"How are you feeling?" Tristan asked quietly in bed the next morning. He had just opened his eyes and noticed that Melody was already awake. She was on her back beside him and his arm was resting over her midsection.
"I don't know," she shrugged somberly. "Thanks for letting me stay here last night."
"Mhh hmm," he barely made out, closing his eyes again sleepily.
"Did you have a nightmare last night?" she asked him.
"Uh, why?"
"You were kind of speaking- in your sleep."
"What did I say?"
"I don't know, you seemed to be saying a lot of things."
"Sorry," he apologized.
"No, it's fine- I wanted to wake you a few times, but then you'd stop. Do you remember what you were dreaming about?"
"No idea," he lied.
"You were calling for my mom," she told him, turning her head to look at his reaction.
"That's weird," he said with a yawn, almost completely unfazed. Melody winced with disgust.
"Ugh, your breath is terrible!" she joked with a scowl.
"Yours doesn't exactly smell like roses right now, princess," he chuckled. Melody's eyes went wide and she covered her mouth with her hand.
"Fine!" she said from behind her hand, "I should go before my dad comes in and murders you."
"No one is coming in until lunch time," he informed her, "Let's sleep a little longer?"
"That sounds wonderful," she smiled. She stretched her arms straight up and let out a long, drawn out yawn. Tristan noticed the fabric of her thin nightgown being pushed forward by her nipples and he immediately looked away, but it was too late; his erection had already started to grow. Melody rolled over onto her side so that Tristan could cuddle her like the night before. He moved his hips back so that it wouldn't touch her.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"Uh, nothing. Just- getting a pillow." Tristan reached back and got a pillow from behind him and placed it in front of his hips between them. "See? This is much better," he tried to convince her, pulling her into him. He couldn't believe just how involuntary morning erections could be. When he put his arm around her, he accidentally brushed his fingers across her breast. "Oh, sorry," he said and felt immediately uncomfortable.
"I had a dream about swimming," she said softly with her eyes drifting closed.
"Hey, Mel," he removed his arm from around her, "Maybe you should go to your own room."
"Why?"
"No one will come here, but what if your mother goes to look for you in your room?"
"Well," Melody turned to face him, his eyes were wide and worried, "You're right, I guess I should go then."
Just as Melody flipped the covers off of her body, the door opened quietly. Melody quickly hid beneath the covers and laid perfectly flat on her back. Tristan just as quickly covered Melody's body with pillows.
"I'm here to collect your soiled linens," a soft feminine voice announced by the door. It was Helena, her long blonde hair coming down each one of her shoulders. She immediately began to unbutton her uniform and pushed it down her long legs.
"Wow," Tristan said breathlessly, "Not sure this is the best time, Helena. I'm really sleepy."
"You look wide awake to me," she said, climbing into bed with him and straddling his hips, her naked lips were spread wide open over his covered hard erection. "Very awake," she smirked, pushing herself onto him even harder. She bent forward and kissed him on the lips firmly.
Melody turned her head to look and could peek from a small sliver through the blanket and pillows. Gross, how can she kiss him with that morning breath? She thought.
"Mhh," Helena moaned. Melody watched her movements and her naked body. She had never seen another woman naked before, or anyone for that matter. She had only seen her own naked body.
"Helena, can you come back in about ten minutes?"
"Why?" Helena moaned, she leaned forward again and hovered her breast over Tristan's mouth. Tristan opened his mouth and licked her dangling nipple a few times before taking the entire thing in his mouth and sucked on it gently. Melody couldn't believe what she was seeing. Her own nipples became hard, she didn't think that was anything anyone would actually do. She really had no idea of what people did when they were alone together.
"Helena," Tristan huffed, incredibly aroused, "Please."
"Oh!" Helena gasped, "Did that just move?" She looked over to where the pillows were all set. "Is someone under there?" she asked, determined to find out. She moved the pillows and pulled the covers back hurriedly and found a frightened Melody. "Oh! Princess! My apologies," her voice changed.
"No, it's alright, I was on my way out," Melody sat up in the bed, her face bright red and embarrassed that they could both tell she was turned on.
"She just spent the night last night so that she wouldn't be alone. Nothing happened," Tristan clarified.
"It's true," Melody added.
"No need to explain to me, princess," Helena smiled, "I would have done the same thing."
"Well, you should go now," Tristan said, looking at Melody. Melody began to make her way out of bed.
"Unless you want to stay," Helena said seductively.
"What? No!" Tristan protested.
"You wouldn't mind if I watched?" Melody asked, excited and with hopeful eyes. She had been dying to see and learn about sex and love-making.
"No way," Tristan said, shaking his head.
"Of course not," Helena answered, almost as if Tristan didn't exist. She started to roll her body again, grinding her open privates against Tristan.
"Helena," Tristan started, warning her to stop.
"Sshh, kiss me right here," she said, pointing to the top of her breast. Tristan sat up and stared at her soft pink lips that were partly opened, inviting him in. He bent forward and kissed where her finger had been. Helena looked at Melody and grinned, proud of Tristan's obedience. Melody grinned back shyly, although she was amazed that Helena could be so convincing. Helena cupped her right breast and fed it into Tristan's mouth. He happily sucked on her smooth, hard nipples as Melody only looked on, craving to know what that felt like.
"Princess," Helena whispered, "Have you ever had someone kiss you like this?" Helena ran her fingers through Tristan's hair as he continued to suckle on her breasts.
"I've never been kissed at all," Melody shared, finding it odd that she found trust in Helena. It may have been because Helena let her stay and watch.
"Mhh, it feels really nice," Helena said and kissed the top of Tristan's forehead. Melody watched as Tristan's hand trailed up her flat stomach to her uncovered breast and began to fondle it. "When you think about me here like this, do you imagine yourself tasting or having it done to you?"
"I dunno, I guess having it done to me," Melody responded quietly, a little uncertain.
"You can taste, too, if you'd like," Helena encouraged her, pointing her free breast in her direction, "Just a few licks."
"Uhhm-" Melody started.
"That's enough talking," Tristan said suddenly, detaching himself from her chest. He swiftly placed his hands under her and flipped her over onto her back.
"Tristan!" Helena shrieked. Tristan shushed her and spread her legs wide open as he lowered himself on the bed.
