Chapter 18
THE next few hours were to put it, trying for everyone, but especially Eric and Helena. Ariel never did discover what Eric had said to Darius's wife when they returned from their walk of the castle grounds, but Helena was calm with her now.
Poor Helena was relieved to the point of tears to learn from Ariel when the two friends came to the room following their walk that her husband was awake and was asking her to sit with him and that he would recover.
Before Helena disappeared inside Eric's chambers to be with her husband's side the rest of the night, she paused, her slender hand on the doorknob as she twisted her head to look at Ariel. The maid parted her lips as if to speak, however, it took her a moment to find her voice, and when she did, her voice came out as slightly hushed and soft.
"I should hate you, Ariel, for hiding the truth from us right from the beginning, jeopardizing my husband's life," Helena responded in a subdued tone, carefully enunciating her words in an attempt to suppress the emotions welling up within her. The Prince's maid momentarily cast her gaze downward, her eyes fixed timidly on her boots. Then, she lifted her gaze and met Ariel's eyes, mustering the courage to face her. With a shaky breath, Helena continued, "I should feel that way. However... I cannot. It is evident to me how deeply you and Eric care for each other. I'm sorry if I've misjudged you. It was your father that brought my husband back to me, and for that, I am forever grateful. I believe you will be a remarkable Princess for the kingdom. I now understand that the blame lies with your aunt and not with you," she whispered, her soft and timid voice filled with a sense of contrition.
Ariel released a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding, feeling an overwhelming wave of relief that threatened to bring tears to her eyes. She fought back the welling emotions, determined not to let the salty drops fall. With a nod, unable to find the right words, she hoarsely murmured, "Thank you," to Helena. Helena returned the nod, her countenance still tinged with unhappiness, but the earlier torment and madness had dissipated. Her face remained stern, her lips devoid of a smile, yet there was no trace of bitterness lingering within her.
Helena turned towards Eric, pressing a gentle and chaste kiss to his cheek, silently expressing gratitude to him and his staff for everything they had done.
With those unspoken words, Helena walked away without glancing back, quietly slipping into Eric's chambers and closing the door behind her, leaving only Eric and Ariel standing in the corridor.
Ariel's heart sank as she met Eric's gaze, immediately noticing the dark circles under his weary eyes and his pallid complexion.
The Prince appeared utterly drained, and a pang of guilt washed over her. She quickly averted her eyes, trying to regain her composure, but the weight of her unintended troubles continued to haunt her.
"You... You should rest as well, Eric. It's not healthy to go without sleep for so long," she blurted out, her words awkward and lacking finesse.
Despite her suggestion, Eric made no move to distance himself or retire to one of the separate guest chambers, as he had insisted Darius remain in his bedroom for the next few days to recover from his severe injury.
The doctor had warned that the initial week would be the most challenging for him and quite painful.
"I understand," Eric agreed, his gaze avoiding hers. "But I needed to see you. I..." He faltered, releasing a breath he had been holding as his hand ruffled through his disheveled black hair, a gesture of anguish. "I can't fathom how difficult it must have been for you, Ariel, to witness... what I had to do. I-I did what was necessary, Ariel, and given the chance, I would make the same choice again. I would do anything to protect you, even if it means... taking a life," he finished weakly, allowing his hand to fall limply by his side.
The pained and desperate expression he wore now was almost unbearable for Ariel, and she instinctively closed the distance between them, reaching out to hold Eric's hands in her own.
Ariel felt frustration boiling inside her, prompting her to look away and wearily shut her eyes.
The topic she had desperately hoped to avoid discussing had now surfaced—her aunt Ursula.
Yet, with Darius's grave injury and his uncertain condition, she knew deep down that it was foolish to think she and Eric could avoid addressing Ursula altogether.
She tilted her head slightly and fixed Eric with a gaze filled with a mixture of anger and hurt.
