Chapter 9

AS Ariel followed Eric and the Prince through the winding cobblestoned streets of the charming fisherman's village of Ipswich, she couldn't help but question her decision. Nervousness began to gnaw at her heartstrings, and she absentmindedly tugged on the end of her long red ponytail, trying her best to keep up, though her feet felt like lead in her boots. Why had she agreed to this? Why had she put herself in a position where she might accidentally reveal something to the Prince and his companions? Though she couldn't speak, Ursula had mentioned that her body language could give her away, betraying her thoughts and feelings. Ariel worried that her eyes might unintentionally disclose her true nature.

To make matters worse, Darius's wife, Helena, already harbored suspicions about her, likely due to her distinctive, fiery hair. At times, Ariel wished she could retreat to the safety of the Prince's castle, but her newly acquired human legs, a gift from Ursula, seemed to have a will of their own. Ariel couldn't fathom what had compelled her to make such a choice.

She longed to understand her motivations. As they strolled through the village, Eric attempted to engage Darius and Helena in casual conversation, mentioning that the brisk autumn air felt warmer than usual. She watched intently as Darius carefully kept one hand around his wife's slender waist, ensuring they moved at her comfortable pace.

Ariel couldn't help but feel a warmth in her cheeks, wondering if it was merely the rush of blood or something else entirely.

Ariel's chest tightened, and an unsettling ache settled in the pit of her stomach. It took her a good five minutes of walking and introspection to recognize the source of her discomfort—it was jealousy.

She yearned for Eric to put his hand around her waist, mirroring the gesture Darius displayed with Helena.

The fact that Eric's actions bothered her so deeply perplexed Ariel. She couldn't understand why it affected her so much, but she couldn't deny the feeling of betrayal and hurt that washed over her. Despite Eric being nothing more than a kind friend, Ariel couldn't help but feel bothered by the fact that she allowed herself to be consumed by such emotions.

The journey to Darius and Helena's home felt never-ending as if time itself had slowed down. Ariel couldn't shake the feeling that her thoughts were transforming into relentless inner demons, refusing to grant her any respite.

However, as they finally arrived at their destination, Ariel's anxieties eased at the sight of the small yet charming abode belonging to the Prince's friends.

Constructed from sturdy wood and topped with a thatched roof, the house exuded a sense of enduring allure—a home that had weathered the test of time with love and care. A bashful smile graced Ariel's lips as Eric continued to hold her hand, guiding her inside. Once indoors, Ariel's gaze was captivated by an array of trinkets adorning the shelves along the walls. It reminded her instantly of her grotto back home, the one that her father had destroyed.

A sudden wave of bitterness washed over her, settling in the pit of her stomach. Though she tried to push the memory aside, it stubbornly lingered, casting a shadow over her silent awe as she explored Darius and Helena's home.

"Do you like it?"

Ariel flicked her autumn locks behind her, uncertain of how long Darius and Helena had been lingering near their table, observing her intense gaze fixed upon the various items displayed on the shelves. The somber expression on the attractive man's face troubled Ariel, prompting her to glance around discreetly. After a moment, she nodded in affirmation.

Sensing her response, Darius proceeded to shut the door with a resounding thud, causing Ariel's anxiety to intensify as she realized she would need to exert considerable effort to hide the truth from Eric and his companions.

"Good," Darius's voice reverberated within the confines of his abode. "We were hoping you would approve, Ariel."

Ariel gave Darius a funny smile as the Prince moved to pull out her chair for her as she took the seat she presumed was to be hers, seated across from Helena, who was eyeing her out of the corner of her gaze, interested.

Why wouldn't I? she asked with a light shrug of her shoulders, the furrow of confusion between her brow deepening as she looked at Eric.

"We don't get too many guests," was all Darius answered as he made to head towards the small wooden sideboard near the hearth that practically groaned under the weight of heavily laden breakfast trays that his wife looked to have prepared beforehand.

Eric flashed her a mischievous smile, accompanied by a playful roll of his eyes towards the ceiling, as if to assure her there was no need to worry.

Ariel acknowledged his gesture with a nod, diverting her focus back to the Prince's companion who was busying himself with arranging their breakfast. Her eyes widened in astonishment at the abundance of human food laid out before them.

Her face registered her surprise and bewilderment at the amount of food Darius set on the table in front of them, and within minutes, the couple was handing their plates across the table to them.

Ariel took her plate shyly, her mouth agape at so much human food, unsure of where to start.

Ariel carefully examined the spread before her, unfolding her linen napkin and discreetly mimicking Eric's placing it on his lap, hoping to get it right. Despite being a light breakfast, Ariel couldn't help but notice that the meal prepared by Darius's wife resembled more of a lavish feast. It was evident that Helena had gone to great lengths to ensure their satisfaction, and Ariel felt touched by her kindness. Uncertain if her scrutiny was causing any disapproval, Helena initiated the conversation with a hint of apprehension, accompanied by a weary laugh.