"Mhhh, yes!" Helena moaned when his tongue spread her open between her legs. Melody had never been so aroused. She found her legs restless and fidgety and the moisture in her underwear began to pool.
Tristan licked and sucked on Helena's wet, feminine lips and prodded his tongue in and out of her. Melody could only stare, she felt her own breathing intensify with each moan from Helena's mouth. Tristan opened his eyes and looked up at Helena, her eyes were closed and she was rolling her body against his face in ecstasy while she pinched and rubbed her own nipples. Tristan shifted his gaze to Melody and the two locked eyes intensely. For a moment Melody felt as if it were her he was tasting. She felt her body hot and aching to be touched as well. Tristan closed his eyes as he continued to go in deeper with his tongue.
"Princess," Helena whispered, calling Melody over and cupping her own right breast, pointing it in Melody's direction. Melody looked at Tristan first, who still had his eyes closed. She moved closer to Helena on the bed and kneeled down beside her arm. Melody smiled shyly and shook her head at Helena. "Your mother likes to just watch, too- but she can only do it for so long before- ahhh!" she moaned sharply.
"Before what?" Melody asked her, but Helena was too into the moment. She pushed Tristan's head deeper into her with one hand and tugged at her breasts with the other. Melody felt like she needed to be part of it all. What's holding you back? She thought to herself. She slowly lowered her head to Helena's chest and then boldly licked the side of her breast. Helena gasped loudly between moans.
"Yes, keep going," Helena removed her hands." Melody licked the tip of her nipple quickly. "Suck on it," Helena whispered. Melody closed her mouth around the nipple and sucked on it gently at first. "Mhhh, yes!" Helena pushed her head in closer to her chest and Melody circled the nipple with her tongue as she sucked on it. Helena began petting and stroking Melody's head and hair. She then leaned her head forward slightly and stuck her tongue in between Melody's lips on her nipples. Their tongues touched for a split second and Melody suddenly pulled away and giggled nervously.
"What? What happened?" Tristan asked curiously, finally opening his eyes. He saw that Melody was bright red and Helena had a big grin spread across her face. "Were the two of you kissing?"
"Tristan," Helena begged, "Put it in already."
"You should probably go now," Tristan said to Melody and Melody didn't protest. She quietly made her way out of bed and out of the bedroom.
"Bye, princess!" she heard Helena call out behind her.
"The prince of Glowerhaven will be coming to the ball," Ariel mentioned over lunch in the dining room. Eric suddenly coughed loudly.
"Who?" Melody asked, playing with her food with a fork in her hand.
"I've never met them," Ariel said, looking at Eric for reassurance.
"You did, once dear," Eric said, clearing his throat, "But you probably wouldn't remember. It was brief, at a ball at the palace."
"Was it that large man with the glass eye?"
"Gross," Melody muttered.
"Melody!" Ariel scolded her, almost with a smile.
"No, not him-"
"Oh, was it that rude woman at Adam and Belle's wedding? The one that kept looking at you?"
"Uh, I don't recall someone looking at me at the wedding," Eric lied.
"Eric!" Ariel nagged, "You know exactly who I mean. With the red dress and the copper hair."
"How do you remember that?" Eric asked her, "That was nearly twenty years ago."
"I remember her. She gave me a bad feeling- the way she was looking at you and at me." Ariel tried to remember. "Did you and her have something- before me?"
"Ariel-"
"Eric! You did! Oh, no wonder that silly woman had such a ridiculous face on her all night," Ariel said, exasperatedly shaking her head.
"Mother!" Melody nagged, almost as if she were the parent.
"Ariel, that was so long ago. She found her own prince and had children apparently," Eric said, taking a drink of his water.
Melody noticed Tristan on the beach out the large glass windows and suddenly felt the urge to escape.
"I think I might go for a walk," Melody announced calmly and rose from her chair. Ariel was too distracted with Eric to care.
"Sure, dear," Ariel responded.
"Melody!" Eric called out right before Melody left the room.
"Yes, daddy?"
"Whatever you're off to do, just be careful," he said endearingly.
"Yes, daddy," Melody smiled angelically from ear to ear and then darted down the hall.
"Where is Tristan?" Eric asked Ariel curiously.
"Wherever he is, Melody won't be too far behind," Ariel chuckled.
"Tris! Where have you been, man?!" a young merman called out happily.
"Tristan!" a blonde mermaid with red fins, shrieked and immediately swam over, wrapping her arms around Tristan and covering his face and lips with kisses.
"Scarlett," Tristan smiled.
"Where have you been?! I've missed you so much," she squeezed him tightly.
"Hi, Bradley. Hey, Frank," Tristan waved to the other two mermen with Scarlett still attached to him.
"We have great news! We have a gig coming up- at the palace!" Bradley, the shaggy-haired, blue fin merman said to him.
"The palace? No way!" Tristan shouted.
"Pays five hundred clams!" Franky added.
"Wow!" Tristan's eyes grew wide and mouth hung open. Tristan noticed Celia swimming up to them in the distance. "Celia!" he detached himself from Scarlett and swam to her. When the two collided, he gave her a big hug and kissed her smooth head. Celia suddenly pulled away and looked worried. "What's wrong, girl?"
Celia began to sniff the waters and traced a scent behind a large rock. Tristan followed and so did Scarlett, Bradley, and Franky.
"Hi," said a nervous and cowering Melody.
"Mel!" waved Franky, happily.
"What are you doing here?" Tristan asked her, unamused.
"Who is that?" Scarlett whispered to Bradley, with a distrustful look on her face.
"Mel, you have to go back," Tristan told her, "I'll take you home."
"No, why?!" Melody protested.
"Tris, I know you wrote most of the songs and all- but we need to practice, man," Bradley said to him.
"Yeah, you've hardly been around lately," Scarlett added.
"Can I stay and listen?" Melody asked.
"No!" Tristan shouted.
"Of course!" Franky told her, which made Tristan roll his eyes and so did Scarlett.
"We'll run through each song twice and then I have to go," Tristan told them.
"But you'll be here for our gig, right?" Bradley asked.
"Definitely!" Tristan reassured them.
