Hi guys! So SO sorry for the delay! I gradute this Wednesday so I have been SO busy. I will have more chapters soon! Love you all!

Chapter 15

Aril watched the ground as she walked into the dining room. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and then looked up. Straight into Eric's eyes. Her heart did flips in her chest, the look he was giving her was filled with hopes and dreams, heat and secrets.

"Thank you for having me for lunch Prince Eric," she spoke softly, looking down once again and falling into a deep curtsey. She wouldn't make her father look bad even if they didn't know who her father was.

"The honor is mine," Eric sighed, her voice took her breath away. He pulled a chair out for her and she sat down gracefully.

Two servents walked in carrying silver domes, they set one infront of Eric and the other infront of Ariel. With a flourish they pulled the domes off and infront of them set fried soft shell crabs on a bed of fluffy greens. Ariel shriked and pulled away from the table, and ran to towards the double doors that led to the balcony.

Eric closed his eyes and took a steadying breath. When he opened them he stared at his head waiter. "Please return these to the kitchen and ask them to bring us dishes without any seafood." He should have know that this could happen.

He stood and followed Ariel to the balcony. Her hands were resting on the cool marble as she looked out at the ocean. She had always longed for a moment with legs, but the sea was still calling to her. She couldn't ignore that it whispered to her. Doing its best to bring her back.

"Are you okay?" Eric asked, placing a hand on Ariel's shoulder. She turned and peered up at him. He was so much taller then she was. "I'm so sorry, I should have realized you wouldn't want sea food."

"Why would you say that?" Ariel asked, heat rushing throughout her body starting from where his hand sat.

"You're a mermaid," Eric stated. "At least I think you are. I was on one of my ships this morning and heard the most beautiful voice. When I looked I saw you," he paused. "At least I think I saw you."

He gripped her shoulders steadily in his large hands, in her eyes he could see himself. A better self then he was now. He leaned down and kissed her softly, as he did she slipped her arms up and around his neck, pulling him closer. The need for them to be together was electrifying. Eric pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her as he slowly began kissing her chin, trailing kisses down her neck. It was intoxicating.

Someone cleared their throat behind them, they pulled away and Ariel closed her eyes and took a deep breath as Eric turned to look at the person in the doorway. He still held fast onto her hand.

"Father!" He exclaimed, still clutching her hand. He never wanted to let her go, but he knew this was not a good way for his father to meet her.

Regina walked back and fourth on the beach below the castle. She knew Eric had seen her, as had his stupid second in command. She didn't care about him though. All she wanted was to be noticed by the Prince. She needed him to notice her, and then he could use that as a way to get to him tomorrow. That little Mermaid would have to come back to sea tomorrow. No matter what.

Rumplestilskin watched as Prince Eric kissed Princess Ariel in a shallow bowl in front of him. With a swipe of the hand he watched as Regina walked on the beach, a sly smile on her lips. With a cackle, Rumple waved his hand over the bowl again and it back to Eric and Ariel.

"Oh Regina. You'll bring me my wishes, but not your own." Rumple laughed, as the Prince introduced Ariel to his father.

"What are you doing?" A soft, sweet voice said behind Rumple. His heart jumped into his throat. He knew it had been a bad idea letting that girl get into his head.

"Why nothing Belle, my dear," he turned, snapping his fingers and the bowl was just a bowl, there wasn't even a trace of water left.