I'll Never Leave You: Ariel & Eric FanFiction

by Gonzadroit

**Rated M for heavy LEMON throughout the story** Ariel just barely breaks the spell, but there are some issues she must face before being able to marry her Prince Eric. Feedback is much appreciated

25. The Ball

Sorry for the long wait! This is quite a long chapter that I've been writing since Summer. The style is a little different just for this chapter, written in first-person of the name you see at the beginning of the chapter. Please comment and review- tell me what you'd like to see more of. Enjoy!

ERIC

I couldn't take being around people any longer, so I had to get away. I escaped to the study where I could read a few more letters from Tristan in private.

Dear Mom and Dad,

Are the two of you still in love? I'm assuming you were in love at some point to make me. Sometimes I wonder if love really exists. Just recently I thought I was in love with someone who made me feel so good. She's older than me, quite a bit older. I won't give it away, but she lives on land and she's married. You probably know who I am talking about by now-

"Hello?" came a quiet whisper from the door. I looked up and to my surprise found Jade, opening the door to the study carefully, sliding in and then shutting it behind her.

"Oh, hello," I said to her, putting Tristan's letter away. She looked at me a moment and then smiled as she slowly glided toward me.

"Did you enjoy my dance?" she asked, moving her hips from side to side with each stride.

"Uh, yes. It was great," I told the young girl. The look in her eyes made me feel warm and nervous.

"I danced for you," she said, sliding a strap off of her shoulder. Her breasts were almost coming out of her top. "It was all for you, Prince Eric."

"Jade-" I tried to stop her, but it was almost half-heartedly. When reaching me, she sat her tiny body on the desk and placed her foot between my knees.

"Just watch me, please," she whispered. She used her foot to press against my chair and push it back. Before retracting her foot back, she ran it across my lap and over my bulge. She turned me on so much, I felt helpless to her power. I let out a deep exhale that made her smirk.

"Jade, you really shouldn't be doing this. If Aladdin-"

"My father the Sultan? Would you really tell him how excited you became watching me undress?" she laughed. She was evil. She began to move her hips in circles toward me as she got back on her feet. I sat lower in my chair and she wedged her dancing body between my legs. Her tiny waist contrasted against her curvy, feminine hips. I wished all women dressed that way- in small banded tops and silk pants. She lowered the other strap of her top past her shoulder, leaned forward and cupped each of her covered breasts, shimmying her body and shaking them in my face. I wanted to touch her. I wanted to reach out and pull her near.

"Jade-" I said, trying to be as stern as possible.

"Tell me you want me to stop and I'll stop," she said seductively, moving her hand down her stomach and inside her flowy pants.

"I want you to stop, Jade," I somehow made out, biting my bottom lip as I focused on her navel.

"No you don't," she said huskily and climbed on top of my lap. I felt like I was in an erotic dream. I tried to push her off of me. I held her by her hips tightly and tried to move her away. The harder I squeezed, the harder she rubbed herself against my lap. I didn't even realize when I began moving my body to match her movements. At that moment, I craved her. I wanted to rip her clothes off and feel myself deep inside her virgin body. Was she a virgin? I had no idea.

"Oh, Jade-" I sighed as she leaned in and kissed my neck.

"I'm still a virgin, you know?" she said in between kisses as if reading my mind.

"Please, stay that way," I exhaled deeply with my eyes closed. I could feel the heat between her legs against her pants and mine. She began sucking on my neck roughly and I trailed my hands down her bottom. Her skin smelled like sweet spices and her hair like fresh lavender. She trailed kisses from the base of my neck up to my chin and then right below my lips. My face felt drunk and my eyes were small as I ran one hand up and down her back.

"Are you going to let me kiss you?" she whispered onto my lips, barely brushing them with hers, our breath in each other's mouths. All of a sudden, there was a sound at the door that made us both stop and look. There was then a knock and the door handle began to turn slowly.

"Hide!" I pushed her off of me and she quickly darted under my desk, curling herself up into a small ball.

"Oh, pardon me, prince." It was Jasmine. "I was looking for Jade. I thought I saw her come this way."

"No apologies necessary, Sultana," I said to her from my chair, sitting up as straight as possible and sliding my chair closer to my desk again.

"I'm glad you're here," Jasmine said, closing the door behind her. Jade ran her hand up my inner thigh, making me jump up a moment.

"Ahem!" I covered it up with a cough and gently nudged her with my foot underneath the desk, "Excuse me, Sultana."

"Eric, you don't have to call me that. You know we're much past those formalities now." Jasmine walked toward me slowly and began to fidget with her hands. She had a much fuller figure than Jade, with her larger breasts and trim waist. I wasn't used to seeing women with their midriffs exposed.

"How can I- I mean, what would you like- I, it's good to see you, Jasmine," I spewed nervously, trying to sit up straighter as she came near.

"I've been meaning to speak with you, but it's hard to find some time alone," she said softly, stopping on my side of the desk and leaning her bottom back against the wood. Jasmine's leg was touching the side of my thigh and I could feel Jade's small fingers probing around my ankles. I was so nervous I could die. Could she tell that Jade was under there? Could she see her somehow from the other side? Did she see her come in and not leave?

"What about?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"New Year's Eve."

"Oh!" I said in shock, surprised she'd even want to discuss that.

"Yes. Apologies for bringing it up, however, did you tell anyone about it?"

"About the celebration?"

"About what we did," she almost whispered.

"Oh! No! Not at all. It wouldn't be in my best interest," I chuckled, but then she looked worried.

"If Aladdin knew, he'd-"

"I know. Trust me, I know what he would do."

"Earlier today, I had gotten the sense that Ariel already knew. Just a way she was looking at me."

"Ariel? Nah- at least, I don't think so. She would've brought it up to me."

"Are you certain?"

"Yes, I know my princess," I smiled to myself.

"She's so lucky to have you," Jasmine reached her hand down and placed it near my knee.

"I'm the lucky one," I said, hoping she'd leave before she said any more with Jade there, "Aren't you missing out on the celebration?"

"I must confess, I think about it all of the time."

"About what?"

"That night."

"Oh."

"I know this is inappropriate, but, do you ever think about it?"
"On occasion," I lied with a big smile. She looked at me suspiciously.

"Are you being honest?"

"Sult- Jasmine, I do have some things to review now, but let's say we dance later. Save one for me?"

"Of course," she straightened up, a little embarrassed, "Aladdin can never know."

"I promise," I told her warmly as she made her way to the door, "I'll be right behind you for that dance!"

"So, are you going to explain what that was about?" Jade asked me moments later once Jasmine was gone.

"You should get back to the ball, as well," I said, brushing her off and locking Tristan's letters inside my desk with a key.

"Sure. I'll just ask my father if he has any details about the last New Year celebration."

"Jade- what do you want?"

"Convince my father to let me stay here until the end of summer."

"I'm not sure I can do that. Why would you want to stay here?"

"With Melody of course. We could have a lot of fun together, too," Jade said seductively. "Please? I really want you to touch me. No one ever has to know." I looked at the young woman's sinister smirk and suddenly had an idea.

"Meet me in my bedroom at midnight. Let's convince Ariel of your plan as well." I said and then walked out the door.

"Eric!" someone shouted at the end of the hall, startling me. It was Tristan, smiling from ear to ear. I walked over to him toward the ballroom and he headed my way a few steps.

"Do you know who that girl is?" he asked me.

"What girl?" I asked frantically. Had he seen me? Had he seen Jade?

"The beautiful one, with the dark skin and the brown eyes."

"Do you mean Jade? Aladdin's daughter," I asked him.

"Is that her name? She's incredible," he smiled to himself. Oh, boy. "I want to talk to her, but I'm not sure what to say. Is she a princess?"

"Say hello and ask her to dance," I told him. I couldn't believe I was giving advice to my own son.

"Have you ever seen hair like that before? It's almost mystical."

"Yes, her hair is fantastic. Just like her mother's."

"Her mother is here too?" Tristan asked, "Is her hair white as well?"

"What? White?"

"Yes. She has curly white hair. Or maybe it's silver."

I realized then we weren't talking about the same person and felt a wave of relief.

"If you could just remember one thing I've ever said, make it be this," I started, sounding like my own father.

"I'm listening," he said.

"When you meet the woman you love, the one you're meant to be with for the rest of your life- you'll know. And when that time comes, you respect her."

"I do respect women."

"No, I mean, respect her body. Respect her virginity and innocence."

"Oh," he looked disappointed.

"If you love her- truly love her, you'll wait. Until you're married."
"Married?" he winced.

"Trust me. It would be the most honorable thing you can do for her and yourself. Also, you build a stronger foundation of trust if she knows you won't bed just anyone."

"I guess you're right."

"Tristan, I'm not sure who that is. Show her to me," I said to him, putting a hand on his back and guiding him back toward the ballroom. The door of the study opened and closed loudly in the hallway behind us, making us both turn to look. Out came Jade with her sultry walk and a wanton look in her eye.

"Pardon me, gentlemen," she said as she wedged her way between us, touching my arm on the way and trailing her fingers over my chest. I looked at Tristan, who was suddenly glaring at me angrily.

"How could you do that to Ariel?" he whispered roughly, furrowing his eyebrows.

"I didn't do anything. She just-"

"I didn't think you were the type of man to do that," Tristan snapped and then turned to leave.

"Wait!" I grabbed his arm, "It's not what you think. I would never hurt Ariel."

"Then what was that about?"

"Jade- she's an eager young woman. Wants to join me tonight."

"And what about Ariel?" he asked skeptically.

"See for yourself," I told him and looked in the direction of the ballroom. Jade had found Ariel among all of the guests and we watched as she leaned in and whispered something in her ear. Ariel's eyes went wide before a smile spread across her face. I knew exactly what that smile meant, but perhaps Tristan didn't. He looked perplexed as he continued to watch Jade gently run her hand over Ariel's shoulder, down her arm, and to her hand before walking away.

"So you both-?"

"Nothing's happened yet. But perhaps tonight…" I said, not continuing the sentence.

"Wow, I uh- I'm sorry I misjudged you."

"I'm a very lucky man, Tristan. I would never take that for granted." Ariel locked eyes with me from across the room and waved.

"She's amazing."

"She's the love of my life. My soulmate," I said as I watched her make her way through the crowd toward us. "Go find your mystery girl and ask her to dance."

I walked toward Ariel, took her hand and guided my princess to the dance floor.

---

TRISTAN

Balls weren't ever really my thing, not that I was ever invited to any before. But, it was entertaining to watch the princesses giggling amongst each other, wondering who I was. John would glance over at me and laugh from time to time from his own small fan club of women.

"Melody, is this your betrothed?" people would ask and Melody would quickly tell them that I was a dear friend of the family. That question was usually followed by more questions about where I was from and who my family was.

"I'm still trying to convince her to marry me," I'd say and pull her away toward the dance floor. She'd laugh every time and call me silly. The banquet hall where the food was served was adjacent to the ballroom. I had never even seen the banquet hall before that night. Melody seemed pretty used to people asking her silly questions.

"So, we're expecting a wedding announcement by the end of the night," a fat, old woman with more sparkles than sense would say leaning in very close to us.

"You're getting married?" I asked her.

"No, aren't the two of you?"

"See? I told you we need to get married before your belly starts showing!" I'd loudly mutter at Melody and her eyes would grow wide.

"Excuse us," she'd say politely and we'd quickly hurry away.

"Did you see her face?!" I laughed.

"You need to stop that! You have half of the people here thinking I'm pregnant, dying or a heavy drinker."

