adam moaned loudly, releasing himself into her and clutching on to her flesh for dear life. The pair caught their breath, beads of sweat dripping down their faces. Adam wrapped his arms around her and kissed her passionately. They both collapsed onto the bed, Belle rested her entire body on top of his and Adam held her head at his chest.
"You're incredible," he told her, kissing the top of her now damp head.
"Are you tired?" she lifted her head to ask him with a smirk and raised eyebrow. Adam smiled back at her, he knew exactly how she meant the question.
"I may never sleep again."
"Your majesty," Belle said softly the next morning over mid-morning tea with the King in the royal sitting room near a window.
"Belle, please, call me father," he asked warmly, before taking another sip of his tea.
"I- I'm sorry. I just can't do that," she looked down at her lap and then at the King, "I'm very honored to be your daughter, I truly am. It's just a lot to take in all at once and my Papa, the man that raised me, Maurice- he's the only father I've ever known."
"I understand," the King said regretfully, "I am so sorry, Belle. Truly. I should have found you sooner. I should have never left Marie. I should have made her my Queen. Things would have gone so differently." The King covered his eyes with his face and began to sob.
"Oh, no. Don't wish that. Think of all of the great things you've accomplished for the kingdom," Belle reminded him as she walked over and placed a hand on each of his shoulders from behind. She began to comfort him, caressing down his arms and along his back. "Think of the two great sons you would have never had. All of these things happen for a reason."
"You sweet, sweet girl," he sniffled, taking a cloth napkin and blowing his nose into it gently.
"Is he crying again?" the Queen interrupted coldly at the door. Belle felt herself tense immediately. The presence of the Queen made her feel uncomfortable and out of place.
"Your majesty," Belle curtsied politely.
"Who taught you that? Ha!" she scoffed, "I supposed peasants can in fact learn."
"Eleanora! Get out!" the King shouted.
"Well look who decided to finally be a man this morning," the Queen jeered at the King before leaving the room as swiftly as she entered.
"Ignore her, dear. She feels a little- threatened."
"Threatened?! By me? But why? She's the Queen."
"She's afraid of you usurping her role on the throne. You are next in line to rule the Kingdom- with a husband of course. A prince."
"Me? A prince?"
"Yes, Belle!" the king chuckled.
"Father," Eric walked in with a beaming Ariel clasped to his arm.
"Oh, my children! Come, come!"
"Did you mean me as well?" Ariel giggled, letting go of Eric's arm and throwing her arms around the king from behind in his chair.
"Of course, my mermaid princess," he laughed deeply. Ariel planted a long exaggerated kiss on his cheek and hugged him tightly. Belle watched the two, wishing she could feel the kind of connection with the King she did with her own father, Maurice.
"Father," Eric repeated, "Can we introduce Ariel to the Kingdom at the ball tonight?"
"Of course we will!" the King belly laughed, he pulled Ariel by her arm and onto his lap and she immediately embraced him. She was used to being affectionate with her own father and could relate easily with paternal figures.
"Belle, you should come with Ariel and I today."
"Where are you going?"
"We're taking a tour of the Kingdom," Ariel said from the King's lap.
"Oh, alright."
Suddenly, there was a voice at the door.
"Eric, come on let's go," Adam started to shout, but then his voice grew softer when seeing Belle. Belle straightened her posture and smoothed the skirt of her dress nervously. "Good morning, princesses," Adam bowed. Belle nodded politely, unsure of how to behave.
"My boy, you weren't at breakfast this morning," the King said to Adam.
"I didn't get much sleep last night, father."
"Come, let me give you a kiss," the King reached an arm out toward Adam.
"No, father, please. Not now," Adam's face became a bit flustered and it made Ariel giggle.
"He's such a stern one," the King said to Belle. Belle tried to force a smile as the flashes of Adam's hands over her thighs and breasts and around her neck the night before consumed her thoughts.
"Father!" Adam nagged.
"Adam, tour the kingdom with us today," Ariel said getting up from the king's lap and standing beside Belle.
"Yes, I want all of my children spending time together and getting along," the King cheered. "Belle, do you know that Adam has a castle not too far from your village?"
Everyone in the room grew quiet, Eric looked at Adam and then at Belle. Everyone's attention seemed to be on Belle, wondering what she'd say.
"Is that so?" Belle feigned. Ariel's eyes furrowed, she knew what was happening and how the Queen's lie was causing all of the complication.
"Adam, you should take her there sometime. Belle, it's a beautiful place," the king continued.
"Father, let's put you to bed for your nap before lunch," Eric said, beginning to push the old king's wheeled chair.
