Chapter 14

MASTER Grimsby and Carlotta eventually managed to calm Eric down enough to convince him to let Ariel have this time with her father to mourn her aunt Ursula, and Eric was left with no choice but to come away with them as Ariel remained in the water and talked with her father. As Eric witnessed the tears streaming down Ariel's cheeks, his heart filled with sorrow. He realized that he had been the one to cause her pain by eliminating the witch.

Nevertheless, Eric's profound love for Ariel compelled him to believe that, if allowed to turn back time, he would make the same choice again. This realization frightened him, as it revealed his willingness to go to extreme lengths, even taking a life, to ensure Ariel's safety.

Gradually, the castle's servants and their families, who had been ordered by the Prince, began to slowly make their way back into the castle. However, their movements abruptly halted as they caught sight of the king of the merpeople engaged in a conversation with his daughter, in full view for all to witness. Their eyes widened in astonishment, and they couldn't help but stare.

Eric's voice broke through the stunned silence as he sternly instructed everyone to give them their privacy, urging them to retreat to the castle. Yet, the curiosity and fascination compelled them to linger, eager to catch a glimpse of the merman and his daughter. For most of them, it was their first encounter with such a remarkable creature.

However, Eric's focus remained solely on Ariel. His gaze was fixed on her, and he saw nothing else. Ariel appeared utterly miserable, her tears flowing ceaselessly as she mourned the loss of her aunt.

Despite her sorrow, her father possessed the ability to soothe her with his words, and she clung to them desperately, as if her very survival depended on them as a person dying of thirst yearning for a single drop of water.

Master Grimsby approached Eric, but his presence barely registered in Eric's consciousness.

It was only when he felt a cold, wet sensation nudging his right hand that he reluctantly tore his gaze away from Ariel. He glanced down to find Max, his faithful dog, tugging on his sleeve as if urging him to move away.

Max emitted a low growl of frustration as he released his shirt sleeve, and his tail and ears drooped in dejection. Amidst the background noise, Eric's sensitive ears picked up the muffled sounds of Helena's sobs.

A wave of guilt crashed over him, overwhelming him like a mighty tidal wave. He cursed himself for his own selfishness and lack of awareness.

Darius.

"Oh, Darius," he muttered, the name echoing in his mind as a reminder of his past mistakes.

Eric's throat tightened as he swallowed hard, struggling to suppress the lump that had formed within. His breaths became erratic, and his chest constricted with an overwhelming tightness.

The pounding of his heart felt distant, numbed within his chest, as he surrendered to the torrent of emotions. Unchecked, tears welled up, cascading down his cheeks, leaving salty trails in their wake.

"I... I... I practically led him to his death," Eric managed to utter, his voice quivering, its usual timbre dropping even lower. Regret weighed heavily in his words. "If only... If only he had come to me, I... I could have saved him," he whispered, his voice shaking with sorrow.

Master Grimsby's voice broke through the heaviness of Eric's emotions. He stood beside Eric and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, his voice trembling with emotion.

Meanwhile, Carlotta had crouched down, attempting to coax Helena into standing up and returning to the castle. However, Helena remained still, her eyes tightly shut, refusing to acknowledge anyone around her.

"You did no such thing, Your Highness, and Carlotta and I cannot allow you to continue to speak in this manner. You do not blame yourself for this," he ordered, his voice uncharacteristically stern. "He wouldn't have allowed you to save him," Master Grimsby spoke, his voice tinged with both sadness and understanding. "Darius was always a stubborn and proud man, as you well know, sire. He cared deeply for you and would have gone to great lengths to ensure your safety. But when it came to his matters, he preferred to handle them independently, in his way." Master Grimsby paused and Eric felt his hand tighten around his shoulder.

It was a moment or two before his Head of House spoke. "Where...where is he, Eric? We should recover his body, and wrap him for Helena to bury," Master Grimsby announced, his ancient voice trembling as he fought back tears.

Eric's lip quivered with emotional turmoil as he contemplated his response to Grimsby.

Part of him wanted to turn away, avoiding the compassionate gaze of the older man, fearing that his fragile emotional state would crumble under the weight of Grimsby's care and concern.