"I'm sure half of them are as well," I joked and she'd swat at my chest with the back of her hand playfully.

"Having you here keeps all of these princes from asking me to dance."

"You should go dance. I might take a few of these lovely young ladies out for a spin myself," I said, smiling at a group of young women who were never too far away from us.

"Ugh, you would."

"Princess Melody," a handsome young man with slicked-back, black hair said from behind her and she turned around.

"Prince Edward," she bowed politely, "It's a pleasure having you here this evening. Thank you for attending."

"The pleasure is all mine, princess," he bowed, "May I have this dance? If you don't mind-" he added, looking at me. I shrugged my shoulders.

"Of course," she smiled at him and placed her hand on his extended one. He kissed the back of her hand tenderly, never breaking eye contact with her. I could see right through his phony moves. Melody blushed and let him lead her to the dance floor. She looked back at me and mouthed 'goodbye'.

From the corner of my eye, I caught Emmett staring at her, not too far from where we stood. I walked over to him and nodded.

"You've been hovering for the past hour. Why haven't you asked her to dance?"

"I don't know," he told me, "All these princes here and stuff." He shook his head, his eyes following her across the dance floor.

"You're going to miss your chance and then you'll really be sorry."

"Did you know that Melody is being shipped off to a convent to conceal her pregnancy?" he asked me, perplexed.

"You believe everything you hear? I mean, look at that guy. Holding her tightly and pressing his gross, sweaty body against her soft skin and pretty dress. They're practically married. You'll have no chance now-"

"Alright, you've made your point," he cut me off, a little annoyed, "She hasn't even looked at me."

"Start paying attention to another woman and women can't stand it."

"Really?"

"Trust me," I smiled, looking over at two beautiful young women who were smiling at us. I walked over to them smoothly with perfect posture. "Would you ladies care to join me and my friend for a dance?" I asked.

"I thought you only danced with Princess Melody," the prettier one of the two said coyly.

"I'll only dance with you all night if that's what you'd like," I told her. She grinned and took my hand, her friend following behind her. Emmett took the other young woman's hand and lead her nervously, barely making any eye contact.

"Looks like Prince Edward and Princess Melody are lost in the music," the girl said to me as we waltzed. I glanced at Melody, who looked bored out of her mind and then made a weird face at her, making her laugh.

"Oh, sorry," I heard her say to Prince Edward, clumsily stepping on his foot.

"Some of the guests are staying for the weekend, but we set sail tonight," the girl told me.

"Then I guess we don't have much time," I whispered in her ear after I pulled her near.

"Time for what?" she smiled, biting her bottom lip.

"A tour, of the upstairs."

"Hmm," she pursed her lips, "How long do you think this tour would take?"

"Uhh, twenty minutes?"

"Is that all you can do?" she smirked, moving effortlessly to the music as I guided her into my arms.

"I mean, we don't want the guests wondering where we are."

"You're right. I'll tell my parents I'll be out on the balcony."

"That's precious," I mocked her with a pouty face.

"You try telling the King and Queen of Portaval that your vow of chastity is non-existent."

"Wow, Portaval?" I seemed alarmed. "Maybe we should reconsider this."

"You didn't know? I thought you did. Well, you can't back out now. Besides, I've already imagined you growing firm in my mouth."

"Are all princesses so horny and depraved?"

"Imagine being so sheltered you can't leave your castle without supervision and your every move is monitored. You have a duty to your name and country, that doesn't include sex nor love, instead arrangements for political gain. Do you think I'm here because princess Melody and I are best friends?"

"Why are you here?"

"I'm here so that perhaps Prince John glances at me once or twice or long enough to gain his fancy. But honestly, I'm not so sure he knows I exist. Not that I care. He's handsome and brilliant and very, very powerful- but he doesn't seem to show much interest in love. No one has ever seen him with a woman before. I'm guessing he's awfully religious. Religion and virtue go hand in hand."

It amazed me how she spoke, so freely and self-aware. She wasn't fooling herself by the illusion of love or the God-given right to rule. Perhaps I had been misjudging these princesses. It reminded me that they were actually human and not just spoiled palace brats.

"May I cut in?" I heard a voice say nearby. It was to Melody, another young prince interrupted her dance with Edward and pulled her away. I looked at Emmett, who was watching closely and clenching his jaw in anger. I chuckled to myself as I twirled the Portavali Princess around and then pulled her back in.

That's when I saw her; the most beautiful woman I had ever seen in my life. She was like a light shining out of pure darkness. She had cocoa brown skin and curly white hair that was pinned up in a collection of coils at the top of her head. Two loose curls dangled down the sides of her face and her perfect posture and slender arms were extended shyly, meeting at the lap of her light blue ball gown. She seemed to be looking around the room nervously for something and I couldn't help but stare. Finally, our eyes met.

I felt paralyzed and I couldn't explain why. Her presence felt familiar, warm and inviting. I had to know her, to touch her. I couldn't stop staring. Things were moving so quickly around me, but I couldn't break away from the silver-haired girl. She started to smile a little.

"Tristan!" the princess shook me in frustration, snapping me from my trance.

"Huh?"

"The music's stopped."

"Who is that?" I wondered aloud, looking as the silver-haired girl was bumped into by a server. I watched as she apologized worriedly, genuinely concerned for the waiter's well being.

"I haven't the slightest idea," the princess said carefully observing the room, "Ready to leave? Is your dormitory upstairs or on this floor?"

"You know, I'm not so sure that's a good idea. I wouldn't want your father to murder me," I told her as I slowly pulled myself away. "It was great dancing with you, princess."

"I didn't take you for a coward," she jeered, rolling her eyes and pulling away in disgust.

"I guess I am," I smiled back at her and bowed politely, shifting my gaze immediately to the girl across the dance floor standing amongst a crowd of people. She was gone.

Did I make her up? Was she a figment of my imagination? I searched the room frantically, looking for those big brown eyes.

As I was standing near the entrance to the ballroom, I heard the door to the study open and close and out came Eric…

As I watched Eric and Ariel dance, I felt a warm sensation inside. I envied their love so much, I wish I could be part of it somehow or had had it for my own. My eyes shifted to Emmett, who was watching Melody being lead out to the balcony by a tall, handsome prince with dark hair. I didn't like the feeling that came over me as I saw her happily lean into him as they walked out.

"Hi," a soft, sweet voice said behind me. I turned and there she was, a vision of perfection. Her brown skin was smooth and flawlessly contrasted against her crystal blue gown.

I finally felt it- the lightning, the stars, the butterflies, the dry mouth, the brain lapse- all at once. I had heard about those things happening before, but I always assumed it was an exaggeration. I felt my mouth open but it was difficult to form words. I could feel my heart beating in a big lump in my throat, which made me swallow hard a few times. I wanted to smile, but I was afraid that once I did, everything would come out all at once.

I watched as her face morphed from hopeful to worried.

"I- apologize," she said regretfully and began to turn away. Why was I being such an idiot?!

"Wait!" I stopped her, "Who are you?" I was too abrupt, I could tell by her wide-eyed reaction. "I'm sorry, I mean- Hi." I tried to force a smile, but now I probably seemed too eager or just plain weird.

"Hi," she smiled bashfully and let out a deep exhale. I found her exhale curious. Was she as nervous as I was? Was she bored and just being polite?

"Would you like to dance?" I blurted, perhaps a bit too loudly.

"I- I don't know how," she admitted quietly and looked around as if to see if anyone heard her.

"Perfect, neither do I," I said, extending my hand. She placed her delicate fingers on mine and the contact was electric. I felt it and I think she did as well. I led her to the dance floor past the circle of people waltzing. We stood right in the middle of the dance floor.

"Are you going to teach me how to do this dance?" she asked, looking around at the dancers surrounding us.

"No," I told her and pulled her close to me abruptly. I took her right hand to my left and placed a hand on her waist.

"Then what will we do?" she asked looking up at me, grinning from ear to ear. I had never seen anyone so beautiful.

"We can just move," I said to her and began to sway back and forth. She joined me with my slow movements, matching my gaze.

"Do you like it here?" she asked me.

"I do now," I grinned smoothly. She giggled and averted her eyes bashfully. "You can't be a princess, you're too human."

"Oh? Well, are princesses fish?"

"What?"

"If they're not human, what are they?"

"Parasites," I joked and pulled her more closely into me. "Are you a parasite?"

"I'm afraid I'm not. Is that your type?"

"You're my type. Parasite or not."

"Where are you from?" she asked me curiously.

"Where are you from?" I asked her trying to dodge the question.

"Hmm, how about we don't ask each other anything."

"Sounds like a plan," I said happily and twirled her around. The spin caught her by surprise and she laughed in my arms. "You like that?"

"Uh huh," she giggled.

"How do you like this then?" I held her close to me, pulled her into my hip and dipped her backward the same way Ariel had taught me. Her leg shot straight up and she laughed while I hovered over her face.

"Don't drop me!"

"Never," I told her softly and suddenly her eyes went wide as she looked up at the ceiling.

"Tristan, look out!" she yelled, standing to her feet again. When I looked up to see what she was staring at, I saw the bottom of a large crystal chandelier. Suddenly, I felt a strong force pushing my chest and across the dance floor into some dancers. It was her, she had pushed me out of harm's way, but was still standing there- frozen.

"No!" I yelled, reaching in her direction. It had all happened so quickly. All of a sudden, a figure in a dark purple dress lunged toward the girl, knocking her down and away from the center of the ballroom- the chandelier falling seconds behind them. Everyone in the room gasped and a few women screamed.

I rushed to her, avoiding the shattered crystals of the chandelier that was in pieces all over the floor.

"Are you alright?!" I asked her. "Thank you so much for saving her," I said to the woman in the elegant purple dress. She got up off the ground and straightened her skirt before turning to me. It was Elizabeth, glaring at me.

"You'll live," she said to the girl on the ground tersely and then walked away. People all around began clapping for Elizabeth and her bravery and heroism. She adored the spotlight, waving and blowing kisses at the guests all around her. I reached out my hand and pulled the girl up to her feet.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, thank you. Thankful for her as well," she said, looking over at Elizabeth. "Who is she?"

"That's one of the parasites."

"Don't say that. She saved me," she said warmly, smiling at Elizabeth. Elizabeth looked in our direction and quickly looked away. "Is she upset with me?"

"She's upset with me," I told her.

"What did you do to her?"

"Nothing, nevermind that."

"It seems as if there has been an unfortunate mishap," Belle said loudly, rising from her royal chair. "Because of the heroism of my lovely daughter, Elizabeth, this young woman was not hurt." Everyone clapped for Elizabeth once more. "Join us on the balcony for a special surprise while we take care of th-" Belle's speech suddenly stopped. Her face became flushed and she held her hand to her head.

"Belle, what's wrong, darling?" King Adam asked from his chair. He rose up behind her, just in time to catch her fall in his arms. "Get a doctor!" he yelled to the staff nearby.

"Adam?" Belle whispered, "I'm fine."

"Darling, what's wrong?" he asked, caressing her face. It was the first time I had seen a softer side to him. It was also the first time I saw him look scared. "Let's get you upstairs," he said and scooped her up into his arms.

"I'm fine everyone!" Belle called out sleepily, "Enjoy the surprise outside!" Adam turned her away so she'd stop speaking and carried her out of the ballroom.

People murmured and chatted to themselves, worried about the Queen and the recent events.

"Out to the balcony, everyone!" Eric announced and guests began to slowly make their way outside.

