rated * non-traditional
Choices
by Treanna
Chapter One
Trixie looked at herself in the mirror. The face that frowned back at her seemed almost surreal today. She was eighteen, but still felt like she was a little girl.
She looked up when her best friend Honey floated in.
“You look gorgeous.” Trixie smiled at her. “You always look good in gold.”
“And that ocean blue dress on you makes you look so much older.”
Trixie smiled. “It is one of the most important days of my life and I am really scared.”
Honey sat beside her. “Why?”
“Well, after the ball my father will ask me to make the choice to leave for the month or to stay. I still don’t know what to do.”
Honey gave her a hug. “Your two brothers made their choices and both are very happy.”
“And what about you, Honey? Are you still so sure about leaving your father's kingdom and coming to live here with Brian?”
Honey looked at the gold ring on her finger. “I have never been more sure of anything in my life. And it is not as if I can’t see my father.”
“I know, but our life here is so different.”
“But with Brian here, life is perfect for me. When I marry him in a couple of months I will be the happiest woman that ever lived.” Honey nudged her friend. “Don’t you want to go and spend time with Mart and Di? And go and see some of my world?”
Trixie nodded. “But I am scared about what I will find.”
“Maybe a man?”
Trixie shuddered. “I don’t think so. Most of the men I have met are so boring.”
“But they are the ones in your world. And remember, you haven’t met my brother yet.”
“So. tell me about him.”
Honey thought for a moment. “What can I say about Prince James? Well, Jim is about the nicest guy you could ever meet. Everyone in the kingdom loves him. He is tall with red hair and green eyes just like Daddy and unfortunately has the same temper.”
“Does he know anything about where Brian comes from?”
Honey shook her head. “I have just become good at changing the subject. But I will tell him once you have had your month there.”
“Why not now?”
“I want him to meet you and get to know you before I tell him.”
“Trixie, are you ready dear?”
Trixie turned and smiled at her mother. “Coming, Mother.”
Arm in arm the girls floated towards the ballroom, being careful not to catch their new dresses.
“You look lovely tonight, Princess Beatrix.”
Trixie looked up at the man she was dancing with. He was the most boring of all the men she had danced with so far.
“Thank you, Alexander. You look pretty fine yourself.”
“Well, thank you. And have you made your decision about what choice you are going to make?”
She shook her head. “Not quite.”
“Well, when I had the choice, I chose to stay here. Why anyone would want to go there is beyond me! We have everything we need here. And if you choose to stay, it would be my pleasure to show you some of them.”
Right then and there her choice was made.
Thankfully, at that time the horns blasted and Alexander escorted her towards her father.
Her father smiled at them both as Alexander bowed before them and then turned and left.
“A fine young man that one,” her father teased, “from a good family.”
“Daddy,” she groaned. “He is so boring.”
Her father laughed. “Kinda thought you might say that.”
When the rest of the family had arrived, King Peter put up his sceptre and the room became quiet.
He then turned to his only daughter.
“My dearest daughter, today is the day we celebrate your eighteenth birthday. Today, is the day you have the choice whether to stay with us or explore the world for one month. You have given us so much joy over the last eighteen years and we offer you this gift with love. So, my daughter, what is your choice?”
Trixie looked at her three brothers, her sister-in-law and her best friend. She looked at her parents and smiled.
“Dear Daddy, I wish to walk the land for the month.”
There was silence in the room as her father smiled at her.
“Dear daughter, then I give you for one month into the care of Mart. I give you these two rings. The first is for you. Wear it on your right hand and you can walk the earth. Put it back on your left and you will be able to return to me. The other one I place around your neck on a chain. If you should happen to find your true love in the upper world, then use this ring to bring him into ours. But be warned, my dearest daughter, Man on the earth only thinks of us as a myth. They must continue to think of us that way. We are safe as long as our two worlds remain separated. Now, I will have the final dance with my daughter before she leaves for the land.
And with a swish of his tail he danced her into the middle of the room as the clock struck midnight.
Trixie sat quietly on the edge of the Great Deep. Her mind was filled with so many questions. She knew within the hour she would leave everything and everyone she knew and spend a month discovering so much new, but still scary things.
A movement behind her caused her to turn.
“Thought I might find you here.”
Trixie smiled at Dan. “Why is that?”
“Ever since you were a little girl you would come here to think. So Princess, are you scared?”
She nodded. “Tell me about the upper world, Dan?”
He thought for a moment.
“Well, when I went up, Brian found me a place to stay with an old man named Maypenny.”
“Didn’t you like him?”
“Sure, he was okay but I seemed to spend most of my time chopping wood. Though it wasn’t all bad. The local girls seemed to like to come and watch me as I worked, especially when I took off my shirt.”
“So you didn’t find a special someone?”
He laughed. “Princess, I am too young to settle down. Besides, there are too many maids on the land and too many mermaids in the sea to settle for one at the moment.”
Trixie laughed and gave him a hug.
“Come on, Trixie, it’s about time for you to go and experience the upper world.”
Her mother was waiting for her when she returned.
“Now are you sure this is what you want, honey? You can still change your mind.”
“It is something I really want to do,” she told her mother.
“Then I really hope that you find all the wonders the upper world has to offer.”
Trixie hugged her mother.
“I will miss you, Moms.”
Her mother gently pushed her away.
“Come on, honey, it is time.”
They headed for the Grand Room.
Brian, Honey, Mart and Di were already there with her father.
“There are a few things you need to know before you leave,” her father told her.
“Firstly, the clothes you are wearing dry the instant you walk on land. No one on land can tell the difference. When your head breaks above the water, change your ring and then you must blow heavily. That will release all the water in your lungs. Then you will be breathing air.
"When you reach waist height stand up and your fins will become legs and feet. It is not painful but it will be uncomfortable. Almost like a cramp in your fin. It may take a while to learn to walk but Brian and Mart will help you until you are steadier.”
He then smiled at his daughter.
“The distance between our world and the upper world is great. To get there in the quickest possible way put out your hand where the ring is. You will move quickly so it is a good idea to close your eyes the first time. Your ring will tingle when you are almost there and you can then open your eyes.
"When you want to come home, walk into the water up to your waist and change the ring back to your other hand. Your fin will appear again. Then blow out all the air in your lungs and go under the water and breath deeply. Your lungs will again fill with water. Then point your ring and it will bring you home.” He then moved closer to her and took her hands in his. “When you come home, it must be at night. It is then safer and you will continue to keep our secret. Do you understand all I have told you my daughter?”
She nodded and he smiled.
“You will be staying with Mart and Di and they can answer any questions you may have. Now, my dear daughter, it is time for you to leave. In one month you will need to return and bring with you your decision on whether you wish to remain on land or come back under.”
He then pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly.
“I love you, my little princess.”
“I love you, too, Daddy.”
She then turned and hugged her mother and her little brother.
“Everyone is leaving me again,” he complained.
“I will be only gone a month and I will bring you back something really, really special.”
“Promise.”
“I promise.”
He grinned.
Brian then took her hand.
“Hold my hand, Trixie, and you will be fine. Now put out your hand.”
The first whoosh had her closing her eyes. She gripped Brian’s hand harder as they flew through the water.
Trixie heard a mumbling of voices around her, but she kept her eyes tightly closed. It seemed like forever before her ring began to tingle and they began to slow down.
Only then did she open her eyes and saw an ocean she had never seen before.
“We are almost there,” Brian told her and she relaxed her hand.
It was only a few minutes later that Trixie’s head broke the surface and for the first time in her life she saw the moon in the sky.
Brian pointed to her hand and she quickly changed her ring to her other hand.
Then following her father’s instructions, she blew heavily which removed the fluid in her lungs and caused her to have a coughing fit.
Mart laughed as he gently rubbed her back.
“It always happens the first time.”
She took her first lung full of air and wiped her eyes.
Then they began to move closer to the shore. Above them the lights of the Castle gleamed.
