Eric smoothed out the tiny wrinkles in his billowy white shirt, staring fixedly at his reflection in the bathroom mirror. He brushed a hand through his thick, onyx locks not finding a need to concentrate more on it. he heaved a deep sigh as he rubbed his temples. Today was going to a long day.
True, he had princely duties to address but those were not his biggest concern at the moment. He and Ariel would finally announce Ariel's pregnancy to the castle staff. First Grimsby will be informed and Melody as well. And, hopefully if this day goes smoothly, then they will publicly announce it to the kingdom. Today was going to be a huge day.
He turned on the water faucet and splashed cold water on his face. He still felt slightly drowsy, but this was bound to wake him up. Eric blinked as his hands fumbled around the counter for a wash cloth. He dried his face and slapped his cheeks. "Whoo!" he exclaimed feeling the utmost confidence pass over him. He strode over to the bathroom door and proceeded to swish it open.
"So," he started as he clapped his hands together and sped over to his glowing wife. "you ready?" he piqued with a quick of his ebony brow and a warm smirk crossing his lips. His hazy blue orbs twinkled with love and excitement. He felt ready and prepared. If she was by his side, then all of his nerves for today would instantly melt away.
Ariel took a deep breath as she looked at her reflection in the mirror, trying to keep herself calm. Trying to go for a more relaxed look, she had chosen to wear one of the early maternity gowns that she had from Melody. Luckily, the dress still looked modern, and it was much more comfortable. Forcing her growing body into all the regular corset gowns had gotten harder and harder as the weeks had passed.
Now, with the loose gown leaving her body feeling free, Ariel gently adjusted the small tiara on her head. The stones matched the color of her gown perfectly, though she usually preferred to leave the ornate headpiece behind. Considering, however, that this was a big day, she figured it would probably be better if she wore it. Besides, it was much easier to place in her hair since she had decided to leave her fiery locks in simple beach waves down her shoulders.
At the sound of Eric's voice, the redhead turned her head from the mirror, giving him a small smile. With a short, nervous giggle, she replied, "As ready as I'll ever be." She looked back at her reflection, smoothing out the dress carefully and feeling her stomach leap with nervous butterflies. Or is it the baby?
His light blue eyes trailed over to the mirror that Ariel was fixedly gazed upon. His hands gently grazed her shoulders, giving a tight and reassuring squeeze. "Hey," he whispered in a hushed tone. "you look beautiful." he commented with a warm smile gracing his handsome features. He delicately pecked her magenta cheek. In an instant, he interlocked his fingers with hers.
The sound of the sea salt waves crashing against the shoreline brought ease to the prince. He inhaled the deep and powerful scent. "You know," he said after a few moments of silence. "you're positively glowering." he commented lightly as he led her towards the door.
Ariel didn't realize she had been holding her breath, and at the sense of Eric's touch, she immediately relaxed. You can do this. You've done it before. Nothing to be worried about.
Hearing his voice, she turned in his arms, and gently kissed him quickly. "Thank you," she said in a hushed voice. Her voice was shaky. The only thing keeping her from panicking was the sound of Eric's reassuring words. So with one last exhale, she walked with Eric out of their room, feeling protected by his hand in hers.
Melody. Castle staff. People of the kingdom. Merpeople. I can do this.
Her distressed state made him cringe inside. He vividly remembered her being extremely nervous to announce her pregnancy of Melody. Eric gave the former mermaid a charming, dimpled smile turning his head toward hers. "Keep your chin up Miss Mermaid." he advised his wife, leaning into her ear. The royal couple leisurely strode down the hallways, hands still intertwined. Chamber maids and butlers bowed slightly to the passing couple. Eric nodded his head back, a friendly smile gracing his dashing features.
As the two began to descend the staircase, Eric swung their arms in a care-free, playful way. "You know, everybody's gonna be really happy when they hear the news." he stated, his eyes wandering around the palace and it's architectural design. "Adam and Belle already insisted on being the aunt and uncle." Eric chuckled light-heartedly, definitely considering them to be the aunt and uncle. The two continued on, walking towards the dining room in silence After a while, Eric glanced at Ariel. He stopped, pulling on Ariel's hand. "Hey." he whispered as he made her direct her gaze towards him. "let me see that dazzling smile."
