Post by fridamoonbeam on Apr 29, 2009 0:52:59 GMT -5
So this story has two versions. No real plot difference to either. Just that the one of FF.net has more mature content. Thanks in part to the lovely WickedElphie, it's been edited for the masses
Eric stood on the balcony of his Mediterranean palace, watching the waves role in upon sand likened to crushed pearls. Night had fallen not long ago. He rested his leg upon the edge of the rail as he played his sailor's flute. The song was the one that the mystery girl had sung him back to life with. He had done this every night in the several weeks since. He had been so sure that she was the girl. His other half. But now he wasn‘t sure at all. Just yesterday had come another girl he that he knew nothing about. He had not expected to feel anything for her. He had wondered if his initial feelings for this new girl had simply been a result of finding her beautiful. That he couldn't deny. In the past two days he had never been so confused in his whole life.
Eric HAD met with other princesses and even some non-royal girls in and around Italy, as part of hundreds of years of tradition that said he was to marry before his next birthday. Eric had not seen the point of the law personally; he actually found it silly that he was supposed to be betrothed before his nineteenth year. It was not that he wasn’t open to love. He was, in fact, very much a romantic at heart. He had always mused that there must be this one amazing girl out there somewhere…someone who exuded spirit, passion, warmth; someone brave, with a loving heart and funny too. He had mostly encountered empty headed, self-centered brats, who were only nice to him because he was to be King of Italy.
And now here he was, at a crossroads, so to speak. After hearing Grimsby's advice, everything seemed more clear to him. There was no reason to argue. He was seeing the older man's point of view more and more clearly, something he had not been sure would ever happen. But it must have been that Eric was growing up in a way he hadn’t even realized he’d needed to.
If he found the voice, he'd lose Ariel. That was not something he wanted to risk. He might always feel something for his rescuer, but would it really be love or just his desire to meet her?
It was different with Ariel. Amazing. She couldn't even speak and yet the kindness in her smile and light in her eyes spoke volumes. He really had not been this happy in a long time, in a way that surprised himself. She was more than he ever needed. He glanced up, looking at her in the large glass window as she combed her hair out with a fork. The moonlight shined upon her, revealing her smile. It was still so strange that she did such a thing, but he mused it was harmless. Maybe a fork worked better than a comb? He really didn’t put much thought into his own hair. Only when Carlotta would slick it back into a pompadour wondering why he insisted upon looking like a beach bum. Either way he was not about to judge.
As his gaze was fixed on her, she turned away from the window. Eric sighed. He couldn't do it. Risking losing her was out of the question. And it was time that he let everything else go. He narrowed his blue eyes on the fife in his hand; no longer would he let himself be held back. He tossed the flue into the sea, ridding himself of what may have been. Whoever his rescuer was, he was not willing to lose Ariel for her. He turned, looking up at her window, starting to feel nervous as he began to walk inside the castle and tell her what he felt.
Ariel went back over to the window to see if by any chance her prince was still outside. He wasn't. She sighed, running the dinglehopper through her long red hair. They had come so close tonight. She could feel it and knew he did too. When they had been floating along in the rowboat. The mood, the music, (which was almost ruined by Scuttle), was perfect. There was no big grand ball or gala, just the two of them (kind of). When he had taken her hand in his, saying her name, differently then when he had just been guessing it a moment before. He had stared into her eyes, and his eyes looking back at her had said more than words could.
If only the boat hadn't capsized. If only he could know how she ached behind her smile. How she was dying to tell him “It's me! I saved you!" But he seemed torn. Was it only her voice he loved? That he somehow was taken with her being a 'mystery girl' who sang to him?
No! He DID love her. He had too. Still there wasn't much time left.
As she stood at the windows edge looking into the diamond sky, resting her small elbows with her jaw in her hands, Scuttle flapped his wings. "Ariel, kid!" the seagull called out as he landed his orange webbed feet on the ledge. "So, has he kissed you yet?" He had wanted to check in with her.
Ariel dropped her gaze, a frown coming to her pretty features as she shook her head.
"Oh... Sheesh I'm sorry kiddo... But hey there's still time. Now let's see…what can we do to get that boy to pucker up?" Scuttled wondered, placing a wing under his chin in thought as he paced back and forth upon the ledge. He snapped his wing, "I got it!" he said excitedly.
Ariel was curious as to what Scuttle had in mind, her face eyed him ready to hear what his plan was.
"Okay, Ariel. See, what I think is that you should go see the boy right now." Scuttle went on to explain, "That boy is fallin' for you. Fallin' hard. You know it. I know it. Even crabby sleeping back there knows it. The only one who doesn't know it is him! All you gotta do is give him another chance to figure it out! You gotta make a move!"
Ariel's eyes went wide listing to the bird. Could that really work? Well, if was worth a try she supposed.
Eric knocked on Ariel's door, and after moments of standing there, mused that she must be sleeping. It would be rude to wake her. He would talk to her first thing in the morning.
The Italian prince entered his room, thinking of what he should say to her. Sitting at the edge of his bed, he removed his black boots, and rubbed his feet. He then began to take off his cornflower blue shirt, but left his pants. The nights in Italy were often so warm it wasn't really needed to wear more at night. At home anyway. On his sailing trips, THAT would just be uncomfortable. With how much was on his mind with Ariel, he had forgotten to lock his door.
He crawled into his overstuffed bed and wiggled around to make himself comfortable. He tossed back and forth before lying on his back. He was having a hard time trying to sleep. He closed his eyes, telling himself he'd sleep soon, and that he would speak to Ariel in the morning. He then let his mind go free to an almost state of sleeping.
Eric opened his eyes to the sound of light pressing upon his wooden floor. It was Ariel beside his bed. He sat up. "Ariel, what are you doing in here?" he asked confused. Was this a dream? Surely she wouldn't come in here now?
Ariel looked at him, her eyes so gentle, nervous but bold. The very picture of radiance. She leaned in and kissed his forehead.
Eric felt Ariel's warm soft lips bestow kisses on his face. He closed his eyes. He just welcomed it. Having her near, in this way, amplified the feelings he’d had in the row boat ten fold. He should have stopped this, but the setting, and the feelings he had been restraining, were pounding into him, making him throw all inhibitions away. He then leaned in to kiss her, and they locked into it, enjoying each other's taste.
It was surreal. This had to be a dream. There was no way that this was happening after only two days. Even if he did love her.
Eric pulled away then confessed, "I love you, Ariel."
She wished she could have told him, but that was the deal. Her voice for her legs. Ursula had never promised her voice after he kissed her, just that she could stay human. She smiled sweetly, running her hands through his thick black waves, feeling the strong lines of his jaw, and then dropped her hand to his heart as a way of saying 'I love you too, Eric.'
He smiled at her, revealing his dimples before he began to kiss her again.
All the feelings between them were finally coming to the surface...
Ursula had come to the shore. For the first time in a long time her body was not girthy, or consisting of tentacles.
She possessed slender curves and porcelain skin, unlike that of her usual lavender. Her hair was silky, came to her waist, and was the shade of the inside of a coffin on a moonless night. He face was stunning; big violet eyes, pouty red lips. She elegantly walked across the beach by princey poo's castle, singing with her darling little niece's voice. 'This has to work.' She knew if he heard her song then he'd be her puppet. Hmm, a gorgeous young sailor at her every command? She might have fun with that later. But now was down to business.
She continued her slow walk, singing Ariel's song, hair and cloak blowing in the wind, water splashing just at her feet.
Something was missing...
Where was that fool anyway?
She glanced up looking at the palace, a scowl on her new beautiful face. Of all the times for him to not be out here moping about 'the voice'; just when her plans were being put into action! Well, it was a good thing she had planned ahead. She pulled a vial out from her gown and poured in on her head, making her like the air. She floated up to see what exactly the boy was up to. She searched around each and every window, then came to one with quite an interesting scene...