---

TRISTAN

"This balcony has the best view of the moon over the ocean," I said to her amongst the crowd of people gathered together and chattering amongst themselves. I took her hand and guided her through, looking back occasionally to see if she was still there and if she was looking at me. We made it all the way through to the stone-carved railing and I rested an elbow on its edge, turning to face her. She gasped when noticing the moonlight sparkling against the ocean waters.

"Oh, it's breathtaking!" she gazed out into the distance.

"Couldn't have said it better myself," I muttered quietly, focused only on her. With her gaze away from me, I couldn't help but use the opportunity to look at the rest of her. Her exposed shoulders and cleavage in that sparkling gown did leave some for the imagination. She glanced up at me shyly and then quickly looked away, back toward the water.

"You must really love it here," she said looking over the railing.

"I do. I really do."

"Must be all you've ever dreamed of," she added, a little more sadly.

"What do you dream of?"

"Me?" she looked confused and smiled slowly as she seemed to think, "I dream- hmm… I dream of being right here, right now."

"Ah, always present? In the moment? I can completely understand that," I said to her. Right then and there, a blast erupted in the sky followed by big splashes of lights.

"Fireworks!" someone from behind me shouted and the whole crowd looked up at the sky in awe. She watched as well, bright-eyed and amazed. I could watch her forever. I began to lean in closer to her as the crowd began surrounding us, eventually standing directly behind her. She turned back to look at where I had gone.

"I'm right here," I told her, placing my hands on each one of her shoulders from behind. I stepped in more closely to her, ran my hands down her arms slowly and clasped her hands in mine. I could feel small goosebumps rising up against her skin. Who is this girl?

---

ARIEL

"...I'd like to thank the King and Queen for their presence this evening and also thank my darling Prince Eric for all he's done for us all of these years. Finally, Melody, my beautiful daughter, you're blossoming into such an extraordinary young woman. I love you more than you can ever understand. I hope you experience all of the wonders of the world," I raised my glass high and everyone followed. While I took a sip of the cool champagne, I looked over at where Greta and her husband were sitting. She was just staring at me. A million thoughts and memories raced through my mind.

"That was wonderful, dear," Eric said from across the table. I smiled at him as I sat back down again and we all began to eat. Adam sat at one end of the long twenty-person dining table and Melody sat at the other. Belle and Eric sat in the first chairs beside Adam and I sat next to Belle. Aladdin sat next to Eric and Jasmine sat beside me. Alice and George were near us as well. Our children sat at the other end, men on one side and women on the other. We didn't plan it this way, it just seemed to happen.

I found myself looking over at Tristan, deep in a wild story with the people around him entranced by him. His way of making others around him feel good was something I admired. I felt so proud to have him as our son.

"Is Eric acting a little strangely tonight?" Belle whispered to me while everyone was busy feasting. I looked over at Eric who looked down at his plate suddenly. I glanced at Jasmine to my right and she grinned at me almost immediately.

"Jasmine, Ali and Jade are so grown-up now."

"Yes, can you believe it? But at this age, they're either angry at you or need you for something. No hugs and kisses, no following you around. Sometimes I think they were raised by jackals." Jasmine had a way of seeming modest and approachable given the fact that she ran the richest empire in the world.

"When you were sixteen, what did you want more than anything?"

"Heh, me at sixteen?" she laughed and looked up toward the wall in thought, "My freedom. I wanted to escape. That's how I met Aladdin- I ran away from the palace. What about you?"

"I guess I did as well," I said, looking down the table at Melody. Alice pulled Jasmine's attention away from me for a moment and I leaned into Belle on my left and whispered, "It's because he doesn't think I know about him and Jasmine at New Year's in Agrabah."

"You think so?" Belle asked quietly, looking up discreetly to make sure no one was listening in, "That's hardly news." Her polite demeanor while gossiping always made me giggle.

As the dinner continued, I could feel the intense gaze of Greta watching me from the table beside ours. I turned around slowly and our eyes locked again. Had no one else recognized her? Did Eric know she was here? Did Adam? She looked much different than she used to. She looked like a noblewoman with her black hair done-up, in a fancy red dress and body adorned with jewels.

"Ariel," Eric called out to me as if he had already said my name ten times.

"Oh, sorry," I said with a sheepish smile.

"Aladdin brought Melody's surprise."

"Really?!"

"Yes! It wasn't too hard to find. We-" Aladdin stopped speaking and looked around to see if anyone was listening, he then whispered, "We located one in Morocco. Took a few weeks."

"Let us know how we can repay you," I told him. Aladdin was always such bright fun. He looked older now than when we met him nearly 18 years ago. His hair had distinguished gray streaks and he had a thick goatee around his lips and chin. He was very handsome and charming.

"Ariel, you're insulting me. Only I can do that, I'm the Sultan- get it?" Jasmine groaned and rolled her eyes at his awful joke. Ali and Jade both looked over from their side of the table.

"Did dad just make the Sultan joke again?" Ali asked Jasmine a little loudly, which made everyone chuckle.

"Dad, please- we can't take you anywhere!" their daughter, Jade said mortified from beside Alice.

"My jokes aren't that terrible, right Ariel?" he asked me with a big smile on his face. His family would make fun of him often and he never seemed to mind. He almost purposely said outlandish things to get reactions out of them. Aladdin never seemed to take himself too seriously.

As soon as the fifth course of the meal was over, we all began making our way back into the main ballroom. My eyes quickly found Greta, she was with a rather large man who seemed to be the Duke of some ….

"Hello, Ariel," Jade, Jasmine's youngest daughter approached me from the crowd of people with an odd smirk on her face.

"Hi, Jade! Having fun?!" I smiled at her. She leaned very close to me and touched my arm.

"I can't wait for you to undress me later tonight," she whispered in my ear. My body felt suddenly frozen. Did she really just say what I thought she did? In my mind, Jade was still a child, we watched her grow up. She was a quiet girl, obedient, polite- at least when we were around. My eyes then met Eric's from across the room, he had a very guilty look on his face. I noticed he was standing next to Tristan and my heart skipped a beat. Oh, my poor son. When he finds out who we are he might hate us forever. They both seemed to be looking at me so I waved and made my way over to them. I wanted to talk to Tristan again, to hug him again and maybe ask him to dance. But, Eric started walking toward me.

"Care to dance?" he asked me and I blushed. Eric still made my heart melt after almost twenty years.

"Certainly," I responded and took his hand. He lead me over to the dance floor and we joined the couples who were gliding across the floor. Melody was there, too. I watched as she danced with a prince or a duke and then another. There was a line of gentlemen who all seemed to want a turn to dance with her. It made me happy to think of her having a crush and experiencing her first kiss. The last thing I wanted was for her to shut me out, so I told her that she could tell me anything she wanted.

"So, about Jade," Eric started as we danced. I raised an eyebrow and pursed my lips at him, waiting to see what he would say. "Don't you think she's developed beautifully?"

"Eric, we're not touching that girl."

"I'm just saying, aren't you the tiniest bit curious?"

"No! She's Aladdin's daughter- practically our daughter!"

"Well, she's eighteen," he replied.

"I don't care if she were forty-five! She's their daughter, we couldn't do that to them. Imagine if it were Melody."

"Alright," he said and kissed my nose.

"What did you do to her? Where did you get this idea? And what did you tell her?"

"She approached me when I was alone in the study," he explained, "It was- difficult to say no to her." I sighed deeply. My handsome honest prince. I loved that about him.

"Did you touch her?"

"Just when I was trying to get her off of me," he said, "She wants me to take her virginity."

"What?! Really? Jade? Why would she want that? And why you?"

"I- I don't know, Ariel. I told her I'd ask you first."

I suddenly spotted Greta, she was standing near the door to the main foyer. She only stared at me, did anyone else notice that she was only staring at me?

"Ariel?" Eric called out to me, shaking me from a trance. "Are you alright?"

"Yes. We're not touching that girl. Think of her parents."

"Alright," he said, sounding a bit defeated. "That boy is dancing a little too close to her." He was looking in Melody's direction.

"She's fine. Don't worry about her," I brushed him off.

"Oh, listen to you now! A changed woman."

"Eric, look at Tristan," I said, looking over at Tristan who was talking to a couple of princesses.

"What about him?"

"He's our son! Just look at him," I almost wanted to cry again.

"I know, darling. We're fortunate to have found him, remember that."

"May I cut in?" a voice spoke kindly beside us. It was Jasmine and she was looking at Eric.

"Uhm- I was about to-" Eric started.

"Of course!" I told her and released myself from his hold.

I looked at the doorway and caught the back of Greta's red dress moving further away. I calmly and discretely made my way across the dance floor and to the grand foyer. She was walking toward the stairs and before taking her first step stopped and turned her head. She wanted me to follow her. I looked behind me and realized no one else had noticed I had left. So, I followed her. Up the stairs and to the east wing, then through a door to the winding steps up the tower. She knew the castle well, she hadn't was a small room with a wooden door at the end of it. Guards would use the tower to hold prisoners or watch for enemy ships sailing toward us.

I pushed the door open slowly and found her inside, leaning against the open window, watching the fireworks. I shut the door behind me and latched it closed before making my way over to her. I leaned beside her as we both gazed out the window with the sides of our arms touching. Touching her made me remember the cabin and the week we spent there, away from the world. She looked different now, distinguished and polished.

She slowly dropped her arm down to her side and extended it behind me and resting her hand on my waist. Having her touch me made my body tingle.

I turned my head to face her, she was just as beautiful as I remembered her.

"Wh-"

"Sshh," she put a finger up to her lips and then stuck it in her mouth. She sucked on it gently and then licked the sides of the tip. She touched her now wet finger to my lips and pressed against the bottom one forcefully. I took it in, tasting the warm saliva off her finger in my mouth. She pulled me into her, the bodices of our dresses touching and our skirts rustling against one another's.

I kissed her first. It was a bold, short move, pulling back just as quickly. She grinned and lowered her eyes to the tops of my breasts, admiring my cleavage with a grin. I wanted her mouth on them, I wanted to feel her licking and sucking on them like only she could. I pulled down the fabric over my chest, releasing my breasts from their tight hold. I could feel my nipples harden against the cool air as they bounced into sight.

What happened next in that cold, dark tower was a blur.

---

MELODY

"Do you like your room?"

"Yes! Thank you, Uncle Adam," I told my uncle as we danced across the ballroom floor. His hands were large and rough and his body towered well over mine. I had no reason to fear my uncle Adam, although many others did.

"If any of these boys cross the line with you, let me know and I'll take care of them for you," he told me.

"I'll just tell Elizabeth," I giggled and he laughed loudly.

"That's an even better idea!" he said loudly, "Any princes catch your attention?"

"No, not really. They're quite nice, but I'm not so sure what it is I'm looking for."

"When you find it, you'll know. George's kid has been staring at you all night. I've had my eye on him."

"Who?" I turned to look where he was motioning toward, "Emmett?" Emmett was standing off to the side of the dance floor near Tristan, just looking at me.

"I don't know why Eric insists on socializing with those people."

"Well, I heard you and Alice were quite the item back in your teen days."

"Who told you that?" he asked, looking around. "You know, she used to be much more attractive back then." I couldn't help but laugh at him. It was almost time for our dance to end and the next person to join me.

"Thank you, Uncle."

"Happy Birthday, sweetheart," he said tenderly and pulled me in for a tight hug. I felt like I was five years old again and Uncle Adam let me do things I would normally not be allowed to do, like stay up late or eat sweets before dinner. I was always jealous that my cousins seemed to always be able to do whatever they wanted. I knew he had a soft spot when it came to his family. He swiftly moved away and to his next partner.