Ariel tried to listen to Eric, keeping herself as relaxed as possible as they walked. The maids and butlers smiled at them and nodded, but then the smile would fade as they looked at Ariel. They gave her quizzical glances and shot the others around them a look. Clearly they knew something was going on. The redhead squeezed Eric's hand tighter, inching closer as they reached the staircase.
She steadied herself with the banister when they walked down. Despite her nervous state, she chuckled. "Of course they did. I wouldn't expect anything less of them. They still have to meet Melody."
When Eric suddenly stopped walking, Ariel turned her head to look at him, locking eyes. She bit her lip before clenching her teeth in an over-exaggerated smile. Giggling, she changed the funny face to a more comfortable smile.
Hearing the door creak open, Ariel gasped slightly and turned to see Melody skipping into the dining room, soaking wet. She must've been swimming.
Melody's airy voice echoed throughout the grand palace halls. Eric's eyes bulged as he whipped his head around in the direction his daughter came from. Eric blinked a few times, processing Melody's greeting. He gave his daughter a quick side hug and a peck on the head. "Hey, Melly." he gave her shoulder a little rub and side stepped back to Ariel.
Eric gave Ariel a side glance before directing his gaze back to his gleeful, soaked daughter. He eyed her up and down and shook his head. "Why don't you go get dressed and meet us in the dining hall. "He nudged his head towards the dining room, linking his hand with Ariel's and leading her down the hall.
A veil of silence passed between the royal couple as they continued their stride down the hall. All the while, holding each other's hands. Eric stopped in front of the closed doors and gingerly gripped her shoulders. His hazy, light blue orbs gazed into hers. Eric did not utter a sound, he let the warm and nurturing smile express all of the feelings he had stored deep inside. In just one swift move, his lips crashed onto hers. It wasn't a long kiss, but it still sent the passionate message through.
He proceeded to open the grand doors, revealing Grimsby polishing his 'ole pipe. Noticing that people have entered, the adviser's eyes wandered upward.
"Good morning, your majesties!" he greeted, a polite smile coming upon his aging face.
The sailor prince gave the ancient caretaker a warm smile as he seated himself at the front of the table. "Good morning, Grim." After seating himself down, he centered his gaze at Grim. "Ariel and I have some news we wish to share." he informed the adviser, who perked up immediately. His eyes darted towards the empty chair. "Just gotta wait for Melody."
Melody had nodded and walked back up to her room. She opened her closet and pulled out a random orange dress. It went a little past her ankles and had a slightly darker trim. After putting the top of it on and with a little struggle tying the back, she pulled the bottom on, and tied that also.
She took a quick look at herself in her mirror and decided she should at least brush out her bangs. Once Melody finished that, figuring out she should attempt to comb through her tangled hair, she tied it up in her normal pony tail. She slipped on some shoes and ran back down to meet her father and mother.
Once down there she slowed her running pace to a walk, "So what's the occasion?"
Eric's embrace relaxed Ariel, if only for a moment. It was a silent reminder that everything was going to be okay, despite Ariel's worries. She knew that by this, he was telling her wordlessly that he loved her, that she could do this.
When she heard Melody coming back into the hall, Ariel smiled softly at the sight of their not-so-little girl. Immediately, however, the nerves came back again. She took a deep breath, squeezing Eric's hand before releasing it to go speak with Melody. She knew that Eric wanted her to break the news to their daughter.
Walking over to their confused daughter, the redhead lowered herself to Melody, taking her hands. "Melody, sweetie, we have something we want to tell you, okay? It's a very, very good thing, and we hope you're just as happy about it as your father and I are." She glanced back at Eric, biting her lip, then turned back to look Melody in the eyes. "Melody, you're going to be a big sister." As she said it, the princess tried to keep her voice steady, attempting to show Melody how excited she really was, though at the moment her nervousness was taking over that excitement. She glanced up at Grimsby as well, letting him know she was speaking to him, as well.
Eric nodded slightly in affirmation to Ariel's subtle give away to the news, unable to refrain from revealing a dimpled smile. "It's true." he confirmed, with a simple shrug of his shoulders. A lighthearted chuckle escaped effortlessly as he made eye contact with his daughter. "There's gonna be another member in the family." He informed, feeling his lips curling into an even wider grin. To finally be able to tell his family the exciting news felt so relieving. Another breathless laugh emitted in the room before he peered at his adviser's reaction.