"I am well aware of who Aunt Ursula was to me, Eric. I know the kind of mermaid she was. She was not a benevolent soul; she had been consumed by her sorrow," she retorted, taken aback by the sharpness in her voice that hadn't been there before. "But... she was still my family. Despite everything, I couldn't let her... harm anyone else. And you did what was right when I couldn't bring myself to do it, though I knew that I likely would have to, in the end..." Ariel's words hung in the air, the weight of their truth and conflicting emotions settling between them.
Eric remained silent, his eyes fixed on Ariel as he absorbed her words.
He could sense the turmoil within her, the struggle between familial loyalty and the need to protect others from the destructive force Ursula had become.
Finally, Eric reached out and gently clasped Ariel's hands, his touch a comforting anchor amidst the storm of emotions.
"Ariel," he began softly, his voice filled with empathy, "I can't imagine the pain and complexity of your feelings towards your aunt. Family ties can be incredibly strong, even in the face of darkness." He paused, searching for the right words to offer her solace. "But I made a difficult choice, one driven by love and a desire to prevent further harm. And, as your future husband, I feel as if it's my duty now to inform you that you're not alone in shouldering this burden."
A flicker of gratitude shimmered in Ariel's eyes as she squeezed Eric's hands in return. At that moment, the weight on her shoulders felt a little lighter. She had feared judgment or condemnation, but instead found understanding and acceptance from the man she loved.
"I just wish... things could have been different," she admitted, her voice laced with a tinge of regret.
Eric nodded, his expression filled with compassion. "So do I, Ariel. But we can't change the past. All we can do is learn from it and build a better future."
Their shared understanding forged a stronger bond between them, as they stood together, united in their acceptance of the choices made and the path they now walked, together.
Hand in hand, they faced the challenges ahead, supporting each other through the darkness, and striving to create a brighter tomorrow.
Eric clasped Ariel's hands firmly, intending to guide her toward one of the guest bedrooms where they could find some much-needed rest.
He mumbled under his breath, expressing his concern for both of them and suggesting that things might appear brighter in the morning. However, Ariel halted his movement, a sudden realization dawning upon her.
"No, Eric, you're sweet to worry about me. I can manage on my own," she interjected, her voice wavering slightly. But then, her gaze shifted towards a slitted window in the east wing, her eyes fixated on the distant ocean. Determination seeped into her voice as she continued, "But I need to do this first. I must confront something alone."
Eric's brow furrowed with concern, but he recognized the resolute determination in Ariel's eyes. He knew he couldn't dissuade her once her mind was set.
Reluctantly, he released her hands and nodded, understanding the significance of her journey.
"All right, Ariel," he replied, his voice filled with support. "I'll respect your need to be alone. Just promise me that you'll take care and find your way back to us in the morning. We'll be waiting for you."
A small smile touched Ariel's lips, grateful for Eric's understanding.
"I promise," she whispered. Then, with a final glance at Eric, she turned and walked purposefully towards her destined path, determined to face her demons and find the strength she needed.
Eric stood there for a moment, watching her go, a mixture of worry and pride filling his heart. He knew that Ariel was strong and capable, and he trusted in her ability to overcome whatever lay ahead.
With a silent prayer for her safety, he turned to rejoin the others, hoping that the dawn would bring with it a renewed sense of hope and a brighter future for them all.
Ariel's footsteps echoed through the empty corridors of the castle, her fear consuming her as her heart thumped loudly in her chest.
Deep down, she hesitated to confront her father, knowing he would likely be furious with her for what she was about to request. However, a nagging thought lingered in her mind, wondering if there would be a flicker of pain in his eyes when she posed the question. It reminded her of a previous conversation where he warned her and her sisters about the grave consequences of magic and the immense responsibility it entailed.
The weight of this burden gnawed at her, but Ariel understood that she had no other option. She couldn't allow her newfound friends to suffer any longer, and remaining idle while it unfolded would only perpetuate the harm.
