Falling was a concept Ariel didn't understand. Getting used to her legs hadn't been difficult, but the idea of being able to be harmed just by leaning over too far… it would take time to comprehend. Needless to say Eric spent much of his time catching her.
"Whoa! Careful! Easy!" He shouted as he dove to grab her. Laughing still, Ariel didn't seem to notice that she had almost tumbled down under the carriage when she leaned to watch the horses walking. When they danced in the town square she felt her first rush of adrenaline brought on when the Prince gripped her waist and spun her around in the air. Every time that adventurous smile grew Eric felt his heart warm more and more.
She had no interest in shopping. Instead she ran from place to place asking questions. She wanted to do every activity they could until they were both exhausted.
"Would you like to go for a boat ride?" He asked toward the end of the day. Making a face at him in revulsion he held up his hands and laughed, "Okay no!"
She'd spent her entire life around water, and didn't want to bother with it when there were so many things she didn't know. They rode a horse together through the fields, walked in the garden and tasted everything she even remotely wanted to try.
Nights were the hardest. Eric tossed and turned, thinking about her lying in bed alone and terrified he would wake one day to find her vanished as quickly as she had appeared. Ariel would stare at the ceiling and try hard not to let her worries creep into her mind.
Sometimes she thought of her sisters and missed the closeness they had shared. At times she wondered about her father, but also feared what would happen if he ever discovered where she had gone.
One night, when sleep would not come to find her, she finally threw off her covers and slipped on Eric's shirt that he had first give her. The concept of nudity was also something she didn't understand, and headed out to the beach at night with his large clothing hanging off her.
When she had entered the courtyard she was surprised to find Eric also standing outside and watching the waves as they flowed.
"Eric?"
Looking over at her, a warm smile greeted her and he ran to scoop her up. He kissed her gently and she laughed as quietly as she could manage.
When he set her back down he breathed, "I hoped you would be awake."
They could feel the growing tension in the palace as Grim began to disapprove of Ariel more and more. He had become openly rude, rolling his eyes and often commenting about her action or appearance. Luckily the man had no authority, and despite his hostility, there was little more he could do.
Gently cupping her neck Eric noticed how perfectly her bare shoulder curved as it peeked out of the shirt. Sucking in a sharp breath, he leaned down and kissed her collar bone. She sighed and leaned her head back. Fire burned under her skin each time he made contact. Again, he lifted her and this time carried her back inside, and up to his chambers. In the quiet of the night, all their doubts were chased away.