Grimsby's face was etched between a mix of shock and delight. The aged man blinked numerous times, as if taking time to soak in the information. Slowly, but surly, a jovial smile graced his thin lips. Little spurts of laughter echoed throughout the dining room. Grimsby reached out and patted the sailor prince on the shoulder. "Congratulations, to the both of you!" he exclaimed through his high sprung laughter. Eric warmly shook his trusted adviser's hand, equally as thrilled as the fragile man before him.
"Thanks, Grim" the sailor prince commented with a gentle nod of his head. With the exact same dimpled smile still plastered on his features, he focused his attention on his daughter. "So, Melly," he started, leaning forward and clasping his hands together on the oak table. "what do you think?"
Melody gasped, looking back and forth from her father and mother. "Really!? Really!?" she squealed. Ariel laughed, a wave of relief washing over her as she mentally and physically relaxed, giggling as her daughter embraced her. Melody then ran over to Eric and hugged him, exclaiming, "I gotta go tell Tip and Dash!" With that, she raced out of the palace, heading down to the beach yet again.
Ariel sighed and stood back up, walking back over to Eric and Grimsby. "Well, that went well," she breathed, a natural smile finally appearing. She giggled and stood next to Eric again, thanking Grimsby for his well wishes. She bit her lip and glanced up at Eric, raising a brow and asking with a grin, "Well, who's next?"
"Really." Eric confirmed with a wide grin spreading across his handsome face. Melody's immediate reaction soothed his anxious heart. His daughter's jovial gestures and high pitched voice caused the sailor prince to chortle at her overall attitude. To see her this excited about the pregnancy brightened the day even more. Eric watched, with love in his eyes, Melody embrace Ariel. The land and sea princess proceeded to sway merrily over to her father and fling her arms around his shoulders. For a brief moment, his large hand latched onto her petite one and gave it a gentle squeeze.
Melody skipped away, her airy voice echoing throughout the dining hall. Grimsby, in the midst of it all, stood from his seat with a wrinkled smile. "No doubt that this new member to the family will be anything like their father."
Eric rolled his eyes, an undeniable smirk directed straight at Grimsby. "They are just doing what they were born to do, giving their adviser's a strain on their blood pressure." he merely shrugged his broad shoulders and blinked wittily up at the again manservant. Grimsby, even though the evident smile deceived his defensive attitude, rolled his eyes and shuffled away.
"That went very well, if I do say so myself." Eric breathed heavily, massaging his temples. "Who is next on the list?" he questioned out loud, closing his eyes and divulging into thought. Informing the kingdom should be the last, he mused. He had a few of his family members that should know, but there is no rush to tell. "I think we should go down to the beach and tell your sisters and father." he suggested, his eyes linking up to Ariel's for a reply.
The mention of her underwater family sent butterflies through Ariel's stomach. No doubt her sisters would squeal with joy. That was their reaction the first time, and they would definitely love for another little one to spoil and coo over.
Her father, however.. Well, hopefully this time he'd be a little less.. reluctant. Of course, when she and Eric told him they were expecting Melody, he had been happy. But Ariel knew the whole idea of it discomforted him. Like Ariel, he had been nervous as to how the baby was going to.. turn out. Also, he wasn't all too familiar with how it happened, but he definitely knew it was much more involving than that of mermaids and mermen. Hopefully, this time he'd be nothing but excited.
Ariel grinned up at her husband and laced her arm through his. "Sounds good to me," she said happily, glad that her nervousness had settled down. "But how will they know to meet us at the shore?"
"Nonsense, Your Majesty," Grimsby's deep voice interrupted. "When you mentioned that there would be an announcement today, I sent a message to the Sea King informing him of it. I figured that whatever the announcement was, you would want for your family to know as well." The advisor glanced down at his watch, a brief smile forming on his wrinkled face. "Actually, I believe they should be at the shore now. Perfect timing by you two, if I do say so myself." He grinned up at the royal couple, obviously proud of his premeditated efforts.
"Well that settles that!" Eric exclaimed jovially as he rose from his seat. His arm tightened around her waist, inching her closer to his frame. "Perfect timing, Grim." he gave the caretaker a gracious smile and a nod of the head.
"Think nothing of it you two." The aged man waved a hand, giving a low chortle. "Now, run along. They're most likely down by the shore." Grimsby lightly prompted, gesturing his head towards the towering doors.