“Okay, sis, put your fin on the bottom.”
Trixie did and instantly her fin felt like it had fallen asleep. She moved her fin and was shocked to find that it has split into two legs and feet. Brian and Mart grabbed her around the waist as they walked towards shore.
They half walked and half carried her up to Mart and Di’s house. It was a cozy two story white-framed house with a huge verandah that looked out over the ocean.
They sat her down and then hurried upstairs, returning a few minutes later minus their robes and wearing trousers and a shirt. Trixie laughed.
“What is wrong?” Brian frowned.
“You look so funny with legs.”
“Then look down, sis.”
Trixie looked down at her feet. She wriggled her toes and laughed again.
“This is weird.
Di walked over and helped her to stand.
“It is time we changed too.”
Honey took her other arm and they headed upstairs.
They took her into a lovely room that overlooked the ocean and sat her down on the bed.
“Now Trixie, there are a few things that your dad didn’t tell you and it is time you learned about them. So, for now we need to teach you about one of them.”
“What is that?”
Honey looked at Di and then back at Trixie. She smiled.
“Underwear.”
Waking up to the sound of the waves crashing below had Trixie jumping out of bed, and stumbling to the window where she opened the curtains and breathed heavily of the salty air.
She looked in delight and then turned when there was a knock on the door. Di popped her head in and smiled.
“Hungry?”
“Starving,” she told her with a smile as she headed for the door.
They walked downstairs together.
Mart was already seated with a huge plate of food in front of him.
Trixie sat down and looked at the food and breathed in the delicious smells.
Di placed a glass in front of her.
“It’s orange juice, Trix. Try it?”
Trixie took up a taste and looked up and smiled.
“It’s delicious, but I thought oranges were round.”
“The juice is squeezed out. I will show you how to do it later. Now eat.”
For the first time in her life, Trixie tasted hot foot.
Bacon, eggs, and toast with sticky honey all disappeared miraculously.
She sat back, full and happy.
“I see you enjoyed your breakfast.” Mart grinned.
“I did and I am full. I need to swim, er, I mean walk it off.”
“Well, I think you should dress first,” Di told her.
Trixie looked at the dress Di was wearing and groaned.
“Do I have to wear something like that?”
Di laughed.
“I can lend you a pair of baggy pants and one of Mart's shirts if you like.”
Trixie nodded.
Trixie stood at the top of the cliff. She walked down the path, glad of Mart’s hat that kept her hair from blowing in her face.
She stood on the warm sand, her face towards the sun, her eyes closed.
From the top of the cliffs he saw his friend standing on the sand. He grinned as he dismounted from his horse and crept nearer. A few feet away, he charged, tackling Mart to the ground. But as soon as he grabbed him, he realized it was not Mart. The figure underneath him was slighter than Mart and definitely feminine.
He moved slightly and the figure turned over, her hat fallen off her head, revealing curly hair the colour of the sun. He looked into eyes the same colour as Mart’s and a face, though similar, was definitely a girl's.
“I’m sorry,” he stammered. “I thought you were Mart.”
“Well, I’m not. Now, if you can get off me, I can breathe again.”
He moved away, though somewhat reluctantly, and she sat up, shaking the sand out of her curls, which made him curl his fingers into the sand, suddenly filled with a desire to gently tug the one that fell across her forehead.
“Fine way for a prince to act,” she snapped as she stood unsteadily to her feet.
He was instantly on his feet, taking her arm gently.
“Are you okay?” he asked worriedly.
“Apart from a few bruises, Prince James.”
“You know me, but I don’t know you.”
“Obviously.”
He suddenly snapped his fingers.
“You must be Mart and Brian’s kid sister Princess Beatrix.”
He saw her shudder.
“My friends call me Trixie.”
He grinned and her legs felt decidedly more wobbly.
“And my friends call me, Jim. I hope I can be one of your friends.”
She smiled back. “Maybe, if you help me back up to Mart’s, I may consider you as a friend.”
He took her wobbliness as a side effect of the tackle as he helped her back to Marts.
Mart stood outside and watched them.
“So what do I owe the displeasure of your company so early in the morning Prince James?”
“I am afraid I mistook your sister for you and tackled her.”
Mart laughed so hard he had to sit down.
“Oh Jim, you are priceless, but I must admit with that getup she is wearing anyone would be hard pressed to guess she is a girl.”
“Very funny brother.” She walked up the steps and opened the door.
“Princess, I am hoping you are coming to the ball tomorrow night.”
She turned. “What ball?”
“To welcome back my sister and your brother from wherever you come from. Now where is that again?”
“I would love to come to the ball, although I will have to wear a dress in case you decide to tackle me again.”
He grinned. “That sounds a little disappointing. A tackle free evening. Though I guess it will be worth it, Princess, to see you in a dress.”
Trixie sighed as she went inside.
Honey laughed. “You tackled her?”
He nodded.
“So what do you think of her?”
“She looks like Mart.”
“And do you think she is cute?”
“If you call dressed in men’s clothes cute, then I guess she was.”
“And you invited her to the ball tomorrow night?”
“I actually said I hoped she was coming. I knew she would be invited. After all, she is Brian’s sister.”
He then sighed. “Are you going to tell me where you have been?”
“Paradise.” She smiled.
“A little more information would be helpful.”
Honey patted his hand.
“Do me a favour and I will tell you.”
“Anything.”
“Take Trixie around and show her the sights. She is only here for a month and I promise that before she leaves I will tell you everything.”
He smiled. “That is easy because I was planning to ask her anyway.”
Honey laughed. “Then, dear brother, how about some lunch.”
Trixie sat at her dressing table and frowned. Her hair that curled slightly when in the ocean curled tighter now it was dry.
She sighed as Di walked in.
“What’s up, Trixie?”
“Look at my hair. It is such a mess.”
“Don’t worry, Trixie. It just needs a good wash and a brush.”
“I don’t want to show up Brian or Mart tomorrow night.”
Di hugged her. “You could never do that. Now how about we try on your shoes. I have got you flats so you will be more comfortable.”
“What about my dress?”
“Honey is taking care of that.”
Jim stood next to his father, running his finger around the collar of his shirt.
“I hate ties too.” His father smiled.
“Not as much as I do.”
“Something is bothering you son. What is wrong?”
“Nothing dad I am just waiting for...”
“Princess Beatrix.”
“How did you know?”
“I was young once too, remember. There is a huge amount of beautiful maidens tonight and I have hardly seen you dance.”
“They are all carbon copies of each other. Royalty and non-royals all hoping to catch themselves a prince.”
“And Trixie?”
“I know I have only met her once, but I felt a real naturalness in her. It is something I want to explore more.”
“Speaking of.” His father looked up and Jim followed the direction of his eyes and his heart stuck in his throat.
A vision stood at the top of the stairs. He didn’t hear her being introduced, and his eyes never left her. From her hair, clipped back and falling in ringlets down her back, to her creamy shoulders, her dress of the palest blue, down to her shoes, peeping from the bottom of her dress.
He didn’t even realise he had moved until he was standing at the bottom of the stairs waiting for her.
She stopped a couple of steps above him and he held out his hand and helped her down the last couple.
“Hi,” she whispered.
“Hi,” he whispered back.
“What no tackling?” She smiled.
“Don’t tempt me. How about a dance instead?”
“I don’t dance very well. I kept standing on Mart’s toes.”
He laughed. “I will take that chance.”
Taking her hand he walked into the middle of the room. It felt wonderful to draw her into his arms. He smiled down at her.
“Princess Beatrix, you are breathtakingly beautiful.”
She smiled. “Well, I will accept that compliment if you call me Trixie.”
“Trixie,” he whispered her name, and her heart again stopped. No one had ever said her name like that before.
The song ended and they stood in the middle of the room.
“See no sore toes.” He smiled.
“Then maybe you could introduce me to your parents. Dad wants me to send his regards to your father and mother.”