Melody followed them back to the cave where they practiced and noticed a smiling Franky looking back at her several times. Tristan caught Franky doing so as well. Franky played percussion while Bradley played the xylophone and Scarlett played the bass guitar. Tristan played the lead guitar and was also the lead singer. Bradley and Scarlett harmonized with him as well. The music they played was a funky, calypso rock that Melody had never heard before. She sat through 7 or 8 of their songs with Celia beside her. She loved the energy they all had playing together and noticed that Scarlett looked at Tristan often and Bradley stared at Scarlett. Franky would smile at Melody and from time to time, he'd shoot her a wink. Tristan knew whenever that would happen by the way Melody would look down at her lap bashfully. He'd turn around to look at Franky, but Franky would nonchalantly look away.
"Oh, I loved that song!" Melody would say in between sets, while Tristan would correct minor details of his bandmates' playing. They would sometimes tell him if he was flat or too sharp- just shouting it out during the song and he'd quickly adjust his vocals. When they went through all of the songs the first time, Tristan swam up to Melody.
"We are going to take a quick break and then go through the songs one more time," he told her, "Why don't you go back to the castle and I'll be right behind you."
"No, come on, Tristan, please? Let me stay? It's really not late at all."
"Mel, just go, please? I don't want your parents worried about you."
"Fine," Melody told him, getting an idea.
"Melody!" Athena smiled, she was sitting at her vanity fixing her hair and noticed Melody in her mirror. She turned around and Melody swam up and gave her a big hug. "You look more grown up each time I see you!"
"Thank you, Grandmother," Melody responded, always feeling comfortable with her family in Atlantica.
"Where is Ariel and your father?" Athena asked.
"They're- not with me."
"Oh," Athena responded, with a smirk.
"Yes, and grandmother, if you could not tell them I was here-"
"Say no more," Athena said and kissed Melody on her cheek.
"Is Grandfather around?"
"Oh, yes, he's around here somewhere. Probably in the throne room with Sebastian."
Melody went off to the throne room to find her grandfather and Sebastian in an intense discussion. Triton's beard had grown longer and whiter over the years, but he was still as strong and healthy as ever.
"Melody!" Triton called out loudly, "Come here, my precious granddaughter!" Melody swam up to him and gave him a big hug, her body dwarfed by his massive size.
"Oh, grandfather, I've missed you!" she told him warmly.
"I've missed you, too!" Triton loved it when they would visit the ocean.
"Grandfather, can I ask you a favor?"
"Anything!" he told her, putting an arm around her body and holding her at his side.
"Can I have some clams?"
"Of course, how many clams do you need, dear?"
"I- I don't know. A few of my friends and I were looking to have something to eat and I wanted to surprise them with some shakes and roll-burgers," Melody told him.
"Oh, I see, where are your parents?"
"Don't tell them I was here alone, please, grandfather?"
"Yes, of course, I won't," Triton promised, "As for your friends- go to the kitchen and have Octochef prepare you anything you'd like. He makes the best food this side of the ocean!"
"Oh, thank you, grandfather!" Melody cheered and kissed his cheek.
As Tristan and the AquaSonics finished up their last song, Melody waited anxiously for it to be over near the cave. She set down a large silver tray covered with a large silver dome.
"Great job, guys," Tristan told them, "I'll be back tomorrow and we'll do another run."
"Hi!" Melody appeared at the entrance of the cave.
"Mel!" Franky shouted.
"What are you doing here?" Tristan asked her, angrily.
"I was wondering if any of you were hungry," she said to group.
"I am!" Franky raised his hand.
"Yeah, so am I," Scarlett added with a frown.
"Listen, we'll have plenty of clams to eat like kings after our gig in a few days," Bradley told them, "I manage our clams, which means we'll be eating at Ol' Mag's tonight." Franky and Scarlett both groaned in unison and even Tristan winced. Part of him felt badly that he was returning to a castle stocked with food that night, he knew what it was like to go days without eating.
"Well, not tonight!" Melody announced and swam out of the cave. When she returned she had the large tray in her hands. She set it down on a rock and opened the lid. The group's mouth watered when they saw the shakes, fancy roll-burgers, wraps, sweets, fruits, and other delicacies.
"Wow! Where did you get this?" Bradley asked.
"Just called in a favor," Melody responded with a smile.
"Where? At the palace?" Scarlett joked. Melody grew quiet a moment.
"Well, dig in!" she told them and everyone did.
"That was real nice what you did for my band today, thank you," Tristan told Melody as they overlooked the sun setting on the large balcony of the castle.
"It was nothing," she said, "Sorry, if I bugged you."
"Sorry, if I was rude. You and your family have been nothing but great to me. I really, truly appreciate it."
"It really isn't a big deal for us," she told him, "We've always helped others, or at least try to."
"It is to me. Not everyone is like you, especially not royalty."
"So, can I go with you to your practice tomorrow?"
"Sure," he smiled and Melody smiled back. She loved feeling included and part of her felt excited to see Franky again.
"Hey Tristan," Andrew called out as he approached the two standing near the edge of the balcony, "We're all getting together in the common room by the kitchen tonight if you want to stop by later."
"Uh, sure," Tristan responded and then looked at Melody.
"Oh, uhm—you can come too, princess—if you want, but I'm not so sure you'd want to," Andrew said to Melody while uncomfortably rubbing the back of his neck with his hand.
"I'll go," Melody responded coolly with a shrug, crossing her arms across her chest.
"That's good. I guess I'll see you both later," Andrew said before taking off. Melody watched him closely as he left.
"Ugh!" she groaned, her face turning bright red.
"Relax," Tristan told her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I don't even want to go to their stupid get-together so that I can watch him kiss Helena all night."
"Then don't go, Mel."
"What do you mean? Of course I'm going. It's my castle, why shouldn't I go?"
"You know, for someone who hates being a princess, you sure do act like one sometimes," he nudged her playfully.
"No, I don't!" she whined, trying not to laugh.
"Come on, let's go tell your parents where we'll be."
"Why?"
"Because that's what you should do."
"How would you know?"
"Look, you can either say 'Hey mom, dad, I will be in the common area downstairs in case you need me. Not sure until when, so have a good night.' or you can completely disappear, not tell anyone, have them worry and then get in trouble when you reappear."
"I suppose so," she groaned as she began to walk toward the castle.
"Don't worry about him, he's too old for you anyway. Not sure that's the kind of guy you should be lusting over."