"Oh, nonsense. I'm not tired," he fussed and continued to complain as Eric wheeled him out of the room. Ariel looked at Adam and Belle with a sneaky smile and followed behind Eric. Belle began to leave after Ariel, but then Adam pulled her back toward him, pressing her back against his chest. He squeezed her buttocks over the dress, and ran his hand across her breasts roughly as he licked and nibbled her neck.
"Mhh, stop it," Belle purred, feeling her throbbing pulse between her legs.
"I need to be inside you again. You belong to me," he growled into her ear and then released her abruptly. He left the room quickly, and caught up to Ariel before anyone noticed. Belle was out of breath and body was so hot she could faint.
Everything about her, wanted him and she wasn't sure what to do about it. The outing was a difficult one filled with much sexual tension. The lingering looks and hidden touches was more than Belle could bare. She felt conflicted, in her feelings for him, while Adam had no doubts. He wanted her, he loved her and didn't care if they were related by blood.
In the midst of all of the sightseeing and touring, Adam had pulled Belle away down an alley between a tavern and a barrel maker.
"Belle, I can't go through with this. I don't like having you like this- in secret. When I get back I'm going to tell father that I love you and I want to marry you. If we cannot get married, we'll go back to the castle and live the rest of our lives together."
"Adam, we can't! I shouldn't- we shouldn't even be doing any of this. It's unnatural. It's wrong, we just ca-" Belle started before being cut off by a sudden kiss. She didn't know why she could easily feel so powerless against him. He continued to kiss her, opening her winter coat and kissing down her neck and the top of her chest.
"Adam?" a voice called from around the corner, which made them both jump. It was Eric with a puzzled look on his face, and Ariel stood not too far behind. "What are you- you can't be doing this?! She's our sister!" he shouted angrily, before rushing toward Adam and pushing him away from Belle.
"Eric!" Ariel called to him, but he ignored.
"Come on, little brother," Adam chuckled, trying to make light of it. Belle was mortified and felt her face become warm from the embarrassment of being seen intimate with Adam, knowing what they all knew.
"You can't do this with each other anymore!" he scolded Adam and then turned toward Belle, who looked down at the ground. "It's disgusting!"
"Eric!" Ariel walked over and placed a hand on his back to calm him down. "Eric, they're-"
"And you, Belle?! Have you no shame?" Eric continued.
"Don't speak to her that way!" Adam roared, puffing out his chest and wedging himself between Eric and Belle.
"Eric!" Ariel began to tug on his left arm.
"Don't you touch her that way!" Eric yelled at Adam, pressing a finger into his chest and not backing down.
"I love her!" Adam shouted, inches from Eric's face.
"Stop! Please!" Belle pleaded, coming out from behind Adam and placing herself between the two angry men. "Eric is right," she said sadly, with tears starting to form in her eyes, "Adam, he's right. We can't do this anymore. We're not meant to be."
"But Belle, you broke my spell!"
"No," she smiled at him and placed a hand on his cheek, "You broke the spell, with your kindness and understanding."
Adam couldn't handle all of the emotions he was feeling. His brother was angry with him for fighting for the love of his life and there she was, so easily giving up and taking Eric's side. He felt crushed as he felt a big lump forming in his throat; before it could overwhelm him, he stormed off angrily out into the busy town.
"Adam!" Belle called to him, but he didn't listen.
"Let him go," Eric snapped, a bit annoyed. "I'm sorry, Belle, it's just the way it has to be." Eric stomped away shortly after, equally as upset as Adam.
"I'm sorry, Ariel, Eric is right. You must think I'm such a-" Belle started but was immediately cut off by Ariel's tight embrace. Belle closed her eyes and hugged back. She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes.
"It's alright," Ariel told her softly, rubbing her back. Belle almost instantly began to sob on Ariel's shoulder.
"I don't know what to do, Ariel. I just don't know what to do," she continued to cry.
"Oh, Belle, I know. I know you love him. I know it's very real," Ariel told her. "I promised it would all work out in the end."
"But how can it? How?" Belle cried even harder, almost incoherently.
Ariel knew the truth had to come out, but how?
The carriage ride back without Adam was a quiet one and back at the palace, things weren't much better.
"Prince Eric," a guard bowed his head respectfully as Ariel, Belle and Eric entered the palace, but he couldn't hold his urgency, "There's a problem with the King. You must come quickly." Suddenly, the sounds of objects shattering and shouting echoed from the second floor.
"Wait here!" Eric told Ariel and Belle, before darting up the large steps, two at a time. But neither one of them listened and immediately followed after him.
"Let her go!" Adam howled as he was being held back by three guards. Queen Eleanora and Grimsby were both on their knees with their wrists shackled behind their backs when Eric barged into the room.
