Eric leaned in and hooked his arms around her. Lightly resting her hands on his chest Ariel sighed, but the sound of barking caught her attention and she jumped. The Prince tightened his grip, afraid she would jump into the water, never to be seen again. When Max came running at her she buried her head in Eric's chest.
"Get off of her you mutt!" He said sternly, but not without affection. The dog continued covering her with kisses and eventually she started laughing and became less frightened.
"Yes, I'm glad to see you again too." She told him in between giggles.
"Again?"
Looking guilty Ariel lowered her gaze, "I was on the ship last night."
"How?" He asked.
"I climbed up the side."
"So you were actually there when the ship blew up?" She nodded, "And you came back for me?"
Wringing her hands she said nervously, "You would have died."
His brow creased as he considered her. She'd risked her life to save him. In the distance he could hear someone calling, "Eric!"
She looked at him with panic in her eyes, "I have to go!"
"When can I see you again?" He held her arm gently, not letting go.
She looked around wildly, "I-"The man's voice came again, closer this time, "I'll come back tonight!"
He smiled letting releasing his grip, "The palace. Meet me on the steps!" Nodding again, she dove back into the ocean. Eric stood, watching her leave with a love struck gaze.