However, he knew that avoiding eye contact would only make the situation more uncomfortable and heighten Grimsby's worries. With a deep breath, Eric summoned the courage to meet Grimsby's gaze, forcefully blinking back the tears that threatened to overflow.

"I... I will find him, Grimsby, you do not need to trouble yourself, let me do it," Eric whispered, his voice hoarse with determination. He sharply turned his head away, unable to bear the intensity of the moment. However, he could feel the weight of Helena's gaze upon him, her silent presence piercing his consciousness. Grimsby's brow furrowed with concern, but he nodded in understanding.

"He is indeed your friend. But you don't have to face this alone, Eric. Let us help you. Darius was a part of our family too... Our family too," he assured gently, his words carrying a deep sense of solidarity and support. "We need to give him a proper burial," Grimsby murmured, stepping forward to stand directly in front of the Prince, seeking eye contact to better understand Eric's emotions.

Those words struck a deep chord within Eric, breaking down the walls he had erected to contain his inner turmoil. A choked sob escaped his lips, and without hesitation, he reached out for Grimsby, seeking solace in his embrace.

Grimsby willingly enveloped the distraught young Prince in a comforting hug, his gentle touch soothing and reassuring. He rubbed soft circles near Eric's spine, offering a source of warmth and stability during the grief. Meanwhile, he spoke softly and soothingly, hoping to provide some measure of comfort to the mourning Prince. Eric's senses dulled, barely registering the comforting words that reached his ears.

Gradually, his ragged breaths began to steady, the burning sensation in his lungs gradually subsiding as his sobs subsided. With a concerted effort, he kept his gaze fixed on Helena, who was being assisted to her feet by Carlotta. The old nursemaid kept a firm grip around Helena's waist, providing support.

A shiver ran through Eric's body as Helena turned slowly to face him. Her once vibrant curly brunette hair seemed drained of its color, leaving her complexion as pale as a ghost. The dark circles under her eyes were stark, emphasizing her weariness, and any hint of softness seemed to have vanished from her expression.

The weight of grief had etched itself upon her countenance, transforming her in ways that pained Eric to witness.

"Eric," she spoke, her voice hushed, and an icy chill seemed to permeate the air. His body tensed at the frigidity of her tone. Helena's dark brown eyes glistened with a glossy sheen as she hesitantly lifted her gaze to meet his. With a swift gesture, she brushed away a dark curl that had fallen across her face like a somber curtain. Her countenance wore the weight of sorrow, devoid of any trace of joy or warmth. Her lips remained pressed into an unyielding line.

"There is nothing you can do to help," she uttered with a chilling finality. Her voice trembled, betraying the depth of her pain. "I don't want your help. I will find Darius on my own and I'm taking him with me. Carlotta and Grimsby will assist me. Having Ariel in your life has brought nothing but tragedy, not only to you but also to me. There is no way to fix this. Stay away from me," she demanded, her voice cracking and faltering.

Abruptly, she turned her gaze away, slowly limping towards the castle. Carlotta, reluctantly acknowledging the situation and Helena's grief as it manifested, followed Helena's lead, mindful of matching the young woman's pace.

"Helena, please wait! Don't do this," Eric pleaded with tears streaming down his face. The anguish in his voice was evident as he took a faltering step forward, desperate to follow Helena and appeal to her.

However, his attempts were thwarted by the surprisingly firm grip of Master Grimsby, keeping him rooted to his spot, unable to call after Helena in bitter defeat.

Eric's heart shattered, for Darius was not only a friend but his beloved brother, though his attention was pulled away from him as the sound of footsteps approaching from behind and his nephew curtly calling his name annoyed him.

With a curse echoing in his mind, he reluctantly shifted his gaze toward his young nephew.

The boy's face was flushed with anger, but Lucas pressed on, determined, ignoring any objections from Eric about the timing. Gritting his teeth, he spoke through clenched jaws.

"I tried to warn you, Uncle." His voice turned cold, sending shivers down Eric's spine. "I stared into those...those seductive eyes of hers and witnessed our home engulfed in flames. She's trouble. And now, look at the aftermath of your decision to let her into our lives. She's taken the life of your most trusted lieutenant, though you ask me, only Darius's wife will mourn him, he won't be missed by anyone around the castle," Lucas snarled, his anger palpable.