Ariel, cloaked in the darkness of the night, carefully made her way to the secluded beach, her feet now moving as if they had their minds, all the while her brain was screaming at her to turn back, that Daddy would not grant her wish nor would he answer her questions.
Her heart raced as she approached the shoreline, finding her father, King Triton, waiting for her. The moonlight glinted off his majestic trident as he half rose out of the sea, his powerful presence illuminated against the night sky.
"Daddy," Ariel whispered, her voice filled with a mix of fear and determination, knowing that her father must have received her plea telepathically. Tears welled up in her eyes as she stepped into the water, disregarding the fact that her skirts were now soaked, and embraced her rugged father tightly, overflowing with joy.
King Triton gently withdrew from the embrace, affectionately patting Ariel's coarse red mane. It was a gesture of paternal love that instantly made Ariel feel like a young mermaid of only six years old again.
"Did you call upon me just to keep an old merman company, my dear, or is there something you wish to share with me, Ariel?" Triton asked.
"Daddy... I... I have something to ask," Ariel began nervously, casting awkward glances at her hands as she pulled away from the embrace.
She regretted not planning her words better, but she knew she had to express her thoughts. Their friends needed her help.
"My friend Helena is dying, Daddy. She only has a few weeks left. I can't bear to see her suffer like this. She and her husband are the epitome of goodness, Daddy. I... I beg you to heal her. Please, do it for me, even if it's just as a wedding gift."
King Triton's stern countenance softened, a fleeting cloud casting a shadow over his rugged and weathered features as he observed his youngest daughter among the seven.
"Ariel, my dear, you are unaware of the immense price such a request carries. Nor does your Prince comprehend it. The magic needed to restore your friend's wife requires great power, and its consequences cannot be easily undone. Your grandfather is already enraged with me, as are the other gods, for tampering with fate and destiny by bringing your betrothed's man back to life. And now you ask me to heal his wife?"
Ariel's voice quivered as she maintained her tear-filled gaze, unwaveringly locked onto her father's eyes.
"I comprehend the dangers, Daddy, but I simply cannot stand idly by while my friends endure this suffering. I beg of you, find it within your heart to assist them. Eric and I are willing to shoulder the consequences of saving our friends' lives, whatever they may be... we are prepared to face them. Please, just grant us this opportunity, I have never asked you for anything, but I ask this of you now, Daddy, please. Help them," Ariel whispered, her words escaping softly on a breath.
The sea around them seemed to hold its breath as King Triton pondered his daughter's plea.
After a long silence, he finally spoke, his voice filled with a mixture of pride and sadness.
"Ariel, your compassion and bravery touch my heart. You have spoken to me like the Queen I know you will one day be. I will grant your request, but remember, there is always a price to pay for tampering with the natural order of things. You must be prepared for the consequences that may follow. Even I do not know what they will yet be, the fates will not grant me the privilege of knowing."
A sense of relief flooded through Ariel as she nodded, her voice filled with gratitude.
"Thank you, Daddy. I am ready to face whatever lies ahead. Our friends' happiness means everything to me."
As the waves gently lapped against the shore, King Triton reached out, his trident glowing with a brilliant light. Ariel's heart swelled with hope as her father began the intricate process of weaving his magic, a delicate balance of power and sacrifice. At that moment, Ariel understood the weight of her decision, knowing that the outcome would shape not only the lives of her friends but also her own.
With unwavering determination, she stood beside her father, ready to face the consequences and embrace the responsibility that came with wielding such extraordinary magic.
IN the wing's corridor, where Eric's chambers lay, a chilling cold permeated the air. The dimly lit hall cast long, eerie shadows on the tall stone walls, courtesy of numerous flickering candles. Prince Eric stood hesitantly before his door, torn between the desire to check on his friend Darius and the worry of interrupting Helena and him during this late hour.