So Triton's little baby had managed to charm the stud muffin without her voice. Well, Ursula should have seen that coming. He was eighteen, Italian, and a sailor. That was a combo that practically guaranteed success all by itself.
The little idiot had kissed her. And then some....
Bah! Oh, great. So this meant the deal was off and that Ariel would have her happy little ending. Ursula’s efforts in this scheme would have been for nothing.
Or wait?
This might turn out to be of even more use to her than what she had originally planned... Daddy wouldn't be happy about this.... Not to mention Ariel's voice DID belong to Ursula. That was the exchange for her legs, and the Sea Witch had never promised it back after the kiss....
With that she went back to her ocean lair to devise a new plan.
*****
The sunlight peered through the curtains of Eric's bedroom. He breathed in, feeling utter contentment, thinking of what happened the night before. Perhaps it was a dream. But he had the rest of his life to find out, didn't he? That is if Ariel did say yes. Eric guessed she would, to which he smirked at the thought of when he'd speak to her. He began to open his eyes slowly, looking down upon the red haired maiden lying on top of him with her face nuzzled against his chest. His eyes went as wide as they had yesterday when the girl currently sleeping on him soundly had jumped over the ravine.
He ran a hand through his hair. Just what had he done??? Of course he loved her, but he should've been more responsible. He should have waited until they married. It was the right thing to do. He also had duties and responsibilities that he had just let go of. Sure, he had felt these feelings festering inside him since he found her. But he had no excuse; whether he thought it was a dream or not.
There was already gossip about them spreading through the castle, much of which wasn't very nice about Ariel. Now thanks to him, they had a reason to think it. He drew his dark brows in thought. He could make this right. He would just do as he planned. He would ask her to marry him. No one had to know. He had hated people talking about him all his life, though he accepted it to an extent. But he couldn't put her through the same thing.
No. He'd ask her when she woke, then he could make arrangements today. It might seem odd to marry so quickly. But he figured the sooner the better...
Still, having her close, feeling her soft skin. He pulled her a little closer for a moment Now that he had her, it amazed him there had ever been doubt. "Ariel, love, wake up." he told her, moving her a little.
Ariel had been sleeping as blissfully as Eric had been a moment ago. Eric did love her, as she had known he would. Going to Ursula had been a hard decision to make. It was easier after, what seemed like a huge part of her life, and so much of who she was, had went up in a fiery blast. Her Daddy had destroyed the years’ worth of treasures and trinkets she‘d collected. Even the fact that she had felt the need to hide them in the first place stung a little. She had done nothing wrong. In a way her father's distaste for Eric had been his way of saying he wouldn't accept her. To this day she still didn't have a good explanation as to why he thought all humans were so bad. If you loved someone shouldn't you try to understand and listen to them?
Everything she said seemed to be wrong to him. Had he even noticed how that broke her heart? She loved her father, she truly did, but that had been so painful. She’d needed to be with someone who could understand her, and had been willing to do what she needed to do to make it happen. And she had. Eric had kissed her. And more…
Opening her eyes, although her blue orbs were groggy, her smile was glowing as she looked up at him.
"Oh, good, you're awake. Listen-" He was cut off as she gave him a morning kiss. "Nice..." but he mused it would not be wise to do that now. He smiled nervously at her as he got up from the bed.
Ariel sat up, her hair in a tangle, and looked at him, giggling inwardly.
"Well, erm... Ariel. I need to talk to you about what happened last night." Eric said with nervous courage. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm sorry I let things go so far. It was wrong of me. But I also know I would not have done it if I did not truly love you."
Ariel was a little confused as to why Eric was apologizing. She stood up and walked over to him.
"But what I was wanting to say is that... you've taken me by complete surprise. At first I wasn't sure what it was about you that drew me in. You're beautiful definitely, but there is more to you than meets the eye. I can't say I've ever felt this close," or gotten this close, "to anyone in my whole life. Which is why I need to ask you something." he said as he bent on one knee. "Ariel, would you marry me?" he asked, looking up at her. He then mused that he probably should have changed out of his pants from last night first.
Ariel smiled brightly, and looking at him, she dropped to her knees as well and hugged him, nodding enthusiastically. Then she gave him a kiss.
He kissed her back. "You've made me so happy. If it's alright with you we can get married today."
Ariel gave him another small smile and a nod.
"Wonderful, now we need to get ready since Grimsby would be the man to talk to about the arrangements."
And so Eric made sure that Ariel got back to her room with no one being the wiser to her staying with him the night before. At least to his knowledge.
Ariel came back to her little guest room, or little by castle standards. She smiled to herself as she began to spin around, causing her nightgown to flare out while her hair tossed around. This really was beyond her wildest dreams. She went over to the vanity to fluff her red hair, as nervous smile came to her pretty face.
Sebastian awoke from his place on the large pillow, rubbing his head with his claw. His eyes lids were still heavy but he noticed Ariel looking very happy. He went as fast as his little red legs could carry him to her and asked, "Did da boy kiss you?"
Ariel smiled at him then did another spin.
Sebastian was so relieved. He’d wondered if dat boy was ever gonna do it. He seemed so dead set on da voice, but it was also undeniable how he looked at Ariel. The other reason for his joy was that it was sweet to see Ariel basking in da glow of her dreams comin' true. But 'dere still was da matter of da king. He was not going to be happy about dis. Maybe he would change his mind once he saw how happy Ariel was. Sebastian at least hoped, otherwise he was crab cakes for sure! He'd better prepare himself since it wasn't going to be a pleasant talk with him. He better think REALLY hard on how to present it. He looked at Ariel in all her happiness. He smiled, accepting that he was turning out to be a soft shell indeed. Still, he wondered what exactly was it dat made da boy change his mind....
***
Chapter two:
Eric gathered the sheets off his bed. Stuffing the fine fabric into a night sack he would take sailing. He'd have to get rid of it before anyone found out that Ariel had spent the night with him.
Max wandered into his pet's room, wondering why he was late for their morning exercise. The sheepdog had noticed himself putting on a few extra pounds. He should probably stop eating whatever his pet gave him under the table on top of his dinner. The pooch tilted his head, looking at his pet, and wondering why he seemed so tense.
Eric turned as he heard someone enter, and inhaled sharply turning his head, but was relieved to see it was only Max. "Oh boy, you scared me for a second there...." he told the sheepdog. Eric had often encountered teasing from the other sailors about how he spoke to his pet as if it could actually talk back. But it turned out that Max was one of the best listener he knew, and was probably his best friend, until the last few days of course. Although, he was good friends with many of the sailors, no one could compare to man's best friend, he mused.
Max looked at what Eric was up to, then his nose kicked in. Oh.... Eric spent the night with Ariel. He could tell, he was a dog after all. Oh, he knew she'd make a great mate for him! He was happy Eric finally realized that. Eric would have sooner if he would have just sniffed her rear, but humans seem to get so offended by it, even though it was the best way to find out about someone.
Eric began to dress in his navy and red navel suit. He liked it better than most of his dressy clothing, since it was more simple and practical than the others that had so much ornate detail. As he smoothed out the lines in his suit, looking into the mirror, he sighed, still not believing what happened the night before. So many thoughts flowed through his mind, about the past night, the duties he didn't honor-- his disappointment with himself. "Oh, Max.... I feel like such a slime ball..."
Max tilted his head at Eric. He was a smart canine and could put two and two together fairly easily. Eric was feeling guilty about being with Ariel when Eric hadn't a wedding first, or what ever that long thing was where humans did a lot of talking about how it's important to love one other. Dogs didn't do that. If you cared for another why should you have some big party about it? Shouldn't loving someone be enough? Oh well. He went over and rubbed his face against his pet's thigh affectionately. He wanted to tell Eric not to worry. He could just think of it as an insight on what the rest of his life with Ariel would be like, that's all.