"I don't lust!"
"Well, whatever, Mel. I'll race you inside!" Tristan darted toward the castle.
"When are Belle and Adam arriving?"
"A messenger came by just now and said that there is a delay, they'll try to be here by morning," Eric told her over dinner.
"Where are Melody and Tristan?"
"They both said they weren't hungry."
"Oh," Ariel sighed, "She's always ruining her appetite."
"Princess Gretchen's confirmation just arrived."
"Greta?" Ariel asked.
"Gretchen, dear," Eric corrected her.
"Oh," Ariel said solemnly. As Eric continued to talk, Ariel's mind began to wander. Greta, she thought to herself, I wonder where she is. She began to think about how long it had been since she had seen Greta and the last time they were in contact...
"Ariel, please," Greta begged, at the center of town. It was winter and there was a fresh blanket of snow on the ground.
"I can't. Eric is away right now and wouldn't know where to find me. Why don't we just go back to the castle?"
"It's only for an hour. Let's have some tea and talk a bit—I'll have you back at the castle before sundown."
It took a 30-minute horse ride to get to Greta's cabin. It was a tiny little log house in the thick of the woods. Ariel noticed that it had a green door and smoke was coming out of the chimney. She was glad to know it would at least be warm inside.
"Wow, do you live here alone?" Ariel asked her as she took off her heavy winter coat inside.
"No, I am just renting it for now. I live very far away," Greta said, taking Ariel's coat from her and hanging it up near the door. She took her own coat off as well. Ariel immediately sat in a small loveseat facing the fire. Beside her was a bed with a heavy winter patchwork quilt and in the corner of the cabin was a wood burning stove and some pails of fresh water.
"I'll make you some tea," Greta said calmly.
"Yes, please."
"How is the prince?"
"Oh, Eric? He's wonderful. He left for the palace yesterday. He and Adam have some things to sort. I didn't feel up for going along."
"How come? Eric has always been such a darling," Greta said as she prepared the tea.
"Yes, he is," Ariel smiled to herself.
"That's why I found it so odd when Carlotta had told me he wanted me to leave. Would you like a blanket, Ariel?" Greta asked, taking a folded blanket from beside the bed and then draped it over Ariel.
"Thank you. Yes, I found that odd as well. As far as I knew we had a good time." Ariel said, remembering. Greta was silent. "I'm really sorry, Greta."
"It's alright," Greta told her, "It's in the past now." Greta sat beside Ariel on the loveseat and stared at the fire. "I'll never forget how beautiful you looked on your wedding day."
"Oh, that seems like so long ago now."
"Three years," Greta said, looking at Ariel. Ariel looked at Greta and smiled, leaning her head back against the loveseat. She slipped her hand out from underneath the blanket onto the space between her and Greta on the upholstery. Greta smiled and took Ariel's hand in hers, clasping their fingers tightly. Greta lifted Ariel's hand to her face and gave it a soft kiss, locking eyes with Ariel the entire time. They stared at each other longingly and Ariel was suddenly warmed with Greta's touch. Ariel parted her lips and Greta knew she wanted to be kissed, whether or not Ariel was aware. Suddenly a loud whistling filled the cabin that made Ariel jump a bit in her seat.
"The tea!" Greta announced and took the few steps to the stove. Ariel watched Greta's careful and methodical moves as she poured the tea and added some leaves and sugar and a spritz of lemon. "It has lavender, chamomile, and lemon, princess."
"Thank you," Ariel smiled happily, excited to drink some tea and more so happy to be with Greta. "Mhh, it's delicious."
"I'm glad you like it. Hopefully, it warms you up soon."
"I know it will," Ariel told her, really wanting to tell her that she was already warm.
"So, Ariel," Greta started, "Tell me about your life. What happened after I left?"
"Oh, well—You know that I am a mermaid, right?"
"Yes, of course. I've never forgotten."
"Well, I'm not sure if I told you, but daddy made Eric a merman also. He can turn into a merman whenever he wants inside of the ocean."
"Oh, wow! Really?"
"Yes! The day after we got back from the Meridian house—"
"You mean the same day I left?"
"I suppose that was the same morning—yes," Ariel continued, "Eric made me so mad because he wouldn't listen to me. He wanted to go off into the ocean and he did! Without me! I found his clothes on the beach a few hours later and knew what he had done. I swam around looking for him and then back to Atlantica…"
Greta tuned out most of Ariel's words as they finished their teas. She hated hearing about Eric after what he had done.
"Ariel, lean your head back," she interrupted and got up and grabbed a pillow from the bed and placed it on the arm of the loveseat. "Put your feet up," she told her.
"I really should be going soon," Ariel said, looking toward the window. Greta looked as well.
"It's snowing pretty hard out there. Wait until it passes. It should pass. Here, put your feet up." Greta sat at the other end as Ariel laid on her back; she placed Ariel's feet on her lap and removed her shoes, one-by-one.
"You have the prettiest little feet," Greta said, touching them gently and then slowly kneading them with her thumbs.
"That feels amazing," Ariel sighed, almost melting into the sofa—the blanket still draped over her body.
"Tell me more, princess," Greta told her.
"So, then daddy appeared and Eric came swimming off the clam. I was so happy, I almost cried. But then I realized my mother was there, too."
"Really? Your mother?"
"Yes. She looks just like me—or I guess I look like her. I was a little hesitant at first…"
Greta kept massaging Ariel's feet firmly and then in long stroking patterns. She didn't know if Ariel had noticed, but she had Ariel's feet placed right between her crotch over her skirt in her lap. As Ariel continued talking, Greta moved her hands to her ankle and then slowly up her leg. For a small while, Greta thought that maybe Ariel didn't realize Greta was touching her until Ariel almost instinctively spread her knees apart slightly and scooted her body toward Greta.
"…Urchin thought we should visit him in the South Seas, so we did…" Ariel continued without missing a beat. Greta rubbed the top of Ariel's knee beneath her dress and up to her inner thigh. Greta felt herself becoming aroused, knowing how wrong it was to do what she was doing and that at any moment Ariel could get up and leave her all alone—forever.