"Mother? What's going on? Let her go!" Eric rushed to the Queen, who just hung her head in shame when he looked at her. A couple of guards stood in front of Eric to keep him away. "What's going on here?!" he tried to push them them out of his way, but they barely budged. Ariel and Belle soon rushed through the doorway.
"Stop!" commanded the King, who suddenly appeared from seemingly out of nowhere. The entire room grew silent. Eric hadn't noticed he was there.
"Father?" Eric wondered, watching as the King wheeled himself to the center of the room.
"This is preposterous!" Queen Eleanora yelled, in tears, "You can't believe it for one second!"
"That's enough!" the King snapped sternly. "What are the charges?"
"Queen Eleanora and John Grimsby are being charged with high treason, conspiracy against the monarchy, and adultery," a guard read off a scroll.
"What?!" Adam yelled, attempting to lunge forward toward Grimsby, but the guards kept him in place.
"Treason?" Eric echoed to himself, "Grim?"
"My apologies, Prince Eric," Grimsby said solemnly, and looked at the King humbly, "Your majesty."
"They were in love," the King said lightly, looking at the pair on their knees, "I've always known. I just didn't think you'd be foolish enough to be found out."
"Since- when?" Eric asked, almost regretting the question because he wasn't quite ready for the answer. There was only silence. "Well?!" Eric shouted, losing his patience.
"Since before she was queen," Ariel said boldly, joining Eric at his side and separating him from the guards.
"Ariel, you knew about this? But- I don't understand. What does this mean?" Eric went on, confused. All of the blood left Adam's face.
"I knew something had changed when I returned from a trip overseas. She was already with child. 'He'll be a big one,' she'd say. 'He'll probably come early,'" the King could only stare at Eleanora, who tried to only look at the floor. "He was born three whole months early and nearly twice the size of a normal infant."
"No. No, father that can't be! Adam?" Eric turned to his brother who seemed to only try to catch his breath, still restrained by guards.
"When Eric was born, I was almost certain he was yours, John. Until I saw that jet black hair and blue eyes; he looked so much like me and my mother," the King continued with a smile on his face, deep in memory. The queen began to sob quietly. She looked up Eric with tears running down her face and then at Adam.
"I'm sorry," she cried remorsefully, intending it only for Adam. Adam shook his head in disbelief.
"The punishment for such charges is death," the guard continued brazenly, almost enjoying reading the sentence.
"No!" Ariel gasped.
"Father! No!" Eric pleaded, "You can't do this! That's my mother!"
"Enough! I will let my oldest child decide the outcome of their fate," the king announced.
"Kill him," Adam sneered dramatically, completely beside himself. His words resulted in a short commotion from the room.
"Adam!" Eric scolded his brother.
"No!" the King roared, "My daughter, Belle." The room was suddenly quiet as everyone turned to see a stunned Belle, fidgeting with her hands. "Come, Belle," he extended his arm to her from his chair.
"Me?" Belle walked over slowly and stood beside the King. Ariel was glad the decision was on Belle, she knew Belle was smart and kind and would know just what to do.
"Belle, as the future Queen of this Kingdom-"
"Over my dead body!" the queen snarled angrily from the floor.
"Perhaps," the King jeered with a smirk, surprising everybody- especially Eleanora. "What is your decision? Whatever you decide, I will support."
"Well," Belle started, smoothing her skirt and straightening her posture, "Has Eleanora been a good queen?"
"Yes. Most certainly, one of the best the Kingdom has ever had," the king responded.
"You've known known about the relationship since when?"
"Since before Adam was born."
"And you've been accepting of it."
"Well, yes. I love the queen and love her strength, she's a political mastermind. I also care about her very deeply. But those feelings will never match what I felt for your mother and I understood what it was like to feel real love. I didn't want to take that away from Eleanora."
"Then, I do not see why anything must change," Belle said, looking at the queen. The queen's jaw dropped. "Queen Eleanora, what is it that you really want? More than anything. What would make you happy?"
"I want to be with John. I love him, always have. But I have a duty to my kingdom."
"Can the guards please release them?" Belle asked politely.
"Impossible! They're being charged agains-" the guard holding the scroll started to interject.
"You heard my daughter!" the King barked angrily. The guards helped both Eleanora and Grimsby to their feet and removed the shackles from around their wrists. Grimsby immediately hugged Eleanora and kissed her.
"Don't you touch her!" Adam shouted from across the room, lunging forward. The guards continued to restrain him.
"He is your father!" the Queen cried.
"He's nothing to me!" Adam screamed, face red with anger and his fist in the air.
"Adam!" Belle scolded him tersely, "That's enough!" Everyone was stunned at Belle's reaction. They had only seen a sweet and sensitive side of her. The king smiled to himself as Adam, pushed one of the guards and stormed out of the room. "Eleanora will continue to be queen, beside the King and John, is it?" Belle asked, looking at Grimsby.
