Stephanie's POV

Immediately the next morning, search parties were put out. We stood on a boat talking to King Triton along with the man I danced with the night before. His name was Trevor and he was one of Eric's sailors. He was really concerned when he heard that the princess was missing. I thought it was sweet how he was concerned about her. Right now, I'm standing on the other side of the boat, with my elbows resting on the side, looking out to the sea. The morning sea breeze hitting my face didn't give the slightest bit of comfort like it usually does. I felt a hand on my shoulder; it was either Trevor or Eric. I turned around and it was Trevor. I managed a weak smile. He took his hand off my shoulder and took a spot next to me.

"You know, we're going to find her." He said out of the blue. I nodded and wiped a tear from my eye. "Hey, don't worry. I'm giving you my word as a sailor, I will find Princess Melody if it kills me." I looked at him knowing that he was trying to make a joke but I wasn't in the mood.

"It's just; she's never been just my niece. We shared secrets, we played games together, we pulled pranks, she was more like the sister I never had or my daughter that my niece. I just miss her so much." I said as more tears fell from my eyes. I buried my head in me hands and felt Trevor pull me into a hug. He rubbed my back and I tried to calm down. When he let go of me, I saw Ariel and Cindy stand up on the side of the boat. King Triton zapped them with his trident and they turned back into mermaids and jumped into the sea. I rushed over to the side and looked down. "Where are they going Eric?" I asked him.

"They're helping with the search in the sea." I looked at him and saw the sorrow in his eyes. I knew that I had to tell him now.

"I'm so sorry, this is my entire fault." Eric looked at me confused. "Melody has been sneaking out into the sea since she was nine. She found a lose bar and found out a way to get out. Cindy and I have been helping her and swimming with her. Eric, I'm so sorry." I said as I hung my head. Eric looked at me shocked.

"So this whole time, you've been helping my daughter disobey Ariel and I?" I nodded. "Stephanie, how could you do that to me and Ariel? I don't have time for this, I deal with you later. Right now, we have to concentrate on getting Melody home safe and sound before Morgona finds her."

Cindy's POV

I swam around and thought of how I should tell Ariel. I sighed and swam up to her.

"Ariel, I… I have to tell you something. Melody's been sneaking out since she was nine. She found a loose bar and a way to get out to the sea. Stephanie and I have been helping her and swimming with her. I'm so sorry." Ariel stopped in her tracks and turned towards me.

"You mean to tell me that you and Stephanie have been helping my baby get out here where you know Morgona could be lurking around every corner? How could you? Eric and I trusted you two. I can't deal with this right now. Eric and I will deal with you two later. Right now, the only thing that matters to me is getting Melody home safe and sound. Neptune help me Cindy, if Morgona has her, I'll be planning a welcome home party and a funeral." Ariel turned away from me and swam off fast. I could feel tears sting my eyes. I can't believe she just said to me. I know I deserve it buy still. I just hope we can find Melody soon. I swam around looking under every rock, in every coral, around every corner, and there was no sign of her. I was swimming along when I a… penguin? Wait, what? I swam after it and also saw a walrus. Okay, I've gone crazy. They ducked under a table. I saw King Triton. He looked so depressed. I hid behind a plant. Ariel was announced and he went to meet her. Where had she been? Whatever, later, wait a minute, who's going for the trident? Oh my God!

"Melody!"