His body still trembled from the events that had unfolded hours ago, and exhaustion clung to him like a heavy burden. Uncomfortably, he brushed a tired hand down his face, attempting to quell his anxiety.
Summoning his resolve, Eric turned the knob slowly and entered his chambers, a place he never found inviting, preferring the freshness of the sea breeze instead. Inside, Darius lay with his eyes closed, but they fluttered open slightly as Eric approached.
"Eric, my friend, thank goodness it's you, mate. I was hoping it wasn't Hel or Ariel. I don't want either of them to see me like this. Can you lend me a hand?" Darius's voice rasped weakly and hoarse, a stark contrast to his usual sharp and strong demeanor.
Eric couldn't help but bite his lip in concern. "Aye," he replied, moving cautiously toward his bed as if fearing something might break. Gently, he slid an arm under Darius's shoulders, assisting the older man to sit up.
To Eric's relief, he noticed no blood beneath the bandages, and a bit of color had returned to Darius's face.
It seemed his friend had managed to get some rest over the last few hours, evidenced by the empty supper tray Carlotta had brought in, showing he had kept down the soup.
Thank the gods, Eric silently prayed, feeling a profound sense of gratitude. He knew that once he married Ariel, he would do everything in his power to support and care for her father, feeling an unpayable debt owed to him.
"I'd bloody kill Lucas for something more to eat, Eric. I'm starving," Darius groaned, and hearing the slight improvement in his friend's rasp brought hope and swelling within Eric's chest.
Eric chuckled softly, relieved to hear Darius's familiar humor even in his weakened state. "We'll get you something substantial to eat, I promise," he replied, trying to keep his tone light despite the worry still lingering in his heart.
With careful support, Eric helped Darius to a more comfortable sitting position on the bed. "You rest here. I'll go to the kitchen myself and find something hearty for you," he said, patting his friend gently on the shoulder. "No more of that tasteless broth Carlotta insists on serving." As Eric made his way to the door, he glanced back at Darius, offering a reassuring smile. "And don't you worry about a thing. You'll be back on your feet in no time. I won't let anything happen to you." In the corridor, the cold air stung his cheeks, sharpening his senses. Eric moved swiftly, determined to find a proper meal for Darius. As he reached the kitchen, he was greeted by the bustling staff, who were tidying up after the evening meal. "Is there anything left from supper?" Eric inquired, trying not to sound too desperate.
The cook, knowing the prince's fondness for his friend, immediately understood the urgency.
"Of course, Your Highness," he replied, motioning for a young kitchen wench to fetch some leftovers.
Within minutes, Eric returned to Darius's chambers with a tray filled with a hearty assortment of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and vegetables, a reheated dinner of the meal served the night before. The aroma alone was enough to make Darius's mouth water.
"Here we go, a feast fit for a king," Eric declared with a grin, setting the tray on a nearby table. "Dig in, my friend, and regain your strength."
Darius's eyes sparkled with gratitude as he eagerly began to eat, savoring each bite. Eric pulled up a chair beside the bed, sitting close to his friend. As Darius ate, he managed to speak between mouthfuls.
"You've saved me more times than I can count, Eric. I owe you for this too."
Eric shook his head, his voice sincere. "You're my brother, Darius. There's no need for debts between us."
They both knew, however, that their bond ran deeper than words could express.
It was a friendship forged in battles fought and victories won. They had each other's backs, no matter the cost.
An oppressive stillness lingered between the two men, surpassing the threshold of comfort. Eric could no longer bear the deafening noise of his thoughts amidst the silence. With a clumsy and direct demeanor, he blurted out the burning question that had haunted him, now that Darius was awake and well enough to talk.
"I don't understand," Eric uttered, his words heavy with inquiry as he confronted his best friend. "Why? Why did you…? Why did you do it?"