He tucked her hand under his arm and led her to his parents.
His father smiled as they walked nearer.
She curtsied and King Matthew took her hands and kissed her cheek.
“Trixie, you are the image of your mother.”
“And you are just as daddy described you.”
“Come sit by me and tell me how your parents are.”
Queen Madeleine put her hand on her son’s arm.
“Will you take your old mother out on the dance floor?”
Jim smiled. “It would be my honour to dance with one of the most beautiful women here tonight.”
She laughed. “Flattery will get you anything.”
Jim smiled at Trixie. He then put his mother’s hand under his arm and they headed out onto the floor.
“Jim, is asking many questions about your Kingdom. We will have to tell him soon.”
He then smiled at Trixie. “Honey has told me she will tell him soon. She is worried that he will react negatively, and is hoping if he spends time with you he will find it easier.
“I hope so.” She smiled at him. “I will do anything I can to make him accept it.”
“That’s a good girl.” Matthew smiled as he watched her eyes follow his son around the room.
“A romance already blossoming.” He then frowned. He hoped neither one would get hurt.
After dancing with his mother Jim returned her to his father.
“I was just telling Trixie about our gardens, son. I thought you might want to show her.”
Jim smiled down at Trixie.
“Princess, would you like a tour of the gardens?”
“I would like that Prince James.” Trixie stood up and slipped her arm through his. “Lead on.”
The music was playing faintly in the background as they walked through the gardens.
They came up to where a huge fountain stood, splashing them gently as they stood near.
In the centre of the fountain sat a mermaid. In her hand she held a shell. Water poured slowly from it.
“Isn’t she beautiful?” Jim asked and Trixie nodded.
“She is so lifelike.”
He laughed. “She would be if there were such a thing as mermaids.”
“So you don’t believe in them?”
“Nonsense, that came from old fisherman spinning yarns.”
He looked at her face, noticing how sad it suddenly was.
“Trix, are you okay? You suddenly looked so sad.”
“I am just missing my family a little tonight.”
He took her hand in his.
“Well, I hope not too much. I would like to keep you around a little longer.”
She looked up at him and smiled.
“That’s good because I am not ready to go home yet.”
He grasped her hand a little tighter.
“We are planning to go swimming tomorrow afternoon. Will you join us?”
She nodded.
“Your brothers are both fish in the water. How about you?”
“You will have to find out tomorrow.”
The strains of music filtered through the trees and Jim took her into his harms and danced her around the fountain as the mermaid smiled down at them.
They stopped as the music finished and Jim moved closer.
The clock began to chime and Trixie pulled away.
“It is midnight. I have to go.”
“What! Are you going to turn into a pumpkin or something?”
She shook her head and laughed. “Not that I know of. But I am tired and the only thing I want to turn into is my bed.”
“Fair enough, Princess. I will take you back to your brothers.”
He took her hand and tucked it securely under his arm. Then they slowly walked back inside.
Brian and Mart were waiting for her.”
“Are you okay, sis?” Brian eyed Jim as he spoke.
She nodded. “Just a little tired.”
“Then we will bid you goodnight,” Mart told Jim.
“I just want to say goodbye to the king,” Trixie told them as she hurried away.
Brian and Mart watched Jim watch Trixie.
“So, no tackling tonight, Jim?”
Jim smiled at the meaning behind his words.
“I didn’t want to ruin that gorgeous dress.”
Brian’s eyes narrowed at his friend. Jim smiled broadly at him just before he walked away.
King Matthew smiled at Trixie.
“What did you think of the gardens?”
“I loved them, especially the fountain. Jim told me he doesn’t believe in mermaids.”
“Then we will have to help him believe.”
Trixie nodded.
“Goodnight, King Matthew, and thank you for a wonderful evening.”
“You are welcome, Trixie. Goodnight.”
Trixie woke to another beautiful and sunny morning.
She again leapt out of bed and hurried downstairs to help Di with the breakfast. She then helped her prepare a picnic basket.
Trixie looked at herself in the mirror.
The bathing suit she wore was a pretty blue but felt so uncomfortable.
The top was more like a dress that stopped just above her knees and underneath the frilly pants stopped just below the knees.
“I refuse to wear the hat,” she told Di as she walked downstairs.
Di smiled. “Your hair is easier to dry than mine and doesn’t get in your eyes.”
Mart walked in wearing a tighter pair of pants that went to just below his knees.
Trixie laughed.
“How do we swim in this getup?”
“You will learn, sis. Now let’s go.”
The others were already in the water when they arrived. Jim waved when he saw them and headed out of the water to meet them.
He was shirtless and Trixie was drawn to the wide expanse of chest in front of her.
“Good morning, Princess. I trust you slept well?”
She nodded and watched as his eyes moved slowly down her body.
“I know the costume is awful.”
“I was just thinking how cute you looked.”
She felt herself blush.
He smiled, reaching out to take her hand.
“How about a swim, Trixie?”
She nodded and they ran together into the water.
“Hey, no fair,” Jim panted a half an hour later. “You are a fish too. I can’t catch you.”
Trixie turned and grinned.
“Oh, I thought the aim of the game Tag was to not get caught.”
“But you could at least slow down a little. You must spend all day in the water in your kingdom.”
“Something like that.”
He put up a finger. “Ah-ha, a clue. You live near the ocean.”
“Clever man.” She laughed, not noticing, or pretending not to notice, that he drew nearer. But just as he was about to grab her she was again gone.”
“Princess Trixie, when I finally catch you, I am going to...”
“Going to what?”
There was a seriousness on his face as he said. “Maybe kiss you?”
Trixie stopped and stared at him.
If she stayed out of his reach he would think she did not want to be kissed. But if she let him catch her what would he think.
She chewed on her bottom lip worriedly and he smiled at her predicament.
“Trixie, I am starving. How about something to eat?”
She nodded and together they headed back to shore.
Later, when the men had gone off to collect firewood for a fire, Di and Honey confronted Trixie.
“So, what where you and Jim giving each other looks for today?”
“What do you mean?”
“You had a conversation in the ocean and since then you have both been acting weird.”
Trixie sighed and told them what had happened. They both grinned.
“So, things are becoming serious between the two of you?”
“I have known him only a couple of days.”
“And yet?” Di prompted.
“I feel like I have known him forever.”
Honey smiled. “I know he is my brother, but he is a really sweet and honorable man.”
Trixie reached down and ran her hands down her legs.
“But what about this. How will he take it when we tell him?”
Honey frowned. “I wish I knew, Trixie. I am scared he will even reject me when he finds out your world is under water and that is where I am planning to live with Brian.”
“Then tell me what I should do?” Tears came unbidden to Trixie’s eyes.
Honey and Di hugged her as all three sat and watched the sun begin to set.
By the time the men returned the girls were composed, but Jim saw the telltale signs that they had been crying.
He watched as Brian and Mart took their girls in their arms. He heard murmurs of voices. Words only meant for each other.
He stood for a minute watching Trixie standing looking out into the ocean. He then walked towards her.
“Trixie,” he spoke quietly. “Would you like to take a walk?”
She nodded. He took her hand and they walked along the shore. Above them the castle glittered.
“How do you feel about being a prince and knowing one day you will be King?”
“I really don’t know anything else. Since I could understand, I have been taught everything I need to know to one day take over the throne.”
“But is that what you want?”
“No one has ever asked me that question before. But yes, I do. I know that I can do so much good for my people being a prince and one day the King. And you, Princess, what about you?”
“I am the only girl of four children. Brian is like you. He has always wanted to be King. But I know he would have given it all up for Honey. They are so much in love.”
Jim smiled. “That is not hard to see.”
His hand ran over the ring on her finger.
“You all wear these rings. What do they mean?”
“That we are Royalty and we have left our kingdom to travel to yours.”
For the first time he noticed the one around her neck.
“And that one?”
Trixie put her hand around it.