"Is everything to your liking?" she inquired breathlessly, a soft smile gracing her lips.

Darius, sensing her unease, gently rested a hand on her arm as she reached for her cup.

Ariel expressed her appreciation through a nod, eager to reassure her new friends and convey her delight as she glanced down at the enticing food on her plate. She attempted to communicate her satisfaction through a radiant expression, silently conveying her approval.

Observing her gesture, Eric nodded and reached for a pitcher of milk, extending it toward Ariel's cup.

"Allow me," he insisted, conveying his willingness to assist her. Without awaiting her response, he proceeded to fill the cup in front of the siren. Ariel regarded Eric with uncertainty, her eyes fixed on him. She had only known the Prince for a brief period, merely a precious day at most, and she couldn't comprehend why his behavior seemed peculiar around her.

With a shrug of her shoulders, she asked him, What are you doing?

Her azure eyes widened with confusion as she stared at Eric in astonishment.

"What? I-I'm just filling your cup, Ariel," Eric stammered, his self-consciousness evident. He grimaced inwardly, mentally berating himself for revealing his nervousness so readily.

Ariel shook her head, her expression conveying a different meaning.

No, Eric, you misunderstand, she clarified. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her emotions welling up as she gestured towards the spread of food and his companions. I meant... Why are you going to such lengths? Is all of this just an attempt to impress me?

Eric's demeanor suddenly shifted, a troubled expression crossing his face as he firmly placed his cup on the table.

Ignoring the now uncomfortable glances from Darius and Helena, who seemed embarrassed to witness such an intimate moment, he focused his gaze earnestly on Ariel. At that moment, he saw only her.

"I had hoped to forge a deeper connection with you, Ariel," he confessed, his voice filled with a mix of pain and vulnerability. "I-I had hoped that... you would want to stay in the castle if you liked it there. With...with me," he murmured, stumbling over his words, his blunt and awkward phrasing belying the softness in his sparkling blue eyes.

Despite his clumsiness, hope rang clear in his voice, impossible to conceal. Ariel sighed. She had never dreamt that a mortal man of the land would ask her such a question, let alone the Prince of these lands whose life she had saved.

Yet, the implication and unspoken meaning behind his words made her blush and she instinctively looked away.

I…I would like that, she tried to convey, yet she could not bring herself to meet the Prince's gaze.

Eric directed his gaze towards the rim of his cup, his expression pensive as he carefully placed it back on the table. Determinedly, he raised his eyes and locked them with Ariel's, maintaining an unwavering focus on her.

He glanced toward his friends, who seemed to sense Ariel's distress and quickly intervened on Eric's behalf.

"As you'll be staying with us for some time, Helena and I are genuinely interested in getting to know you better," Darius extended an invitation, his face displaying a mix of hope and earnestness. He yearned to unravel the mystery surrounding the young redhead's origins and the reason behind her muteness. "Could you share where you're from and shed some light on why you're unable to speak?" he inquired directly, his words forthright yet not devoid of compassion.

Ariel tensed, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. Clutching the edges of her chair for support, she gritted her teeth, hoping to avoid the impending conversation. Reluctantly, she lifted her gaze and met the eyes of Prince Eric's companion, letting out a sigh. However, a part of her acknowledged that there was no reason to distrust the Prince's friends. They had shown kindness and courtesy in their welcome, going out of their way to make her feel wanted in Ipswich by inviting her into their home and sharing a meal. She didn't want to appear ungrateful. Maybe... a partial truth wouldn't do any harm.

Politely, she pushed her plate aside and felt a wave of gratitude as Darius, sensing her unspoken request, reached across the table to offer a scroll of parchment paper, a quill, and ink. Meanwhile, Eric cleared additional space on the table, creating ample room for Ariel to write. Eric watched and waited impatiently as the sound of the quill's tip scratching against the rough parchment paper filled the air. He was half tempted to tell her there was no need for this.

As she carefully wrote down her thoughts, time seemed to stretch endlessly for her. Sliding the parchment to the center of the table, she positioned the scroll so that it could be easily read by the three of them. Eric's heart sank as he caught a glimpse of tears welling up in the redhead's eyes. Unintentionally, he had hurt her feelings. Nonetheless, his eyes were drawn to the words that leaped off the page as he began to skim through the story penned by Ariel.

I fled from my home, and it felt like an eternity. My father envisioned a life for me that didn't align with my desires. I refused to accept it, so I sought assistance from a peculiar witch. She aided me in coming here, but in return, she claimed my voice. Yet, she was the only one who helped when no one else would. Sacrificing my voice is a small price to pay. I've already encountered all of you, and I wouldn't trade our friendship for anything in the world, not even to reclaim my voice.