The sailor prince made eye contact with his wife, submerging himself into her piecing sea blue orbs. "Let's get down there, love." He urged, releasing the grip on her waist and intertwining their hands. "Poseidon only knows that Sebastian is havin' a heart attack by now." As the two exited the dining hall, he shook his tussled mop top before commented jokingly out loud. "I don't think he can handle any more surprises."
Ariel and Eric descended down the stairway leading to the beach. He swore that the rapid beating of his heart was excruciatingly louder than the roar of the waves. He clutched her hand as soon as he caught sight of her family in the distance. Her father, Sebastian, flounder, and her sisters were present. To him, it felt like they were going to proclaim it to the world. Various types of scenarios flashed through his brain with each step the royal couple took. Each step brought them closer. Each step made Eric tense. Releasing a shaky breath, his eyes quickly glanced to his wife. "You nervous?"
Ariel looked up at Eric, taking a deep breath and replying with a small smile, "You're probably right about that. He's probably thinking to himself now, 'Da sea king will have me shell if dat girl has gotten 'erself into trouble agin!" Her grin grew as she began to laugh, feeling even more of her nervousness slip away.
As they walked towards the beach, Ariel spotted her six older sisters, all squealing at the sight of their sister and brother-in-law coming to meet them. Sebastian stopped his pacing, also looking towards the royal couple as Flounder jumped out of the water repeatedly, waving his striped fin. King Triton, a content grin on his bearded face, folded his arms across his broad chest. The gentle waves covered only the tails of the merman and mermaids.
As they got closer and Eric spoke to her, Ariel exhaled again, giving his hand a squeeze. They were close enough now that both sides could see the others' expressions, so Ariel put on a smile and replied, through clenched teeth, "Oh yeah. Totally." Come on, Ariel. It's just Daddy and your sisters. You can do this.
When the couple finally reached the shoreline, the sea king relaxed his arms, inviting Ariel to meet him. Reluctantly, the former mermaid released Eric's hand and slipped out of her shoes, lifting her dress as she walked into the water. She wrapped her arms around her father and said quietly, "Hi, Daddy."
A genuine smile plastered on his face as the neared the royal mer-family. He leaned in close, his lips brushing her ear. " You can do this, Miss Mermaid." he encouraged in a soft voice. Eric straightened up, winking at his glowing wife. Once they reached their destination, they stopped their walk. Eric reluctantly released the loving grip on his wife's petite hand. A dimpled smile crossed his features as he watched Ariel reunite with her father. Whenever he saw the two meet at the shoreline, it always seemed like they were hugging each other as if it would be their last time. If that wasn't a true father daughter relationship, he wouldn't know what would be.
Eric stepped closer to the shoreline, never minding the fact the tide would come in and soak his leather boots. He lifted his hand for the Sea King to shake. "Pleasure to see you again, sir. Ariel and I have some great news to tell you all." He started, making eyes contact with everyone that was there.
Ariel nodded when he paused, realizing once again that she should probably be the one to tell her father and sisters. Eric could just… make the announcement later to the… the… the whole kingdom.
She silently cleared her throat before looking up at the sea king. "Well, um.. So, we know how much you all love Melody…" King Triton smiled proudly as the sisters nodded and grinned happily. "Well," Ariel continued, looking over to Eric briefly. "Well, she won't be the only grandchild and niece anymore." Ariel bit her lip, waiting for her family's reaction hesitantly.
The reaction to the news varied. A chorus of gasps and high pitched squeals echoed from where Ariel's mer-sisters floated. King Triton's wrinkled face curled into a warm and joyous expression with his deep blue orbs brimming with tears. Sebastian's jaw hung low with his expanding by the second. Flounder splashed around with a wide smile plastered on his face. True, this news was a lot to take in, Eric was just relieved that they all seemed to react in a delighted way.
Eric turned to Ariel, giving her wry smile. Everything went smoothly. Honestly, what was there to worry about? Well, there was the issue of-
"Congratulations, my boy!" Triton bellowed, clapping his mighty hand on the sailor prince's back. Eric's eyes darted to the ruler of the seven seas.