"A topless island?" Greta asked curiously, rubbing dangerously close to Ariel's soft lips. Greta wanted to take her time, to really get Ariel desiring her, but Greta couldn't wait any longer. She slowly brushed her fingers where Ariel's legs met and was surprised to find hairs there. Ariel hadn't had those hairs before, they were thin and soft to the touch. She ran her fingers over the hairs, combing through them with her nails. She squeezed on the lips gently, feeling its growing warmth. She then traced down Ariel's slit, finding her opening covered in gooey moisture.
"…The merpeople and humans all got along. They'd all play with each other at night…"
Greta slowly glided a finger inside of her and then another. When sliding the second finger, she felt Ariel's insides clamp a bit. She then placed her thumb directly on Ariel's pulse, finding her hardened clitoris and rubbing it while she worked her fingers in and out of her tight wetness.
"Ooohh," Ariel moaned suddenly, closing her eyes as she felt her body melting into the sofa.
"Ariel? Ariel!" Eric snapped, trying to get Ariel's attention.
"Oh, sorry, Eric," Ariel apologized, coming back into the present. She tried her hardest to get rid of the memory of her and Greta's last encounter and remember what Eric had just finished saying.
"You were really gone that time," Eric said to her, "What were you thinking about?"
"Well, you know-"
"Melody is fine, dear," he said to her. Ariel smiled and left things at that, but she couldn't help but notice how aroused she had suddenly become.
"So, how long do you think you'll be gone?" Andrew asked Helena who was cuddled up between Tristan's legs on the rug near the fire. Melody noticed that whenever Tristan thought no one was looking, he'd casually stroke Helena's breast over her dress and sometimes pinch her nipples through the fabric. She wondered what must've felt like and then had flashbacks of Tristan between Helena's legs from that morning.
"Just a week or so, but it won't be until next month. My brother is going abroad and I may not get a chance to see him for a long time," Helena told the group.
Melody sat in a large upholstered chair across from Andrew who sat at the end of a long couch all by himself. There was a guard and another servant girl there earlier but they had left for bed.
"Melody, do you want a drink?" Andrew asked her, handing her a flask of liquor.
"No, thank you," Melody answered politely, waving her hand at it. Her heart raced when he'd look at her.
"I'll have a drink with you if you'd like, Melody," Helena offered, getting up from between Tristan's embrace.
"I don't think she should," Tristan interjected. Melody gave him a piercing glare and Tristan shook his head at her disapprovingly.
"Oh, come on. It's not too bad," Helena giggled, taking the flask from Andrew's hand. "Here, scoot over," she told Melody, wedging herself between Melody and the armrest of the chair. Melody moved over and was shocked to see that they both fit in one chair thigh to thigh. Helena took a swig from the flask and handed it to Melody. Melody took it in her hand reluctantly.
"Mel, don't," Tristan told her.
"Mel? That's so cute, I love that!" Helena said bubbly.
"Oh, wow," Melody said taking a whiff from the flask, "It smells."
"Don't smell it, just drink it," Andrew told her. Melody looked at him and then at Helena smiling beside her. She brought the flask to her lips and took a small sip. She instantly winced with her mouth hanging open. Andrew laughed and so did Helena, making her feel uncomfortable. Tristan reached over, took the flask from her hand and took a drink himself. He then looked at Helena who was smiling at him. He flashed her a wink and a smile.
"Mel, you know, I love that you've been wearing your hair down lately," Helena said, stroking Melody's hair down her back in a sisterly way.
"Thanks," Melody said, genuinely flattered.
"Isn't it pretty, Andrew?" Helena asked.
"Uh, yeah. It is," he responded, a bit confused. Tristan motioned for Helena to come back to him but she shook her head at him.
"Have you ever had a French Braid?"
"Once when I was eight."
"Oh, let me give you one, please! You have the best hair!" Helena said and began to get up, pulling Melody over to the side so that her long hair fell over the armrest. She began to run her fingers through Melody's hair gently as she braided.
"Do you have to do that right now?" Tristan asked Helena, a little annoyed. Andrew chuckled.
"Tristan!" a female voice called from the door. A young woman with shoulder length brown hair appeared and rushed through the room. "I was looking all over for you. I thought you were coming by tonight." Tristan looked at Helena and Helena looked away and smiled to herself.
"I still can," he said charmingly, "Night is still young."
"Did you see those extra bits of pastries I put in your dessert tonight?" she asked him.
"They were fantastic, thank you," he said as she started to kneel in front of him and he opened his arms out to her on the floor, embracing her like he had just done with Helena before.
"I made them myself," she said proudly. She looked over her shoulder and placed a short kiss on his lips. Melody wasn't sure what the young woman's name was and neither did Tristan.
"Oh, hello Princess," she said, "I didn't see you there." Melody smiled, sitting up as straight as possible. She couldn't believe how high in demand Tristan had become. He was really, very handsome. Part of her became jealous, not because she had wanted Tristan for her own, instead wished she had someone she could be as close to physically. She thought about the heroes in some of the books she had read and wondered whether or not they would have kissed any of their ladies before marriage.
"Princess?" she heard Andrew suddenly call out.
"Mel!" Tristan snapped his finger in her direction.
"Huh?" Melody jumped up from her daze.
"You were pretty far gone, huh," the girl between Tristan's legs said.
"Oh, sorry," she said bashfully and looked down at her lap, she felt her face warm from embarrassment.
"There, all done," Helena said from behind her, patting her head a few times. Melody brought her hand to her hair and pulled the long braid forward so that it could drape over her shoulder.
"Wow, it's lovely," she feigned politely, not caring one bit about her braid.
"I can curl your hair too whenever you'd like," Helena said proudly.
"Curls are for little girls," the girl on the floor chimed in.
"I think they're nice," Andrew said, opening his arm to invite Helena in beside him. Melody felt her heart beat more rapidly as she watched Helena cuddle in beside him and kiss his cheek.
"You don't have Melody's thick, long hair," Helena told the girl, "I'm sure they'd look silly on you." The comment made Melody hold back a smirk. She really wanted to dislike Helena, but she was making it difficult.
"What do you think, Tristan?" the girl asked, looking back over her shoulder.
"I—uhm, I really don't care," he blurted. Everyone chuckled a bit at his callousness.
