I know I owe you all an explanation but I don't think I can come up with something original, so here it goes. I've been adjusting to college for a few months now, and still can't really get the hang of it. Unfortunately my writing and stories have been suffering. I promise you that there will be more updates as soon as I can find the time.

Thanks for all the reviews, and support. I know my writing hasn't been up to snuff and a few chapters have reflected that. I plan on working harder but in the time it just wasn't happening. My goal for you is to try and write more, as well as more often. Please keep up the Reviews? I would love you all for that. Enjoy!

Ariel's POV

Aria was getting so big. She's already running around the palace halls, and she's not even eight months. Grimsby has even heard her talking to a few of the marine animals when we are on the ship. The queen hasn't really been around much. Eric assures me that it will just take time for her to come around. My fear is that she'll come around just in time for me to leave. I can't imagine that woman raising my daughter, or worse.

"Ariel?" Eric's voice whispered in my ear. I felt his arms wrap around me from behind. "What are you thinking about, Sweetheart?"

"I'm thinking about the water, and how this time of year it feels incredible."

"Then what do you say we go for a swim?" I could feel the smile on his face as he kissed my cheek. "Let's get a little crazy. Carlotta has Aria for the afternoon and Grimsby is helping mother with something."

"And what do you suppose we swim in? I didn't come prepared for a midday swim."

"That's the crazy part," He began the pull away, taking his warmth with him. Turning around my face reddened. He was pulling his shirt over his head and dropped his pants. In a matter of minutes, he was standing on the beach in all his glory. My hand slapped over my eyes as I spun on my heel. I felt a hand sliding down my shoulders. Fingers had tangled around the edges of the lacing that traveled down my back. With one swift pull the ribbon came undone and my dress fell from my bare form.

"How are you so free, Eric?"

"I rebelled for most of my young life not caring who said what. Especially if those who were speaking were the King and Queen." His hands rubbed my hips, soft kisses landed on the back of my neck. I shivered, goose bumps appearing on my arms. "How about that swim, my sweet fish?"

"Race you to the water's edge." I took two steps before a large arm wrapped around my waist. I was swooped up into Eric's arms as he kissed me deeply.

"A lady should never run," He said walking to the edge.

"A lady who has had legs all her life should not run. I on the hand should be allowed to run all I want." Me feet touched rough, course sand. I smiled and kissed him again. He lifted me, my legs instinctively wrapping themselves around his waist. We kissed passionately.

Soon waves were splashing against us as he waded into the cool salty water. His bare skin slipped against mine as I loosened my hold on him. Clouds blocked the sun and I couldn't stop myself from allowing the smile to disappear from my face. My eyes scanned the area around us and saw nothing.

"Hun? What is it?" His hand found mine and brought me back.

"The last time we were out in the water…" My voice trailed off. He kissed my forehead.

"I won't let anything happen to you. He won't take you away again. I promise."

"You can't promise that." My sight blurred. Not wanting him to see me cry, I swam as fast as I could back to the shore. A hand gripped my ankle as I just touched the sand.

"What is going on, Ariel? What aren't you telling me," Eric's voice was harsh, yet stern.

"I have to go back soon."

"You don't have to go back. You belong here. It's your home as much as it is mine. Besides, Aria's here and you can't just leave her, right."

"I don't have a choice, Eric. My time is up when Aria turns a year and you can't do anything to stop that." A tear slipped down my cheek. I sat on the in the water as he moved next to me. His arm rubbed my back as we sat silently for a few minutes.

"I guess we better make the best of the time we have." I looked at him and found him smiling at me with hopefully eyes. I smiled back and kissed his lips. His sand covered fingers tangled in my hair and deepened the kiss.

Lying back in the sand, Eric leaned over me. Our kiss deepening more, tongues dancing together as his hands traveled up and down my body. This was a moment I didn't want to rush. Being with him made me think there was a chance that we could stay together on land. That there was a chance our family could stay just that, a family.