"Enough! I will not tolerate another word from you, nephew, I will listen to your nonsense of my best friend no more. You were always afraid of Darius, he was the only one who could threaten you, though all other servants in the castle adored him, you will not speak ill of Darius," Eric threatened, his teeth grinding together as he clenched his fists. "Lucas, not one more word!" he exploded, his patience evaporating in an instant as his anger surged.

In a sudden burst of movement, he darted forward, positioning himself in front of his nephew, who was only a few years his junior. Eric forcefully tore Lucas away from Master Grimsby, his grip unyielding, and began leading him towards the spot where Ariel stood in the water, alongside her father, the king. With no concern for his nephew's protests, Eric firmly wrapped both of Lucas's arms behind his back, paying no mind to the strength he exerted.

"Your Majesty, forgive me, but I cannot wait," Eric addressed the king, his tone dripping with contempt, "I implore you, take this foolish boy off my hands and transform him into something dreadful. It would serve him right and teach my nephew a lesson in humility." His words were filled with disgust, and though the prince's voice remained soft, his growl carried a harsh and menacing undertone, erasing any traces of gentleness from his expression and demeanor. Eric winced as the merpeople's king shifted his indifferent gaze towards him, his colorless grey eyes filled with disdain as he observed Lucas, who was restrained and struggling, shouting protests at the top of his lungs.

A frown formed on the king's face, and with a wave of his trident, Lucas was instantly silenced. Despite his ongoing screams, no sound escaped his lips. Ariel's father's magical intervention had temporarily silenced Lucas, granting them a brief respite to engage in an uninterrupted conversation.

"Quiet, boy, and you will wait until I decide what to do with you, Ariel has told me of you, how your heart is black and vile, I should kill you here where you stand for the bile you spew, the lies Ariel has told me that you whisper into your fellow man's ears, you are a disgrace to the name of man," the king growled in a rough voice, his sharp retort catching Ariel off guard, causing her to look up with surprise. Meanwhile, the king's daughter remained silent, clutching her deceased aunt's body tightly, tears continuing to flow down her pale cheeks. Eric observed the scene with a pounding heart as the king closed his eyes and shook his head in disappointment. "As for you, tell me, who do you think you are, boy, to approach me and command my attention?" he grumbled, displaying no trace of admiration.

"Daddy, oh, please stop this, that's enough!" Ariel cried, shaking her head. "I won't leave Eric. I love him," Ariel blurted out, her words clumsy and blunt as she furrowed her thin ginger eyebrows and eyed her father worriedly.

Her only comfort was feeling Eric's hand come to rest on her shoulder and she thought, considering Eric had killed Aunt Ursula, she would have wanted to shy away from him and be afraid of him, but she wasn't.

His touch anchored her and kept her grounded in the reality of what was important.

King Triton turned his gaze towards the peculiar sight of the mortal man's hand firmly grasping his daughter's delicate shoulder. Suppressing his rising anger, he let out a frustrated breath, mindful of not adding to Ariel's sorrow as she mourned the loss of her aunt in her unique way. Triton spoke with a composed tone, although his decision regarding his youngest daughter's future had already been made.

"Ariel," he emphasized, earnestly appealing to his youngest among seven daughters, "one day, when your sisters have departed before you, you will ascend the throne as the Queen of our realm. And yet, you wish to bind yourself to this... boy, this human? When he will inevitably leave this realm, and you will endure long after his soul has departed? That kind of existence is not suitable for you, my daughter. I implore you to return with me and embrace a life among your kind for eternity."

King Triton paused and then shook his head in disbelief as he returned his gaze to his daughter.

Ariel shook her head, defending her wish.

"No, Daddy. I love Eric, and I would not find happiness to return home without him by my side, and I cannot ask him to leave his realm and his people behind…for me," she admitted softly, her voice pained as her face threatened to crumple, though she quickly regained composure within seconds. "If Eric wouldn't have acted, Aunt Ursula would have…" She trailed off as a shudder went down her spine as she refused to complete her thought.

King Triton's silence lingered, his raised eyebrow conveying a momentary pause as he contemplated his daughter's words and the implications behind them. Sensing an opportunity, Eric drew in a deep breath and pressed on, determined to convey his unwavering commitment.

"If I were granted the chance, mighty King of the sea, I would vanquish the witch all over again to ensure Ariel's safety," Eric declared with conviction.