Darius winced, having asked himself the same question since waking up, with Ariel faithfully staying by his side through the physician's surgery. At the time, the choice to protect his wife and their friends had seemed clear-cut, but now it tormented his every thought. When he decided to stay behind and distract the sea witch, the urgency had clouded his judgment, but now he regretted not finding an alternative.
The weight of guilt pressed upon him as he considered the worry and stress he had imposed upon his friends and his wife, whom he had sent home hours ago, seeing how exhausted she was.
"Eric," Darius somberly addressed the Prince, his gaze filled with gravity. "You know why. I had to protect my wife. And you and your beloved," he muttered, a fleeting shadow crossing his handsome features as he thought of the witch.
Eric observed his friend, Darius, seething with anger, his bitter gaze fixed on a spot on the wall, seemingly lost in thought. Darius confessed, "I should have taken her out before she had the chance to harm me, but I hesitated."
Remaining silent, Eric allowed Darius's words to sink in.
With a lump in his throat, Eric whispered, "You sacrificed yourself for us." He fought back tears, trying to regain composure, not wanting Darius to witness his emotional turmoil. However, he reminded himself that Darius had seen him at his lowest point when he received news of his parent's death, and Darius had been there to support him.
Darius brought Eric's attention back to the present as he spoke again, regret evident in his voice.
"I knew I was doomed," he said ruefully, reflecting on the pain he had caused his wife. The thought of it hurt him even more than any torment inflicted upon him by Ariel's wicked aunt. He swallowed hard and admitted, "It was worth giving up my life to protect all of you, and I'd do it again if I had to."
Exhausted but grateful, Darius mustered a smile as he noticed Eric catching his breath.
As Eric sat silently, he observed his friend Darius seething with anger, his eyes fixated on an arbitrary spot on the wall, seemingly disconnected from the room. Darius finally spoke, regret and frustration evident in his voice, "I should have dealt with her before she had the chance to harm me, but I hesitated."
Eric remained quiet, allowing Darius's words to sink in. He whispered, acknowledging the sacrifice his friend had made, "You put yourself on the line for us."
He fought back the tears that welled up, determined not to break down in front of Darius. Reflecting on the fact that Darius had witnessed him at his weakest, during the day he received the news of his parents' death, brought both a sense of vulnerability and comfort.
Darius redirected Eric's attention to the present as he addressed him once more. He spoke with remorse, burdened by the pain he had caused his wife, Ariel.
The thought of it weighed heavily on him, surpassing any suffering inflicted upon him by Ariel's wicked aunt.
Swallowing hard, Darius acknowledged, "I knew my fate was sealed."
Despite the anguish, he found solace in the knowledge that his sacrifice had protected his loved ones. Darius managed an exhausted but thankful smile as Eric audibly caught his breath, touched by his friend's words.
Eric's heart swelled with a mix of emotions, witnessing the depth of Darius's love and devotion to their safety. He knew how fiercely Darius cared for Ariel, and it pained him to see his friend tormented by the consequences of his choices.
"You're not alone in this, Darius," Eric finally spoke, his voice soft and comforting. "We're a team, remember? We've faced countless challenges together, and we've always had each other's backs."
Darius nodded, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. He appreciated Eric's reminder of their unbreakable bond, forged through years of loyalty and shared experiences. The weight on his shoulders seemed to lighten, if only slightly, knowing he wasn't bearing the burden alone.
Eric continued, "We'll find a way to make things right. It won't be easy, but I believe in us. And Ariel, she's stronger than you think. She loves you, Darius, in her way, and she'll find a way to forgive me, I hope, for her aunt, and I know Helena will forgive you too."
A mixture of gratitude and doubt crossed Darius's face. He wanted to believe Eric's words, to trust that redemption was possible, but guilt gnawed at him relentlessly.
As if reading his friend's thoughts, Eric placed a reassuring hand on Darius's shoulder.
"None of us are perfect. We've all made mistakes, but it's how we choose to move forward that defines us."
