Disclaimer: The Little Mermaid, all characters, places, and related terms belong to Hans Christian Andersen and Walt Disney Pictures.
Author's Note: Inspired by TV spots for the upcoming live action film.
Real as a Dream
"A girl rescued me!"
Eric's hoarse words were ignored. For the men, whom had been searching for him, were far more concerned over potential injuries he had suffered. Too weak and dizzy to speak up again, the young man closed his eyes as he was taken to the castle.
"She pulled me right out of the surf."
Grimsby frowned worriedly. "No one else was out in the storm, Your Highness. I fear you were hallucinating. You did hit your head."
The prince swallowed hard, frustration burning the back of his throat. No, he could not explain how his rescuer had found him. Yet all the same, it was disheartening not to be believed by his friend.
"She's real. She saved my life!"
His tone was full of conviction. Because it was as simple as that. He would not be alive otherwise.
Thoughtfully the queen looked at him. "You were saved by something or someone," she acknowledged. "Perhaps it was your guardian angel watching over you."
Eric recalled the sensation of a soft hand touching his chest and cheek. Faintly he shook his head.
"And she was singing."
A light touch on his arm drew Eric's gaze from the twilight sky. The girl's brown eyes were seriously attentive as she looked at him for a minute. Slowly she nodded once, twice.
"Do— You believe me?" he asked, uncertain if he understood.
This time her nod was eager. Sincerity shone in her countenance.
Eric sighed. To be believed by this girl he had just met while his friends and family did not… "Thank you," he said, his smile grateful.
The red-haired girl's answering smile didn't quite reach her eyes, eventually fading as she glanced away. How unlike earlier at dinner, when her smiles caused her dark skin to glow and her eyes to sparkle (and made his heart skip a beat or two).
Resolutely pushing away thoughts of his own troubles, and wishing to cheer up his guest, the prince shyly offered to teach her to dance. He couldn't resist laughing, delighted, when she enthusiastically clasped his hand, her smile like a warm sunbeam.
THE END