Melody packed the last of her things into her luggage and plopped down on her bed with an exasperated "huff," letting her arms spread out on either side.
"Tell me again why I agreed to this?" she asked her mother, who sat nearby in a plush chair.
"Because you are 18 years old and must at least consider the requests of any suitors who inquire," Ariel smirked at her daughter with a knowing look.
Melody rolled her eyes. "If this duke is so interested in me, then why does he not come here? Why do I have to sail all the way to his kingdom?"
"Oh, I am sure that he wants to impress you by showing off his palace, his kingdom, and his loyal subjects. He is throwing a ball in your honor as well, so please promise me that you will be cordial with him? Who knows? You might even like him!"
"And in the likely event that I do not?" Melody crossed her arms.
Ariel slowly got up from her seat to perch next to her daughter.
"Then you thank him for his hospitality and come straight home. There will be plenty of suitors, trust me. And if all else fails, I'm sure your grandfather could find a suitable merman for you," she nudged Melody in the ribs playfully, who burst out laughing. The idea of the King of the Sea playing matchmaker was just too much. Although she had only known him for the past 6 years, it was long enough to know that he would not be very good at selecting a marriage mate for a headstrong princess.
"I suppose I can live with that," she finally replied. "I wish you and Dad could come with me though. This trip is going to be so long and boring by myself." Ariel sighed and leaned back against the mounds of pillows that Melody had arranged on her bed, smoothing her dress over her protruding belly.
"I know dear, but I can barely walk on the beach without getting nauseous. A month long voyage at this point would not be much fun for any of us if I came with you. Besides, you won't be alone..." Ariel said cryptically.
"What do you mean? Do I get to bring a friend?" Melody sat up with curiosity.
"Well, not exactly...we hired a young officer from the naval academy to accompany you on your trip. He came very highly recommended."
"Awe, mom! I am 18 years old, I don't need a babysitter!" she complained, feeling as though she were being treated like she was 12 again.
"Bodyguard, not a babysitter, " her mother corrected her. "We just want you to be safe. And he will keep out of your hair, I promise."
Melody really did not want to argue with her mother right before going on such a long trip, especially when ultimately, it really wasn't that big of a deal. At least she would have someone new to talk to.
"Alright, fine, " she finally acquiesced. "When do I get to meet him?"
"Tomorrow morning, when you board the ship." The queen looked relieved that the young princess was not protesting further, as she herself would have done when she was her age. She struggled to sit up, wobbling back and forth on the plush mattress beneath her.
"Will you help me up please?" Ariel finally asked. Melody giggled and pulled her mother up to a standing position. "Thank you dear. Oh, I almost forgot! Your grandfather is coming by tonight to see you off. He asked that you meet him at the rock at sunset." Melody's demeanor suddenly perked up and she clapped her hands in delight.
"I'll go meet him right now! The sun is already getting low!" She squealed happily. "Goodnight Mom!"
"Goodnight sweetie! Your father and I will see you in the morning before you take off!" Ariel waved at her daughter as she disappeared down the hallway.
Melody wasted no time running to the shoreline. She was already wearing a light camisole and breeches, which the royal tailor had custom made for her so she could go swimming. Dresses simply were not made for water. She waded out onto the coral reef, which extended a few dozen feet out from the sandy beach. As the reef dropped off and the water deepened, Melody dove underwater and relished the feel of the saltwater on her bare skin. She felt so alive out here!
She skimmed along the surface, easily holding her breath for the three minutes it took to reach the "rock" - a small formation of land jutting out of the ocean. Her mother had often met Scuttle the seagull here to bring new discoveries and discuss her human treasures. Now Melody sat on the edge of the rock, dangling her feet in the open water while she watched the sun begin to set. It wasn't long before the water began to bubble in front of her, and the sea king himself emerged from the crystal blue depths. Melody jumped into his arms and he embraced her tightly, a hearty chuckle emanating from deep within his chest.
"Now when did my granddaughter get so big?" he joked.
"Grandfather, it's only been a few months since I've last seen you!" Melody laughed.
"Of course, you are absolutely right! This is why you need to come visit me more often." The mighty king actually seemed to pout as he said this.
"You know that I would if I could! I wish I could visit you in Atlantica for the summer instead of sailing to meet that silly Duke of Arlington." She folded her arms in disgust at the mere thought of her suitor.
"I know," King Triton chuckled. "But as a princess, you must fulfill your royal obligations. No matter how silly they may seem." She scowled at him. He then softened his demeanor, remembering that she was his granddaughter, and he was not her parent.
"Did you bring your locket?" he asked with a glint of mischief in his eyes.
"Yes, I always wear it." She clutched the golden seashell hanging around her neck.
"Open it up, please. I have something I want to give you before your journey tomorrow."