"Yes, John Grimsby, your royal highness," Grimsby responded.
"Has he committed any offenses other than the relationship with the Queen?" Belle asked the guard.
"No, your royal highness," the guard responded, defeated.
"You will not be charged. From what I hear, you've served the kingdom bravely in countless battles and have just a few months ago aided in the rescue of both Queen Eleanora and Princess Ariel." Grimsby dropped to his knees and placed both hands on the floor.
"Thank you! Thank you, Princess," he groveled, "I am forever in your debt."
"No, that isn't necessary. However, it may not be appropriate for you to remain in the castle. I will leave that decision to the King."
"And Prince Adam, your majesty?" the guard asked.
"What about him?"
"He is no longer the son of the king."
"Of course he is! Adam will always be my son," interjected the king. Little did they know, Adam listened outside the door, with a tear in his eye.
"Adam will remain the son of the king and this affair must never be publicized. Any speak of this outside of this room will be considered the highest of treason," Belle continued.
"Smart woman," Grimsby said quietly to himself, now off the floor.
"Few of you are aware of this but," Belle started, but then paused for a moment to swallow hard.
"What is it, dear?" the king asked Belle softly. Belle smiled at the kind king.
"Adam and I met before my arrival at the kingdom. The village where I've lived my entire life wasn't too far from his castle. And well- we fell in love," Belle said, almost apologetically.
Ariel felt her heart warm up, she felt so happy she could cry.
"That's wonderful Belle, but having two of my children married would be forbidden," the king informed her, regretfully.
"I understand. That's why you will announce me as Adam's future bride at the ball tonight and not as your daughter."
"No, Belle, I cannot do that!" the king fussed, with a worried look on his face.
"Yes," she smiled at him and placed a hand on his cheek, "You can. I can't take away the only life Adam has ever known. The only identity he has. It doesn't matter to me if the world knows I am your daughter. As long as you and I both know, what difference will it make? I'll still be a part of your family."
"You must really love him," he said to her.
"Only Belle can handle him," Eric interjected, which made Ariel giggle.
"You will be a phenomenal queen," the king told her.
"I'll have to learn from the best," Belle looked at Eleanora with a smirk, but Eleanora didn't react. She was still stunned at the fact that Belle spared her life.
The room began to slowly clear out, there had been enough commotion for one afternoon and everyone was prepared to enjoy the ball that evening. When there was no one else in sight, Belle decided to find Adam.
"I think I've known for a while now-" she heard Adam's voice coming from the entrance to his room. The door was left open.
"Really?" it was Eric's voice.
"Do you remember when Grimsby's younger brother, Harrison came to visit the castle?"
"Oh, yes! The admiral. Good ol' Harry."
"Did you notice that he looked just like me?"
"You mean, you look like him, because he's much older than you are," Eric said.
"Eric, you know what I mean. It was strange!"
"Actually, now that you mention it- you're right! Maybe you should have a talk with Grimsby."
"What? No! I'm not speaking to that old fool. Eric, I could wring his neck!"
"Did you hear what Belle did?"
"Yes, I heard everything," Adam smiled to himself.
"Adam, she's amazing!"
"I know. I've always known. I love her so much," Adam felt himself become emotional, but tried control it. "I'm proposing to her at the ball tonight, in front of everyone."
"Make it very special for her," Eric told him.
"Oh, I will, look," Adam reached over to his nightstand, pulled out a small gold box and handed it to Eric. Eric opened the box.
"A diamond? A rose! This is beautiful, Adam. She will love it."
"I hope so. Will you stay for the wedding?"
"Of course," Eric promised his brother. Shortly after, he got up from the bed and rose to his feet. "I should go see what Ariel is up to."
"Yes, keep an eye on her. She's always getting herself into some kind of trouble," Adam lectured, half-heartedly. It made Eric chuckle. As Eric left the room, he found Belle standing outside his door and gave her a wink.
Belle walked into Adam's room slowly and stood at the foot of his bed.
"Belle!" he lit up, once noticing her.
"I fixed it," she said anxiously, biting her bottom lip.
"You're incredible," Adam rose up on the bed and kneed his way over to her, taking her by the arm and pulling her into bed with him. She broke out in a fit of giggles as they rolled around the bed together. Finally they stopped with Adam's body pressed gently against hers, and his face inches away from her mouth.
"I love you, Belle."
"I love you, Adam," she smiled, preparing her lips for his deep, gentle kiss. "Adam?"
"Mhh?" Adam grunted between kisses.
"Did you know Ariel was a mermaid?"
"Haha," Adam laughed aloud, "Yes, I did."