Laughing loudly Eric and Ariel walked down the hall toward his chambers. It had been a perfect day and in the quiet of the palace the Prince pulled Ariel to him and kissed her deeply, cupping her face. She smiled against his lips, closing her eyes. A servant walked out of a room in the hall and they both jumped apart.
The young maid nodded respectfully and scurried away, obviously embarrassed. When she was gone they both broke out into mischievous giggles. It had been a very long time since Eric felt his age. Ruling a country made him feel much older than his twenty one years.
Turning the doorknob to his bedroom they walked in, pressed against each other and shuffling toward the bed. In a swift motion Ariel was scooped up and carried the rest of the distance. Eric laid her down. Climbing on top of her slowly and kissing her neck.
He untied her corset, feeling the black cords slide free under his grip. She tugged on his shirt until he stopped and let Ariel pull it over his head. Gently she reached out a hand and ran her fingers over his bare chest. She watched the prickles over his skin pulse over and over under her touch.
When she swept his hair from in front of his eyes she whispered softly, "You're so beautiful."
Though Eric never thought it was easily accomplished, Ariel's words brought tears to his eyes. The passion and depth behind them laced her voice with longing sighs. Covering her hand with his, own he whispered her name gently.
"Ariel."
Though she had only ever seen fireworks that night she saved her Prince from drowning, she knew without a doubt they were what she saw and experienced as Eric removed her dress and covered her body with kisses.
The Prince also knew, without a doubt, what it was like to be hit by lightening.