"Thank you sir." Eric responded, a dimpled smile crossing his features. "This is just," he paused, feeling Triton's expectant eyes on him. He weaved a hand through his wavy onyx locks, exhaling deeply. A blissful smirk came upon his face, his eyes meeting Triton's. "a blessing." His eyes wandered over to Ariel who gleefully conversed with her numerous sisters. " A truly magnificent blessing." he spoke under his breath, the smile on his face heightening.
"Oh jeez, mon!" cried a thick Jamaican accent. Eric furrowed his eyebrows and peered below. The sailor prince rolled his eyes at the cranky crab. "Does dis mean I got to babysit?!"
"You know it," Eric replied with a dorky grin, exposing his pearly whites. Sebastian dramatically waved his claws in the air. He knew that the crab meant well and was only kidding around. The sailor prince squatted down, to where the crustacean stood on a boulder by the shore. "Uncle Sebastian." The crab broke into frantic yet joking hysterics, babbling widely and stomping around the rock.
Being the royal couple and all, Eric knew that at some point they would have to announce this news to the kingdom…publicly. Eric's eyes lifted to the sky, to see that the sun was slowly but surely descending down. He discretely stepped towards Ariel, maintaining eye contact with her. "Hey, Ariel." He spoke, motioning his head towards the castle, hoping that she would catch the drift that it was time to depart.
Her whole family seemed excited, much to Ariel's relief. As she went to embrace her sisters, she could see the pride in her father's eyes, and she was glad that he didn't seem as nervous as he did the first time. He must have more confidence now that everything will be fine. At his smile, Ariel went forward to embrace him again, thanking him before walking over to her giddy sisters.
"Whatcha gunna name him or her?" Arista pleaded, as the mermaids huddled around their baby sister. "Oooh, I'm sure he or she is gunna be the cutest little thing!" Adella cooed. Ariel simply laughed, enjoying the time with her sisters.
Suddenly, Flounder jumped up out of the water, catching his best friend's attention. Ariel knelt down in the water, holding her dress. "Ariel, this is great!" he cheered. "This is gunna be so much fun!"
Engaged in the little celebration, Ariel finally noticed Eric trying to catch her attention. She understood his silent message and, after giving him a slight nod, stood up to bid her siblings goodbye.
"Well, we have to, you know, go tell everyone else," Ariel explained, motioning back towards the castle as she walked over to Eric. She smiled softly and said, "Thank you, really. I'm so happy you're all excited. I'll come talk to you soon, okay?" As she was about to say goodbye, the redhead added, "But.. this will mean that I won't be able to visit Atlantica for a while. Too risky." She shook her head a bit, then finally said her goodbyes. Soon enough, the group submerged back under the water, surely to tell the rest of Atlantica the exciting news.
As she and Eric turned to walk up to the beach, Ariel laced her fingers through Eric's again, saying, "Well, that went well." Actually, it went a lot better than she had expected. As she looked up at their home, she turned to Eric and said with a giggle, "I'd bet you my entire grotto that Grimsby has already alerted the kingdom that we have an announcement to make."
Eric scoffed, giving a teasing roll of his eyes. "That sounds a lot like Grim. But I kinda doubt he would find the time to alert the whole kingdom." he replied, emphasizing the word whole. The royal couple began to ascend the palace steps, with the aging adviser patiently waiting at the top of the stairs. Eric leaned closer to Ariel, his hazy blue orbs eyeing Grimsby. "You're on." he accepted, a sly smirk etched upon his handsome face.
"Come along, you two! We mustn't dilly dally. The day is not over yet!"Grimsby called in an accommodating yet assertive tone. The butler waved a fragile hand towards the couple, motioning for them to pick up their strolling pace. With a smile still plastered on the prince's face, Eric's eyebrows furrowed.
"What's the big rush, Grim?" Eric obliviously questioned as the duo finally reached the top. The sailor prince gave a coy smile at his adviser's bewildered expression. Grimsby released an exaggerated sigh before entering the palace, with Ariel and Eric trailing behind leisurely.
"You seem to have forgotten, Eric, that you have a big announcement to make to the entire kingdom!"Grimsby pointed out in an exaggerated fashion, leading the two down a corridor.
Eric squeezed Ariel's hand, mentally reminding himself that her hand was still intertwined with his. There wasn't a thing in the world to make him loosen the loving grip on her hand. Eric stared absentmindedly at the paintings they were passing by, exhaling at Grimsby's over dramatics. "I haven't forgotten, Grim. What's with the hurry. It's not like we're gonna announce it at this very moment."