His gaze reluctantly shifted from Ariel's father to meet the mesmerizing depths of her sapphire-like eyes. She was his sole desire, his greatest longing—to have her as a part of his world, forever, if the king would let him. And yet, he couldn't shake the overwhelming sense of unworthiness that gnawed at him for having taken her aunt's life.

Loosening his grip on the trident, Ariel's father rose to his towering stature, surpassing Eric in size and presence.

His voice carried both reproach and the potential for redemption, the outcome of which rested upon Eric's response. Swallowing hard, Eric summoned his courage.

"Do you truly believe yourself deserving of my little girl, Prince?" the king inquired, his tone a blend of condemnation and the possibility of redemption, leaving the verdict in Eric's hands.

Eric's solemn response filled the air, his head shaking in acknowledgment as he faced the merman king, aware that his future rested in the ruler's hands.

"No, Lord King," he confessed with a hint of anguish, his voice heavy with the weight of his admission. "I do not consider myself worthy," he continued, his pain palpable. "However, I swear upon the ancient gods and the Christian God alike that I will devote every moment of my life to becoming the man she truly deserves. I had hoped to seek her father's blessing, and given your position as the king of the realm, Ariel holds the status of a princess. Thus, the courts would have no grounds to deem our union illegitimate. My heart unequivocally belongs to Ariel, now and for all eternity," he vowed, sharing a tender smile with his beloved as vivid visions of the life they longed to share played out in his mind.

Lost in his daydream, Eric experienced a fleeting hallucination—a vision of a joyous child appearing before him, their laughter resonating. The child was theirs, a daughter with striking blue eyes reminiscent of Ariel's and a crown of black curls inherited from Eric.

The little one's tiny hands reached out, yearning for his touch and comfort. However, this beautiful image dissolved as Ariel's pleading voice broke through, beseeching her father to grant his blessing.

Ariel rose from the water, her graceful movements propelling her closer to King Triton, her pleading blue eyes fixed upon him.

"Daddy, please," she implored, her voice filled with heartfelt sincerity. "I love Prince Eric with every fiber of my being, and he loves me in return. No force in this world can prevent our union, not even you, Daddy."

Ariel maintained an unwavering gaze, defiance flickering in her eyes as she boldly asserted her autonomy throughout her own life. Her plans would be guided by no one but herself. King Triton's expression softened his features reflecting a contemplative air as he weighed his youngest daughter's words. His eyes grew nostalgic, revealing a longing for the bygone days. Eventually, he responded with a mixture of resignation and affection.

"Oh, Ariel, my dear, you are no longer the little girl I once knew," he murmured, his voice tinged with wistfulness.

A surge of emotions welled up within Ariel, tears threatening to overwhelm her. Steadying herself, she mustered the strength to wade closer to her father. With trembling fingers, she wrapped her arms around his waist, seeking solace in the familiar embrace. Her words escaped in a hoarse whisper, strained with emotion.

"Daddy, please don't say that. I will always be your daughter. Forever and always, I'll be your little girl," Ariel choked out, her voice filled with love and longing.

King Triton withdrew, his expression grave and solemn as he regarded his determined daughter. "It appears that your minds are set," he remarked, his tone heavy with the weight of acceptance.

"They are," Ariel and Eric answered in perfect unison, their voices blending as if they were two halves of a single soul. Ariel moved closer, standing side by side with Eric, their connection undeniable. She reached out, seeking his hand, intertwining their fingers without hesitation.

Eric, overwhelmed by the reality of marrying the woman of his dreams and receiving Ariel's father's blessing, hesitated momentarily. The thought of his friends not being present on this significant day tugged at his heart, but Ariel's touch, her comforting thumb on his cheek, began to soothe his frayed emotions. His tears began to subside, and his chest heaved with a mix of emotions.

Feeling Ariel's unwavering gaze upon him, Eric pushed Lucas forward, determined to confront the troublesome burden of his nephew before seeking one last favor from Ariel's father. As Lucas turned to face him, pleading for mercy, anger surged within Eric. King Triton waited, his face impassive, his gray eyes devoid of color. He blinked, and Eric contemplated the fate of his spoiled nephew.