"Princess Melody," a tall, handsome prince with dark brown hair and dark green eyes smiled in front of me.

"Hello," I curtsied politely.

"Do you not recognize me? I'm Prince Harrison of Rotherham."

"Of course, Prince Harrison," I lied, letting him take me by the waist and hand. We waltzed effortlessly, gliding across the marble ballroom floor.

"You look ravishing tonight, princess, if I must say," he told me with a charming smile.

"Thank you," I blushed. He was so attractive, it was hard to look at him. His features weren't rugged and brutish like all of the other men in my life. Instead, his were more delicate and refined. He was quite a beautiful man.

"Do you remember when you visited our lands five or six years ago?"

"Vaguely," I confessed, with a puzzled look on my face, "I must've been around ten."

"That sounds about right. Do you remember we have a creek that freezes over in the winter?"

"Yes! Where we all went ice skating every day."

"Do you remember building a snowman and a snow cave with a few unruly children?"

"That's right!" I suddenly remembered, "Harry! You're Harry, right?!"

"Yes, I went by Harry then. My sister still calls me Harry," he laughed.

"That's right! Yours was Vic?"

"Victoria, yes," he smiled, "You have a great memory."

"Not as good as yours apparently."

"You're just more memorable than I am." He suddenly adjusted his grip on my waist and held me close to him as we spun on the dance floor. Talking to him was surprisingly pleasant.

"I remember you falling on the ice and your lip started bleeding for an hour."

"Of course you'd remember that," he groaned with a chuckle.

"Your lip was swollen for three days after that! No one could understand you."

"Alright, alright. That's enough remembering for now. Let's focus on making new memories," he looked deep into my eyes and smiled. He made me feel a little naked when he'd look at me as if he could read my thoughts.

"You're a great dance partner," I told him searching for things to say.

"I've been forced to learn since I could walk."

"I know what that's like," I rolled my eyes.

"We all know what that's like. It's a difficult life, sometimes you just feel so-"

"Trapped?" I interrupted him.

"Well, I was going to say caged, but yes, precisely."

"My feet are starting to hurt."

"Then, let's take a break. I have something I'd like to give you."

"Oh?" I smiled, eager to see what that could be. We stopped spinning for a moment and just looked at each other.

Suddenly, we felt a crash, another couple had bumped into us.

"Oh, sorry about that," it was Emmett, dancing with a very pretty girl. Whether she was a princess or not I could not tell. My heart started suddenly pounding. I wished he'd pull me away and ask me to dance.

"My apologies," Harrison said politely, "We shouldn't have been in the way."

"Sorry about that," I smiled at Emmett, but he didn't seem to want to make eye contact with me. What was wrong with him?

"It's quite alright, princess. You look lovely this evening. Happy Birthday," the pretty girl with the long brown hair said to me and bowed her head politely.

"Thank you," I smiled at her, wishing she would disappear.

"Princess, let's get off the dance floor," Harrison placed a hand on my lower back and lead me away from them all.

"Mhh, it feels so nice to finally sit down," I said, sitting on a bench on the balcony and resting my body back, propping myself up on my arms.

"Hmm, let's see here," Harrison kneeled down in front of me and grabbed my right foot from underneath my big pink gown. He gently removed my shoe and placed the heel of my foot on his thigh right above his knee.

"You really don't have to do-" I started saying, but feeling his strong hands and fingers kneading into my aching feet made me want to melt onto the pavement. "Oh, that feels amazing."

"Good," he said, smiling to himself proudly. "You know, I've never done this before."

"You don't really seem like the servicing type," I teased him, "Maybe you can get me a drink when you're done down there."

"That'd be a nice break from your smelly feet," he blurted.

"What?!" I gasped loudly and tried to retract my foot, but he held it too tightly.

"I wasn't being serious," he laughed, "They don't smell at all."

"Are you sure?" I leaned in closer to him, with my elbows on my lap.

"Yes. You smell quite nice actually."

"That does feel really good, I could have you do that all night," I told him, closing my eyes sleepily. When I closed my eyes, Emmett came to mind. Kissing Emmett on the beach and kissing him goodnight last night before bed. I hated seeing him dancing with whoever that girl was.

"Princess? Are you alright?" Harrison asked me, with a bit of worry in his voice. I forgot for a second how gorgeous he was. He made Andrew look like a neanderthal.

"This feels too good," I smirked at him bashfully, not wanting to seem weird and distant.

"That's a very inappropriate thing for the two of you to be doing at an event like this!" a large queen called out from across the balcony.

"You don't have to watch," Harrison told her calmly and the woman huffed away back inside.

"Do you think she's right?" I asked him, a little embarrassed.

"I think it's your birthday and you get whatever you want," he smiled at me. His smile made me feel warm and secure. "Look, you have something on your toe."

"Where?" I leaned forward more to see what he meant.

"Right here," he said, pointing to my middle toe. When I leaned in as far as I could, he suddenly moved up and placed a small, closed-mouthed kiss on my lips. My heart began beating rapidly and I could feel my face go warm. "If didn't get to kiss you at least once tonight, I couldn't bear to live with myself."

He took my foot and slowly placed my shoe back on before grabbing the other.

"Forgive me for that," he said as he started my other foot, "I lost my head. It's not something I normally do."

"It was nice," I grinned at him, he smelled so good to me.

"I don't want to be like all of the other princes here. I stand true to my virtue."

"Oh," I was a little surprised.

"I know, it's a little embarrassing. I hope that doesn't bother you."

"No, no, not at all. I think it's very admirable."

"All of the princesses here, well they're-"

"Determined?" I said, before he could say anything derogatory.

"That's one word for it, yes," he laughed. "I heard that you're very virtuous yourself."

"From who?"

"From the list of princes who have claimed to bed you."

"Who?!" my eyes shot wide open.

"There is no one on that list, princess," he smiled, "And I like that about you. Women see me as a challenge, a conquest. I want someone to get to know and love the real me."

"I see."

"You're someone I could see myself falling in love with and marrying."

"Marriage?!" I sounded disgusted, "I've never even thought about it."

"Well, you should start thinking about it. Start thinking about the kind of person you want to spend the rest of your life with. I see my parents and know that they're unhappy. I wonder if they were ever happy once upon a time. I don't want that sort of marriage for myself. I want something real and meaningful."

"Thank you," I told him as he finished up my left foot. He placed my shoe back on and stayed on the ground.

"I have something for you," he said and began to reach behind his back. Oh, no- was he proposing to me? If so, I'm going to feel very bad embarrassing him in front of all of these people. "I saw it a week ago at a jeweler in Paris."

A wave of relief came over me when I saw that the box wasn't a ring box, but perhaps a bracelet or necklace.

"Oh, you really didn't have to," I beamed, taking the box from his hand. I gasped loudly when I opened it. It was a beautiful pink teardrop diamond pendant. It was quite large and surrounded by small white diamonds and diamonds lined the chain.

"Do you like it?"

"This is the most beautiful necklace I've ever seen! Thank you, Harrison!"

"I was looking for something that did your own beauty justice."

"It must've cost a fortune," I took the necklace from the box and held it in my hand. I felt mesmerized by it.

"Just a small one," he laughed, "Let me help you with that." He took the necklace from my hands and got up from his knees. He walked around the bench behind me and I moved my thick, black hair out of the way for him. He draped the necklace around my neck and slowly clasped it at the back.

"Wow, it's just amazing. Thank you," I touched it with my fingers, trying to look down to see it laying heavily on my chest. He sat down on the bench beside me, facing in the opposite direction toward the ocean.

"How does it look?" he asked. I turned sideways to show him and he turned to face me as well. "You're breathtaking."

"I'm sure it's the necklace more than I am," I blushed.

"And you're so modest, I love that about you, Melody," he said, taking my hand. "You have no idea how beautiful you are to me." I felt my chest tighten when he would stare at me like that. It made me nervous and a bit squeamish.

"Thank you," I smiled at him, squeezing his hand gently, I knew what he was going to do.

"I'd like to kiss you if that's alright with you," he asked, seriously. I nodded my head slowly and a smile grew across his face. His leg was up on the bench and his knee brushed against my dress. He placed a hand on my cheek and caressed it softly. What were the odds that I had spent so many years dreaming about my first kiss and I end up kissing four different people in one day?

As Harrison leaned in for a kiss, I glanced over at the doorway back inside and my breathing stopped. It almost happened in slow motion. Emmett stood there, lips parted and looked completely crushed. I wanted to smile and call his name, but I realized that I had been caught in the worst of situations. Harrison's lips pressed against mine firmly while I only looked at Emmett, expressionless and lost. I pulled back almost immediately and right then and there a crash came from inside.

"What was that?" I gasped, glad for the disturbance.

"Wait here." Harrison immediately rose up from the bench and hurried inside. I stood up as well, still holding my gaze with Emmett. I walked over to him slowly, fidgeting with my hands in front of me nervously.

"Em-"

"Your Highness," he bowed his head and turned around, making his way back inside.

"Wait!" I called to him, but right then Harrison reappeared and wrapped his arm around my waist.

"A chandelier fell, everyone is alright. Apparently, there is a surprise out here."

---

ERIC

"This is a gift we were able to locate. It's for Melody from her parents," Aladdin announced as soon as the fireworks were over in a big booming voice. He was hovering over the balcony, standing on his magic carpet. There was chatter amongst the crowd, eager to see what the gift could have been.

"Have you seen Ariel?" I asked one of the guards, but he shook his head. I hadn't seen her in over a half an hour, where could she be?

Then, like a flash of light, Ali appeared next to Aladdin riding another carpet. It was white with gold accents and designs. It looked very luxurious.

"Melody!" Ali called out and lowered the carpet down to where Melody stood near the edge of the balcony. She seemed to have been being hugged by the prince of Rotheram. Ali extended his hand to her and she looked back at me, almost asking permission. My beautiful little girl, I never wanted her to grow up.

"Can I go for a ride, Daddy?" She was smiling from ear to ear. I nodded and smiled, trying hard not to tear up in front of all of those people. I saw how all of the young men looked at her. Soon enough she'll be married and having children of her own. I couldn't bear the thought.

"It's more than just a ride," Ali told her as he pulled her up onto the carpet.

"What do you mean?" Melody asked, taking a seat beside him.

"Ali will show you how to use and bond with the carpet," Aladdin explained, "I wish you only the best of adventures, Princess Melody."

"It's mine?! Oh, thank you!" she hugged Ali. "Thank you!" she called out to Aladdin. "Thank you, Daddy! Where's Mom?"

"She's inside," I told her, although I hadn't a clue where Ariel was. I watched as they took off into the night blue sky and everyone around began chattering with excitement, many of them never seeing a magic carpet before. The thought of Melody with a flying carpet terrified me. Our days of monitoring her were officially over.

"Where is Princess Ariel?" one of the guests asked me curiously, looking around the balcony.

"She's in our bedroom, I'm going to go check on her," I lied. The guests began to slowly make their way back inside and the shattered glass from the broken chandelier had been cleaned up and thrown away. The musicians began to play again after a brief break. I made my way up the stairs and to our bedroom. There was no sign of Ariel. A small knock came from the door. I walked over and opened it to find Jasmine.

"Oh, hi," I told her, a little surprised.

"I'm sorry, Eric, I just really needed to speak to you."

"What's going on?" I stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind me so that she wouldn't come in.

"Our relationship- Aladdin and I, it's just," she drew the words out, finding them hard to say, "It's just not what it used to be."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Perhaps the two of you need to work that out together."