"It's so nice to have you here, Melody," Helena smiled as she gently stroked Andrew's inner thigh. Melody forced a smile, watching Andrew lean over and bury his head into Helena's neck. Melody looked away and locked eyes with Tristan. Tristan could tell that watching them was making her uncomfortable, Helena noticed as well.
"Oh, let's play a game!" the girl with the brown hair cheered loudly. Helena rolled her eyes and Andrew grumbled something under his breath.
"Margaret, let's just enjoy the peacefulness of the evening," Helena said calmly.
"Helena," Margaret sat up straight on the floor, "I challenge you to, uhm—eat one of those flower petals."
"What? No," Helena protested.
"Come on," Andrew laughed, nudging her. "It's not that big of a deal. Even I'd do that."
"Fine!" Helena got up and slowly walked over to a nearby table and carefully snapped a pedal off a white rose. She sat back down beside Andrew and took a deep breath dramatically.
"Oh, come on!" Tristan teased her and she stuck her tongue out at him. "Just do it already!" Helena looked at Melody and grinned anxiously before shoving the petal in her mouth and chewing on it. Her face curled in a wince as she felt the bitter petal go down her throat. "Ok, let us see."
"Ahh!" Helena opened her mouth wide and stuck out her tongue. "There! Hmph!" She grunted as she leaned back into Andrew's side. "I challenge you to—to reveal your breasts to the room."
"No!" Margaret covered her chest with her hands, giggling nervously. "Besides, I just asked you so you can't ask me back."
"I never heard that rule!" Helena pursed her lips.
"Well, it's true," Margaret responded.
"Ok, then. Tristan, reveal her breasts!" Helena commanded with a smug smirk. Tristan quickly placed his hands over her chest and pulled down the fabric of Margaret's dress. Two apple-sized pointy breasts with dark brown nipples bounced into view. Melody's eyes grew wide, shocked Tristan would ever do that to someone. She felt embarrassed for Margaret and embarrassed herself. Melody's face turned bright red, but she couldn't look away. She pictured Margaret turning around and slapping him and then storming out of the room—it's what she would've done.
"Tristan!" Margaret shrieked with laughter, coyly covering her breasts with her hands and then slowly letting her hands drop down to her lap again. Helena noticed that Melody had not moved and her mouth was hanging open.
"That doesn't count because you didn't say you challenged him," Margaret objected, leaning back into his chest, breasts still exposed for all to see. Tristan kissed her cheek and slowly lifted her dress back up, tucking her breasts away.
"Alright," Helena smiled, "Tristan, I challenge you to," Helena looked at Tristan and then at Melody and then at Tristan again, "Kiss the princess." Melody looked even more shocked than before. She felt her stomach tighten and her throat choke. Margaret's face went from smiling to serious.
"What?! No way!" Tristan protested.
"No, no, no," Melody repeated as she shook her head, "I—uh—I'm not playing."
"Come on, you two! It's just one kiss, it's not that big of a deal," Helena encouraged the two of them genuinely. Melody felt her chest heavy and began to breathe rapidly. What if Tristan agrees? She thought. She thought about having her first kiss there in front of all of those people she barely knew—especially in front of Andrew and not with him. Part of her wanted Tristan to kiss her and have Andrew watch it all.
"No, it's not happening! I don't accept your challenge," he said adamantly.
"Ok, then you have to take a challenge question and answer truthfully."
"Fine," he said quickly. Melody felt a little hurt and embarrassed that he didn't want to kiss her; especially because he had already kissed both Helena and Margaret within minutes of one another other. She wondered if something was wrong with her.
"Hmm," Helena looked up to the ceiling as if she were thinking hard, "Is there anyone you're in love with? And who?"
"What? No, Helena, that's two questions."
"Fine. Who are you in love with?"
Tristan looked at Melody and became instantly quiet. Margaret, still in his arms, turned her head to face him behind her and Helena waited anxiously for his response. Melody was also curious as to what he would say. Tristan felt uncomfortably nervous—he knew that both Helena and Margaret would get hurt if he said one of their names and not the other. He also wondered what was going through Melody's head. He wanted desperately to leave the room.
"Well?" Margaret urged him.
"You know, you already ruined the question, Helena. Besides, this is such a stupid game," he began to get up from the floor.
"No, no, stay," Margaret pleaded, pulling him down by his arm.
"No, don't go! I'm sorry, stay," Helena told him, "I'll ask you a different question." Tristan begrudgingly sat back down.
"I didn't think you'd throw a tantrum," Helena jeered. Helena teasing Tristan made Melody giggle.
"What are you laughing at?!" Tristan shouted at Melody, which made her laugh even more. She started to feel the effects of the drink.
"Ok, Tristan. Who are you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Who are you? Where are you from? What is your purpose here? Are you a spy?" Helena interrogated him.
"Haha, what?! A spy? I wish!" Tristan laughed, but then he noticed that the room was quiet, waiting for his response. He took a deep breath and exhaled. "Honestly? I'm nobody. I stumbled across the town, been here a few times before. Melody and I got into some trouble and she saved me. She brought me here to the castle while I heal and when I do, I'll be on my way again. I'm forever thankful for the kindness of Melody and Ariel and Eric."
"Maybe you can get work here at the castle so that you don't have to leave," Margaret suggested and turned to squeeze him tightly.
"Maybe," he chuckled.
"Ok, now you ask someone," Margaret told him.
"I don't really want to play," Tristan said, shaking his head.
"Ok, then I'll take your turn," Margaret turned around and leaned back into his body, "Andrew you've been awfully quiet over there."
"He's drunk," Helena whispered quietly, gesturing with her hand covering the side of her face as if Andrew couldn't hear her.
"Am not!" he laughed and poked her ribs a few times with his finger, making her laugh uncontrollably.
"Ok, princess—" Margaret began.
"I don't accept the challenge," Melody said quickly before Margaret could even ask.
"Oh—uh alright. But you have to accept the challenge question."
"That's fine," Melody responded, sitting up straight and ready for whatever Margaret threw at her.
"Who do you think about when you touch yourself at night?"
"What?" Melody looked dumbfounded.
"You know, when you're all alone in your big warm room, in your comfy royal bed, between the soft silk sheets and the lights are off and your nipples are aching," Margaret rubbed a hand over her chest and down between her legs, "And you feel yourself pulsing, throbbing, your wetness craving your fingers, your nerves begging to be set free from the sinful thoughts of passion." Melody looked down at her hand in her lap.