Eric patted Max's head, smirking. "Hmph.... I really wish I knew what you were thinking..."
‘You’re not the only one‘, Max thought wryly
Ariel was changing for the day. She put on the black and blue dress from yesterday. It was pretty and simple, but she wasn't going to wear all of the petticoats OR the corset. She didn't see the point in so many layers. Why did female humans wear such uncomfortable things? Men's clothes seemed so much more simple. Yes, she had liked the poofy pink dress, it was nice for a change. But it got so uncomfortable and heavy after wearing it for a while. But maybe that was only for special occasions?
She didn't wear the big blue bow in her hair like yesterday. But her crimson colored strands were a mess from the night before. Instead, she combed it out with the dingle hopper, letting her waves flow free. She liked her hair long, but unlike most of her sisters she didn't put much effort into it. Only when Attina would try and brush it out. Poseidon knew Arista voiced her opinion about it, over, and over again. Alana had styled it up that time they had gone with Pearl to Eel-lec-tric city.
Eh! Pearl. Ariel really couldn't bring herself to dislike anyone, but she came pretty close with her.
But the shallow blonde mermaid didn't matter. It was her wedding day! She spun once more then came to a stop in realization.
She was going to be queen.
She automatically felt stress building in her. She was never going to be the ruler of Atlantica. That was Attina's deal. Ariel was always skipping her lessons in state-craft, instead mostly getting into trouble with Flounder and Urchin.
She wanted to be a good queen. But she felt a little unprepared. Maybe she was too impulsive for her own good? Well, that was going to have to change. She was going to be married today after all. It was time she needed to start really making an effort to put others first. That was what selfless queens did right? She knew Eric was someone who thought of other people before his desires, which was one thing that really drew her to him.
It was not that she was selfish on purpose, she would just get caught up in what she wanted, that’s all. Things were going to be different. But a good different, she mused.
She had found her soul mate, and come to the place she had been fascinated by for as long as she could remember. She could still have adventures since she knew Eric wanted to as well. Oh he must have been so many places, being a sailor. If she had her voice she ask him about all of them.
Ariel then paused, hearing knocking upon her door, she went over to open it, finding that it was Carlotta on the other side. Ariel smiled at her.
"Good morning, deary. Don'tcha look lovely? I was just checking to see if there was anything you needed. You must have been sleeping so heavily this morning..." Carlotta had come earlier, but thought that the girl they now knew as Ariel had still been sound asleep, which she had been, just not in her room.
Eric was walking down the hallway with Max by his side and the sack in the other as Carlotta and Ariel were coming out of the cozy room Ariel had been staying in.
Carlotta glanced over to the Italian sailor prince shaking her round head as furrowed her brows when she noticed something else. "Oh, Eric! Why don't you comb your hair back? It's hard to see your handsome face with all that hair around. And just WHEN was the last time you shaved?" Carlotta mused as she licked her palm proceeding to slick Eric's hair back, forming into a pompadour "There! Now you look perfect!" Carlotta said proudly.
Eric was about to protest, but there really was no fighting Carlotta on this. She was a busy-body, he knew. But he couldn't deny the woman had good intentions. He would put his foot down when he had to, but if it was a minor thing, he wouldn't raise a fuss. Besides it wasn't like he couldn't shake it out later...
His eyes glanced up, hearing in his head the other sailors busting a gut over it. His face contorted into an annoyed expression as he glanced over to his soon-to-be wife, wondering if she found it amusing.
Ariel giggled inwardly at Carlotta’s attentions to Eric. He looked like a little boy being told to behave. The woman was worse then all her sisters put together!
Carlotta noticed the bag in Eric's hand. "Oh, is that your dirty laundry, Eric? Let me take that from you. I was on my way to the washing area anyhow."
Eric clutched the bag, maybe a little too tightly. The wash-women of the Palace were the worst gossips of all. Maria knew, if they had a piece of news it would be all over Italy within an hour! He smiled, trying to hide his anxiousness. "No. i-it's not laundry. It's..." Eric looked around trying to find an excuse. Though he hated lying to Carlotta, but he knew the truth would devastate her. He glanced over just in time to see Captain Sayers walking down the hallway. "It's for Captain Sayers. That's right."
Sayers in appearance was a very large man, not portly by any means, just very large. He had been born in a poor area just outside of Rome. He had never known his father, and hadn't really cared to look, especially after his mother passed away when he had just turned twelve. From then on, he had been on his own. In that time Sayers had learned to have the shrewd resourcefulness needed to survive in an urban environment and could read people very well. He had worked up the ranks on vessels ever since he was young. Being tall for his age had helped in getting work. He was very intelligent which surprised most, but one had to be in order head such huge operations. His men had become like a family to him in a way.
He glanced up as Eric spoke of him. "Give me what, lad?" he said perplexed.
"Oh, just your night sack you forgot the other day. I was going to bring it back to you." Eric said.
Captain Sayers raised a brow as he looked at Eric, studying the boy. He looked to the ladies, in particular the little red head. Cute thing. He brought his gaze back to Eric, and noticed the prince's body language as well. Oh..... He knew what was going on. The large man did his best to suppress a smirk. He played along. "Oh, I forgot. Thanks."
Eric nodded then turned to the ladies, "Carlotta I was wondering if you if by any chance you've seen Grimsby this morning. Ariel and I wanted to discuss something with him."
"No, I haven't yet. But I could go get him, and meet you in the throne room." She turned to the girl. "Ariel, why don't you come with me. That hair of your's is a little out of control." she sweetly scolded the mute maiden
As the ladies made their way down the hallway, Sayers just turned back to Eric and began to chuckle.
Eric raised a brow. "What's so funny?"
Sayers pointed at him with his unlit cigarette. "You're in love."
Eric tried to contain the blush he felt building in his cheeks. "I don't know what you mean." he said seriously trying to be careful to not let the truth slip.
"Okay, I believe you." Sayers said as he laughed once more. "Boy, I've been a sailor for twenty five years now... I can tell when a man has fallen head over heels, even more when he wasn't supposed too."
Eric diverted his blue eyes around; he leaned in closer to him. "You can't tell anyone. Not yet." he told the Captain.
Sayers just shook his head. Maybe it was how he grew up, or that he was more worldly than most. But he didn't see the harm of two people finding each other, regardless of station. The world had much bigger problems. "So what do you plan to do about this now?" he asked.
Eric then told the man. "Well, I asked Ariel to marry me and she agreed.... You were right. I do love her, that I do know."
Sayers nodded, "Aye, so when were you thinkin' this wedding would 'appen?"
"Today." Eric replied
Sayers frowned "Urgh. Now that means we can't have a little pre-wedding celebration with the boys... Paris would have been fun. I wonder if that Babette is still at Le Fleur Noir . That broad was a wonder. Like Rosalita in Tortuga.... You remember Rosalita don't you? When you were eleven and we had 'the talk'."
Eric turned the same shade of red as the hair of the girl who had just left. "No. None of that." he stated firmly.
"Suit yourself." he told him. Though he had to admit the red head was a pretty little thing. But she was too skinny for his taste, really. Too young, too. For a companion he preferred women to little girls. Women who had lived in the world a little, and knew their way around it. He spent enough time giving directions as it was.
Eric cocked an eyebrow, "I'll survive." he said sarcastically shaking his head. "In the mean time, I need you to take care of something for me." Eric said handing the big man the bag.
Sayers looked down at the sack in his large hands. "What's this?"
"My bed sheets.... I didn't want to take any chances...."