“My father gave me this ring. He told me that if I found a man I could love I should give him this ring and he would be welcome in our kingdom as a prince.”
“I hope I can visit your world one day.”
“So do I.” She sighed and again he saw sadness in her eyes.
“I feel that there is something you want to tell me but are afraid. You can tell me anything and I will understand.”
She shook her head. “Just a little bit of homesickness, I think.”
“How about we go out tomorrow and I can show you the kingdom. It might take your mind off missing yours.”
“I would like that.” She smiled.
“I should take you back now,” he told her and she smiled.
“And maybe next time when you try and catch me, I just might let you.”
With that she began to run towards the fire burning in the distance.
Jim suddenly realized what she had said. Then, with a laugh, he ran after her.
As the sun began to set, she smiled.
This was one of her favourite times of the day.
She blew a kiss to the sun, imagining her father would receive it as the sun set below the ocean.
“Who was that kiss for?”
“My dad.”
Jim came closer. “Are you still missing your family?”
She nodded. “But not as much.”
“Well, you have been here two weeks. In two more you will be home again.”
She nodded as she turned to him. He took her hands in his and moved closer.
“I am going to miss you, Trix, when you go.”
“And I will miss you too.”
“Trix?”
“Hmmm?”
“I think it about time you let me catch you.”
She looked into eyes as green as the deep ocean and smiled.
“For you, Prince James, I will stop running.”
His head moved closer, effectively hiding the slowly setting sun.
For the first touch of his lips, he was seeking, testing the waters.
Trixie moved closer to him and his arms slid around her drawing her even closer.
Trixie was pleased and delighted when his kiss deepened. Her arms slid around his neck, her fingers sliding into the redness of his hair.
For Trixie, the kiss ended much too soon and she swallowed her disappointment.
As Jim looked down at her face, he knew he was totally and utterly lost.
Trixie took things into her own hands.
“More, Jim. Please.”
“My pleasure, Princess.”
It was timeless moments later when he finally lifted his head again.
The sun had finally set and the moon above them gave off a slight glow.
“I think I should take you home.”
“Trying to get rid of me.”
“Believe me, I would love nothing better than to stand her all night kissing you until the sun rises, but my father wishes to see me and I am already late.”
“Then you had better go.”
“I am going to walk you home first.”
She nodded as he took her hand. They walked to the house and he turned and looked down at her.
“Will I see you in the morning?”
She nodded before he reached for her again.
As he ran towards the castle, she couldn’t help the tears than ran down her cheeks.
An arm slid around her.
“It’s hard, isn’t it, Trix?”
“Oh Brian, I never thought I could fall in love so quickly.”
“Oh Trix, I am so sorry. I wish I could do something.”
“You are,” she whispered before turning into his comforting arms with a sob. “How can I tell him the truth? I can’t lose him.”
Jim hurried to his father’s room. His father was sitting at his desk when Jim was announced.
He put down his pen and smiled at the tousled appearance of his son.
“Sorry that I am late, Dad. I was otherwise detained.
“Hmmm, Princess Trixie is a good reason to be late.”
“How did you know?”
“I think the sparkle in your eyes and that huge grin on your face gave you away.”
“Dad.” Jim became serious. “Is it too early to be thinking of forever with her?”
His father shook his head.
“I fell in love with your mother the first time I saw her.”
“Dad, Trixie is just so different from any girl I have ever met. She is so natural and so funny. She makes me feel real protective over her, and when I am away from her, I think about her all the time. She is the first thing I think about in the morning and the last thing at night.”
His father stood up and walked towards his soon. He patted him on his shoulder.
“Sounds about right to me, son. Have you told Trixie how you feel?”
Jim shook his head.
“I think it is too early. Maybe just before she goes. Sometimes, though, she seems so sad. I know she is missing her family. I could never leave here and I am worried she wouldn’t be able to leave her family either.
“You could go with her?”
Jim shook his head.
“Dad, my people come first.”
“Jim, you have always been so honourable. Maybe it is time you were a little selfish.”
Jim again shook his head.
“With Honey leaving soon, you and mother need my support. I won’t abandon you.”
“Then talk to Trixie, son. That way you will know.”
Jim thought on these things the next morning as he walked towards Crabapple Farm.
As he got to the kitchen he heard laughter. He looked inside and smiled.
Trixie sat on the floor next to a box containing Seaweed, Mart's black cat, and a handful of little black and white balls.
Trixie looked up and smiled Jim in.
“Seaweed has had six of the cutest kittens,” she told him.
“Yeah, and she hid them in one of the closets, and Trixie found them. She has always been good at snooping,” sniffed Mart.
Jim laughed. “Princess Shamus.”
She looked up. “What?”
“Shamus is another word for detective.”
Trixie put the kitten down she was holding and stood up. She knew Jim was watching her and she felt her face blush.
Humph, she thought. How women cope with blushing up here is incredible. Underwater I never had to worry about it.
Jim saw her blush and smiled. It was one of the things he loved about her.
The truth hit him so hard that he stood looking at her like a stunned mullet.
“Earth to Jim,” she giggled and he shook himself.
“Sorry, Princess, I was thinking of something else.”
“Good, I hope?”
He smiled at her and her heart flip-flopped.
“Definitely.”
A gagging noise behind him made Jim turn around.
“If you two are going to get lovey dovey, can you go somewhere else? It is breakfast time?”
“Well, thank you I would love to stay for breakfast. I am starving.” Jim smiled.
“Of course you can.” Di smiled back. “There is plenty.”
“Hmmmph,” Mart sighed. “Wish I hadn’t said anything.”
The moon was full as the two figures walked slowly along the sand. Every now and then the man would stop and pull her into his arms and reach down for one more taste of lips he never wanted to be parted from.
He knew that tonight was the night. The last month had been like a carefully and lovingly written fairy tale. But now she was due to leave in a couple of days. For the first time in his life he was scared. Scared that she would reject him.
She rested her head against his chest, feeling secure against the beating of his heart.
She also knew tonight was the night.
She had come to the upper world to find adventure and she had found love.
She couldn’t stop the tears that ran like rivers down her face.
He heard her sniff and gently lifted her face to his.
“Baby, what is wrong?”
“I am due to leave in two days.”
“I know and I wanted to talk to you. Trix, I...”
He was surprised when she put her finger on his lips.
“Jim, please, I need to tell you something.”
He gently removed her finger.
“Let me tell you first.”
She shook her head. “What I say is going to have an impact on what you are going to tell me.”
“Are you married?”
“No!”
“Then there is nothing else you could tell me that will change how I feel about you.”
“Jim. Please?”
He smiled. “Okay, Princess, shock me.”
Trixie moved away and stood at the water’s edge, feeling comfort in the movement of the water around her feet.
“Jim, do you still not believe in mermaids?”
“I have yet to be shown proof.”
“What if I told you I was a mermaid?”
“What?” he chuckled.
“And that my kingdom is under the ocean.”
“I would question what you were drinking at dinner.” He walked behind her. “I thought you wanted to talk to me seriously?”
She turned to him.
She reached up and touched his cheek. She then took the necklace from around her neck and placed it over his head.
He looked down at it, understanding the significance.
“I love you, Jim, but I have to show you something and I am afraid I am going to lose you.”
“Baby, there is nothing.”
She again put her finger over his lips.
“Watch, Jim.”
She began to walk further into the water until she was up to her knees. She then sat down.”
“Trix?” He made a move towards her.
“It’s okay, Jim.”
He watched as she removed her ring and placed it on the other hand.
The water around her seemed to move differently.
Then as if a dream she floated towards him and he dropped to his knees beside a tail the same color as her eyes.
“Jim?”
“You’re a...a...a...”
“Mermaid.”
“No!” he shouted. “It’s impossible. I must be dreaming?”
She reached and touched his hand and he pulled away, standing up and moving back.
She sighed as she slipped the ring back on her other hand and stood up, walking towards him.
He looked down at her legs and then up at her face.