"It's not just that, it's you too."
"What?"

"After that night, it disrupted everything. Showed me how alive and passionate it could all be. If you could just do it for me once more."

"Me?! No, I can't, Sultana-"

"I know, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I asked," she said regrettably and a little embarrassed.

"It just wouldn't be fair to Ariel."

"No, I understand."

"Think of Aladdin as well. How would he feel? It's bad enough it already happened that night."

"It's not the only thing that happened that night," she told me, almost contemptuously.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, we all drank some of the elixir. We all did things we wouldn't share over a dinner table- whether we meant to or not, including Ariel."

"Jasmine, what are you trying to tell me?"

"Nothing, really. I should get back downstairs. I apologize for everything, Prince. And thank you," she said calmly before turning around and walking down the hallway. I noticed her tiny feet made no noise against the marble floor. What did she mean by that?

I had an idea I thought I would never have again. The mirror. I rushed back into the room and took the mirror off the top of the armoire where I had hid it.

"Show me Ariel." I felt my jaw clench immediately before swallowing hard a few times. I couldn't believe my eyes.

"I would never do that to you," a sultry voice came from behind the curtains. I already knew who it was. I gripped the handle on the mirror tightly and closed my eyes.

---

ADAM

"Your majesty," the tiny old doctor bowed his head to me respectfully, "I have some news."

"What is it? What's wrong with Belle?"

"The queen is absolutely fine."

"That's great news," I sighed with relief.

"The child she's carrying is fine as well," he looked at me and smiled. I held my breath for a moment. Did I hear him correctly?

"Child? My child? Belle is-" I had to stop to breathe, "Oh, thank you, doctor!" I hugged him tightly, lifting him up off the ground.

"That's quite alright," he said nervously.

"When will it arrive?"

"I'd say in about five months. She's not as young as she once was, so she should get plenty of rest this pregnancy. You don't want her doing anything that would jeopardize her life or her child's. She doesn't know yet, so I think it's best you tell her."

"Thank you! I will," I shook his hand.

"Adam," Belle called out to me from bed when she saw me walk in, "I really feel fine now. We should return to the celebration."

"Belle," I smiled at her, "You don't want to do that just yet." I sat down on the bed beside her and took a hold of her hand.

"What's going on? What's wrong?"

"You're expecting my child, Belle. Our child-" I corrected myself. Belle's eyes widened in shock. I placed a hand near her stomach over her white cotton nightgown and rubbed it gently.

"Really?" she stared at me while tears formed in her eyes.

"Yes, darling." I lifted the covers off of her leg and placed myself beside her, hovering my face over her waist. I brought my hands down near her ankles and slowly lifted her nightgown over her legs. "Let's see him," I told her, exposing her soft, full thighs.

"Or her," she corrected me warmly.

"I don't even care what it is this time, it's our child," I almost felt like crying myself, but I didn't. This explained her odd moods and behavior over the last few months. I lifted the nightgown over the wavy hairs between her legs and past her waistline. I nestled myself between her legs and stared at her navel. I could almost see it, the slight curve of our child inside of her.

"My body has been so tired lately."

"You haven't been yourself, dear,"

"What do you mean?" Belle asked sharply.

"Nothing," I said quickly, "Look at how beautiful our child is." I placed several kisses on the skin of her stomach. Then I placed my head down on it, trying to listen in. "I can hear it."

"No, you can't," she laughed and stroked my hair with her fingers.

"I love you, Belle," I looked up at her for a moment from my position, "You never look more beautiful to me than when you're carrying my child." As I rubbed her belly and snuggled against it, my forearm brushed up against her pubic hair.

"What will we name him or her?"

"I have the perfect name!" I told her, feeling her knee lift up and her legs parting slightly. "Maurice."

"I'd love that," I could feel her smiling down at me, "And if it's a girl?"

"Marie?" I began to stroke from her belly down to her hip.

"Adam," Belle asked worriedly, "What if they're twins?" A large grin spread across my face.

"Twin boys."

"No, no. I don't think I can carry two babies again."

"You're almost four months along, darling. You were much bigger by now when you were pregnant with the twins," I reminded her. I moved upon her body, laying on the bed on my side. I placed a long wet kiss on her pretty, rosy mouth. I felt so lucky to have her. "Let's see what else is getting bigger," I growled and lifted her nightgown above her chest.

---

MELODY

"Oh, it's all so wonderful!" I cheered beside Ali on the carpet as we floated over oceans and distant lands. I had known him and Jade and their family since I was a little girl. Ali had a good four years on me and we'd all look to him for protection when we would get into trouble. He never bullied us or told us what to do as children. He was always the wise, brave and fair one. Out of all of us, he was always closer to John because they were the only boys. But the last time we had visited Agrabah, they had hardly said a word to each other.

"I'm glad you like it," he said, "The trick is to not be afraid." He reached his hand in his pocket and pulled out a needle and some golden thread.

"What is that?"

"I'm binding her to you."

"Her? The carpet is a girl?"

"Yes! You couldn't tell?" he laughed. I wasn't sure if he was being serious or not, him and Aladdin would make weird jokes that were hard to follow sometimes. "Give me your hand."

"What will you do?" I placed my hand on his lap facing up.

"This might hurt a little," he warned me. He threaded the needle and held my hand firmly in his lap. He looked down at it carefully and then touched my ring finger. I tensed up a bit, nervous for what he'd do. "Melody," he said, "Do you know any songs?"

"What?"

"It might help if you sing a song," he said. He took the needle and pricked the side of my finger.

"Ouch!" I howled and pulled my hand away.

"I'm not done yet!" he grabbed my hand back, "Look at me. Look into my eyes." He smiled at me reassuringly. "Let's sing a song."

"Alright," I nodded with a wince.

"Happy birthday to you," he started and I joined in.

"Happy birthday to you." I felt the needle going deeper into the side of the flesh of the tip of my finger

"Happy BIRTHDAY, Dear Melody," he pushed the needle all the way through, the golden thread following behind it.

"Ali," I whined. It hurt so badly I wanted to cry.

"Keep looking at me," he pulled the needle out the other side quickly, pulling out the thread that was now covered in my blood. I retracted my hand quickly and sucked on my bleeding finger. "There we go! Not too bad, eh?"

"Are you kidding? That hurt!" I shrieked, laughing nervously.

"You'll be alright," he told me. He laid on his stomach and began to thread the needle into a corner of the carpet. "Now she'll be bound to you."

"Really?"

"She'll be able to sense when you need her. You or anyone close to you."

"Wow, thank you."

"Even if you don't know, she will," He stitched the last bit of bloody thread into the carpet and snapped the needle off the end.

"Wow, I can't believe it!"

"Tell her where you want to go now."

"Girl," I patted down the carpet, "Let's go home." The carpet swiftly changed its course and it made me laugh with excitement.

"I'm glad you like her. Enjoy yourself," he told me, he laid on his back and stared at the stars. I turned around and laid down beside him, our arms touching at the sides. It wasn't at all tense or romantic, just a beautiful carpet ride shared between two old friends.

"I hear you're engaged," I looked over at him.

"Yes," he smiled to himself.

"How is she?"

"She's incredible," he told me, "I wish she could have made it tonight. You'd love her."

"Really? Is she good to you?"

"Too good, more than I deserve," he told me.

"You're a good person, Ali. You deserve the best."

"What about you? Tristan seems really fun."

"He is so funny! But, he's more like a friend or even more of a brother."

"I understand," he told me, "What about the prince you were with on the balcony?"

"Harrison? He's sweet. He's very handsome," I confessed.

"The most important thing is that you feel yourself around them. You don't want to have to be someone you're not. You want to be who you are and you shouldn't want them to change who they are as well. My father learned that the hard way."

"I love your parent's love story!" I smiled, thinking about a poor lowly boy in love with a rich, beautiful princess.

"Sure, but Melody, how many of us are mermaids?" He looked over at me and winked.

"Do you want a family?"

"Of course, who doesn't?"

"I guess I haven't thought about that too much myself. I think you'd make a great father, Ali."

"Thanks. I think you have great parents, so naturally, you'll be a great parent. My mother can be a mystery to me sometimes, but overall I think my parents did a great job. Outside of us going on wild trips that put us in danger on a weekly basis."

"I wish my parents would do things like that. I guess we do go underwater," I said to myself.

"We're almost back."

"The castle looks so small from up here."

"The night is yours. You can drop me off at the balcony and then afterward you can do whatever you want," he sat up on the carpet again.

"I don't want to go back yet," I groaned.

"You don't have to. That's the best part about it. But I really need to use a bathroom soon," he huffed. I couldn't help but laugh at him and his dad-like demeanor, he really would make a great father someday.

As we approached the castle, I noticed Andrew walking on the sand toward the stables. I hadn't seen him all night and figured it'd be nice to show him my new ride. I wished my feelings for him had completely gone away instantly, but they just didn't. A small part of me still wanted him to desire me and want me like he did Helena or any other girl. When we hovered over the balcony Ali quickly jumped off and waved goodbye. A few people waved over and called out my name. It made others turn to look at me on the flying carpet, so I decided to fly away before drawing too much attention my way and being forced back inside.

I flew around the castle a few times, spreading my arms out like a bird and feeling the wind in my hair. I was all alone and completely free. The carpet somehow knew if I wanted to turn left or right or sometimes would just do whatever it wanted. It was really bound to me and my feelings. I remembered the stables again and lead the carpet there, hovering over the ground a few feet. There were a few lamps inside that were on. I wondered what Andrew was doing in there so late.

"Keep it down, someone's going to hear us," a voice said from inside.

"No one is out there," Andrew responded followed by a moan, "Oh yeah, that- just like that. Keep doing that." I felt my heart sink again. Why did I put myself through this? And who was he in there with? The carpet hovered me closer to one of the openings where I could get a better look inside. Andrew was standing inside one of the stalls, part of his body leaning against the wooden wall. His pants were down around his ankles and he was thrusting himself onto something or someone inside the stall.

I watched as he pulled away and then readjusted himself. The other person seemed to be standing as well. It was probably Helena or maybe one of the other princesses. It could've been any of them. It was a man! The clothes and the hair and the hands, it was Andrew kissing another man! I couldn't believe it, I would've never imagined. It wasn't until Andrew dropped to his knees and began stroking the man that I realized who it was.

My cousin John wasn't the noblest of men. He was naturally big and strong, like Uncle Adam, but his demeanor was always quiet and not easily rattled. He was seemingly obedient because he would never vocally oppose authority like Elizabeth would, but then he wouldn't end up doing what was asked of him anyway. He'd often disappear and loved being alone with his books. The only person he seemed to talk to when no one else was around was Elizabeth. He was very loyal to her as well. Never speaking ill of her nor telling his parents about something she had done that she wasn't supposed to.

But there he was now in front of me, having himself sucked on by the one person I had been dreaming about for months. Suddenly, he smiled. It was one of the few times I had ever seen John smile. He reached his hand down and stroked through Andrew's soft, thick hair. I was mortified, disgusted, shocked, and at the same time could not look away. If John were to look straight ahead, he'd see me staring back at him. But he was too busy looking down at Andrew. He cared for Andrew, I could tell by the way he looked at him.

Had I noticed it before? Last night at the balefire? They were sitting next to each other, but I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. They left together! To get more bale. I was too busy thinking about Emmett to realize. Did they ever come back? I couldn't remember. They were gone for quite a while it seemed. Even Tristan got back before they had. Watching them together now, I wasn't sure how to feel about it. I wasn't upset- but I wasn't quite sure what I was.