"Stop that," Tristan nudged Margaret, noticing Melody was uncomfortable.
"Who are you thinking about?"
"Margaret, stop," Tristan said again.
"I—I don't know. I don't do that," Melody bit her lower lip and looked down at the ground.
"Margaret," Helena shook her head at the capricious girl.
"That's boring," Margaret jeered, and Tristan muttered something to her again.
"Is there a bathroom I can use here?" Melody asked. They all looked at each other.
"I'm not so sure you want to use the bathrooms down here, princess," Andrew told her.
"I agree, Mel," Helena added. The fact that Helena called her 'Mel' bothered her less than how naturally it escaped her lips. "You should really go and use the bathrooms upstairs. Andrew can take you." Melody's eyes shot wide open.
"I'll take her," Tristan said quickly.
"It's no problem," Andrew smiled as he stood after being elbowed by Helena.
"Thank you," Melody smirked shyly. Andrew and Melody left the room, leaving the others behind to their game.
"What's wrong with you?" Tristan scolded Margaret.
"What? It's not my fault she's such a weird freak. She's always been weird and does strange things. Someone told me she's crazy and talks to animals."
Helena looked away, uncomfortable by Margaret's statements. She knew better than to insult Melody in front of Tristan. Especially after how affectionately he had expressed his gratitude for her.
"I'm really sorry if Margaret made you uncomfortable back there," Andrew apologized to Melody as they walked up the large staircase. It didn't seem like anyone in the castle was still awake.
"I wasn't," Melody lied, "It's just a silly game. I don't care." Andrew didn't believe her one bit, but he didn't mention it anymore. He suddenly almost tripped and lost his footing and Melody instinctively grabbed his arm for support.
"Whoops," he said as he got back to his feet, "Sorry, about that, princess. I must have had a little too much to drink."
"It's ok," she said, excited that they had touched. Andrew escorted her to the nearest bathroom and waited outside the door. Melody looked at herself in the mirror and the long thick braid in her hair. It reminded her of Elizabeth and how she liked to wear her hair in a long braid down one side sometimes. She began to undo the braid quickly and sloppily.
She was annoyed with herself for allowing other people to dictate how she looked and felt frustrated with her current situation with Andrew. Despite the fact that he was with Helena, she couldn't stop thinking about him. She thought about Margaret's question—whether or not she touched herself. She had answered honestly—did she have those thoughts about Andrew? Yes. But she never really did much else than that.
"Princess, are you ok in there?" Andrew whispered on the other side of the door. She finally let her hair down completely, the braid creating messy waves in her hair she had never had before. She kind of liked it. She tossed her hair to one side with her hand and gave the mirror her most sexy and alluring look, puckering her lips a few times in the mirror as if giving a kiss.
"I'm coming," she called out as she made her way toward the bathroom door. She opened the door and stepped out into the hallway where he was waiting. She felt something inside her suddenly change. She felt brave and sexy with her hair tossed to the side the way it was. She moved carefully and gracefully, inhaling and exhaling deeply with straight posture so that her breasts looked bigger in her dress. She didn't even look at him; in fact, she walked beside him as if he weren't even there at all. Neither one of them said a word as they walked down the hall toward the stairs.
Melody felt a tug on her arm and before she even realized, she found herself pinned against one of the large marble columns that stood at opposite ends of the stairs. Andrew pushed his body weight onto hers, his left leg landing between her knees. He held her tightly at her waist and pressed his pelvis against the side of her hip and neared his face incredibly close to hers.
Melody could smell the alcohol on his breath, it wasn't a pleasant smell, but it was his so she liked it. Adrenaline rushed through her veins, but she wasn't afraid. She felt safe with him, being held by him. She pushed her hips forward to close the small gap between their lower body and Andrew stepped in toward her more, their thighs clenching one another's.
"Princess," he whispered heavily. Melody felt drunk with lust, her eyelids were heavy and her lips slightly parted. Her eyes could only focus on his mouth. He brought a hand up to her face and touched her cheek, "You're so beautiful." Melody leaned her face into his touch, closing her eyes and just enjoying the moment. He lowered his hand to her chest and traced his fingers gently across her exposed skin. Melody let out a soft sigh, opening her eyes again, eagerly waiting for Andrew to rip open her dress and touch her breasts.
"Your skin is so soft," he slurred sloppily. Melody pressed herself more firmly against his thigh, Andrew then raising his leg a bit to match her movements. He felt his erection growing against the side of her body, but Melody didn't realize at the moment what that was. He moved his hand from her waist to her back and pulled her in more closely to him. Melody felt the warmth of his chest against her breasts and it made her hands tremble. She didn't know what to do with her hands, so she just rested them where his chest and shoulder met.
"Oooh," Melody felt a moan escape her quivering lips. She arched her back and pushed her chest forward against him, rolling down into wet middle and pressed against the bunched, front fabric of her dress. Andrew squeezed his fingers into her back, exhaling his frustrations less than an inch from her face. Melody tilted her head up and felt his breath inside her mouth. She forgot to breathe normally, letting out small sudden gasps with each shudder and movement of his hips. Andrew touched his nose to hers and groaned, grinding their bodies together passionately.
"Princess," he sighed, feeling his top lip brush hers. He moved his head to the side of her face, pressing his cheek to hers and inhaling deeply. "You smell so good," he said huskily. Melody couldn't take it anymore; it was too much for her to bear. She needed to feel his lips on hers and her tongue exploring his mouth. She wanted to taste the alcohol off his lips and devour him completely like she had imagined herself doing so many times. His proximity to her, completely engulfing her with his body and turning on every nerve ending her blood could find.
"Kiss me," she huffed, "Please." She turned her head toward him, trying to find his lips again.
"I—I can't, princess," he said. He slowly detached himself from her body and Melody felt suddenly cold.
"What? Why?" she felt her throat tighten.
"Look, I'm sorry. You're so special, you should have these experiences with someone you love and who loves you back."
"But why did you just—"
"That was stupid of me. I sincerely apologize. I shouldn't have been drinking so much," he said with a hand on his heart.
"But, I think you're special," she said as her voice cracked. She felt the tears building in her eyes.