Sayers nodded once more, "Aye, it be dirty laundry. No problem, you shall never lay your eyes on it again.... Though, I wonder what the ol beanpole would have to say."
"He'll know the important parts soon enough... that I love her and we're getting married. I'll tell him the rest later. Just not now, it would be a bad time. You won't, right?" Eric felt like a snake. But it was no one's business that Ariel had been with him last night, and he couldn't invite people to attack her.
"The way I see it is that it's not my tale to tell." Sayers replied.
Eric smiled, he had known that he could always rely on his captain.
"That way I can fully appreciate the look on his face when you tell." Sayers said as he cracked up laughing tossing the bag over his shoulder. "Nice little hairdo you have there by the way...."
Eric's face drained of color. He shook his hair out as he made his way down the stairs.
******
Once down stairs; Eric told Grimsby that he and Ariel wished to be married that day. Grimsby was taken a little aback by the announcement. He knew the boy loved the girl, but there was so much planning that went into a wedding. Not to mention the two had only really been courting for a very short time. But it also sounded like something Eric would do, the Englishman reflected. He reassured the prince that everything would take place as he wished.
Carlotta took Ariel's hand and began to lead her away, "Oh Deary we have a lot of work to do. First thing is that you need a gown and veil and a tiara and a..." Carlotta went on, not even taking breaks for a breath.
The day was a busy one indeed. It went on with the planning of the festivities. From the flowers, to the cake, to the music to the linens.
The dressmaker that fitted Ariel was astounded to find someone whose waist was the same size as their neck. It was a lovely dress to be sure. The purist white Italian silk, large sleeves which were considered quite fashionable, sea green lining along the bodice of the dress which clung to Ariel like a starfish. Her crimson waves were adorned with tulle veil and a simple yet elegant tiara.
"Alright, Ariel I think we have it." they put the full length mirror in front of the mute girl and Ariel smiled brightly seeing her wedding gown. It was more poofy and complex than anything she was used to wearing, but she felt very beautiful in it. She picked up the edge of the dress and did a small spin, after which she was chastened for moving too much. She bit her lip and frowned, but it didn't last long. She was so happy, there was no time for that.
Eric put his best effort into not thinking of how much he didn't like dressing up. White silk jacket, lined with gold intricate trim on his high collar, down the sides of his abdomen, and across his chest, complete with tails. Gold caps upon his shoulders with fringe. Gold and white cummerbund worn in place of a belt and a royal blue sash hung across him. Tight fitting trousers with a golden stripe lined down the sides and a pair of tall black Italian leather boots-- all tailored to a tee. But to him, it dressing up was more of a chore than anything else. Today however was different. He was going to marry the girl he loved If he didn't feel like a complete scum bag, than he might have been more at ease. However.... He DID love her. He wouldn't have allowed just anyone to be with him in that way. Though, that didn't make him feel any better....
The staff worked as quickly as possible, while Ariel and Eric were tended to by the servants, making sure nothing could be out of place. Every soul in the castle was putting forth every possible effort into the upcoming nuptials.
After Ariel's final fitting for her gown., she glanced over at the busy seamstresses who was thanking Maria that the prince had chosen a slender bride. It was difficult enough getting the wedding gown together in such short notice.
When there wasn't someone fitting her for something, messing with hair or asking her about every little detail Ariel realized she hadn't told Flounder yet! Well, it wasn’t really like she could 'tell' per say. She must have been so caught up in her excitement and all the planning that she forgot.
She snuck out with Sebastian to where she had first come up as a human. After all, she had spent enough time exploring sunken ships and escaping her father that she had fully mastered how to become 'invisible'.
Sebastian informed Flounder that Eric had kissed Ariel and wanted to marry her.
"That's great!" Flounder exclaimed as he jumped up from the water and did a spin. He was thrilled for his best friend, that her dreams were coming true. And that she wasn't going to belong to Ursula. But Flounder would really miss her too. She was such a good friend. It wasn't going to be the same without her, but he also knew sometimes things worked out that way. One thing he knew was that they'd always be friends.
A dead silence came upon the waters as a small wave emerged. Ariel looked into the distance. She squinted her blue eyes to focus. Her jaw dropped. Why she was surprised she wasn't sure. But she wasn't prepared for this.
King Triton came forth from the sea. In the desperate search for his youngest, he had found out through gossip that Ariel had sold her voice to the sea witch to be with the prince in the world above.
Flounder had not said a word about it and Sebastian had been with Ariel the whole time.
Among Ursula's many talents was manipulation. And it had worked like a charm. The whole kingdom knew of Ariel's stunt in becoming human. Most thought the girl was far too reckless and, well, a bit off for her desires.
They were all talking.
Triton was just... hurt. He wasn't really sure why Ariel was so disobedient. It seemed like no matter what he tried she just pulled away from him. Didn't she know how much she scared him with things like this? What it would do to him if he lost her?
He was very angry with her. As he rode the wave glancing down at her, before anything could be said, or unsaid. Triton turned his child back into a mermaid and pulled her under the waves.
Ariel looked down at her new form, old form for that matter, and fought tears she felt coming. She looked at him, her eyes drained of warmth, in place was sorrow and contempt.
"You have disobeyed me for the last time." he began. "You ran away, and went to my mortal enemy for help...." he shook his head, trying to keep his temper in check. Who knows what things Ursula could have done
'But I was only risking myself', Ariel thought, wishing she could make an argument for herself.
It was not as if he liked punishing her. He didn't. But her disregard for others as well as herself left him with few options. He then sent another beam from the trident to the princess.
Ariel was confused as to what the last thing her father had placed upon her was. She looked at him for an answer.
"You are to be confined to the sea. This is where you belong..."
Ariel's eyes widened in horror, she couldn't believe it. She swam as fast as she could, only she couldn't break the surface. Her small fists pounding at it, with only little trickles of water splashing above. Like an invisible wall had been put up.
This couldn't be happening!
****
It was time to board the Royal Galleon.
Eric pushed away all thoughts that had been eating away at him all day. There was nothing he could do now. He'd have to accept his mistake and not dwell on the past. That he had done something so slimy to someone he loved made him feel a little unglued. But this WAS his wedding day. He should focus on his future. He was sure they'd have a wonderful life together.
He turned at the knock on his door. "Come in." he told them adjusting his cuff-links.
"Your majesty.... I have some bad news, sir. It's seems your bride has gone... missing." said a very nervous servant.
Eric looked at them in disbelief. "What do you MEAN she's missing?"
"Your grace, we've looked everywhere and there's no sign of her."
Eric couldn't for the life of him believe this. He looked at his servant studying them, searching them for possible lies. He found none. "Well, you all haven't been looking hard enough. Search everywhere. Ask around the village; if anyone has seen a beautiful, mute, girl with long wavy red hair. If you don't hear anything, then we must conduct an investigation" Eric told them as he walked pasted the servant. He wasn't convinced Ariel would leave on her own free will. Someone might have taken her in hopes that the Italian royal would pay them handsomely in exchange for her life. He didn't have a good feeling about this.
****
Ursula cackled as she swam around her cauldron before she floated to the nook in her lair.
A smug smirk came to her painted red lips. This could be a delight, indeed. She knew the whole kingdom was speaking of Ariel’s little adventure as a human. Though not of her taking Ursula’s advice about ‘body language; literally and approaching the prince before he kissed her...or what had happened after.
Ursula moved the ingredients to the side of her cupboard. She reached for the scrolls that she had first studied with to master her black arts. One of the scrolls was onyx in color, and written in the brightest red, most likely the blood of a tortured soul.
Was this possible? She couldn't count her caviar before it hatched, but this wonderful little find she couldn't rule out. She smiled looking upon it.
Flotsam and Jetsam swam over to their queen, and asked simultaneously, “What are-“
“We-“
“To-“
“Do-“
“Boss?”