"I'm sorry to inform you sire, but that is where you are incorrect." The ancient adviser stated as he came to a halt at the front of a closed door. Eric stopped as well, suspiciously eyeing the elderly man up and down. He raised a brow, inwardly praying that his hunch was wrong. His eyes darted to Ariel, becoming more alert as the seconds slipped by.
"Grim, you possibly couldn't have gathered the whole village to the castle in this small amount of time." Eric doubted, in the politest of ways. Grimsby proceeded to open the door, an immense amount of distant chatter exploded from the very back of the spaced room. Eric felt his jaw unintentionally sag, his eyes growing wide and glassy.
"Prince Eric, I have been your trusted adviser for more than 30 years." The adviser started before entering the room nonchalantly, with a wide grin on his deep, wrinkled face. "After all this time, do you still doubt my ability?" he piqued with a knowing smirk as his eyes mocked the dumbfounded prince.
Aware of his evident defeat, Eric shook his head, his lips curling into a tiny smile. "Of course not, Grim. Only you could pull off a stunt like this." Eric replied entering the room with Ariel in tow. The couple stopped in front of the opened door leading to the balcony where numerous shouts echoed and waved.
"Which is why I'm still in this business. I don't trust any of those young lackeys taking care of anything." Grimsby joked, stepping in front of the two and began to alter their clothing. "Now go out there and give your adoring people the grand news."he encouraged giving Ariel a delicate peck on the forehead and Eric a good pat on the back. The adviser side stepped around the royals and exited the room, leaving the two to handle the awaiting crowd.
"I guess you still get to keep your grotto." Eric teased, an infatuated glimmer streaking in his pale blue orbs. He gave her hand one final squeeze before slowly stepping outside to the balcony. Just as the couple presented themselves, booming roars filled the crisp air. With his free hand Eric gave a gentle wave to the cheering people. He couldn't help but beam down at the loving people. He raised a hand, signaling them to cease their shouts. The cries of joy died down as numerous expectant eyes gazed upwards at the balcony.
Eric cleared his throat before beginning, "Good day, everyone. I have summoned you all here today to make an important announcement. This news is a blessing to not only to everyone in the kingdom," he stated, quickly glancing down to their still interlocked hands. "but to family, friends, and to us." His eyes overlooked the sea of people. Some bore expressions of curiosity and wonderment. "I would like to formally announce that the royal family is expecting another child." He figured that the sooner the news came out, the better. Shouts of praise and joy erupted throughout the villagers. Eric released a hearty laugh, gazing over the merry people. Eric spoke again once the noise dwindled. "This is truly a remarkable time period for us and this is another mile stone in the kingdom's legacy. Thank you all so much for your support and appreciation. It is a true honor to serve such a generous folk, such as yourselves. This has made my wife and I unbelievably happy, and this only escalates are growing anticipation. Thank you." he ended his speech, his eyes carrying over to Ariel, asking the silent question if she would like to add anything.
When Grimsby urged them to hurry, Ariel wasn't surprised. She smiled and rolled her eyes to herself as Eric tugged on her hand. Knew it. When her husband whispered to her, she bit her lip to surpass a giggle, not wanting Grimsby to be offended.
The redhead wasn't sure what Grimsby was up to, but when she saw Eric's relaxed expression turn to one of confusion and alert, she began to worry. "Grimsby, there's no way you could have-"
As she said it, the advisor opened the doors, revealing the crowds of people that had been gathered. When they began cheering at the sight of their prince and princess, Ariel instinctively took a step back, trying to retreat behind Eric. She wasn't ready for this! She wanted to prepare herself before telling the whole kingdom!
She was almost jealous of Eric's ease and relaxation with his people. What a sight they must be. Eric, giving them his dazzling smile and wave, while Ariel stood behind him like a coward, her blue eyes scanning the masses of people. She could only wish that she didn't get so shy in situations like these; it was so unlike her personality.
During Eric's speech, Ariel began to zone out, feeling her heart pounding in her chest. But when the silenced crowd exploded into an eruption of cheers, she gasped, taken aback by their enthusiastic reaction to the news.
She thought that would be it, that Eric's speech was all that had to be said. But when she looked up to see her prince gazing down at her expectantly, she realized she should probably say something. So, putting on a brave face, she gave him a brief smile and squeeze of the hand before releasing it and taking a step forward.