Eric's throat tightened, his breath hitching, when he heard Darius emit a disapproving sound from the back of his throat. Raising his gaze, he noticed his friend turning pale, fixated on the parchment as if Ariel's story had deeply revolted him.

However, he couldn't dwell on Darius's reaction at the moment.

Ariel was his priority, and he needed to ensure her comfort to the best of his abilities. Eric furrowed his brows into a frown as without thinking, he stretched a hand and rested it on Ariel's shoulder. Slowly, with painstaking slowness, the redhead turned her head in his direction and looked at him with awe and unease sparkling in the blue gems that were her eyes.

He strained his mind, searching for the right words to offer her solace, no matter how small.

It pained him to think of her father, who seemed controlling, thrusting upon her a life she never desired.

Yet, he understood all too well the weight of that burden. Grimsby frequently emphasized that he had a greater calling, one surpassing mere necessities, desires, or even love. However, love was the deepest longing within him—to experience the affection of a woman and be reciprocated, to have her perceive him as an ordinary human being, just like any other.

He yearned to convey to Ariel his willingness to grant her every desire if only she would express them. If only she would choose to remain by his side.

However, he found himself at a loss, apprehensive that offering such solace in her current fragile state might only terrify her. Hence, all he managed to utter was a solemn statement.

"I apologize for the hardships you've endured, Ariel," he murmured. "But within Ipswich, within my domain, you shall find sanctuary. No one—especially not your father—can harm you here. Stay for as long as you wish. You need never return home if that is your wish. I...that is to say we," Eric stammered as he cast a quick weary glance towards Darius and Helena, who quickly nodded their agreement, catching the Prince's point, "wouldn't let anything happen to you. We swear."

As Ariel's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, she met Eric's gaze with caution, only to discover a profound sadness reflecting her suffering within his eyes. A surge of astonishment washed over her as she witnessed the Prince's genuine understanding. At that moment, a longing enveloped her, urging her to surrender herself to the depths of his mesmerizing blue eyes. But the part of Ariel that won, however, was that which wanted to crawl away and hide.

The mermaid quickly snapped herself back to her guarded nature and tried to hide her emotions from her new friends as quickly as she'd let them breach the surface.

With haste, Ariel sprung up from her seat, causing the chair to scrape against the wooden floor of Darius and Helena's dwelling. Panic gripped her as she frantically scanned her surroundings, seeking an escape route in both directions. Her unease became evident as she bit down on her lower lip, a nervous gesture while fidgeting with the end of her ponytail. Attempting to express her gratitude to Darius and Helena for the meal they had prepared, Ariel's words faltered.

Well, I... she began, her discomfort palpable. Thank you, Darius, Helena, for this meal, she managed to thank the Prince's friends with a look, gesturing toward the food they had lovingly prepared. She glanced towards the window, at the skies that were darkening. The weather promised a storm soon if they weren't careful. She looked towards Eric, hopefully. Would...would you like to show me the village? she asked, pointing towards the hamlet through the house's window. If we're going to go, we should go before the weather comes. It looks like it's going to rain, she frowned as she looked away.

She turned towards Eric and watched as the Prince parted his lips to speak, though his attention was commanded elsewhere as Darius's wife rose to her feet, her face pale and weary and the dark bags under her eyes were prominent.

Darius immediately helped her to her feet, one hand wound around her waist, the other holding onto her hand as she breathed through the worst of a sharp shooting pain that seemed to shoot through her midsection.

Her face twisted and contorted into a pained grimace and it was a moment before she could find her voice again.

Her voice trembled weakly as the maid spoke, her words barely audible.

"Darius, my love... I-I don't think I can join all of you today. The pain... it's overwhelming."

Darius clasped her hand tighter, pulling her closer until she was pressed against him. His voice filled with worry and concern as he gazed deeply into his wife's dark eyes.

"Helena, my darling, are you certain, my love? I cannot bear to leave you here alone in such a state..." His voice trailed off as Helena shook her head, dismissing his words.

"No, no, I will be fine, my dear. Some fresh air will do me good. Prince Eric and Ariel have been eagerly anticipating the visit to the hamlet. You can take them," she offered hopefully. "I promise you, Darius, I will rest and recover soon. It's just a temporary setback, that's all."

Ariel instinctively reached out, seeking Eric's hand, oblivious to the breathless gasp that escaped the Prince's throat as their fingers interlocked perfectly as if destined to be entwined.

Her eyes brimmed with empathy and concern as she observed the touching yet troubling scene. A silent understanding passed between Ariel and Eric, their worry for their friends reflected in their expressions.