Allowing Lucas to live in exile for a few years would remove him from the realm, severing any significant ties. However, Eric knew that Lucas's cunning nature could lead him to find allies who shared his twisted agenda.

They could potentially threaten Ipswich, Eric's loved ones, and even attempt to harm Ariel, just as Darius, had done, though inadvertently when he had gone to the sea witch for a cure for Helena.

As the weight of this realization settled upon him, Eric's frown deepened, and his lower lip trembled.

Understanding that this was the only path to salvage his nephew's future, Eric offered a curt nod to Ariel's father, his gaze sharply averted. He wanted to look away, to shield himself from the impending horror. Ariel's expression remained blank, her stare fixed on her father.

"Do it, Daddy," she uttered, her voice devoid of emotion.

King Triton brandished his golden trident, and Lucas's anguished cries filled the air.

The wave of magic transformed the young prince into a grotesque polyp-like creature, its short, bulbous tentacles serving as twisted replacements for Lucas's arms. Eric refused to meet his nephew's gaze, instead focusing on the haunting silence that followed, indicating the end of Lucas's torment.

When Eric finally mustered the courage to look, he was met with a horrifying sight. His nephew, now transformed, writhed and shrieked in his new form. King Triton cradled the creature, paying no heed to its distressing cries.

"A year as a polyp shall teach the boy humility," the king muttered to himself, turning away and preparing to disappear into the depths of the sea. "He shall be returned to you unharmed after one year, as promised. Now, if you will excuse me, I cannot linger here, I have delayed too long. I must return to my realm. Your nephew will be looked after, and Ariel, I expect you to call upon me on your wedding day. Your sisters and I would like to attend."

Ariel tearfully nodded and promised she would do so. Eric turned his gaze towards Ariel, her forced smile concealing the tears streaming down her cheek. Reaching out, he gently took her hand in his, providing solace in their shared love and commitment.

As King Triton prepared to vanish into the depths of the sea, Eric's grip tightened around Ariel's hand. He couldn't let this opportunity slip away, not when his heart yearned for one more favor from the king.

"Wait," Eric called out, his voice laced with a mixture of hope and desperation. The king turned his gaze back to the prince, his expression curious. "Please, King Triton, there is one more thing I beg of you."

Ariel's eyes widened, her curiosity matching her father's.

She squeezed Eric's hand in silent support, silently urging him to continue.

"Darius," Eric began, his voice shaky yet resolute. "My dear friend, and Ariel, who suffered at the hands of your sister... I implore you, King Triton, can you restore his life? Bring him back from the realm of shadows and grant him a chance to find peace. All he wanted was to find a cure for his wife, our friend, Helena, who is dying. He went to your sister and bargained with her, though she betrayed him and killed him when Darius...tried to save us."

The request hung heavy in the air, the weight of its significance pressing upon them all. Eric's plea was not just for Darius's sake, but for the bond that held their intertwined lives together.

Silence enveloped them as King Triton contemplated the gravity of Eric's request.

Finally, the king spoke, his voice carrying the weight of ancient wisdom.

"Toying with life and death is a delicate matter, young prince. Such powers can unleash unforeseen consequences upon our realms. Are you prepared to face the aftermath of this path?"

Eric's resolve solidified, fueled by unwavering determination.

"I understand the risks, King Triton," he affirmed, his voice steady. "But Darius deserves a chance at redemption. Let his spirit find solace, and I will bear the consequences, whatever they may be."

King Triton's eyes bore into Eric's, assessing the depths of his conviction. A moment stretched into eternity before the king nodded, his decision made.

"Very well," he consented, his tone tinged with both caution and resignation. "I shall consider your request, Prince Eric. But be warned, the realm of life and death is a realm not easily trifled with." With those words hanging in the air, King Triton disappeared beneath the waves, leaving Eric and Ariel standing there, their hearts heavy with anticipation. Uncertainty mingled with hope, and they knew that their journey was far from over.

As they stared out into the vast expanse of the ocean, Eric's grip on Ariel's hand tightened.

"We must be patient," he murmured, a mixture of determination and longing in his voice. "If there's even a chance to bring Darius back, we have to believe it's worth it. I can't lose them, Ariel, please understand that," he whispered.

Ariel nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Together, they stood as a beacon of unwavering love and steadfastness, their hearts set on bringing Darius back from the brink of oblivion.