"A gift? Oh grandfather, you shouldn't have!" She popped open the locket, which released a small bubble that floated above the shell, displaying a watery image of Atlantica surrounded by merfolk. It also played her mother's lullaby that she used to sing to her when she was very young.
King Triton then produced a brilliant blue pearl from what seemed like thin air. It was every shade of blue all at once; its iridescence seemed to capture a small piece of the very ocean itself!
"It's beautiful!" Melody exclaimed. "I've never seen a pearl like this before…"
"It's one of a kind," her grandfather winked at her. "Now, you must be very careful not to lose it or let it fall into the wrong hands," he warned.
"Of course, you know I'm always careful. But what exactly is so special about this pearl?" Melody's curiosity was piqued now. The king just placed the pearl inside her locket and closed it.
"You will see in time. It will reveal its true nature to you, when you are ready."
"I don't understand…" Melody pressed him, but he cut her off.
"Now now, you have a very big day tomorrow and you need to get a full night's sleep, young lady." It was clear that she would get no further explanation of the pearl, so she hugged him tightly and bid him goodnight after thanking him for the beautiful, yet mysterious, gift.
The next morning was bustling with activity as the servants clamored to get everything prepared for Melody's send-off. Trundles of clothing and gifts for the kingdom of Arlington, as well as crates of food and tools were being hauled aboard The Rising Tide - a trustworthy ship from King Eric's royal fleet. It had stood the test of time and was in excellent condition, so the king had naturally chosen it to be the ship that would take his daughter across the sea.
Melody brushed her hair quickly before tying it back into a ponytail. She wore a simple travel dress in a pale coral shade, along with her tan leather boots. She had securely fastened her locket around her neck just prior to getting dressed. Grabbing her messenger bag, she quickly headed downstairs to meet her parents.
"Melody honey, you look beautiful, How did you sleep last night?" her father asked.
"Thank you Dad," she curtsied. "I slept decently enough, I suppose."
"Ahh excited for the dawn of a new voyage?" he hugged her excitedly. "I couldn't sleep either, and I don't even get to go! You get all the fun!"
"Well you know Dad, we could always arrange for you to go woo the Duke of Arlington. I'll happily stay home and take care of Mom." Melody teased him, pretending to set down her bag.
He laughed good-naturedly. "Nice try, but I wouldn't want to take this opportunity from you. You're going to have a great time!"
"Your father is just feeling deprived of the ocean and is getting a bit stir crazy, having to stay home with me for the past few months," Ariel laughed along. "But come along, you don't want to be late!"
"Pretty sure I wouldn't mind missing the departure..." Melody said under her breath. She knew her parents were trying to hype her up, and while being anywhere near the sea made her happy, it didn't take away from the fact that she was not looking forward to the destination.
"All aboard!" shouted the captain. He greeted Melody with a salute. "Ahoy princess! Welcome aboard the Rising Tide! Captain Henley Howell at your service," he bowed.
"Thank you captain. No doubt you will provide a stable passage overseas," Melody saluted back, setting down her parcels. The captain nodded with a smile and then gestured to the young man on his left, who was dressed in a navy blue waistcoat with brass buttons and tan trousers. Melody had never seen him before, so she rightly assumed him to be her hired bodyguard.
"This is Lieutenant James Hawkins. He will act as your royal bodyguard both on this ship and once we dock in Arlington."
"How do you do, Mr Hawkins?" she curtsied politely.
"Very well. Thank you, your majesty. May I help you with your things?" he reached to pick up one of her bags. She moved to pick up her smaller, exploration bag.
"I've got this one - thank you," she explained hurriedly. She didn't want him to sneak a peak and wonder what a princess was doing with a hunting knife, and why the inside of her bag was covered in tar. No, that conversation was better left off alone.
"As you wish, allow me to show you to your cabin," he gestured to the right. She followed him further into the ship as he guided her to her room. They didn't talk much - Melody wasn't one for bringing up topics of conversation, and as it turned out, neither was the lieutenant. At last they made it to her cabin, which was a decently sized room with a large porthole offering a glimpse of the sea beyond. Melody, tossed her bag onto the bed as Mr Hawkins set her other bags down near the door.
"I'm sure you'd probably like to rest, so I'll leave you now. I will be next door should you need anything," he turned to leave.
"Rest? We haven't gone anywhere yet!" she said incredulously. In fact, I had planned on spending most of the day out on deck."
He seemed slightly taken aback. Probably not used to looking after someone as stubborn as me, Melody thought with a smirk.
"As you wish, your majesty," he held the door open for her.
"Mr Hawkins, 'your majesty' is my mother. You may simply call me Melody, unless that would get you into trouble with the captain?" she hoped he wouldn't argue on this. Titles were so annoying, and unnecessary in her opinion. To her surprise, he conceded.
"Very well, Melody. On one condition..." She looked at him, slightly surprised, and genuinely curious.
"And what might that condition be, Mr Hawkins?"
"Just call me Jim." She could have sworn he winked at her.