"Melody?" John squinted over at me curiously. I quickly ducked down on the carpet. I didn't know what they did, but could only hear them speak.

"What?" Andrew asked him.

"I just thought I saw Melody. But nevermind, I must be going insane. She's not tall enough to look through there."

"You are so paranoid," Andrew said, and then it was followed by kissing sounds. "It's your turn now, Prince."

I sighed with relief, grateful to not have been caught. My heart had never beaten so fast.

I slowly and smoothly drove the carpet away and back toward the castle. From a distance, I could see Tristan and the pretty girl with the white, curly hair walking along the beach. He really seemed fixed on her- which was a little concerning to me. If Tristan were to fall in love, he'd probably go with her and leave us forever. My life was so much more exciting with him around.

I took the carpet up to my bedroom window and pushed it in.

"You can stay here, girl, for now," I told her. She shaped herself into stairs so that I could step down from her. "Thank you." It was the best present my parents could ever give me, my freedom.

It was already pretty late, but I decided to make my way back down to the ball- or what was left of it.

"Princess Melody!" it was Harrison looking up from a conversation with his parents, the King and Queen of Rotherham. "I've been looking all over for you."

"Harrison, don't shout, dear," his mother nagged him.

"I just returned," I told him.

"You were gone rather long with that savage-looking boy on that carpet," his mother told me, looking around.

"Mother!" Harrison groaned under his breath.

"Can you blame me for thinking that? If they are as wealthy as they claim to be, you'd think the women can afford to wear clothes that are decent and don't trigger immoral thoughts."

How dare she?! I wanted to shout at her and say something in their defense. But I was too nervous. Nervous for how it'd seem or what they'd think of me.

"Thinking immoral thoughts, are ya?" Elizabeth came out of what seemed nowhere. "I know the king there was for sure. I saw him staring at those tight, little brown waistlines all night." Elizabeth winked at the King. "I bet you have a hard time controlling him." She laughed obnoxiously, which made me chuckle a little.

"How dare you make those kinds of insinuations?!" the queen scolded Elizabeth.

"Mother, please. Ignore her," Harrison said in his mother's defense, wedging himself between Elizabeth and his mother. Elizabeth smirked from ear to ear.

"We all know the type of young woman that you are," the queen continued in a huff.

"So does the king," Elizabeth retorted and licked the air seductively with a devilish smile at the blushing, cowardly old king beside her.

"That's enough, Princess!" Harrison said sharply, glaring at Elizabeth. She only laughed. I was terrified. I didn't understand how she was so fearless and brave. She did absolutely everything she felt.

"Go put your whale of a mother to bed," she shouted at him and then grabbed my arm, "Come on, Mel."

Elizabeth pulled me away from them and toward the banquet hall.

"Why were you hanging out with Harry the virgin?"

"Huh?"

"Harrison. Stay away from him, he's weird."

"Really? He seems sweet to me."

"Anyway, we're going on a camping trip tomorrow."

"Who?"

"You and me- all of us. We're leaving after lunch."

"Are Uncle Adam and Aunt Belle coming, too? My parents?"

"My mother can't come in her condition."

"What condition?" I asked, puzzled.

"You missed the announcement my father gave? She's pregnant."

"Wow! Really?! Oh, that's so exciting! Aren't you so excited?" I beamed at her, suddenly craving to see Aunt Belle and give her a big hug.

"Whatever," she said, dismissing my question. "I'm trying to see if Hugh's parents let him go. Maybe we can get all of the old folks to stay here."

"Have you seen Tristan?" I asked her, but then I remembered he was on the beach with that girl.

"No. Mel, are you listening? Do you want to go camping or not?"

"Who is camping?" Harrison snuck up behind me.

"You're not coming," Elizabeth said to him abruptly, "Stay away from us."

"You know, you shouldn't be so sour Princess. I'm sure you'll find a Prince who loves you someday."

"Harrison! That's so mean of you!" I snapped at him angrily.

"It's fine, Mel. Doesn't your mother have to nurse you from her tit every 2 hours and burp you before bed? You shouldn't wander far," Elizabeth told him with an eye-roll.

"My apologies, Princess Melody. And I came to apologize for my mother's behavior as well. She was inappropriate and rude," he said looking at me and ignoring Elizabeth.

"Mel," Elizabeth whined.

"Thank you, Prince Harrison. And yes, I'll go camping tomorrow."

"It is quite late. If you're ready for bed, I'll be happy to walk you to your room."

"What a creep," Elizabeth winced at me.

"Stop that," I scolded her playfully, "It's alright, Prince. I can find my way when I'm ready."

"I'll see you tomorrow morning then?"

"Yes, of course," I smiled at him. He suddenly stepped into me and took me by my waist.

"I want you to know that I'm serious about what we discussed earlier. I think you'd be perfect at my side. I'd also do anything to make you happy," he said looking down at me. He leaned forward and placed a soft, gentle kiss on my lips. "Goodnight, Princess."

"Ugh, Mel, I can't believe you kissed him!" Elizabeth scowled.

"Don't you think he's handsome?" I asked her as he walked away.

"He's a god, sure, but he's so strange. Don't you think he's strange? And that mother of his. She probably has a good 50 years left in her- a curse to anyone he marries."

"You're so bad," I laughed.

"You've been on quite a kissing frenzy the last twenty-four hours. Seems like you broke your own curse."

"Oh, no! Emmett! I have to go."

"What about him?"

"I'll see you tomorrow," I kissed her cheek, "Thank you for everything!"

---

TRISTAN

"Sienna," I echoed, "That's your name?" She nodded her head, staring out at the ocean. "I like it."

"I'm glad," she said softly. We both sat on the large rock near the water, watching the waves crash against the shore and then leave again.

"Even I'm cold out here, aren't you cold?" I asked her. She shook her head. "Maybe you should take off your dress and let me borrow it so I can stay warm."

"You want me to?" she asked, reaching behind her back.

"I was kidding!" I laughed and stopped her. She looked at me blankly and then cracked a smile.

"So was I," she giggled. We were silent a moment. That kept happening, we'd talk and laugh and then complete silence. I had never had that happen before. I had never before searched for words to say or hesitated to say something I was feeling.

"Do you ever wonder-" she began to say, but the second she looked at me, I kissed her.

"I-I'm sorry- I-," I started but she cut me off with a kiss, a deeper kiss. I brought a hand to her face and welcomed her soft, sweet tongue in my mouth. I felt the fireworks again, the lightning, the butterflies, the dizziness, I felt it all- all at once. I loved it and it terrified me.

"Wow," I said, once we finally pulled away from each other. "I feel suddenly warm. Are you warm?" She laughed at me and looked away bashfully. "Look, I don't know who you are or if you're here with someone or if someone is waiting on you to get back to them. But, I can't let you leave."

"I'll stay if you'd like me to," she said, looking like an angel with the moonlight glistening on her brown skin.

"Forever?" I asked her. She giggled and kissed me again. She suddenly looked out to the ocean with a worried look on her face.

"Let's go inside?" she asked, almost pleading.

"Sure. We can head back. What's wrong?" I looked out to the waters to see if I saw whatever frightened her, but nothing.

---

"This is your room?" she asked a few moments later as we walked inside my bedroom. The ball seemed mostly over with the exception of a few stragglers, drunks, and couples too lost in their own moment to even realize there was no music playing.

"Yes," I said, closing the door, "It used to be Eric's room."

"He sounds really great from what you tell me."

"He is. He's been really great to me. They all have. Do you know them well?"

"No, not really."

"Ariel is amazing. She's the sweetest, kindest, warmest person I've ever met," I told her, taking off my boots. "I'm sorry, I don't have anywhere else for you to sit but this chair or my bed." Why did I say that? Why? Normally, I would have pushed a girl down onto the bed and kissed her. Respect women, I remembered Eric's voice.

"It's alright," she said and walked over to the large window.

"You really like looking at the ocean, huh?" I asked her from behind. I wrapped my arms around her and she let out a big exhale, leaning herself against my chest.

"Tristan," she sighed. I loved hearing her say my name.

"Yes?" I kissed the side of her face and then her cheek. I turned her around to face me. "What is it?"

"I've never done any of this before," she let out. I was puzzled for a moment by what she meant.

"Oh! Don't worry. We don't have to do anything you don't want to," I told her, leaning forward and kissing her nose. I could hold her like this and stare at her forever. I pictured what it would've been like to have her naked in my arms in bed. "I'll see if Melody has a nightgown you can wear for the night."

"Where are you going?" she asked me, not letting me free from her hold.

"Just across the hall," I smiled at her and stroked her face, "Wait here, I'll be right back."

...

"You're both pretty small, so I think this should do the trick," I said as I came back into the room holding the yellow nightgown and shut the door behind me. If I could have died right then and there, I would have died a happy man. She was completely naked from head to toe.

Her breasts were surprisingly large, very large and sat high up on her chest perfectly. Her arms and waist were small and her stomach as flat as the wall. Her hips, were a masterpiece. Her curves were like perfect dunes of the flesh. Her thighs were full and thick and oh, how I craved to see her from behind. She looked doe-eyed and innocent, standing perfectly still against the foot of my bedpost.

I stood there admiring her for almost a full minute without saying a word. Sighing deeply, I then walked across the room and to the chair by the desk. I sunk in it low and spread my knees wide. As if the temptation wasn't bad enough, from the side, her plump bottom was like the pillow of her back. I realized then that this woman was made for me. I had never been more attracted to anyone in my entire life.

"Come here," I told her, followed by a deep exhale. I died with each step she took, her feminine walk with her hips swaying from side to side and her breasts moving slightly made my blood pressure rise. She wasn't being seductive or smiling in any way. She seemed to just stand there, looking at me expectantly. She nervously ran her hands over her stomach and to her hips, then back down at her sides again. My mouth watered at the sight of her two bare lips, sitting at the bottom of the V shape formed by her thighs. Her chocolate skin hugged her body tightly.

"Untie your hair," I commanded and she reached a hand up and removed two pins that held the big pile of curly, silver hair together at the top of her head. It was a vision straight from a fantasy the way her hair undid itself and cascaded long, white, tight curls down her back and over her shoulders. Her hair was so big now, it expanded past the frame of her shoulders.

I stood from where I sat abruptly, startling her a little with the sound the chair made. "Lift your arms up," I told her and she did slowly. I thought about picking her up and ravishing her until the sun come out, went down again and then came up for a second time. If I began to rub myself now, I would barely make it thirty seconds.

With her arms now straight up in the air, I draped the yellow nightgown over her hands, pulling the sleeves down her arms and letting the rest of it flow as it should. I brought her arms down again and sat back in the chair. I pulled her body into me and wrapped my arms around her waist, leaning the side of my face against her stomach.

"That was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life," I groaned against the fabric of the yellow nightgown that now taunted me. I squeezed her so hard I almost thought we'd fuse together. She wrapped her arms around my head and held me close.

"Are you upset with me?" she asked quietly. I laughed to myself against her. "Did you not like my body?" I laughed even harder, almost deliriously.

"Who are you?" I joked, "Were you sent here to kill me?"

"What? Kill you?" she pulled away, "If I wanted to kill you, you'd be dead by now." She grinned with her hands on her hips. I could see her nipples poking through the fabric.

"How would you have killed me?" I stood up and began to walk toward her as she moved back.

"That sword beside you, jammed it into your neck."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Or I could have pushed you off the rocks into the ocean."

"Really?"

