Araiel was intrigued by this Prince. He did not seek after his own desires. He was kind. She curiously accompanied him as he led her through the palace and into the courtyard. She followed him as he took her through a different exit than that of the main one. Her feet touched the cool sand, but the Prince swept her into his arms again.
"Scorpions come out at night in the sand. Your feet are bare."
Araiel nodded. The Prince carried her through the city and then away from it into the middle of the oases. The trees looked down from them their lush green branches waving in the coolness of the night air. Araiel could see thousands of stars riddled against the black curtain of the night. Finally, the trees thinned out, and Araiel heard the rushing of water. They approached a clearing, and the Princess beheld the familiar sleek smooth waterfall gushing into a clear crystal pool of turquoise. The wooded glen was perfect and romantic. She did not notice before but rope swings hung from the jungle trees around them. Exotic fruits and flowers scented the air richly, and Araiel could nearly imagine this as paradise. It was even more beautiful than when he had first brought her here.
The Prince smiled noticing her pleasure at the sight.
"You seem to know me so well. How is it possible?" she asked.
He grinned crookedly and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Magic."

She glanced at the ring upon her hand. They had been married that day, and a great feast had been set. She was fatigued from the endless dancing and talking, but now night had come. Candles had been lit, and the people had walked them to the palace to wish them good night. However, Hamir had sneaked her out of the castle and led her back into the midst of the jungle. He knew she would not feel comfortable this night in a bed. She deserved more than a simple chamber. She deserved an enchantment.

Araiel realized his fingers untying the ribbons on her dress. She swallowed and allowed him to remove the dress revealing her undergarments. He was glad she had not worn the corset he had callously removed a few days ago.
The Prince circled her and lifted her chin gently to his face. He smiled and softly kissed her lips once again. Araiel found herself rising to her tiptoes and wrapping her arms around his neck inviting him to come in even more, and he did. Her lips parted drawing him in even closer, and she slowly removed his tunic.
"Would you like to swim?" he finally asked.

She took his hand and smiled. "I would love to."

Without further timidity, she removed her clothing, and for the first time, she stood before her prince and allowed him to observe to his heart's content. His hand lighted on her collarbone, and he stroked the soft skin there. She found her hands lingering upon his chest wishing to explore him as he began her. And so the night progressed. They spent it in entirety searching, delving, discovering, and loving until the moon sunk beneath the trees and the sun began its ascent.

They slept into the late morning with nothing but a blanket covering their bare skin. Araiel awoke nestled within the prince's arms. She found him to be a tender and adoring lover and nearly wished to experience the night again, but she knew the day was drawing nigh, and they must leave soon. She stirred.
"Not yet, Ariel," he traced the outline of her stomach. "We do not have to leave yet."

She placed her had against his shoulder and nodded as he continued, "How do you feel?"
She replied as best she could. "Warm?"

He laughed. "A woman of many words I see."

She laughed with him. "I am uncertain of what to say. It was different than what I expected, and I was embarrassed in a way."
"There is nothing for you to be embarrassed about. You are more beautiful than anything I could have imagined."
"Could have. You mean I was the first?" she dared to ask.
"Yes."

He calmly placed a fingertip and trailed it across her cheek. It was then that he noticed a tear form in her eye.

"What is it, my darling?"
She softly answered, "I was the first," and a smile spread across her features, and he lowered his head to kiss her once again.

In the weeks following, Araiel found it simple to fall in love with Hamir. He was kind, gentle, and handsome, though when he was involved in state affairs, he seemed intently determined and serious in his work. She of course was never informed of state affairs. She almost missed it listening to her father's voice as he described oncoming wars, financial problems, or environmental issues, the state of the economy. She would fall asleep listening to his voice.

During the day, Araiel would spend her time within the city, exploring the palace, or returning to the lagoon the Prince had taken her on the night of their wedding. He would join her during the day when he could. At night, they would dine together and were entertained by many of the dancers who were always dressed in Easterling garb. And finally in the late night, they would learn more about the art of lovemaking.

However, day in and day out, Araiel found herself in many disconcerting situations. She would walk the streets of the city and see the women frolic about in their colorful silks and veils while she still wore the elven garb of her country.

A few weeks afterward, Ariael went to speak with one of her lady's in waiting, a woman named Faya. She did not even realize what she was about to do, but Araiel wanted to do something daring and hoped the prince would be surprised.
"Faya could you please make me a garb of the Easterlings," Araiel asked as they paced about her bedchamber.
"I could sew it for you today, my lady but why?"
"It is a surprise. That is another thing. You must not tell the Prince at all. I would also like to dance at the feast tonight. I want to dance for him tonight when he brings some of the royal officials in."
"Do you think that wise milady? Would he not rather have your presence by his side?"

"I guess we will just have to find out," she smiled mischievously

Araiel's garments were finished. She slipped into them easily and lightly. The Prince was already sitting in the banquet hall, and many of the royal officials were just coming in. She also learned that a special guest would be joining them, but she told the Prince to sit without her for a short while. The dancing was just about to begin. She could hear the music playing. She looked at herself in the mirror. Her stomach was exposed as well as her shoulders, and the skirt was slit on each side to the thighs. Her dark curls hung all the way down to the waist. Araiel had always been a good dancer. She just hoped she wouldn't trip over her feet.

The Princess took a deep breath and slowly issued out from behind the curtain. Each of the officials in the hall straightened as she began to move to the music. Araiel approached the center of the room, and the Prince finally turned his eyes to her, and he stopped in mid drink and a sudden expression of shock appeared on his face. Several of the royal officials fixed their eyes on Araiel as she danced and even began whispering to each other. The Prince remained extremely patient through the entire display, and when Araiel finally issued behind the curtain, he instantly stood up, excused himself from the Hall, and followed her. Once they were out of earshot, Hamir firmly gripped her shoulders.
"What do you think you were DOING!"

She looked up with confusion mixed with sadness on her face. "I-I wanted to dance for you. I thought it would be a surprise…"
"Araiel," he rubbed his eyes. "Do you realize what you have just done? You have not only humiliated yourself but me as well. These men…my officials, this land is far different from your own."
"My ladies in waiting have told me many princesses dance at banquets."
"Not you…you are not from here. You are half elf, Araiel. And I will not have you revealing yourself to these men. Any of them can turn murderous in a moment when they lay their eyes on a beautiful woman. You were not modest. I will not have you frolic about in such a display. Why did it have to be tonight of all nights?"

"What is tonight?" she asked lowering herself to the bed.
"My brother is coming tonight. We have long been enemies because he chose to leave these lands for a time, and my father passed the crown onto me though I was the younger. He came back to reclaim it but the people's favor was with me. He took leave for a long time, and he has only just returned. If only to achieve friendship, I must have everything my palace, my city, and in my private life perfect. What will the nobles think if they see their king's wife behaving in this manner? Perhaps they will rally themselves to my brother's cause instead."
She looked at the floor. "I apologize, my lord. I will change now and return to my bedchamber."
"No," he took her arm and lifted her up. "Change into your banquet attire and come into the Great Hall when you have finished. And Araiel," he softly brushed a hand across her cheek. "Do not ever change. I love you just the way you are."