"I want to thank you all for your enthusiastic response. It really does make us both more excited about our expected arrival." Ariel paused and cleared her throat, tucking her hair behind her ear as she became more relaxed and casual. "And, well, I just want to address something that I know was a concern during my pregnancy with Melody." A hush came over the crowd, and Ariel continued, "I know that, with Melody, everyone was worried about how our little girl was going to be, considering my.. Um.. My past." She sighed, then looked around the crowd. "But as you all know, Melody was a perfectly healthy baby girl, and we couldn't imagine our lives today without our little princess. Eric and I have faith that this baby will be the same way. If my.. genetics didn't affect her, I don't see why they would affect this new addition." Not knowing what else to say, and not wanting to confess her our personal worries, Ariel thanked the people and turned from the balcony, going to take Eric's hand again.
Overlooking the enormous crowd one last time, he gave a final wave to the public before gently grasping his wife's hand and guiding her back inside the room. "Well this day surly was productive." Eric commented, heaving a heavy sigh. A dimpled smile graced his lips nonetheless, truly relieved of how smoothly today's events seemed to flow. With their hands still locked in a loving embrace, the couple leisurely exited the room. Every footstep thumped against the wooden floor, his eyes absentmindedly glancing down at his polished black boots.
"Everyone seemed to take the news quite nicely." He spoke, shattering the moment of drawn out silence. His hazy blue orbs peered at Ariel's gorgeous face. As he studied her delicate features the corners of his lips turned upward with each passing step. "I'm surprised Sebastian didn't faint." He stated, his tone sounding slightly astonished. "Now," he easily transitioned, a wry smirk instantly appearing on his handsome face. "about baby names." he started, winking in Ariel's direction. "Personally, I favor the name Maynard or Mildred."
As the noises of the crowd began to fade, Ariel sighed, relieved that her anxieties were now diminished. "Yes, that wasn't as awful as I was expecting," she shrugged. "I guess I really didn't need to be worried about anything, I just.." she exhaled again, "I just get nervous with these types of things." As if on cue, her teeth began tugging at her lip again.
But at the mention of the familiar, dreadful names, Ariel laughed again, looking over at Eric with a playful roll of the eyes. "Very funny. And to think you thought that was my name." She made a face, similar to the one she had done in the bought when Eric had guessed her name.
Eric quirked a brow, soaking in her relieved confession. As soon as he caught her teeth non subtly biting her lip, he lovingly tightened their interlocked hands. "It's understandable to be nervous for these sort of things, love." He advised thoughtfully. His handsome face bore an expression of consideration and adoration. Eric scoffed lightly, shaking his head. "How did you think I felt?" he piqued with a dimpled smirk. After a brief pause, the sailor prince exhaled deeply. "All in all, you did great m'dear." he complimented smoothly, leaning forward and pecking her forehead.
A hearty chuckle escaped his lips, as the two continued to leisurely stroll down the hallway. "Hey, what can I say? Mildred is a very popular name." he slyly replied, idly swaying their hands back and forth in a playfully romantic manner. His broad smile dimmed slightly. "But in all seriousness," he began, his tone becoming as soft as a feather. "I was thinking of Hayden if it was a boy and Harmony if it was a girl."
"Thanks," she whispered simply, letting the quiet moment pass between them. "I guess I just expect myself to be better with these sorts of things. You would think I have enough practice by now." She shook her head, remembering the times she had had to speak out to the public, such as on her wedding day and on the announcement of her pregnancy with Melody.
As she was about to respond to his mention of "Mildred" again, Ariel paused and thought about the names he was seriously considering. "Hm. Melody and Harmony, Melody and Hayden." She looked up at him with raised brows and a slight nod of approval. "Not bad. We'll definitely consider them. But we have plenty of time to think about it." She smiled and leaned up to kiss his cheek. Afterwards, she let out a yawn.
"Well, this certainly was a busy day," she said tiredly. "But I'm glad everything went well." The redhead rested her head onto Eric's arm as the royal couple stood watching the ocean. Now that all the excitement was over, Ariel knew she just needed to take care of herself. She just hoped no one would baby her and treat her like a fragile seashell. It was going to be a long couple of months, but the princess was just excited to meet the new addition to their little family.