Chapter 20

"Putting the Past to Rest"

The wedding of Vanessa and Victor was a major relief for all of not just Denmark, but for all of Europe. It gave Europe a chance to escape the growing conflict that was going on with France at the head. For Ariel and her family, this was a chance to celebrate what it means to be rulers of a country and an entire kingdom. The reception was just like any other reception after a wedding, but to her, it was a special one. It was unfortunate that her mother wasn't here to see this and after sharing a brief and promised dance with Eric, Ariel walked out to the edge of the wedding ship just as she did at her own wedding 12 years earlier.

"I hope you are feeling all right after all that has happened, daddy," she said to herself, looking down at the water. "I just wish you could be here with us."

Suddenly, the waters came up and King Triton emerged from the waters, opening his arms out to hug Ariel. After a brief embrace, they broke apart and gave each other a warm smile.

"How are you feeling, Ariel?" he asked warmly. "I have been thinking about you for quite some time now."

"I'm fine, daddy," she replied. "It was a beautiful wedding ceremony and I can't help but feel happy for Vanessa and Victor. This was a day that was overdue for them."

Triton looked over Ariel's shoulder and saw the start of the dancing that was going on in the ballroom. Knowing that Eric and Melody would be waiting for Ariel, Triton decided to keep his visit brief.

"Indeed, Ariel," said Triton. "I know that Eric and Melody are waiting for you, so I will stay for a brief time."

"No, daddy," insisted Ariel, not wanting to see her father leave. "Stay as long as you want. After all, you played a major part in our victory, even if it didn't feel like one."

Ariel was of course, thinking back to when her life was turned upside down. At the same time, she was thinking of what could have been if she hadn't accompanied Eric into battle. Her love for him was the main reason for doing so. What Pelley had did to her was repulsive and wrong, casting a shadow over all on land and sea.

"As a matter of fact daddy," sighed Ariel, walking back towards the ballroom and turning back to face him. "Now that you destroyed the ship that killed mother, do you think that maybe you will start to appreciate all humans a little more?"

Triton thought about what Ariel had just said to him. She was right, he had to let go some of his grudge against humans, a grudge that he had held for so many years.

"I might start to Ariel," said Triton, shrugging his shoulders. "But, I have to warn you that it won't be right away. Remember, humans killed your mother and the pain may be too deep to erase completely. Destroying the ship won't bring her back, but I have come to accept that not humans are evil."

"When did you learn that?" asked Ariel.

"When you married Eric," replied Triton. "There are some humans I have come to trust, including him and Melody. I love you and I have admired you for choosing the path you now take."

Just then, a cold wind blew and made Ariel shiver slightly. She could tell that the cold wind was a sign of things to come for them and since it was a cold wind that would mean more troubles on the horizon.

"That was a cold wind," said Ariel. "You always said that it was a sign that trouble was coming."

"Yes, Ariel," replied Triton. "Even after all we have been through, the cold wind would mean that we will have to endure another challenge, a challenge that I fear would test the relationship you have with Melody."

A twinge of fear came though Ariel's mind as she took in what her father had said. She then turned and watched Melody and John dance with one another. She didn't want to think of the future given what she had been through along with her kingdom in general.

"What can I do?" asked Ariel, her voice growing desperate. "Please tell me, Daddy."

"All you can do is pray, Ariel," advised Triton. "You, Eric and Melody must pray for the future of our kingdoms. For there will come a time where your relationships are tested. I don't know what the future holds, but you must never forget who you are and where you came from, no matter what happens."

After that moment, Triton floated over and hugged his daughter tightly as he made his way back into the waters, feeling justified that the ship that killed his wife and Ariel's mother was gone forever.

But, Ariel still had a promise to fulfill and walked back into the ballroom to dance with Eric while still dressed in her pink and white gown.

"Shall we dance?" asked Eric as he bowed while Ariel curtseyed. "The night is still young."

"Indeed so," replied Ariel, still thinking about what Triton had said. "This was a great night for us all."

"Let's just hope that all our troubles are behind us," remarked Eric as they began dancing to the next waltz. "We've had enough troubles to last us a lifetime."

So, they continued celebrating the wedding for the rest of the evening with the thought of more conflict still fresh in Ariel's mind. As she danced with Eric, Ariel turned her attention towards Melody and John, with Melody resting her head on John's shoulder.

"I just hope there are no more dangers coming to our kingdom," thought Ariel as the waltz ended. "I've made the mistake once of trying shield Melody from harm and I will not make that same mistake again as God is my witness, I will not make the same mistake again unless if I have to."

Meanwhile, back in London, Sir Percy had been summoned to Buckingham Palace after an urgent message had come for all of England's naval officers to meet at the palace.

"What is the message?" asked Sir Percy as he walked into the large room.

"Its coming from our forces in the Crimea," said a naval officer. "We must prepare for a defense of Turkey against the Russians."

Little did everyone know that the Danish royal family would be pulled back into the tide of battle sooner than they all thought.

TO BE CONTINUED….SPRING 2016.