"I could have jumped out of the way and let that chandelier get you like I had planned the whole night," she tried to sound as evil as possible, but it was too adorable.

"Why didn't you then?" I pulled her toward me roughly and lifted her by her round bottom, taking two nice firm grips of it. A big smile spread across her face as she found her nose an inch away from mine.

"I guess I changed my mind," she whispered, right before kissing me. Our tongues found each other desperately as if they were never meant to be apart.

"I guess you can spend the night in my room," I told her once we took a breath, "I'm not sure how I'm getting any sleep tonight."

"Maybe you'll never sleep again."

"Sienna, is it? I'm going to need for you to tell me everything."

---

MELODY

I had to find Emmett and tell him how I felt. I had to tell him how I've always been able to be myself around him and how ever since I was a little girl, he had always been someone I could depend on and tell secrets to. He had to know that since our kiss last night, I hadn't been able to get him off my mind. Hugh told me he'd be out near the gardens, the servant's entrance was the fastest way there.

On my way past the kitchen and out the servant's door, I heard some laughing followed by a familiar voice. I followed the sounds to find Emmett and Margaret, they were sitting side by side on the ground. They seemed to be flicking small pebbles with their fingers on the ground against the castle wall. They were leaning against each other, her shoulder against his arm and her legs were tucked into her body beneath her skirt.

"Oh, no! You're going to get me!" Emmett laughed and Margaret flicked a rock into another rock with her finger. "You got my little one, but now you will have to pay!"

"I'll get you good next turn!" Margaret laughed. I walked over to them, Emmett looked up at me and then back down at their game.

"If you survive next turn!"

"Hello, your highness," Margaret said to me, "Do you need anything?"

"Em- I-," I started.

"Now that all of the royalty is gone I exist again?"

"No- Em, it's not like that," I began to say.

"Where's Tristan? Shouldn't you be off with him? Or did he get tired of you already?" Margaret jeered at me bitterly.

"I- I don't know where he is," I told her, trying hard to ignore her.

"Maybe you shouldn't have opened your legs to him!" she yelled. My eyes grew wide and I gasped loudly.

"Margaret!" Emmett scolded her, sitting up and away from her- making her fall over a bit onto her side.

"I am not you, Margaret," I said calmly and as composed as humanly possible. I felt my face warm as I turned around to walk away. I heard Emmett say something to her behind me and she responded back, I was too far away to hear. I walked around the grounds toward the gardens in my big pink ball gown. I heard footsteps approaching behind me and smiled to myself because I knew exactly who it was.

"Stop, Melody!" It was Emmett, but I wanted him to keep following me. I wasn't angry, but I wanted him to think that I was. "Mel!" he finally reached me and grabbed me by my arm.

"What?!"

"I- I'm sorry," he said, with obvious hurt in his eyes. "I hope you had a wonderful evening." He began to walk back to toward the castle.
"Why didn't you ask me?"

"Huh?" Emmett turned back around, puzzled.

"I was waiting for you to ask me to dance, you never did."

"You were too busy dancing with that stupid prince with the weird face."

"Which one?" I laughed.

"All of them," he smiled. We were silent a moment as we both got shy.

"Emmett, I- I-,"

"Come with me," he said, "I haven't given you your birthday present."

"My birthday present?" I echoed. He walked by me on the paved path and took me by the end, leading me out toward the gardens. "What is it?"

"You'll see it in twenty seconds. Think you can make it that long?"

"No, I might just burst."

"Sounds like you have some serious problems," he joked, "Close your eyes- I mean it." He stopped abruptly.

"Alright," I said a little hesitantly. I was excited to be touching him again. He stepped behind me and covered my eyes by holding both of my hands up to my face as he guided me further along the path. I could feel we were nearing the center of the garden. I loved feeling his body brush up against mine every so often.

"Can I open them yet?"

"Happy Birthday, Melody," he said and lifted his hands off mine.

In the center of the garden's patio stood a life-size wooden sculpture of a girl sitting on a rock, looking out into the distance.

"You made this?!"

"Carved it over the last few months."

"Is it me? Oh, Emmett it's beautiful!" I walked up closer to it and touched it with my hand carefully. "This must have taken forever."

"Ever since I've known you, this is how you look at the ocean. You can sit there for hours, just staring at it."

"Wow, this is really incredible," I couldn't stop looking at it, admiring its intricate details.

"It was just practice for the real one. If I make it out of bronze, we can set it near the water so that it makes more sense. Also, it would last forever, you'd be immortal. Well, if I could ever afford bronze."

"This is the most beautiful thing anyone's ever given me!"

"It's no fancy necklace," he said modestly. I suddenly remembered the big pink stone that was strung around my neck.

"It's so much better," I walked up to him, "Emmett, I love it."

"You mean a lot to me," he said, looking at me longingly and taking me by the hands.

"Every night that you've been here has been amazing."

"So I'm two for two?" he chuckled to himself. He pulled me in slowly and I pressed my head to his chest as we swayed back and forth to imaginary music. "I never did get my dance." He lowered his forehead to mine and gazed into my eyes. I couldn't help but to stare into his sparkly green ones as well.

"Em," I said softly, "It's getting pretty late."

"Oh," he stopped abruptly, "You're right. It's far too late for me to keep you up."

"Walk me to my room?"

"Of course, princess" he took me by the hand.

---

ARIEL

Just as quickly as she appeared, she was gone. Greta was gone and I was too caught up in my last orgasm to notice. I fixed my dress and ran my fingers through my hair. I figured I'd get back to the ball before someone missed me. After I made my way down the long tower stairs, across the upstairs hallway and down the main steps, I realized the sounds of a celebration had died down. The banquet hall was empty and the ballroom only had servants cleaning up. I looked up at the clock and realized that it was forty past midnight. Where had the time gone?

"Oh, Eric!" I said to myself and rushed back up the stairs and to our bedroom. I pushed the door open and closed it behind me quietly in case he was asleep. There were several lamps still on and the bed was empty.

"I'm so sorry, Eric," I started as I made my way into the large room. I looked around for him and then turned around the corner to see him sitting at his desk with his eyes closed. He fell asleep waiting on me, I smiled to myself. Suddenly, Eric moaned and threw his head back a moment. My mouth dropped, I didn't want to believe it was what I thought it was. He looked over at me and then focused back down toward his lap. I rushed over to him quickly to see what was happening.

"Eric, what are you doing?!" I shouted at him. I found Jade on the floor between his legs, holding his erect member in her hands, licking and sucking on it hungrily.

"Don't stop," he whispered to her and caressed the side of her face as she pleasured him and completely ignored me.

"Jade, I need you to leave my bedroom, please," I said sternly and neither one of them reacted to me. "Jade! Eric!" I shouted.

"Mhhh, yes-" he moaned, fixing his eyes on me. I couldn't believe what he was doing. I felt hurt that he would openly dismiss me and disrespect me in front of another woman. I felt tears forming in my eyes and he only looked at me coldly.

"Eric?" I said softly, almost pleading at him.

"I saw you," was all he said to me and glanced over at the magic mirror that was faced-down on his desk.

"What?"

"I saw you with her," he closed his eyes and exhaled deeply. Oh, no. Had he really seen me with Greta and all of the things we just did together?

"With who?" I pretended not to understand. He only glared at me angrily, I had never seen him look more upset with me.

"Take your clothes off," he said, looking down at Jade.

"Eric?!" I shouted at him. Jade rose to her feet and began to undress. All Eric could do was stare at her body, as if I didn't exist at all. He stood as well, towering over her with his strong body. He bent forward and kissed her passionately, pulling her toward him by her waist and moaning softly against her lips. He opened his eyes as he kissed her and looked right at me. I stared back at him just as angrily and shook my head. How could he do that, right in front of me?

"Wait for me in bed, Jade," he told her tenderly, pulling away from her lips. She smiled and nodded. "You're welcome to join us, watch or leave, Ariel." I could feel my eyes small and my face burning hot. I wasn't sure what I'd do as adrenaline pumped through my veins. Jade looked at me as she walked by and gave me a sly smirk. The nerve she had to parade around my bedroom naked as she seduced my husband.

Before she could get into bed, I lunged at her and grabbed two hands full of her thick, black hair making her shriek loudly.

"No!" she cried, suddenly frightened.

"Do you think you can come into my castle and seduce my husband right in front of me?!" I yelled as I dragged her toward the door.

"Ariel, stop it!" Eric rushed toward us from behind his desk.

"You little brat! This should teach you to behave yourself around men who aren't yours!" I pushed her out the door roughly and she immediately tried to cover her naked body with her hands. I slammed the door loudly and Eric spun me around to face him. I slapped him across the face, almost instinctively.

"Ariel!" he yelled and I struck him again, so hard my hand burned. I saw my red handprint appear on the side of his face. "Don't you think that I'm angry for what you did?!"

"I told you to stay away from her!"

"I told you to stay away from Greta, years ago! What hold does that woman have over you after all these years?!"

"I don't care what you say!" I was furious and I still wanted to fight.

"You hurt me, Ariel!"

"I know about you and Jasmine in Agrabah! I know what you did!"

"Oh, do you?! What were you doing that night, huh?!" he screamed in my face. I suddenly remembered that night, the night we drank the elixirs and were completely free to play the games that were set up for us. "Should I ask the magic mirror to show me?"

"Do as you wish!" I yelled back, a little nervous to have him know what actually happened that night. He kissed me hard against my lips, bumping my head against the door.

"You're mine, Ariel! Don't you know that you're mine?!" he growled against my face. I pushed him away with both hands.

"Get off of me! I am not yours! I hate you!" I screamed. He grabbed my arms and pinned them down against my sides.

"What were you doing that night?! Are you going to tell me or are you going to make me see for myself?"

"Let go of me," I said sternly between my teeth. He took me into his arms and hugged me tightly.

"Why do you hurt me so much, Ariel?" he began to cry, resting his chin against the top of my head. My poor, sweet prince. I had never seen him this upset before. We had never been so angry at each other before. The tighter he hugged, the more I felt like crying. "I just love you so much, Ariel. I love you so much!"

"I'm sorry," I made out a little crackly as I felt big warm tears down my face. I buried my face into his chest and sobbed. It hurt me to see him cry, he was always so strong and brave.

"I'm sorry, too."

"Let's start over. Let's forget about everything in the past and only move forward."

"No! What are you hiding? What happened on New Years?!" he wouldn't let it go.

"Eric-" I started but then he pulled away and rushed over to the magic mirror.

"It's not worth seeing it. We were all under the elixir!"

"I still want to know and you're never going to tell me."

I could only hang my head down and wait. He was too adamant about seeing for himself. I knew that he would never forget what he was about to see.

"Show me Ariel on New Year's Eve in Agrabah."

---

Narrator

"Well, thanks for walking me," Melody told Emmett, a little awkwardly in front of her bedroom door.

"Thank you - for letting me walk you," he stammered slowly as he tried to find the words. "Ugh," He grunted in frustration and exhaled deeply. Melody giggled. She looked up at him and all he could do was stare at her lips. Melody leaned her body back against the door to her room and he instinctively stepped forward, her body language inviting him in more closely to her. Emmett brought his hand to her face, brushing his palm against her cheek and his fingers softly caressing her ear. Melody closed her eyes and inhaled deeply as she felt her body suddenly warmed by his touch. Emmett leaned his face in closer to hers and she opened her eyes again. She could see his green eyes sparkling in the dimly lit hallway.