Darius looked into Eric's eyes, finding comfort in the unwavering support and understanding. It was true; they had seen each other at their lowest points and had always stood by one another. In this moment of vulnerability, Eric's presence was a lifeline.
With a deep breath, Darius said, "You're right, Eric. I can't change the past, but I can strive to be better in the future. I won't let my mistakes destroy the love and trust we share."
Eric smiled, proud of his friend's resolve. "
That's the spirit," he said, squeezing Darius's shoulder. "We'll face whatever comes together, just like always." As the weight of their conversation lifted, the two friends knew they had reaffirmed their unbreakable bond.
They were ready to confront the challenges ahead, knowing that the strength of their friendship would guide them through the darkest of times. And with renewed determination, they both looked to the future, hopeful for a chance at redemption and healing. Darius wearily closed his eyes, and Eric sat steadfastly by his friend's side as he drifted off to sleep. There were so many things Eric wanted to say to both Darius and Helena, but for now, he was grateful that Darius was alive, and Helena seemed more at peace after their heartfelt conversation during their walk.
Helena had confided in Eric, her voice filled with determination and love. She didn't want to witness Darius self-destruct any longer. Instead, she wanted to cherish every moment they had together, whether it be days, months, or even a year.
As Eric looked upon his sleeping friend, he felt a surge of emotions. He understood the depth of Darius and Helena's bond, and he knew that Darius needed this love and support more than ever. Eric silently vowed to be there for them both, through whatever challenges lay ahead. In the quiet of the room, Eric found solace in knowing that their friendship was a source of strength and comfort for Darius and Helena. He knew that together, they could face the uncertainty of the future and savor each moment as it came, united by love and unwavering camaraderie.
And so, as the night deepened, Eric remained by Darius's side, ready to be a rock of support and a listening ear whenever they needed him.
Throughout the night, Eric remained in his chair, vigilant and watchful as Darius slept peacefully. The room was enveloped in a serene hush, broken only by the soft sounds of Darius's steady breathing. In the dim glow of the bedside lamp, Eric's mind wandered back to the memories they had shared—times of laughter, triumphs, and even heartaches.
As Eric sat there, he couldn't help but replay the heartfelt conversation he had with Helena. Her love for Darius was palpable, and he could see the depth of her commitment to supporting him through his struggles. They were both aware of the limited time they might have together, but Eric admired their determination to make every moment count.
Throughout the night, Eric wrestled with his own emotions too. He grappled with the fear of losing his closest friend and the uncertainties that lay ahead. Yet, in the midst of it all, he felt grateful for the chance to be there, to offer his presence and support to Darius and Helena during this challenging time.
As the hours passed, Eric's thoughts turned to the future. He knew that the journey ahead wouldn't be easy, but he was determined to be the pillar of strength that Darius and Helena could rely on. Their bond was unshakeable, and Eric took comfort in the knowledge that they would face whatever came their way together.
Darius stirred in his sleep, and Eric's attention immediately shifted to his friend's well-being. He observed the peaceful expression on Darius's face, hoping that the slumber brought him some measure of rest and relief from the emotional turmoil he had been through. In the quiet stillness of the night, Eric reflected on the power of his friendship with them.
He realized that it was more than just laughter and shared experiences; it was about being there for each other during life's toughest moments. As the first light of dawn began to peek through the curtains, Eric felt a sense of peace settling over him, knowing that he had fulfilled his promise to stand by Darius's side and that the tides, for all of them, were shifting, changing. As the new day dawned and he could hear the outside world of his castle already stirring to life outside his chambers, Eric remained steadfast, knowing that the challenges ahead might be difficult, but together, they would navigate through the storm. He held onto the hope that Darius would find the strength to overcome his inner demons, fueled by the love and support of those who cared deeply for him.
And so, with determination etched on his face, Eric continued to sit by Darius's bedside, ready to face whatever lay ahead, reaffirming the enduring bond of friendship that would guide them through this next chapter of their lives.