Darius's voice quivered. "Very well, Helena, my dear. If you insist on staying, then I will take Eric first. But... I need to do something first then I could meet you all at the pier's edge," he informed his wife, his words tinged with a distant tone.

Helena's gaze softened as she locked eyes with Darius, concern etched across her face. She observed her husband's troubled expression, his once bright blue eyes now distant and glossy as he averted his gaze towards the window, peering out at the sea. Though she doubted he could see anything, it was as if his attention had been captivated elsewhere.

"There is... something I must attend to, my love," he murmured, gripping her hand firmly as he spoke. "It won't take long. Stay here and rest, my darling. Eric and Ariel will explore the hamlet. It won't be a lengthy stroll, and they'll return to keep you company until I return." Darius attempted a smile, but his countenance failed to conceal his underlying apprehension as he turned away.

"What's the matter, Darius?" Eric immediately sensed the unease in the air. "Can Ariel and I assist you?" he implored, his voice brimming with urgency.

"No, Eric. Show Ariel around the hamlet, and get to know her better. What I must do... it won't take me much time," he declared, pivoting back towards Helena. He pressed a gentle, chaste kiss to her temple, releasing her hand, and swiftly made his way out of the house.

Reluctantly, Darius broke his grasp on Helena and walked towards the door, not bothering to look back over his shoulder at his wife or his friends as he swiftly and quietly exited his home, leaving Helena, Eric, and Ariel alone in his cottage.

Eric was left to stare after the door, instantly troubled.

"He seems so distraught," he blurted out, unable to keep the frantic note of fear from his voice. He did not think he could bear it if anything happened to Darius.

The man was a brother to him when he had no other family to call on.

Ariel turned towards Eric and met his gaze.

I don't know, Eric, but your friend, something has changed in him. We should keep an eye on him. But for now, let's give him this time. We'll have plenty of time to figure it out later. If we're going to see the hamlet, we should go before the rain comes, she tried to tell him with just a single look as she reached for the Prince's hand, feeling a fluttering feeling in her chest and the first stirrings of desire the longer she held onto the man's hand and looked into his eyes.

Eric's initial concern lingered, his gaze shifting towards Helena with a tinge of regret.

He couldn't help but worry about leaving Darius's wife alone in the house without any company.

"A-are you sure you'll be alright here on your own, Helena?" he asked, worried. "Ariel and I, we hate to leave you," he trailed off, looking almost hopefully, earnestly, into Helena's dark eyes, half hoping that Darius's wife would say yes.

But his shoulders slumped in disappointment when the maid shook her head and refused his plea to have her come with.

However, Helena pursed her lips and gestured with her hands, urging them towards the front door.

Almost instinctively, Eric fought back a smile, the corners of his mouth gently curling upward, although he restrained himself as Ariel's comforting touch and reassuring words redirected his attention.

Taking her hand, their fingers entwined, they departed from Darius and Helena's cottage, their focus now directed towards the anticipation of their own time together.

As the cottage door closed behind Eric, a weight of emotions trailed behind him, as if echoing in his mind.

He eagerly led the way, eager to show Ariel the wonders of the hamlet, but at the same time, a warning bell chimed within him, a subtle reminder of his concern for his friends. The journey ahead held both beauty and bittersweetness, as the hamlet's secrets and Darius' unspoken mission intertwine, forever altering the lives of those involved, especially his own.

Prince Eric led Ariel deeper into the enchanting hamlet, their footsteps echoing on the worn cobblestones.

With each passing shop and vendor, his heart swelled with the longing to crown Ariel as his princess, if only the rigid rules of the Court could be bent and the marriage law undone.

This extraordinary woman, be she a mermaid or not, unraveled his world, reshaping it in ways he never dreamed possible. In her presence, he felt a profound connection, as if their meeting was destined by forces beyond mortal comprehension.

As they paused, Ariel's eyes danced with delight at the sight of an old pipe displayed by a nearby vendor. Her fascination captivated Eric, his gaze transfixed on her as she held the pipe in her hands.

In a tender impulse, he reached out and gently tucked a stray wisp of her hair behind her ear. Though her attention remained fixated on the pipe, a shy blush graced Ariel's cheeks, and a fleeting smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

In that suspended moment, the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them suspended in time.

The realization dawned upon him as if a veil had been lifted, and understanding began to take root within his mind. The bustling activity of the hamlet intensified, accompanied by distant thunder, as Ariel turned and hurried along the street.

Eric caught a glimpse of her striking autumn-hued hair, an emblem of transformation and revelation. Though the pieces were not yet clear, they formed a puzzle of emotions within his heart. The weight of his feelings accompanied Prince Eric as he hastens to catch up with Ariel, the thunderous symphony of their burgeoning affection echoing through the grey skies.

He thought he was beginning to understand, though his feeling of understanding was fleeting, it was more than enough.

The Prince was falling in love.