"Emmett," she whispered with quivering lips. Emmett felt his heart racing as well, he had been wanting to kiss her since the night before- he craved it. Then it happened, almost all at once. Their nervous lips met, quickly followed by their tongues. Emmett's lips were soft, but determined. She thought for a moment that they'd stop, but he continued and she allowed him. Her brain completely shut down and her body took over. Emmett's lips were so strong they pushed her head against the door while his tongue ran circles around hers, exploring the inside of her mouth passionately. Emmett pressed his chest against her body and Melody felt a warm pressure forming in her body. Melody was so caught up in the moment, she had forgotten to breathe. She quickly turned her head to the side, escaping his lips and then gasped for air- her heart raced and her head felt light. Emmett continued to kiss her cheek and jaw and right below her ear. She had completely lost all senses as she turned back to him to join lips again. She felt his hands trail down her arms and to her hips, then joining each other at the base of her back. Melody was melting in his arms, completely melting.

They suddenly heard footsteps which made them both freeze in place. The doors of the castle went in further than where the wall was built, creating a small nook, making it easy to hide around the bends of the doorframe. Beside each door was an armored knight statue made entirely of metal- King Adam had them sent to decorate for the event.

They quickly separated, and patiently waited against the door to see who would pass by as the footsteps neared. Melody was relieved to see Tristan, he was walking arm-in-arm with the girl from the party. Melody found it odd that they were both walking without saying anything. She didn't hear them say a single word. Tristan didn't even notice Melody and Emmett as he walked by. They listened as the door to Tristan's room opened quietly and then closed.

Almost immediately Emmett pushed himself against her again, kissing her mouth and feeling the firmness of the breasts underneath her dress against his body. Melody felt her nipples ache in a way they never had before. Emmett pushed his hips onto her and Melody desperately felt the urge to wrap her legs around his body- but she didn't. She loved kissing him this way, hidden away from public view, it was like a secret she could keep for herself.

Again the couple froze, lips pressed against each other. They heard the sound of loud giggling followed by shushing noises, sprinkled with more giggles. Melody furrowed her brows at Emmett, wondering who that could be. The sounds didn't seem to be coming toward them, which meant they were going toward the opposite end of the hall. Melody pushed herself off the wall and out of Emmett's grasp and slowly poked her head from around the bend.

"Stupid knight," she whispered to Emmett, "I can't see!" Melody slowly made her way back to her door. She was standing only a few feet away. Emmett looked like all the blood had drained from his face as he stood perfectly still against the wall. Melody smiled to herself and opened the door to her room, pulling Emmett in behind her and closing the door.

---

"I don't think I've ever been in your room before," Emmett said, admiring the silk bedding and the expensive bundles of fabric draped over the large windows. Melody walked over to her free standing mirror and began to undo the clasps of her dress.

"Can you give me a hand?" She asked him, hands behind her back as she tried to reach the ties of her corset. Emmett froze for a moment, before walking over to her. Her thick black hair was draped over the front of her shoulder and the smooth skin of her back was exposed to him. "Just untie it," she said, impatiently. Emmett looked at Melody through the mirror and Melody locked eyes with him. There was a coy, seductive look in her eye that Emmett couldn't help but notice. He pulled on the silk bow and loosened the first few lines that kept the corset together. "Thank you," she said softly, looking at him in the mirror. Emmett nodded. "Turn around," she told him, "I'm going to change into my nightgown." Emmett respectfully turned away and walked toward the door. "Ugh, I can't wait to take these shoes off."

"You've always hated shoes," Emmett laughed.

"Still do," Melody said, kicking off her shoes, making loud thudding sounds against the floor. Emmett listened to the rustling of fabric as Melody slipped her dress completely off and walked over to her wardrobe. Things were suddenly quiet. Emmett turned his head slowly and caught a glimpse of her nude outline from behind. She was tiptoeing as she tried to reach for the nightgown that hung perfectly among her other dresses. It was only for a split second, but enough for him to admire the new womanly curves of her hips and the muscles of her slender legs stretching and contracting again. She still wore her underwear on bottom- women's underwear, not the long pantalettes she used to wear when they were children. He turned before she could see him. Emmett was never the kind of person to cross boundaries. He respected her as a person and as his friend- his good friend, but he wanted her.

---

"Mel?" Tristan whispered, knocking on the door quickly a few times before turning the handle and pushing it open. Tristan was stunned at the sight of Melody in bed, straddling Emmett at the hips with her body forward as she kissed him wildly. Emmett's hands were at her bottom, over her pink nightgown. Neither of the two had heard him as they continued their kissing and heavy breathing.

"Melody!" Tristan said sharply, followed by a smirk. Melody and Emmett looked up, frightened and surprised.

"Tristan! Shut the door!" she shrieked, unmindful of her volume. Tristan laughed and closed the door behind him. "What do you want? Get out of here," she told him. Emmett readjusted his hips from underneath Melody, he was still fully clothed. Tristan knew what Emmett was trying to hide.

"I need one of your nightgowns. Can I borrow one?"

"Uggh!" Melody groaned as she rolled her eyes, sexually frustrated and annoyed. She quickly jumped out of bed. "Hold on," she said. Tristan wasn't sure if she had said it to him or to Emmett. Either way, he stared at Emmett intensely. "Any color?" Melody called out from her armoire.

"I don't know. Whatever girl color, I don't care," Tristan answered, dismissive of her silly question.

"It's for that girl with the curly hair, isn't it?" she turned to grin at him.

"Uh, that's my business," he joked, "But, yes, it is."

"I think this pastel yellow would suit her," Melody said, taking a nightgown from the armoire and then handing it to Tristan.

"Let's talk outside for a moment," Tristan told her.

"No, Tris, come on," she whined, knowing she would be lectured. Tristan pulled her by the wrist and closed the door- but not before giving Emmett another strange look.

"Mel, look," he said, draping the nightgown over his shoulder and placing two hands on each one of her shoulders, "It's your birthday night and I want you to have fun."

"I am-"

"No, listen. I can't stop you from doing anything- but whatever you do, don't go too far, ok?"

"I wasn't even planning on it," she told him.

"You're beautiful, you're smart, you're fun, you're a mermaid, you have everything a guy could ever want," Tristan told her, "Just wait on the heavy stuff, ok?"

"Until marriage," she sighed.

"Until you love them- truly love them and they love you back. If you think you'll have any regrets whatsoever, don't do it."

"Alright," Melody cringed getting advice like this, she learned it was always easier to just agree.

"If you get uncomfortable, you tell him to stop and he should understand. If he doesn't stop, you attack him and scream and come to me or your dad, ok?" Melody nodded. She threw her arms around his waist and gave him a tight squeeze.

"I love you," she said to him. Tristan smiled to himself and slowly hugged back, then kissed the top of her head.

"I love you too, Mel."

"Goodnight."

"Night."

"I want to play a game," Melody told Emmett when she walked back into her bedroom. This time she had locked her door.

"A game?"

"Take off your jacket," she instructed him. She watched as he undid his buttons and lifted his shirt up over his head, tossing it to the floor. Melody didn't mean for him to take off his shirt as well, but Emmett's body looked a lot nicer than she had remembered. His arms were larger and his chest was more filled in in the pectoral region. She felt turned on almost instantly.

"Lottie, what are you doing?" he chuckled.

"I want you to kiss me," she said.

"Ok, come here," he motioned her over with his hand.

"No, I'm going to point and wherever I point, that's where I want you to kiss me," she explained. Emmett was silent, slowly comprehending the limits of the situation.

"Alright. Lay down," he told her.

"No," she said, she walked to the side of the bed and stood there, slowly raising her hand and pointed to her lips. A smile grew across Emmett's face and he kneeled near the edge of the bed, still towering over her. He bent forward and planted a small peck on her lips.

Melody pointed to her chin and Emmett laughed this time before very slowly kissing her chin. The young pair continued their game as Melody pointed to her cheek, then jawline, ear, and finally neck. Emmett complied with each order gladly.

"Use your tongue," Melody said after Emmett kissed her neck. Emmett eagerly stuck out his tongue and licked her smooth, sweet-smelling skin. "Suck on it," Melody told him. Melody closed her eyes in pleasure as Emmett buried his head in her neck, hungrily sucking on it as he embraced her body. Melody was glad he did because at that very moment she felt as if she would fall. She finally came to her senses and remembered the goal of her game. "Stop," she told him.

"I can't," he breathed heavily onto her neck as he continued to suck on her skin.

"Stop," she said more sternly, and he did. He sat back down, kneeling on his feet as he waited for her instruction. She looked different to him- like a woman. Melody raised her hand again and pointed to the middle of her chest, below her neck. Emmett lifted an eyebrow curiously, wondering how far this game would go. He leaned in and planted a single, dry kiss right in the middle of her chest, over the fabric of the nightgown. Melody could feel her body growing more anxious.

"Wow," Emmett said, staring down at Melody's chest- her nipples were erect and pressed against the fabric of her nightgown. Melody's immediate instinct was to cover herself or look away, embarrassed. Instead, she softened her face as she felt a grin on her lips and her eyes grew smaller. She studied him, his dilated pupils and parted lips. She felt her heart racing as she slowly lifted her hand and planted her finger directly on the tip of her nipple, over her nightgown. Emmett looked at Melody and at her chest and then back at Melody.

"Are you sure?" Emmett asked, hesitantly. Melody nodded slowly, hoping he would just do it before she changed her mind. Emmett took a deep breath and Melody did as well. He leaned his head and body down slowly, finally facing her chest and staring at the contoured fabric that covered her naked breasts. He moved his head to her right nipple and leaned forward, pressing his closed lips softly against its tip. Melody felt her body tremble, but Emmett didn't seem to notice. He left his lips there a moment, not wanting to pull away, but too afraid to make another move.

"Lick it," she told him. He felt his own erection throbbing at her words. Over the cotton of her nightgown, Emmett opened his lips and closed them around the ends of her breasts. Melody sighed softly, which then encouraged him to lick more firmly. He closed his eyes and felt the cloth slowly dampen around her nipple. The wetter it got, the more he felt like he was sucking on her actual skin. "Oooh," Melody moaned, pushing his head against her chest with one hand. This was a new height of her sexual experience, it sent enough energy through her veins to trigger some dampness down her thighs. If this made her feel so good, she couldn't even imagine what more there was to come. Melody's nightgown had a large wet circle around her nipple, making it easy to see right through it.

"Mhh," Emmett matched her sounds against her chest.

"Should I take this off?" she asked coyly.

"I don't think you should," Emmett said to her hesitantly. "As much as I'd love to see you completely naked, we can't."

"Alright," Melody responded disappointed and slid her way into bed. Emmett wasn't sure what to do.

"I should let you go to sleep," he said, kneeling on the bed beside her.

"Or you can stay and kiss me," she smiled over her shoulder. Emmett's smile grew wide as he lowered himself beside her again.

"What would you if you could do anything you wanted with me?"

"Wow," Emmett laughed to himself, his mind racing through years of sexual fantasies. "I would have unlimited time with you."

"To do what?"

"To care for you and treat you the way you deserve."

"Would you kiss me?" she asked, wrapping his arm around her body. Emmett snuggled her into him tightly

"I wouldn't stop kissing you," he buried his face into her neck.

"What else would you do?"

"Hold you just like this."

"Would you touch me?"

"Mhh, yes, of course."

"Where?"

"Everywhere," Emmet ran his hand over her hip.

"Mhhh. What else would you do?"

"Marry you," he blurted out. Melody suddenly froze.

"What?"

"If you allowed me to, of course."

"Let's not talk about that tonight," she said to him quietly and rolled over onto his chest, "Touch me?"