Eric's POV

I was staring out the small round port window, as I paced my room aboard the ship. The trip was supposed to only take three days. It had now been five. The storm didn't help any. It still doesn't help as it lingers over us. It's like the storm is following us all the way home, putting more distance between Ariel and I.

Guilt washed over me as Grimsby's words rattled in my head. He knew the baby was close. What if the baby was coming and I wasn't there for her? My pacing soon increased to a very quick strut back and forth.

A knock on the door broke my stride and I answered it. "Yes?"

"Sir, we're ready to make port any minute," the first mate stated. A smile grew on my face as I pushed past him toward the front of the ship. I could see the castle coming closer. It glistened in the sun that was able to seep past the growing storm clouds. We were finally home.

After docking I jumped of the ship and began making my way to the palace. The streets weren't as busy as they usually were so it made my travel on foot much quicker. My heart was pounding in my ears, my steady breathing had turned shallow pants. I should have waited for the carrige, I scolded myself.

I pushed the doors open, running toward the stairs. A voice echoed my name in the entry way. I tuned to Carlotta and Grimsby. Each showed a different expression; Grimsby with his firm, and proper look while Carlotta just smiled at me. A smile burst onto my face as I continued the trip to Ariel's room. I hesitated at the bedroom door before entering, expecting to see the love of my life holding our beautiful child.

No one was there. I searched the bathroom, and dressing room. Turning toward the door I saw Grimsby standing there, his arms crossed neatly behind his back. "Your Highness, we have moved Ariel and the baby to the nursery."

"The nursery," I questioned. "I wasn't aware that there was one still in this wing of the palace."

"Carlotta and myself have been working on it in secret, Sir. It was supposed to be a surprise for when the baby came, but as it were the child was early and she needed a place to sleep."

"She," I questioned again. The smile on my face must grew ten times more, because even Grimsby showed a faint smile.

"Yes, Sir. Now if you'd like I can take you to their room." I nodded and followed my oldest friend down the hall. He stopped in front of a set solid oak doors. One was open just the slighest bit. A soft angelic voice was drifting out into the hall, as Grimsby opened the door a bit wider. I could see Ariel in a rocking chair, a small form wrapped in a blanket resting in her arms. Walking in quietly, I listened to her sing softly.

I was beside her in a few strides, kneeling on one knee. Our daughter was wide awake, her big aqua eyes reminding me of her mother's wide adventurous ones. Her head was covered in think black hair much like my own. Ariel's voice grew softer as she looked at me.

"Welcome home," she whispered. I smiled, offering the small baby my finger.

"I can't believe I missed it." Ariel's fingers wove through my hair and down my neck.

"We got through it," she looked down at our child. I kissed her temple as our daughter grasped at my finger. "She still needs a name."

We both looked down at the small girl that was fasinated by my finger. "What about Faith?"

"Faith seems so," Ariel made a face.

"Okay, Faith is out," I smiled. "Well we can name her after my mother."

"The woman who hates me?"

"You're right."

"I like Aria," She smiled at our daughter then to me. I smiled back at her.

"Aria it is." I kissed her forhead.