"Just watch and you'll see....” Ursula purred.
Eric stood on the balcony of his Mediterranean palace, watching the waves role in upon sand likened to crushed pearls. Night had fallen not long ago. He rested his leg upon the edge of the rail as he played his sailor's flute. The song was the one that the mystery girl had sung him back to life with. He had done this every night in the several weeks since. He had been so sure that she was the girl. His other half. But now he wasn‘t sure at all. Just yesterday had come another girl he that he knew nothing about. He had not expected to feel anything for her. He had wondered if his initial feelings for this new girl had simply been a result of finding her beautiful. That he couldn't deny. In the past two days he had never been so confused in his whole life.
Eric HAD met with other princesses and even some non-royal girls in and around Italy, as part of hundreds of years of tradition that said he was to marry before his next birthday. Eric had not seen the point of the law personally; he actually found it silly that he was supposed to be betrothed before his nineteenth year. It was not that he wasn’t open to love. He was, in fact, very much a romantic at heart. He had always mused that there must be this one amazing girl out there somewhere…someone who exuded spirit, passion, warmth; someone brave, with a loving heart and funny too. He had mostly encountered empty headed, self-centered brats, who were only nice to him because he was to be King of Italy.
And now here he was, at a crossroads, so to speak. After hearing Grimsby's advice, everything seemed more clear to him. There was no reason to argue. He was seeing the older man's point of view more and more clearly, something he had not been sure would ever happen. But it must have been that Eric was growing up in a way he hadn’t even realized he’d needed to.
If he found the voice, he'd lose Ariel. That was not something he wanted to risk. He might always feel something for his rescuer, but would it really be love or just his desire to meet her?
It was different with Ariel. Amazing. She couldn't even speak and yet the kindness in her smile and light in her eyes spoke volumes. He really had not been this happy in a long time, in a way that surprised himself. She was more than he ever needed. He glanced up, looking at her in the large glass window as she combed her hair out with a fork. The moonlight shined upon her, revealing her smile. It was still so strange that she did such a thing, but he mused it was harmless. Maybe a fork worked better than a comb? He really didn’t put much thought into his own hair. Only when Carlotta would slick it back into a pompadour wondering why he insisted upon looking like a beach bum. Either way he was not about to judge.
As his gaze was fixed on her, she turned away from the window. Eric sighed. He couldn't do it. Risking losing her was out of the question. And it was time that he let everything else go. He narrowed his blue eyes on the fife in his hand; no longer would he let himself be held back. He tossed the flue into the sea, ridding himself of what may have been. Whoever his rescuer was, he was not willing to lose Ariel for her. He turned, looking up at her window, starting to feel nervous as he began to walk inside the castle and tell her what he felt.
Ariel went back over to the window to see if by any chance her prince was still outside. He wasn't. She sighed, running the dinglehopper through her long red hair. They had come so close tonight. She could feel it and knew he did too. When they had been floating along in the rowboat. The mood, the music, (which was almost ruined by Scuttle), was perfect. There was no big grand ball or gala, just the two of them (kind of). When he had taken her hand in his, saying her name, differently then when he had just been guessing it a moment before. He had stared into her eyes, and his eyes looking back at her had said more than words could.
If only the boat hadn't capsized. If only he could know how she ached behind her smile. How she was dying to tell him “It's me! I saved you!" But he seemed torn. Was it only her voice he loved? That he somehow was taken with her being a 'mystery girl' who sang to him?
No! He DID love her. He had too. Still there wasn't much time left.
As she stood at the windows edge looking into the diamond sky, resting her small elbows with her jaw in her hands, Scuttle flapped his wings. "Ariel, kid!" the seagull called out as he landed his orange webbed feet on the ledge. "So, has he kissed you yet?" He had wanted to check in with her.
Ariel dropped her gaze, a frown coming to her pretty features as she shook her head.
"Oh... Sheesh I'm sorry kiddo... But hey there's still time. Now let's see…what can we do to get that boy to pucker up?" Scuttled wondered, placing a wing under his chin in thought as he paced back and forth upon the ledge. He snapped his wing, "I got it!" he said excitedly.
Ariel was curious as to what Scuttle had in mind, her face eyed him ready to hear what his plan was.
"Okay, Ariel. See, what I think is that you should go see the boy right now." Scuttle went on to explain, "That boy is fallin' for you. Fallin' hard. You know it. I know it. Even crabby sleeping back there knows it. The only one who doesn't know it is him! All you gotta do is give him another chance to figure it out! You gotta make a move!"
Ariel's eyes went wide listing to the bird. Could that really work? Well, if was worth a try she supposed.
Eric knocked on Ariel's door, and after moments of standing there, mused that she must be sleeping. It would be rude to wake her. He would talk to her first thing in the morning.
The Italian prince entered his room, thinking of what he should say to her. Sitting at the edge of his bed, he removed his black boots, and rubbed his feet. He then began to take off his cornflower blue shirt, but left his pants. The nights in Italy were often so warm it wasn't really needed to wear more at night. At home anyway. On his sailing trips, THAT would just be uncomfortable. With how much was on his mind with Ariel, he had forgotten to lock his door.
He crawled into his overstuffed bed and wiggled around to make himself comfortable. He tossed back and forth before lying on his back. He was having a hard time trying to sleep. He closed his eyes, telling himself he'd sleep soon, and that he would speak to Ariel in the morning. He then let his mind go free to an almost state of sleeping.
Eric opened his eyes to the sound of light pressing upon his wooden floor. It was Ariel beside his bed. He sat up. "Ariel, what are you doing in here?" he asked confused. Was this a dream? Surely she wouldn't come in here now?
Ariel looked at him, her eyes so gentle, nervous but bold. The very picture of radiance. She leaned in and kissed his forehead.
Eric felt Ariel's warm soft lips bestow kisses on his face. He closed his eyes. He just welcomed it. Having her near, in this way, amplified the feelings he’d had in the row boat ten fold. He should have stopped this, but the setting, and the feelings he had been restraining, were pounding into him, making him throw all inhibitions away. He then leaned in to kiss her, and they locked into it, enjoying each other's taste.
It was surreal. This had to be a dream. There was no way that this was happening after only two days. Even if he did love her.
Eric pulled away then confessed, "I love you, Ariel."
She wished she could have told him, but that was the deal. Her voice for her legs. Ursula had never promised her voice after he kissed her, just that she could stay human. She smiled sweetly, running her hands through his thick black waves, feeling the strong lines of his jaw, and then dropped her hand to his heart as a way of saying 'I love you too, Eric.'
He smiled at her, revealing his dimples before he began to kiss her again.
All the feelings between them were finally coming to the surface...
Ursula had come to the shore. For the first time in a long time her body was not girthy, or consisting of tentacles.
She possessed slender curves and porcelain skin, unlike that of her usual lavender. Her hair was silky, came to her waist, and was the shade of the inside of a coffin on a moonless night. He face was stunning; big violet eyes, pouty red lips. She elegantly walked across the beach by princey poo's castle, singing with her darling little niece's voice. 'This has to work.' She knew if he heard her song then he'd be her puppet. Hmm, a gorgeous young sailor at her every command? She might have fun with that later. But now was down to business.
She continued her slow walk, singing Ariel's song, hair and cloak blowing in the wind, water splashing just at her feet.
Something was missing...
Where was that fool anyway?
She glanced up looking at the palace, a scowl on her new beautiful face. Of all the times for him to not be out here moping about 'the voice'; just when her plans were being put into action! Well, it was a good thing she had planned ahead. She pulled a vial out from her gown and poured in on her head, making her like the air. She floated up to see what exactly the boy was up to. She searched around each and every window, then came to one with quite an interesting scene...