“Trixie, I can’t accept this. Your brothers? My sister is engaged to a...a...a fish?”
“Brian is no more a fish that I am, Jim. Honey knows all about it. She has visited my world many, many times and she is happy to follow Brian and be his bride.”
As she took a step closer he moved back.
“No wonder she was reluctant to tell me about your kingdom. And do my parents know?”
She nodded. “Your father and my father have been friends since before we were born.”
“And you expected me to follow you and spend the rest of my life with a TAIL?”
“I never once asked you to give up your life here.”
“I fell in love a woman I believe walked permanently on two legs and now I find she swims with a tail. How am I supposed to deal with this?”
Trixie hung her head.
“Then there is only one thing I can do.”
She walked up to him and before he could move kissed him gently on his lips.
“I will always love you, Prince James.”
Then before he could utter another word she had turned and run back into the water. She faced him for a moment. Her face in a shadow. He saw her hand move and slowly she disappeared under the waves.
She stretched her hand towards home, her heart broken and bleeding, torn from her body, and left to die on the sand.
Brian stood ten feet behind Jim. He knew what his sister was going to tell him so he had stood at the top of the sand dunes and watched. Now, he felt Jim needed someone to talk to before he went to his sister.
“Jim?”
He was surprised by the anger in Jim’s eyes as he turned to face him.
“Why didn’t anyone tell me sooner?”
“Maybe we were concerned what your reaction we would get.”
“What reaction would you expect? The woman I have fallen in love with and wanted to spend the rest of my life with is a fish.”
“Not a fish, Jim. We are as warm-blooded as you.”
“You breathe water, you have a tail. And you are planning to take my sister there?”
“Your sister made that decision.”
“How could she?”
“You will have to ask her that.”
“Will Trixie be okay out there on her own?”
Brian smiled. “She will be fine. She is safe with the ring on her finger. Now I am going to take you home and then I am going to check on her.”
“I can walk home by myself.”
“Then you can accompany me. I have to tell Honey I will be away for a day or two.”
Jim put his hand on the ring around his neck.
“I should give you this to give back to her.”
“Keep it until I return, Jim. Then if you decide you don’t want it, I can give it back to her then.”
Jim nodded.
Honey was waiting for them when they returned. One look at their faces confirmed her worst fears.
“Jim?”
“Honey, I need some time alone.”
She watched him walk away and then turned to Brian.
“I guess that means I am going to lose you for a couple of days?”
He drew her into his arms and kissed her gently.
“I am sorry, baby, but I have to make sure Trixie is okay.”
“I wish I could come with you, but I think my brother needs me.”
“I will be back as soon as I can.”
“I love you, Prince Brian.”
“And I love you, Princess Madeleine.”
Any protest about the name was smothered by his lips. And then he was gone. Honey watched him run towards Mart’s home. She watched until both brothers ran down the sand to disappear into the darkness. But she knew where they were and where they were going. She then turned to find her father.
King Peter was feeling tired. After reading three stories to his son and answering hundreds of questions all he wanted to do was close his eyes.
When a Court Guard appeared at the door of his office he sighed inwardly.
“Yes?”
“King Peter someone is heading from the upper world.”
“Who is it?”
“We have been told it is Princess Beatrix, and she is alone.”
Peter knew something was terribly wrong.
“Bring her to me as soon as she arrives.”
The guard saluted and left.
About five minutes later she appeared.
“Thank you,” he told the guard. When the guard had left he moved closer to his little girl.
“You are back early,” he told her, noticing the absence of the ring around her neck.
“Daddy, I know he loved me but then...” She began to cry.
“He doesn’t want me.” Was all she could get out before she flew into the comforting arms of her daddy.
She was still crying in her mother arms when her brothers appeared an hour later.
“What happened?” Their father demanded as his two sons stood before him.
“She fell in love with Prince James and he returned he love. But he cannot deal with her being a mermaid.”
“So now my little girl is heartbroken.”
“She knew there was a risk he would reject her. We all did.”
Their father nodded. “You two should go back.”
“I am staying until tomorrow night, but Mart has to return tonight.”
“I just have to see my sister.”
“I am here,” she sniffed behind them.
Mart moved towards her.
“I am so sorry, sis. I know how you feel about Jim.”
“We should have told him earlier.”
“Trixie, I don’t think it would have made any difference. We all knew that it would be a shock to him.”
“You need to go back to Di,” she then sniffed.
“I am leaving soon. I wanted to make sure you are all right first.”
Trixie hugged her brother.
“I will be okay. It will just take time.”
Mart hugged his sister back. They stood for a few minutes. And then he was gone.
Trixie turned to her family.
“I am tired. I think I will go to bed.”
Her father moved to hug her and she backed away. “Daddy, if you hug me I will cry again and I am too tired to cry any more.”
Her father nodded as she swam away.
“Brian, what are the chances he will accept this?”
Brian thought for a moment.
“All I know for certain is that Prince James is totally in love with my little sister. The rest is up to Jim to figure out, if he can cope or not.”
Chapter Eight
As the sun rose it felt sorry for the solitary figure standing on the shore. It’s rays warmed the man but he hardly notice. His whole attention was on the waves that crashed onto the shore.
It had been four days and he had hardly slept, hardly eaten. He had spent most of his time standing or sitting on the shore, trying to fathom it all.
“Hey Jim.”
He turned slightly to acknowledge Brian’s presence.
“Ready to talk yet?”
Since Trixie had gone, Jim had not spoken to anyone about what had happened.
Brian was surprised but pleased when Jim nodded.
Jim sat down on the sand and Brian joined him.
“My heart has been torn in two Brian, and I am unsure how to fix it.”
“I know that it all came as a shock to you.”
“You’re not wrong.”
“But how do you feel now?”
“I miss her so much that I can’t eat, can’t sleep. I just want to hold her in my arms again and tell her how much I love her and need her.”
“You know that you can do that.”
Jim pointed to the ocean. “Down there?”
Brian nodded. He then stood up.
“Mart, Di, Honey, and myself are leaving from Mart’s home tonight at eight. If you want to see Trixie, meet us there and we will take you with us.”
“I can’t.”
Brian smiled. “There is nothing you can’t do, Jim, if you love Trixie enough.”
Brian then left him with his thoughts.
“Trixie, I know how sad you are. When Brian comes tonight you can ask him how Jim is.”
“Moms, I miss him so much.”
Her mother hugged her, as only a mother could.
Brian looked again at the clock, which now showed 8:10. He stood up and sighed.
“Let’s go.”
As he walked out of the kitchen, Jim stood before him.
“I love her, Brian. What do I have to do?”
Honey hugger her brother. “I am so glad you are coming with us.”
Mart looked at the clothes Jim was wearing.
“You need to change, mate.”
Jim looked for the first time at Brian and Mart. They were wearing long robes.
“What is under that?” he worriedly asked and Mart grinned.
“Just air, Jim.”
Brian watched as Jim took a step back.
“I promise it won’t hurt,” he told him.
Jim reluctantly followed him upstairs.
Jim stood in the water looking out into the darkness.
Brian touched him on the shoulder.
“You need to listen to me and listen well. If you don’t understand any of what I tell you, ask.”
Jim nodded.
“Okay, Jim, when I tell you, walk into the water up to your waist. Then put the ring on your finger. Your tail will appear.
Jim quickly looked at Brain and Brian nodded.
“Yes, TAIL. When you are ready we will go under. Before you do, you must blow all the air out of your lungs then I need you to take a deep breath under water. Okay?”
“What if I drown?”
“Impossible.”
Jim watched as Mart, Di and his sister changed their rings to the other hands. The flash of tails unnerved him and he was glad that Brian still stood beside him on two feet.
“You go next, Jim, and then I will follow.”
Jim slid the ring off his left index finger and placed it on his right.
Suddenly, his legs collapsed under him. Brian was there to steady him.
Jim looked in amazement at the green flash of tail.
