Ariel fell asleep curled up in Eric's arms. For a while he watched her, content, before he had also fallen asleep. When he opened his eyes he groped frantically for her but she wasn't in the bed. He sat straight up, looking around the room, "Ariel?"

She didn't answer. Leaping up he burst into the bathroom, "Ariel!"

Spinning around in a towel she looked at him, wide eyed. "What's wrong?"

He sighed in relief and drew her to him, "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

She looked up at him, confused, "I just took a bath. You do that here right?"

"Yes," He laughed at himself, "It just seems like every time I turn around you're gone or in trouble."

She blushed, "Sorry." Suddenly the fact that she was only in a towel became very obvious. He had seen her earlier, but no amount of desire over rid his concern at that point. Now his breathing slowed as his fingers dug into her back. She rose up on her toes and kissed him. "Next time I'll get your permission."

Hearing those words made him feel foolish. He couldn't keep her next to him every second. It had just been a surprise. She turned away walking over to the table and brushing out her wet hair. She hummed to herself, closing her eyes. Coming up behind her he placed his hand on the brush, "Do you mind?"

She let go, sitting back and sighing as her worked through the fire red waves. When he was through he set the brush down, kneeling in front of her and resting his head in her lap. She raked her fingers through his hair, combing it out of his eyes. "I'm really glad you're here," His voice was muffled in the towel. She smiled softly.

"Me too." She stood, dropping the towel to put on the shirt he had given her earlier. She turned around when he took in a sharp breath. "What happened?"

His eyes were wide, watching her. She had no concept of nudity, but remembered that humans did. Folding her arms in front of her chest she looked up, guilty. A few more seconds and Eric knew he would lose it, but there was a knock on his door. He walked back out to his bedroom, regrettably. Closing the bathroom he called, "Come in!"

Grim looked around nervously. "Your highness? I brought the lady some clothing."

Eric took them from him, "Thanks." He nodded and turned to leave, "Grim? I'm sorry about earlier." He rubbed the back of his neck, "I was just worried about her."

"May I ask her name?"

"Ariel."

He nodded, "It suits her. How did you meet?"

"She's the girl who saved me that day."

The old man's eyes grew wide, "Heavens! Now I know why you are so protective of her."

"I told you she was real." He crossed his arms with a satisfied smirk.

"Very amusing," Grim said indignantly, "Well I'll leave you alone now. Off we go."

When he was gone Ariel came out of the bathroom, "Everything alright?"

Eric took the time to appreciate how she looked in his shirt. The low v dipped down in the center of her breasts much lower than it did on his broad shoulders. She had to roll the sleeves because of the length. Her new legs were perfect and long. She passed right by him and went to stand on his balcony. She breathed in the sea air, closing her eyes.

The feeling of being watched prickled over her skin and she leaned over the side. She didn't see anyone but she knew better than to think that meant they weren't there. "Eric?"

He closed the distance quickly, "What's wrong?"

"I think he's down there."

Jealousy gripped his chest and he pulled her back inside. Looking pointedly down he closed to doors.

James watched Ariel walk out onto the balcony. His gaze darkened. She was human. More importantly that human was with her. She suddenly leaned over the side as if she knew he was there. Balling his fists he watched her call to him. Wrapping his arms around her waist the human pulled her back inside before scanning the water darkly and closing the door.

I should have let him drown.

Now he'd have to kill him some other way.

Ariel looked at the clothing Grim had brought her skeptically. "Can't I just wear the shirt?"

He laughed, "That's not really appropriate."

Making a face she pulled the dress on over her head. "Can you help me?"

Nervously he buttoned the pretty blue fabric. It was hard not to trace the exposed skin as he did. When he'd reached the last one he leaned in, kissing her neck.