So Triton's little baby had managed to charm the stud muffin without her voice. Well, Ursula should have seen that coming. He was eighteen, Italian, and a sailor. That was a combo that practically guaranteed success all by itself.
The little idiot had kissed her. And then some....
Bah! Oh, great. So this meant the deal was off and that Ariel would have her happy little ending. Ursula’s efforts in this scheme would have been for nothing.
Or wait?
This might turn out to be of even more use to her than what she had originally planned... Daddy wouldn't be happy about this.... Not to mention Ariel's voice DID belong to Ursula. That was the exchange for her legs, and the Sea Witch had never promised it back after the kiss....
With that she went back to her ocean lair to devise a new plan.
*****
The sunlight peered through the curtains of Eric's bedroom. He breathed in, feeling utter contentment, thinking of what happened the night before. Perhaps it was a dream. But he had the rest of his life to find out, didn't he? That is if Ariel did say yes. Eric guessed she would, to which he smirked at the thought of when he'd speak to her. He began to open his eyes slowly, looking down upon the red haired maiden lying on top of him with her face nuzzled against his chest. His eyes went as wide as they had yesterday when the girl currently sleeping on him soundly had jumped over the ravine.
He ran a hand through his hair. Just what had he done??? Of course he loved her, but he should've been more responsible. He should have waited until they married. It was the right thing to do. He also had duties and responsibilities that he had just let go of. Sure, he had felt these feelings festering inside him since he found her. But he had no excuse; whether he thought it was a dream or not.
There was already gossip about them spreading through the castle, much of which wasn't very nice about Ariel. Now thanks to him, they had a reason to think it. He drew his dark brows in thought. He could make this right. He would just do as he planned. He would ask her to marry him. No one had to know. He had hated people talking about him all his life, though he accepted it to an extent. But he couldn't put her through the same thing.
No. He'd ask her when she woke, then he could make arrangements today. It might seem odd to marry so quickly. But he figured the sooner the better...
Still, having her close, feeling her soft skin. He pulled her a little closer for a moment Now that he had her, it amazed him there had ever been doubt. "Ariel, love, wake up." he told her, moving her a little.
Ariel had been sleeping as blissfully as Eric had been a moment ago. Eric did love her, as she had known he would. Going to Ursula had been a hard decision to make. It was easier after, what seemed like a huge part of her life, and so much of who she was, had went up in a fiery blast. Her Daddy had destroyed the years’ worth of treasures and trinkets she‘d collected. Even the fact that she had felt the need to hide them in the first place stung a little. She had done nothing wrong. In a way her father's distaste for Eric had been his way of saying he wouldn't accept her. To this day she still didn't have a good explanation as to why he thought all humans were so bad. If you loved someone shouldn't you try to understand and listen to them?
Everything she said seemed to be wrong to him. Had he even noticed how that broke her heart? She loved her father, she truly did, but that had been so painful. She’d needed to be with someone who could understand her, and had been willing to do what she needed to do to make it happen. And she had. Eric had kissed her. And more…
Opening her eyes, although her blue orbs were groggy, her smile was glowing as she looked up at him.
"Oh, good, you're awake. Listen-" He was cut off as she gave him a morning kiss. "Nice..." but he mused it would not be wise to do that now. He smiled nervously at her as he got up from the bed.
Ariel sat up, her hair in a tangle, and looked at him, giggling inwardly.
"Well, erm... Ariel. I need to talk to you about what happened last night." Eric said with nervous courage. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm sorry I let things go so far. It was wrong of me. But I also know I would not have done it if I did not truly love you."
Ariel was a little confused as to why Eric was apologizing. She stood up and walked over to him.
"But what I was wanting to say is that... you've taken me by complete surprise. At first I wasn't sure what it was about you that drew me in. You're beautiful definitely, but there is more to you than meets the eye. I can't say I've ever felt this close," or gotten this close, "to anyone in my whole life. Which is why I need to ask you something." he said as he bent on one knee. "Ariel, would you marry me?" he asked, looking up at her. He then mused that he probably should have changed out of his pants from last night first.
Ariel smiled brightly, and looking at him, she dropped to her knees as well and hugged him, nodding enthusiastically. Then she gave him a kiss.
He kissed her back. "You've made me so happy. If it's alright with you we can get married today."
Ariel gave him another small smile and a nod.
"Wonderful, now we need to get ready since Grimsby would be the man to talk to about the arrangements."
And so Eric made sure that Ariel got back to her room with no one being the wiser to her staying with him the night before. At least to his knowledge.
Ariel came back to her little guest room, or little by castle standards. She smiled to herself as she began to spin around, causing her nightgown to flare out while her hair tossed around. This really was beyond her wildest dreams. She went over to the vanity to fluff her red hair, as nervous smile came to her pretty face.
Sebastian awoke from his place on the large pillow, rubbing his head with his claw. His eyes lids were still heavy but he noticed Ariel looking very happy. He went as fast as his little red legs could carry him to her and asked, "Did da boy kiss you?"
Ariel smiled at him then did another spin.
Sebastian was so relieved. He’d wondered if dat boy was ever gonna do it. He seemed so dead set on da voice, but it was also undeniable how he looked at Ariel. The other reason for his joy was that it was sweet to see Ariel basking in da glow of her dreams comin' true. But 'dere still was da matter of da king. He was not going to be happy about dis. Maybe he would change his mind once he saw how happy Ariel was. Sebastian at least hoped, otherwise he was crab cakes for sure! He'd better prepare himself since it wasn't going to be a pleasant talk with him. He better think REALLY hard on how to present it. He looked at Ariel in all her happiness. He smiled, accepting that he was turning out to be a soft shell indeed. Still, he wondered what exactly was it dat made da boy change his mind....
***
Chapter two:
Eric gathered the sheets off his bed. Stuffing the fine fabric into a night sack he would take sailing. He'd have to get rid of it before anyone found out that Ariel had spent the night with him.
Max wandered into his pet's room, wondering why he was late for their morning exercise. The sheepdog had noticed himself putting on a few extra pounds. He should probably stop eating whatever his pet gave him under the table on top of his dinner. The pooch tilted his head, looking at his pet, and wondering why he seemed so tense.
Eric turned as he heard someone enter, and inhaled sharply turning his head, but was relieved to see it was only Max. "Oh boy, you scared me for a second there...." he told the sheepdog. Eric had often encountered teasing from the other sailors about how he spoke to his pet as if it could actually talk back. But it turned out that Max was one of the best listener he knew, and was probably his best friend, until the last few days of course. Although, he was good friends with many of the sailors, no one could compare to man's best friend, he mused.
Max looked at what Eric was up to, then his nose kicked in. Oh.... Eric spent the night with Ariel. He could tell, he was a dog after all. Oh, he knew she'd make a great mate for him! He was happy Eric finally realized that. Eric would have sooner if he would have just sniffed her rear, but humans seem to get so offended by it, even though it was the best way to find out about someone.
Eric began to dress in his navy and red navel suit. He liked it better than most of his dressy clothing, since it was more simple and practical than the others that had so much ornate detail. As he smoothed out the lines in his suit, looking into the mirror, he sighed, still not believing what happened the night before. So many thoughts flowed through his mind, about the past night, the duties he didn't honor-- his disappointment with himself. "Oh, Max.... I feel like such a slime ball..."
Max tilted his head at Eric. He was a smart canine and could put two and two together fairly easily. Eric was feeling guilty about being with Ariel when Eric hadn't a wedding first, or what ever that long thing was where humans did a lot of talking about how it's important to love one other. Dogs didn't do that. If you cared for another why should you have some big party about it? Shouldn't loving someone be enough? Oh well. He went over and rubbed his face against his pet's thigh affectionately. He wanted to tell Eric not to worry. He could just think of it as an insight on what the rest of his life with Ariel would be like, that's all.
