Later that night, Eric couldn't sleep. If the boat hadn't capsized, he would have kissed her. The buggy ride home was quiet, but Eric and Ariel were both smiling in the darkness. Eric felt that the moment was not right to try and kiss her again, but he wanted to wait for another magical moment like the one on the lagoon.

Carlotta fussed and fretted over both of them when they got back to the castle. She sent Eric to his room to change out of his wet things. Eric watched her steer Ariel away from him with a twinge of sadness. Their wonderful day together was ending. Even with her hair soaking wet and her shoes squishing when she walked, she was still gorgeous.

Back in his room, Eric found a blue shirt. He pulled it on and wrapped a cloak around his shoulders. Without a second thought, he grabbed his flute and headed outside.

What would I give to see you smiling at me?

Eric sighed heavily. Why did love have to be so complicated. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was meant to be with the girl who saved him. The ocean whispered rhythmically.

"Eric," a voice said behind him. Eric turned and saw Grimsby, his councilor and friend. "If I may say, far better than any dream girl is one of flesh and blood, one warm and caring." Grim gestured up to Ariel's window. "And right before your eyes."

Eric looked up and smiled. Ariel was combing her hair with a fork, a dreamy look on her face. Eric wasn't sure he would ever understand Ariel completely, but Grim was right. She was right in front of him and even though he had only known her for a couple of days, he knew he could love her. He looked back at his flute. I choose Ariel, he thought. He used his strength to throw the flute into the ocean. It landed with a splash beyond the rocks. With his mind made up, Eric glanced back to Ariel's window. He wondered how she felt about an evening stroll on the beach. He wanted to kiss her. He walked towards the window. I'm going to kiss her. I'm going to make her my girl, he thought.

A sound from the beach stopped him. It was a voice, a woman's voice. He had heard it before. He rushed back to the balcony and leaned over the side. A girl was walking along the water's edge, the wind making her hair flow behind her. Eric squinted. Through the fog, he couldn't' see her clearly, but the voice sounded so much like… He leaned further over the balcony. Something began to glow around her neck. Could this be the girl that saved his life?

Come down to the beach, Prince Eric.

Eric went to the beach. He stood in front of the girl.

My name is Vanessa, a voice said in his mind. I am the girl that saved you from the ocean. We are madly in love and you are going to marry me before the sun sets tomorrow.

"I am going to marry you before the sun sets tomorrow," Eric said steadily.

"Ha! It worked!" the girl calling herself Vanessa said melodiously. Her voice was perfect. "I really amaze myself sometimes." She took his arm and began to strut down the beach with him. They walked for hours, Vanessa singing and talking and laughing to herself.

Eric was in shock. He was trapped in his own body. This girl, whoever she was, had taken over and was making him say and do things that he didn't want to. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't move on his own. He was like the puppets he and Ariel had seen in the street early that day. He was completely under the control of this Vanessa. This must be how Ariel feels when she can't talk to me. He didn't like Vanessa one bit.

Her voice, though…. This is the girl that saved me, Eric thought. He felt so disappointed. He had built up such a perfect picture of his rescuer in his brain, but she had turned out nothing like he imagined. Vanessa was some sort of enchantress. There was sneakiness in her eyes. She wasn't even pretty. Her hair wasn't red. Her smile was evil and calculating. Suddenly, Eric knew for sure that he was falling for Ariel. Everything he liked about her, Vanessa was missing. He felt foolish for ever thinking a voice was important. Ariel had proven to him that a girl didn't need a voice to be a perfect match.

"We'll tell the whole castle tomorrow morning," said Vanessa. "You couldn't sleep because you were trying to find me. After a night full of searching, we happened upon each other and had a romantic reunion or whatever. We'll be married before you know it, sweet cakes."

No! Eric thought. "I will tell Grimsby I found you and want to marry you immediately." What are you saying?! Eric screamed in his head. She's not the one!

"Good!"

No! No, no, no! Eric felt so powerless. He could do nothing. At least I know what's going on and I'm not completely under her will. I still have my own private thoughts.

When the sun began to rise, Vanessa guided them towards the castle.

Call for Grimsby, Vanessa said in his head.

I'm not going to- "Grim! Will you come down here, please?" Eric yelled.

Carlotta came instead. "Mr. Grimsby hasn't woken up yet, Eric. I-" She stopped when she saw Vanessa. "Who-?"

"This is my true love," Vanessa made Eric say. "I need to speak to Grimsby at once." Vanessa embraced him. Eric would have shuddered if he had any say on how he moved. "And see that my new bride-to-be is taken care of. That will be all."

"Yes, of course," Carlotta said. Eric could see the confusion and mild anger in Carlotta's eyes. He was creating several unanswered questions.

Go to your room and change into some of your best clothes. You hardly look like a prince in that ridiculous outfit you're wearing. Vanessa let go of his arm and glided away from him.

Eric walked to his room and changed into his blue suit. He combed his hair and pulled on his dress boots. Max lifted his head from where he slept on the rug. He ran to Eric and jumped up on his leg. He barked. Eric couldn't even look at him. He just walked out of the room.

Max whined. I'm sorry, buddy, Eric thought. I can't help it.

Vanessa met him at the top of the stairs. She wore a blue sleeveless dress and a strange shell necklace. She smirked at him and took his arm. They descended the stairs. Gaze into my eyes, lover-boy, she said. He hated her more and more every time she made him do something. He looked at her.

Think about Ariel, he thought. She's fun. She's beautiful. And for some reason, she likes you.

Grim approached them. "Well, uh, Eric," he said, unsure. He bowed politely to Eric and Vanessa. "It appears that I was mistaken. This mystery maiden of yours does… in fact exist."

Vanessa stroked Eric's chest affectionately. Get your hands off me, woman! he tried to yell.

"And… and she is lovely," the older man continued. Eric could hear the lie in his voice. Of course Vanessa wasn't lovely, especially when compared to Ariel. Grimsby took Vanessa's hand and forced a smile. "Congratulations, my dear."

Vanessa smiled sweetly. Eric, tell him we wish to be married as soon as possible.

"We wish to be married as soon as possible," Eric repeated. Out of the corner of his eye, the thought he saw a flash of red. Ariel! He thought. He didn't want her to hear any of this. He didn't want to even say any of this. He hoped his eyes had deceived him but Ariel's red hair was very distinguishable.

"Oh yes," Grim said, his smile fading. "Of course, Eric, but… uh… these things take time you know…"

Demand that we are wed this afternoon, Dreamboat, Vanessa hissed into his brain. Her smile remained sweet, but her violet eyes flashed.

"This afternoon, Grimsby," said Eric. "The wedding ship departs at sunset."

"Oh," Grimsby started. "Oh, very well, Eric. As you wish." Grimsby gave Eric a puzzled look and spun around, leaving Eric alone with the enchantress. She let out a quiet chuckle stroking her necklace. It began to glow softly.

That must be the source of her power! Eric thought. If only there was a way to destroy it.

"Come, doll," Vanessa said. "We have a wedding to plan."