"I know. I know how you feel about me, but we've talked about this before remember?"
"What's wrong with me?" she cried, fighting back what she could of her emotions.
"Nothing is wrong with you! You're beautiful! You're the most beautiful girl in the castle and everyone knows that. Your parents know it, all of the help do as well. Princess Elizabeth knows it, too."
"I- I need to go," Melody began to pull away, "I'm sorry."
"No, I'm sorry, princess. Forgive me," he told her as she walked away and headed back to her room in tears.
"I don't understand why he would do that," Tristan said about an hour later in Melody's room. She was crying on the bed with her head in his lap and he was rubbing her back.
"What's wrong with me?!" she heaved, wiping tears from her eyes.
"Nothing! Stop asking that! You're beginning to sound pathetic. Besides, he's weird, Mel. I didn't really want to say it, but there is something weird about him."
"Yeah, right," she said, "You're just saying that because you're jealous."
"Jealous of what?" Tristan laughed.
"I don't know. He's bigger and stronger than you and Helena probably likes him better than you."
"Wow, thanks a lot, Mel."
"Sorry," she said quietly, regretting her words. She realized that all he was trying to do was make her feel better.
"Alright, well, I'm heading to bed," Tristan said getting up from underneath her.
"Wait," she said as he walked across her bedroom, "Can you stay here tonight?"
"No, we can't do that again," he told her.
"Please? We don't have to touch this time. I'll just stay on one side, I just want you here."
"Goodnight, princess," he said before opening the door and closing it again behind him, exiting her room.
"Tristan?" a voice asked after he closed Melody's door.
"Ariel, hi- I was just going to bed," he said nervously.
"Would you mind coming with me for a moment?"
"Uhm, sure thing," he said hesitantly, but then happily joined her. Ariel led him down the stairs and to the study where Eric was sitting at a big desk not too far from where a large fire was set in the fireplace. Ariel closed the door so that it was only the three of them.
"Tristan, how are you?" Eric asked, sitting behind the desk.
"Fine? Is uh- everything ok?"
"Sit!" Ariel encouraged him and he sat on one of the chairs facing the desk and Ariel sat at the other.
"How are you both?" Tristan asked. Ariel giggled at his odd behavior.
"Melody's birthday celebration is in 3 days and we are really looking to make this something special for her," Eric informed him.
"There will be a big ball with many princes and princesses from the entire world- our closest friends and other nobility," Ariel added.
"Wow," Tristan said, feigning interest. He couldn't care less about royalty.
"You've grown to know Melody well over the last week or so, can you think of anything that may make it extra special for her? What does she want?"
"Oh, I see. Uh, wow- I don't know," he responded, lost for words.
"Anything she's mentioned she'd like to do or have?" Eric asked.
"Honestly, I think she has everything she needs here. I know I wouldn't need anything else."
"About that," Ariel started, "We'd like you to sit with us- our family, at the ball."
"Really?" Tristan beamed from ear to ear.
"Yes! We're having the seamstress work on your formal attire, she'll be measuring you within the next day or two for your first fitting."
"Wow, thanks!" Tristan said casually, "Should be a good time."
"Oh, you'll love it! You'll meet people from all over the world, eat, drink, dance- oh, can you dance?!" Ariel asked.
"Haha, I haven't really ever tried to."
"Then you must learn to dance, for Melody's first dance as a woman, you can be her partner!" Ariel cheered.
"Waltzing is quite easy," Eric added, smiling at Ariel, "Just makes you a bit dizzy."
"Tristan," Ariel said, "How are you healing so far?"
"Oh, uhm great," he said.
"Are you sure? Because sometimes injuries are worse than they seem. May take some time to see the long term effects," Eric added.
"Well, sometimes my head still hurts a little if I'm being very active. My sides are a lot better."
"Have you been very active? At night maybe?" Ariel asked with a sneaky grin.
"Uh- no? What?" Tristan felt his face warm.
"Ariel," Eric warned her and shook his head.
"We have some very beautiful, young people working here- don't you think so, Tristan?"
"Would you like a drink, Tristan?" Eric asked, pouring himself a glass of brandy.
"No, thank you," Tristan declined politely with a smile.
"I really hope you're enjoying your time here," Eric said to the young man.
"I really am, thank you both for everything. I appreciate everything you've done for me."
"Thank you for coming down here tonight, we'll see you for breakfast tomorrow. The king and queen should be joining us in the afternoon," Eric informed him.
"Thank you," Tristan said, rising from the chair, "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, dear," Ariel said warmly and with that Tristan left.
On his way up the stairs Tristan could've sworn he saw Andrew turning the corner at the top of the staircase, but once he got all the way up, there was no sign of Andrew anywhere.
It was almost midnight when Andrew made his way up the stairs and down the long corridor. He stood in front of one of bedroom doors and looked both ways down the hall before opening it carefully and stepping inside. He then, just as carefully, closed the door. It was a large, royal, dimly lit room with a big wooden bed that had large wooden canopy posts.
"Do you get pleasure out of putting on those disgusting displays or is it derived from how much it bothers me?" it was John. He was sitting at the window sill reading a book, he didn't bother to look up at Andrew, instead continued to read and turned the page.
"I saw you with him yesterday morning," Andrew replied, removing his red guard's jacket.
"With who?" John asked coyly with a grin.
"You know who. Shooting arrows, talking, laughing like old friends. You hardly know him."
"I hardly know you," John said, closing his book. He watched as Andrew removed his shirt. The contour of his pecs and strong arms was enough to get John's blood flowing.
"I think you know me," Andrew said approaching John by the window.
"I beg to differ. One night you can't get enough of my tongue and the next you're taking advantage of my innocent, doe-eyed cousin."
"You know that wasn't real," Andrew chuckled, undoing his pants. "I saw you standing there, watching us."
"I wasn't watching you," John lied.
"Like a hawk. Besides, I have to keep up with appearances just as much as you do, prince." Andrew extended a hand and gently caressed the side of John's face while he began to stroke himself with the other. John looked up at him from where he sat and clenched his jaw. "Now, let me see that irresistible tongue."
Holy crap! A lot was revealed in that chapter! ~~Take the poll in my profile if you haven't yet! ~~
There is a whole lot more to come, so send me your inputs!