Eric patted Max's head, smirking. "Hmph.... I really wish I knew what you were thinking..."
‘You’re not the only one‘, Max thought wryly
Ariel was changing for the day. She put on the black and blue dress from yesterday. It was pretty and simple, but she wasn't going to wear all of the petticoats OR the corset. She didn't see the point in so many layers. Why did female humans wear such uncomfortable things? Men's clothes seemed so much more simple. Yes, she had liked the poofy pink dress, it was nice for a change. But it got so uncomfortable and heavy after wearing it for a while. But maybe that was only for special occasions?
She didn't wear the big blue bow in her hair like yesterday. But her crimson colored strands were a mess from the night before. Instead, she combed it out with the dingle hopper, letting her waves flow free. She liked her hair long, but unlike most of her sisters she didn't put much effort into it. Only when Attina would try and brush it out. Poseidon knew Arista voiced her opinion about it, over, and over again. Alana had styled it up that time they had gone with Pearl to Eel-lec-tric city.
Eh! Pearl. Ariel really couldn't bring herself to dislike anyone, but she came pretty close with her.
But the shallow blonde mermaid didn't matter. It was her wedding day! She spun once more then came to a stop in realization.
She was going to be queen.
She automatically felt stress building in her. She was never going to be the ruler of Atlantica. That was Attina's deal. Ariel was always skipping her lessons in state-craft, instead mostly getting into trouble with Flounder and Urchin.
She wanted to be a good queen. But she felt a little unprepared. Maybe she was too impulsive for her own good? Well, that was going to have to change. She was going to be married today after all. It was time she needed to start really making an effort to put others first. That was what selfless queens did right? She knew Eric was someone who thought of other people before his desires, which was one thing that really drew her to him.
It was not that she was selfish on purpose, she would just get caught up in what she wanted, that’s all. Things were going to be different. But a good different, she mused.
She had found her soul mate, and come to the place she had been fascinated by for as long as she could remember. She could still have adventures since she knew Eric wanted to as well. Oh he must have been so many places, being a sailor. If she had her voice she ask him about all of them.
Ariel then paused, hearing knocking upon her door, she went over to open it, finding that it was Carlotta on the other side. Ariel smiled at her.
"Good morning, deary. Don'tcha look lovely? I was just checking to see if there was anything you needed. You must have been sleeping so heavily this morning..." Carlotta had come earlier, but thought that the girl they now knew as Ariel had still been sound asleep, which she had been, just not in her room.
Eric was walking down the hallway with Max by his side and the sack in the other as Carlotta and Ariel were coming out of the cozy room Ariel had been staying in.
Carlotta glanced over to the Italian sailor prince shaking her round head as furrowed her brows when she noticed something else. "Oh, Eric! Why don't you comb your hair back? It's hard to see your handsome face with all that hair around. And just WHEN was the last time you shaved?" Carlotta mused as she licked her palm proceeding to slick Eric's hair back, forming into a pompadour "There! Now you look perfect!" Carlotta said proudly.
Eric was about to protest, but there really was no fighting Carlotta on this. She was a busy-body, he knew. But he couldn't deny the woman had good intentions. He would put his foot down when he had to, but if it was a minor thing, he wouldn't raise a fuss. Besides it wasn't like he couldn't shake it out later...
His eyes glanced up, hearing in his head the other sailors busting a gut over it. His face contorted into an annoyed expression as he glanced over to his soon-to-be wife, wondering if she found it amusing.
Ariel giggled inwardly at Carlotta’s attentions to Eric. He looked like a little boy being told to behave. The woman was worse then all her sisters put together!
Carlotta noticed the bag in Eric's hand. "Oh, is that your dirty laundry, Eric? Let me take that from you. I was on my way to the washing area anyhow."
Eric clutched the bag, maybe a little too tightly. The wash-women of the Palace were the worst gossips of all. Maria knew, if they had a piece of news it would be all over Italy within an hour! He smiled, trying to hide his anxiousness. "No. i-it's not laundry. It's..." Eric looked around trying to find an excuse. Though he hated lying to Carlotta, but he knew the truth would devastate her. He glanced over just in time to see Captain Sayers walking down the hallway. "It's for Captain Sayers. That's right."
Sayers in appearance was a very large man, not portly by any means, just very large. He had been born in a poor area just outside of Rome. He had never known his father, and hadn't really cared to look, especially after his mother passed away when he had just turned twelve. From then on, he had been on his own. In that time Sayers had learned to have the shrewd resourcefulness needed to survive in an urban environment and could read people very well. He had worked up the ranks on vessels ever since he was young. Being tall for his age had helped in getting work. He was very intelligent which surprised most, but one had to be in order head such huge operations. His men had become like a family to him in a way.
He glanced up as Eric spoke of him. "Give me what, lad?" he said perplexed.
"Oh, just your night sack you forgot the other day. I was going to bring it back to you." Eric said.
Captain Sayers raised a brow as he looked at Eric, studying the boy. He looked to the ladies, in particular the little red head. Cute thing. He brought his gaze back to Eric, and noticed the prince's body language as well. Oh..... He knew what was going on. The large man did his best to suppress a smirk. He played along. "Oh, I forgot. Thanks."
Eric nodded then turned to the ladies, "Carlotta I was wondering if you if by any chance you've seen Grimsby this morning. Ariel and I wanted to discuss something with him."
"No, I haven't yet. But I could go get him, and meet you in the throne room." She turned to the girl. "Ariel, why don't you come with me. That hair of your's is a little out of control." she sweetly scolded the mute maiden
As the ladies made their way down the hallway, Sayers just turned back to Eric and began to chuckle.
Eric raised a brow. "What's so funny?"
Sayers pointed at him with his unlit cigarette. "You're in love."
Eric tried to contain the blush he felt building in his cheeks. "I don't know what you mean." he said seriously trying to be careful to not let the truth slip.
"Okay, I believe you." Sayers said as he laughed once more. "Boy, I've been a sailor for twenty five years now... I can tell when a man has fallen head over heels, even more when he wasn't supposed too."
Eric diverted his blue eyes around; he leaned in closer to him. "You can't tell anyone. Not yet." he told the Captain.
Sayers just shook his head. Maybe it was how he grew up, or that he was more worldly than most. But he didn't see the harm of two people finding each other, regardless of station. The world had much bigger problems. "So what do you plan to do about this now?" he asked.
Eric then told the man. "Well, I asked Ariel to marry me and she agreed.... You were right. I do love her, that I do know."
Sayers nodded, "Aye, so when were you thinkin' this wedding would 'appen?"
"Today." Eric replied
Sayers frowned "Urgh. Now that means we can't have a little pre-wedding celebration with the boys... Paris would have been fun. I wonder if that Babette is still at Le Fleur Noir . That broad was a wonder. Like Rosalita in Tortuga.... You remember Rosalita don't you? When you were eleven and we had 'the talk'."
Eric turned the same shade of red as the hair of the girl who had just left. "No. None of that." he stated firmly.
"Suit yourself." he told him. Though he had to admit the red head was a pretty little thing. But she was too skinny for his taste, really. Too young, too. For a companion he preferred women to little girls. Women who had lived in the world a little, and knew their way around it. He spent enough time giving directions as it was.
Eric cocked an eyebrow, "I'll survive." he said sarcastically shaking his head. "In the mean time, I need you to take care of something for me." Eric said handing the big man the bag.
Sayers looked down at the sack in his large hands. "What's this?"
"My bed sheets.... I didn't want to take any chances...."
Sayers nodded once more, "Aye, it be dirty laundry. No problem, you shall never lay your eyes on it again.... Though, I wonder what the ol beanpole would have to say."
