"Ariel," Eric asked as they watched the sunset, "Why did you leave that day you saved me?"
He was sitting on the bolder while she leaned onto him. Both of his legs were on either side of her. When she tensed he could feel that she was uncomfortable.
How did she tell him?
"Well- um…"
He leaned back to look at her face, "You seemed almost frightened, and the next thing I knew, you were gone."
She wouldn't look at him. "I wasn't the only person there that day."
When she didn't offer anymore he pressed, "Was it another human?"
She shook her head. "No it was a merman."
The emphasis on the word man made Eric stiffen.
"Who is he?" He asked, managing to keep part of the possessive growl from his voice.
"It's complicated," He raised an eyebrow and she sighed heavily, "My father promised me to him when I was a baby."
His jaw clenched, "What do you mean he promised you to him?"
"We are supposed to marry when I turn eighteen."
His eyes widened as a surge of jealousy hit him. Hooking his arms around her he pressed his forehead to hers, "No, no way."
"Believe me if you know a way out I'm all ears. I've hated him since we were kids."
"Can't you just tell your father you don't want to marry him?"
"It's not that simple. I've tried." She insisted.
His hold tightened protectively, "How is it not? He's your father. He wouldn't make you marry someone you don't want?"
"He made a promise."
She jumped when he yelled, angrily, "Forget the promise!"
She looked at him, slightly afraid now. Regrettably he sighed and made his voice gentler.
"I'm sorry. It's just- I lost you once. I'm not loosing you again. I won't."
Turning to face him she rested her head on his chest, nuzzling into his neck. It was getting dark and Ariel knew she needed to get back. "I can't stay."
"Please," He grabbed her hands, "Please don't go."
She smiled at him sadly. Cupping his face she whispered the words she had sung that day on the shore. "What would I give to live where you are? What would I pay to stay here beside you?" He pressed his face into her hand, "I have to go…"
He sighed, "I know. Promise you'll come back to me?"
She nodded, "Nothing could keep me away."
As she entered Atlantica and was swimming down the hallway toward her room she heard James voice.
"You went up to the surface again, didn't you?"
She turned slowly to see him leaning behind a pillar, waiting for her. "I don't know what your-"
He cut her off when he shot forward threateningly, "You went to see him didn't you?"
There was no use denying it, "What I do is none of your business."
The back of his hand snapped her neck to the side when he slapped her without warning. "You were promised to me. Everything you do is my business."
She glared at him, holding her cheek. "Do you feel like a tough guy now?"
"You brought it on yourself. That savage brute is dangerous. He'll kill you if he has the chance."
"You don't even know him!" She spat.
"Know him?" Jealousy dripped from every word, "I don't have to know him. They're all the same! You are mine, Ariel."
"No," Her tone was dark. "I am not."
This time she tasted blood when he hit her again. That's gonna leave a mark.
"Stay away from him."
"James I love him!"
He froze, eyes widening in shock. Anger boiled in his veins, "No. Have you lost your senses completely? He's a human! You're a mermaid!"
"I don't care." She said firmly.
Taking a deep breath it almost seemed like he was calm again. "Well… I'll just have to get through to you."
Springing forward he threw her into her chambers and locked the door.