I decided to sleep in one of the guest rooms down the hall. It was very quiet that night, and I was worried so I didn't sleep well. I got up in the middle of the night to check on Eric. His chest was still slowly moving up and down with each raspy breath.

I sat by the bed wiping his brow with a damp cloth. He stirred a little and his eyes fluttered open and turned to look at me. "Ariel…"

"Shh. Go back to sleep."

"I will, right after I tell you that I love you."

"Well you just did, now sleep." I smiled. "And Eric, I love you too."

I went back to the guest room and laid down but sleep took a while to come over me. I must have slept hard though because normally I'm up with the sun. But the next morning it was well after eight before I rose.

Danny was waiting outside the room when I walked out. "Oh, hello Danny." I smiled.

"Morning Princess. Prince is asking for you."

I went over to our room and entered. Eric was sitting up in bed eating a little bit of breakfast. "Morning beautiful." He said his voice still a little gruff.

"Morning, how are you feeling?" I asked questioningly.

"A little better. Whatever doc Peters gave me yesterday seems to be working."

I smile. "Glad to hear it."

I walked over to the bed and sat in the chair next to his bed. Eric smiled and took my hand and kissed it. I gave him another dose of medication and then went down to the kitchen to grab some breakfast for myself.

It excited me that every time I went to check on Eric that day he seemed to do better. Doctor Peters dropped by for a surprise checkup and when he left he said that things were looking better with Eric. That made my heart jump almost out of my chest. He said that Eric had a fever still but it was lowering and he was glad to see that Eric had gained some of his appetite back. As was I.

Doctor Peters said that if Eric continued to take the medication and continued to improve that he believed that Eric would be just fine in a couple of days. I told him that would make sure Eric did what he asked.

Eric thankfully didn't complain about taking the medicine. And Doctor Peters was right a few days later Eric's fever had broke and he was slowly getting back to normal. It was about two weeks later that Eric and I went out and walked along the shore. We walked under the pier and he pulled me in close to him and kissed me passionately.

Just then a familiar voice interrupted us. "Glad to see you up and about son."

We turned to the voice and both chuckled. "Yes sir. How have you been?"

"Better knowing that you are well, and can continue to take care of my daughter and soon to be grandchild."

Eric smiled still holding me close. "So am I sir."

After daddy left Eric leaned in to kiss me again before we walked hand in hand back to the palace. I was so grateful that Eric was once again well and I cherished him even more. I looked up at him and smiled, for I knew that our love would never be broken come rain or shine. And I loved him more deeply.

"See Ariel, I won't die on you not now not ever." Eric whispered leaning down to my ear and squezzed my hand. "I love you."

"I love you too." I replied.

End.