"He'll know the important parts soon enough... that I love her and we're getting married. I'll tell him the rest later. Just not now, it would be a bad time. You won't, right?" Eric felt like a snake. But it was no one's business that Ariel had been with him last night, and he couldn't invite people to attack her.
"The way I see it is that it's not my tale to tell." Sayers replied.
Eric smiled, he had known that he could always rely on his captain.
"That way I can fully appreciate the look on his face when you tell." Sayers said as he cracked up laughing tossing the bag over his shoulder. "Nice little hairdo you have there by the way...."
Eric's face drained of color. He shook his hair out as he made his way down the stairs.
******
Once down stairs; Eric told Grimsby that he and Ariel wished to be married that day. Grimsby was taken a little aback by the announcement. He knew the boy loved the girl, but there was so much planning that went into a wedding. Not to mention the two had only really been courting for a very short time. But it also sounded like something Eric would do, the Englishman reflected. He reassured the prince that everything would take place as he wished.
Carlotta took Ariel's hand and began to lead her away, "Oh Deary we have a lot of work to do. First thing is that you need a gown and veil and a tiara and a..." Carlotta went on, not even taking breaks for a breath.
The day was a busy one indeed. It went on with the planning of the festivities. From the flowers, to the cake, to the music to the linens.
The dressmaker that fitted Ariel was astounded to find someone whose waist was the same size as their neck. It was a lovely dress to be sure. The purist white Italian silk, large sleeves which were considered quite fashionable, sea green lining along the bodice of the dress which clung to Ariel like a starfish. Her crimson waves were adorned with tulle veil and a simple yet elegant tiara.
"Alright, Ariel I think we have it." they put the full length mirror in front of the mute girl and Ariel smiled brightly seeing her wedding gown. It was more poofy and complex than anything she was used to wearing, but she felt very beautiful in it. She picked up the edge of the dress and did a small spin, after which she was chastened for moving too much. She bit her lip and frowned, but it didn't last long. She was so happy, there was no time for that.
Eric put his best effort into not thinking of how much he didn't like dressing up. White silk jacket, lined with gold intricate trim on his high collar, down the sides of his abdomen, and across his chest, complete with tails. Gold caps upon his shoulders with fringe. Gold and white cummerbund worn in place of a belt and a royal blue sash hung across him. Tight fitting trousers with a golden stripe lined down the sides and a pair of tall black Italian leather boots-- all tailored to a tee. But to him, it dressing up was more of a chore than anything else. Today however was different. He was going to marry the girl he loved If he didn't feel like a complete scum bag, than he might have been more at ease. However.... He DID love her. He wouldn't have allowed just anyone to be with him in that way. Though, that didn't make him feel any better....
The staff worked as quickly as possible, while Ariel and Eric were tended to by the servants, making sure nothing could be out of place. Every soul in the castle was putting forth every possible effort into the upcoming nuptials.
After Ariel's final fitting for her gown., she glanced over at the busy seamstresses who was thanking Maria that the prince had chosen a slender bride. It was difficult enough getting the wedding gown together in such short notice.
When there wasn't someone fitting her for something, messing with hair or asking her about every little detail Ariel realized she hadn't told Flounder yet! Well, it wasn’t really like she could 'tell' per say. She must have been so caught up in her excitement and all the planning that she forgot.
She snuck out with Sebastian to where she had first come up as a human. After all, she had spent enough time exploring sunken ships and escaping her father that she had fully mastered how to become 'invisible'.
Sebastian informed Flounder that Eric had kissed Ariel and wanted to marry her.
"That's great!" Flounder exclaimed as he jumped up from the water and did a spin. He was thrilled for his best friend, that her dreams were coming true. And that she wasn't going to belong to Ursula. But Flounder would really miss her too. She was such a good friend. It wasn't going to be the same without her, but he also knew sometimes things worked out that way. One thing he knew was that they'd always be friends.
A dead silence came upon the waters as a small wave emerged. Ariel looked into the distance. She squinted her blue eyes to focus. Her jaw dropped. Why she was surprised she wasn't sure. But she wasn't prepared for this.
King Triton came forth from the sea. In the desperate search for his youngest, he had found out through gossip that Ariel had sold her voice to the sea witch to be with the prince in the world above.
Flounder had not said a word about it and Sebastian had been with Ariel the whole time.
Among Ursula's many talents was manipulation. And it had worked like a charm. The whole kingdom knew of Ariel's stunt in becoming human. Most thought the girl was far too reckless and, well, a bit off for her desires.
They were all talking.
Triton was just... hurt. He wasn't really sure why Ariel was so disobedient. It seemed like no matter what he tried she just pulled away from him. Didn't she know how much she scared him with things like this? What it would do to him if he lost her?
He was very angry with her. As he rode the wave glancing down at her, before anything could be said, or unsaid. Triton turned his child back into a mermaid and pulled her under the waves.
Ariel looked down at her new form, old form for that matter, and fought tears she felt coming. She looked at him, her eyes drained of warmth, in place was sorrow and contempt.
"You have disobeyed me for the last time." he began. "You ran away, and went to my mortal enemy for help...." he shook his head, trying to keep his temper in check. Who knows what things Ursula could have done
'But I was only risking myself', Ariel thought, wishing she could make an argument for herself.
It was not as if he liked punishing her. He didn't. But her disregard for others as well as herself left him with few options. He then sent another beam from the trident to the princess.
Ariel was confused as to what the last thing her father had placed upon her was. She looked at him for an answer.
"You are to be confined to the sea. This is where you belong..."
Ariel's eyes widened in horror, she couldn't believe it. She swam as fast as she could, only she couldn't break the surface. Her small fists pounding at it, with only little trickles of water splashing above. Like an invisible wall had been put up.
This couldn't be happening!
****
It was time to board the Royal Galleon.
Eric pushed away all thoughts that had been eating away at him all day. There was nothing he could do now. He'd have to accept his mistake and not dwell on the past. That he had done something so slimy to someone he loved made him feel a little unglued. But this WAS his wedding day. He should focus on his future. He was sure they'd have a wonderful life together.
He turned at the knock on his door. "Come in." he told them adjusting his cuff-links.
"Your majesty.... I have some bad news, sir. It's seems your bride has gone... missing." said a very nervous servant.
Eric looked at them in disbelief. "What do you MEAN she's missing?"
"Your grace, we've looked everywhere and there's no sign of her."
Eric couldn't for the life of him believe this. He looked at his servant studying them, searching them for possible lies. He found none. "Well, you all haven't been looking hard enough. Search everywhere. Ask around the village; if anyone has seen a beautiful, mute, girl with long wavy red hair. If you don't hear anything, then we must conduct an investigation" Eric told them as he walked pasted the servant. He wasn't convinced Ariel would leave on her own free will. Someone might have taken her in hopes that the Italian royal would pay them handsomely in exchange for her life. He didn't have a good feeling about this.
****
Ursula cackled as she swam around her cauldron before she floated to the nook in her lair.
A smug smirk came to her painted red lips. This could be a delight, indeed. She knew the whole kingdom was speaking of Ariel’s little adventure as a human. Though not of her taking Ursula’s advice about ‘body language; literally and approaching the prince before he kissed her...or what had happened after.
Ursula moved the ingredients to the side of her cupboard. She reached for the scrolls that she had first studied with to master her black arts. One of the scrolls was onyx in color, and written in the brightest red, most likely the blood of a tortured soul.
Was this possible? She couldn't count her caviar before it hatched, but this wonderful little find she couldn't rule out. She smiled looking upon it.
Flotsam and Jetsam swam over to their queen, and asked simultaneously, “What are-“
“We-“
“To-“
“Do-“
“Boss?”
"Just watch and you'll see....” Ursula purred.