Brian slowly let him go until Jim swam alone. Then Brian appeared at his side, swimming.
“Okay, Jim, now the next part. When we are under, take Honey’s hand and do what she does. And I would advise you to close your eyes.”
Honey touched her brother’s hand.
“Jim, it is scary the first time. You just have to take the first breath. Keep your eyes on me and you will be okay.”
He squeezed her hand.
“Okay, sis.”
“Now, Jim, blow out all the air in your lungs.”
Jim blew until he could blow no more. Before he could take another breath he was underwater.
His first instinct was to hold his breath. He watched as the others took a deep breath.
Honey put her hands on either side of his face.
“Breathe, Jim,” he heard her clearly say.
So he did.
The first tentative breath caused him to cough.
Mart laughed. “Everyone does that the first time.
“I can hear you,” Jim gasped.
“Of course,” Brian laughed.
“But when you talk underwater, it is distorted.”
“That was because you were talking air. Now you are talking with water in your lungs.”
“There is a lot I need to learn.”
Honey smiled. “First thing’s first. Hold my hand and follow me.”
It was then that Jim understood why Brian told him to close his eyes.
When he felt his ring vibrate he also realised they were slowing down.
He slowly opened his eyes. In the distance he could see the lights of the city. A city beneath the sea.
“Welcome to Beldenia.” Brian smiled.
They stopped for a moment.
“We will go on ahead,” Mart told Jim.
Jim nodded as Di, Honey and Mart swam away.
Brian turned to Jim. “We will head down in a few minutes. Is there anything you need to know about before we go?”
Jim shifted uncomfortably. “Bathroom?”
Brian laughed.
“No problem. Follow me.”
Brian led him to a building outside the palace.
“Here we are. You will find these all over.”
Brian went into the one that had blue reeds surrounding it.
“These reeds are called Ablutia’s. Some are pink and some are blue. Naturally the blue are for us. They contain two parts. The first is the flowers. When you have to go, you go inside the flower. They absorb the waste. It is what they live on.”
Jim looked skeptical.
“Try it.”
Jim frowned. “I would if I could find it.”
Brian again laughed. “Think about the zipper on your trousers. Feel around the area around the front of your tail. You will find it.”
Jim’s eyes opened a little wider.
“Now what?”
“Place in flower and let nature take its course.”
Still skeptical, but desperate, Jim did what Brian had told him to do.”
Moments later he stepped back, amazement showing on his face.
“Imagine how I felt the first time I used your bathrooms.”
“I am afraid to ask how to go the other way.”
Brian swam to the other side of the room. He pushed open a door covered in reeds. A large flower sat there.
“You have got to be kidding.”
“You sit on there and as you go the flower absorbs the waste. It also sends jets of water upwards that makes sure you are all cleaned. When you are finished you just leave. To wash your hands, you wipe them on one of the leaves.”
Jim shook his head as he followed Brian out of the room.
“I am really afraid to ask about the women?”
Brian smiled.
“I can give you some knowledge, but Trixie or Honey will have to fill in the blanks.”
“Am I going to be grossed out?”
“I was.”
Jim shuddered. “Then get on with it.”
“Women go into the pink Ablutia reeds. For both ways they sit. Their female parts are similar to walkers.”
“How can that be?”
“Well, they can be accessed from the front or the back.”
“The pink flowers come in two sizes. The smaller ones can be picked. At certain times of the month the women uses the smaller ones...”
“Whoa.” Jim put his hands up. “Way, way to much info.”
“That is about all I was going to give you.”
As they swam slowly along, Jim became more accustomed to his fin.
“Brian?”
“Hmmm?”
“What about?”
“Sex.”
“Yeah.”
“Well, I have no working knowledge, but Mart has told me that it is just as good on land as in water.”
“I think you would have ended up with a black eye if you had a working knowledge. Especially with my sister.”
“I will say the same thing about your relationship with my sister.”
“Definitely.”
“Then let's go and find her.”
“Absolutely.” Jim smiled.
Trixie sat picking at her dinner. Her mother smiled at her.
“Honey, you have to eat something.”
“Oh, but, Moms, I don’t feel hungry.”
“Then I will eat it,” Mart said.
Trixie looked up and smiled at her brother as she swam towards him for a hug.
She then hugged Honey and Di.
“I have missed you, dear friends.”
‘How are you, Trix?”
“Miserable,” she sighed. “I miss him so much.”
“Oh Trixie, I am so sorry,” Honey told her.
“How is he?”
“About the same as you.”
“Where is Brian?”
“Coming soon,” Honey told her.
Hand in hand they swam towards the lounge room. There they sat down side by side.
“I don’t know if I can survive without him, Honey.”
Honey hugged her. She then looked up as Brian swam into the room.
Trixie got up and hugged her brother.
He looked down at her and smiled.
“I need to ask you something, sis, and I need you to answer me truthfully.”
“Always.”
“Tell me how you feel about Jim.”
He watched the tears slide down her cheeks.
“Oh Brian, I am so miserable. I miss him so much, it is like a physical ache. I love him so much. I don’t think I can spend another moment without him. But I am so scared he will reject me again.”
“Never, baby.”
Trixie shot around at the sound of his voice. He swam just inside the room and then stopped.
“Jim!” she gasped.
“Hi baby.”
Trixie and Jim were both oblivious to the others leaving.
“What are you doing here?” she whispered.
He put out his hand. “You gave me this ring. You told me I would be welcome in your world. I just couldn’t let you go. I love you, Princess Beatrix.”
Trixie was unsure who moved, but suddenly she was in his arms, held so tightly she could hardly breathe. Then he moved back and looked down into a face he feared he would never see again. And then his lips joined to hers.
The kiss was different but so familiar. He held her close in his arms, thankful she still loved and wanted him.
Seated on the lounge, nestled in his arms, Trixie thought nothing could ever sadden her again.
“It must be getting late,” Jim spoke above her.
She sat up and smiled at him as she glanced at the clock.
“Almost eleven.”
He looked at the clock incredulously.
“You have clocks?”
She laughed. “Well, how do you think we tell the time?”
He then looked around.
“And you have lights.”
“How about I tell you some things about my world before we go to bed?”
“After learning about bathrooms, I am worried about what else you have to tell me.”
She chuckled. “How much were you told.”
“Enough to keep me awake tonight. Now, lights and clocks, Princess.”
Trixie swam towards the clock and he followed her.
“We have many types of coral that grows way down here. But there are three that are more special than others.
She pointed to the two pieces sat on a table.
“The orange one glows when the sun is in the sky and the yellow glows when the sun goes down. When we are ready to sleep, we can cover them with a large shell. The coral is used in street lights and any other lighting needs in the kingdom.”
“That is amazing.”
“The third coral is a blue one.” Trixie took the clock down and showed him the back.
“Feel it.”
He put his hand on and pulled quickly back.
“It’s hot.”
She nodded. “The coral is like any other when outside. But put into the dark and it goes dormant. But while it is dormant it produces a form of energy that we can use to power little things like clocks, to huge machinery. The coral can only stay dormant for a year. Before the end of that year we replant it and replace it with another piece. The replanted coral wakes up and then it starts to reproduce.”
“So you are never without power.”
She nodded.
“And we do the same with the lighting coral. When it begins to dim we replant and replace it. It then begins to reproduce too.”
“You, Beldenians are incredible.” Jim smiled and Trixie smiled back.“We are just like any one else. We desire to survive and to live comfortably.”
He grinned as she tried to stifle a yawn.
“Princess, it is about time that you went to bed. We have plenty of time to look around in the morning.”
“I am just afraid that I will go to sleep and when I wake up you were just a dream.”
“I promise you, I will be here in the morning.”
He drew her into his arms, bringing his lips into union with hers.
Trixie again felt like she belonged.
As she moved away, the heard a cough behind them.
Brian put his head into the door, looking apologetic.
“I thought that I would show Jim where he is to sleep.”
Trixie smiled at her brother.
“As long as you give him back in the morning.”
Brian laughed. “I am sure Jim wants to see the rest of our Kingdom. And not with me.”
Jim turned to Trixie and kissed her gently on the lips.
“Goodnight, Princess Beatrix.”
“Goodnight, Prince James.”
Trixie floated happily off to bed.
Brian smiled as his friend watched her until she disappeared.
“Come on, lover boy, bed.”
Jim grinned as he followed his friend.
“You can have that bed, Jim,” Brian told him.
“I’ll get you a toothbrush.”
“Toothbrush?”
Brian nodded as he handed him a reed with bristles like leaves on the end.
“The bristles contain a cleaner that will clean your teeth.”
“Okay.” Jim shrugged as he followed Brian’s lead and cleaned his teeth. Brian showed him how to spit into the small flower on the shelf.
He then moved to his bed.
“Before you ask, you just lay under the sheet on the bed. It will weigh you down even though it feels light as a feather.
Jim slipped off the robe he was wearing and then slipped into bed. He lay on his back, looking up at the ceiling until Brian covered the light.
“Don’t hurt my sister, Jim.” Brian’s voice came from the darkness.
“It would be less painful to cut off my arm that to hurt your sister.”
“Good enough.” Brian’s voice came back to him as Jim’s eyes began to close in sleep.
Jim felt like he was drowning.
He struggled to get to the surface but something was holding him down.
Then someone was grabbing him and shaking him.
He opened his eyes to look into dark ones.
“Jim, are you okay?”
“Man,” Jim sighed. “I thought I was drowning.”
“Don’t worry.” Brian smiled. “The first time, up top, I woke up thinking I couldn’t breathe either. I tried to swim and ended up plop on the floor.”
“I’m starving,” Jim said.
Brian laughed. “How about we get dressed and then we can go and get breakfast?”
“Fish, right?”
Brian grinned. “I will let you find out.”
Brian swam into another room and returned with a coat. It looked like a waistcoat without any buttons. He also had in his hand a wide belt with a gold buckle.
Jim put them on. “What about the bottom half?”
“We only wear the long robes, usually between the two kingdoms, Jim. You are dressed fine. A lot of the men here wear nothing and it is acceptable. It is also acceptable for everyone to see your tail.”
“What about the women? Do they go topless, too?”
Brian grinned at his friend. “I wish. No, the women dress according to the latest fashion.”
“Really?”
Brian nodded. “Like on your world, fashions change. You will see women in mini skirts and some in long skirts ranging from heavy black to flimsy white. The law is that women must be covered at the top. But, as you will see, women perceive that law differently.”
“And Trixie?”
“My sister is a Princess and dresses accordingly. She has always been modest, just like your sister.”
“I am glad.” Jim smiled as they headed for the dining room.
“We need to return in three nights,” Brian told him as they swam along.
Jim nodded. “There are some dignitaries coming the following day and Dad needs me back. But I haven’t told Trixie, yet.”
“Do you know what you are going to do?”
Jim shrugged. “I am going to spend as much time with the one I love as I can. After that, I don’t know.”
Brian patted his shoulder as they headed into the dining room.
The first thing that happened was Jim was sent flying by a red flash.
“Reddy, no!” Brian called, trying hard not to laugh.
Jim was confronted by a large red fish.
Jim looked up as Trixie laughed.
“Meet my brother’s pet, Reddy.”
Jim pushed him away and headed for the table as Reddy rammed him in the back.
Mart and Brian were openly laughing now.
“Cute.” Jim grinned. “Dogfish, right?”
“Robert, take Reddy outside and then come back and finish your breakfast.”
A small boy, the image of Mart, nodded at his mother.
But Reddy, with a mind of his own, swam around for a minute more then shot out of the room.”
“Can I finish my breakfast now?” Robert asked.
His mother sighed and then nodded. She then turned to Jim.
“I have heard so much about you, Jim, I feel like I already know you.”
“I feel the same way, Queen Helen.” He looked into a face so similar to Trixie’s.
“If you are anything like your father, you are welcome here.”
Jim turned to the man in front of him.
“King Peter, my father sends greetings and hopes you are all well.”
“Thank you, Jim, we are all quite well. And I hope your parents are the same.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Then how about we eat? I am starving.”
Jim waited until Trixie was seated before sitting beside her. He was amazed at the food on the table.
There were small cakes and something that looked like eggs, there was also something else he was unsure of, but, by the way it was being eaten, it looked like fruit.
“I know you must have many questions, young Jim, so ask away.”
“The food?”
“The purple and red things are a form of sea fruit. Something like your apples and melon. The cakes are made from a sea wheat ground and mixed with fruit pulp, cow fish milk and sweetened with sugar reed. What looks like egg is, in fact, a jellyfish that is heated on a warming stone until it is cooked.”
“But how does it not float away?”
King Peter smiled. “The water here is very dense and so everything stays where it is. The only reason we need the sheet, is at night as we sleep our tails will move and we would float around the room and bump into things.”
“The cakes are made in a special sealed room.” Trixie told him. “The bakeries make all kinds of yummy cakes and pastries. The bakers sit on special tables that are a few feet off the ground. From the top of the chairs it is dry. They can then make the pastries and then put them into special ovens.”
“How long can they breathe air?”
“They don’t. They wear special masks like the ones your divers use, but ours pump water and not air.”
“Incredible.”
“Any more questions?”
“Hundreds.”
“I haven’t seen any large fish around here. Do you tell them to stay away?”
Mark snickered and Di hit him on the arm.”
“Jim, can you talk to a lion or a monkey?” asked King Peter.
“No.”
“Well, it is the same here. We have pets like catfish and dogfish and cattle like cow fish and pig fish. But we can no more communicate with them than you can with your animals.”
‘Well, how do you keep larger fish and sharks out of your Kingdom?”
“Trixie will show you later, but we have a special force field. Fish don’t come near it. And our pets have special devices implanted that allows them to move through the field.”
“How is it powered?”
“By the blue coral. Do you know about that?”
Jim nodded. “Trixie showed me the clock.”
Trixie then handed him a plate containing food.
“Here you go. Jim. Try some of the food.”
Jim picked a cake up from the plate.
It tasted sweet with a consistency like a thick custard. The two fruits were indeed like apples and melons. Jim was unsure about the jellyfish but found it resembled turkey.
“How come everything doesn’t taste salty?”
“Our taste buds don’t recognise salt unless we are on the land.”
Jim nodded and they finished their meal.
Jim then pushed himself back from the table and found himself shot up to the ceiling.
Trixie laughed as he embarrassed, swam back down.
“I think it is about time we left,” she laughed as she took his hand.
He grinned. “Me too.”
“Moms, Daddy, I am going to give Jim the royal tour.”
Her parents smiled.
“Have fun, dear,” said her mother.
They swam out of the dining room and, as they began to move down the hall, Jim grabbed her, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her soundly.
When he moved away she looked at him, her breathing laboured.
“I have been waiting to do that since I came in for breakfast.”
She threw herself back into his arms hugging him tightly.
“Thank you so much, Jim, for coming to my world.”
“I love you, Princess Beatrix.”
“I love you, Prince James.”
The next kiss was gentler.
Jim looked down at the most precious face he knew.
“Let’s go, Princess.”
Hand in hand they swam off.
The next few hours were a real eye opener for Jim. Trixie took him everywhere. From the supermarkets and shopping centers, to the construction sites, to the schools and the children’s playgrounds. Wherever they went, everyone bowed as they passed by.
Jim was especially intrigued by the farming area. Here farmers grew sea wheat and sugar weed. They also tended the cattle fish and the coral.
They stood outside the force field. Here the ocean seemed colder and darker.
“The rings we wear are made of a special gold alloy found deep in the ocean. The magnetic properties allow us to travel between the sea and the land. A huge magnet on top of the Palace brings us here.”
“But what about on land?”
Trixie smiled. “A mermaid leads us to land.”
“The fountain?”
“She is made from the same magnetic alloy as the shell that sits on top of the palace. When we aim our rings, the magnet pulls up at great speed towards it. When we get to a mile away the connection is broken. And, as we travel, if an obstacle like a fish or a rock, is in the way the magnet pulls us safely around it.” Then she asked, “Are you missing home, Jim?”
“No, baby, but I do have to go back soon.”
“When?”
“I have today and tomorrow and the next day with you. That night I have to go back home.”
“We had better go back,” she told him.
He knew she was upset as he followed her. She swam upward, eventually stopping at the huge shell. There she sat.
She looked at him and smiled slightly. “It is safe, Jim.”
He sat beside her and looked around.
“Your world is beautiful,” he told her as his eyes scanned the kingdom.
Her silence worried him. He reached over and took her hand.
“What is wrong, Trixie?”
“I can’t bear to lose you again.”
“Then come back with me.”
“I can’t.”
“Of course you can.”
She shook her head.
“But why not?”
She looked at him for a moment and then, with a sob, swam away.
Jim instantly hurried after her. But she was quicker and by the time he reached the palace she was gone.
As he headed for her room he came across Brian.
“Do you know where Trixie is?”
Brian nodded. “Honey has gone after her. What happened?”
“I don’t know. I told her when we were leaving and then she told me she couldn’t bear to lose me again.”
“So you asked her to join you?”
Jim nodded.
“Mate, she can’t.”
‘Why?”
“Jim, let’s go into the lounge. It is a long story. Honey will look after Trixie.”
Jim reluctantly followed him.
When they were seated, Brian began.
“When Trix turned 18 she had a decision to make. To stay here or spend a month on the land. She chose the land. But spending time on the land has its problems. When she returned to the sea her lungs were now air breathers. She must now spend three months here to readjust her lungs.”
“But Mart doesn’t.”
Brian nodded. “When Mart chose the land he was unable to return to the ocean for three months. That gave his lungs time to fully adjust to land. Now, when he returns to the sea, he can only return for less than seven days. If he stays longer, he then has to remain on the land again for another three months. For me, I must return to the ocean every six days or have to remain here for three months.”
“So, if I stayed here for a week, I couldn’t return for three months.”
Brian nodded. “When Honey and I marry she must remain here for three months before she can walk on land again.”
“What if Trixie goes back now?”
“Her lungs would be permanently damaged. Even if she chooses to stay with you on the land, she still must remain here for the three months.”
“No wonder she is so upset,” Jim sighed. “At least I can still visit here as often as I can.”“Sorry, mate, not on.”
“Now what?”
“This is your first time. You cannot return for three months or risk damaging your lungs. That is why we come to the land for one month the first time. Even if we come for one day we still need to remain here for the three months. This way we can make our first visit worthwhile.”
“Who made these rules?” Jim snapped.
Brian patted him on the shoulder.
“It unfortunately was trial and error for our ancestors. Many of them on land and under the sea became very sick or died before a doctor figured it all out.”
“So you are basically telling me, whatever we both decide, we have to be apart from each other for three months.”
“We all had to deal with it.”
“But you have always been around.”
“When I first met Honey, she was only thirteen. When I came home, I couldn’t get her out of my mind. So I went back to the surface as much as I could until she was old enough to officially date. When I first surfaced, you were away at school.”
“I need to see Trixie,” Jim said.
Honey swam up.
“She has gone to the Great Deep,” Honey said.
Jim turned to his sister.
“Where?”
“She didn’t take you there?”
Jim shook his head.
“It is her favourite place to go when she is upset or needs to think. I will show you.”
Jim took Honey's hand and was led away from the palace.
Jim stopped swimming when he saw her in front of him.
“We will leave you here, Jim. Just tell her how you are feeling.”
Jim nodded. He watched them swim away. He then swam towards her and sat beside her.
“Trix?” he whispered.
“I forgot to show you the Great Deep.”
“You can show me now.”
“Even underwater we all eventually die,” she began. “But we cannot bury our dead. So when a Beldenian dies, we wrap them in a pure white watersilk and carry them out there.”
She pointed. The area was about a mile across and half a mile wide.
“We release them and they slowly descend to the depths and rest there forever. Some have tried to swim to the bottom and some who have tried have never returned. No one has ever reached bottom and lived to tell of it.”
“Sounds like a depressing place.”
She shook her head.
“I was really close to my grandparents. Especially my mother’s mum. When she died I started coming here. It is so quiet here and I feel peaceful. I sometimes feel that I can still talk to them and I find comfort in that.”
“When my grandfather died, I used to go and sit by his grave and talk to him,” Jim told her as he reached over and took her hand. “Brian told me, baby.”
“How can I say goodbye to you and know I won’t see you for three months?”
“I can stay here with you, Trixie, and then go back when you do.”
“You can’t do that, Jim. Your kingdom needs you.”
“I can’t lose you, Trix.”
“I have thought about this, Jim. You need to go back and I need to stay. We both need to think over the next three months and know what we want to do.”
“That is eighty-four long days and eighty-four even longer and lonelier nights without you.”
“We need to know if our love is a forever love. I have to give my father my decision when my three months are finished.” She moved closer to him. “I love you, Jim and I cannot see that changing.”
“I can’t see it changing either.”
“Then let us get as much out of the next couple of days as we can.”
And they did. Honey, Mart, and Di had to return, but Brian stayed until it was time for Jim to leave.
And it came sooner than either wanted.
Trixie was determined not to cry, but the tears refused to stop as she held him the last time.
“I can’t let you go,” she sobbed in his arms and he held her tighter.
“I will stand by the ocean every day until you come back to me.”
“The minute I can, I will be there.”
“If you don’t, as soon as my three months are up, I will be here.”
“I love you, Prince James.”
“And you have my heart, Princess Beatrix.”
She slid her tail around the back of his and he shuddered, his eyes darkening with desire.
“Princess Beatrix, you are wicked.”
“Just reminding you what you will be missing.”
“I am looking forward to the day when we can let all our emotions free and learn about loving on land and under the sea.”
“Don’t fall for anyone else.”
“How could I look at anyone else when all I can see is blonde curls that I long to tug.”
Brian swam in.
“Jim, mate, it is time to go.”
Jim nodded. “I will be out in a minute.”
Brian left them to say goodbye.
“I will send messages with Brian.”
She nodded, unable to stop the tears that again began to flow.
“Stay here, Trixie. I can’t bear to leave if you are there.”
She nodded and, for the last time that seemed like forever, kissed him.
Then with a flash he was gone, and she slipped to the floor, her tears now tearing her heart out.
The days dragged one into another. For the first few she was so sad and quiet her parents feared she would become sick.
But slowly she began to smile again, counting the days off her calendar.
When Brian came back a few days later he brought with him some things for her.
First, there was a photo of Jim. It was encased in glass so water could not get to it. She kissed it so much her parents teased her that she would wear off the glass.
Then Brian produced a red rose. Trixie knew within a few hours it would wither and die.
She read the note that he had written on waterpaper and smiled.
THIS ROSE WILL SOON DIE BUT MY LOVE WILL NEVER DIE.
WALK WITH ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU A ROSE EVERY DAY THAT THE OCEAN TOUCHES LAND.
I LOVE YOU.
JIM.
Jim stood by the edge of the water. The nights were turning cold and he shivered. But he would not go back to the palace until Brian arrived.
He saw a dark flash and then he saw Brian’s head appear. Jim handed him a large towel and he wrapped it around himself.
“Brr,” he said. “The nights are sure getting colder.”
“Let us get you into some dry clothes.”
Brain sat at the table at Crabapple Farm, drinking a cup of hot chocolate.
“I can feel my feet now.” He smiled.
Jim had not said a word to him regarding Trixie. He waited until he was dry and warm. But he couldn’t restrain himself any longer.
“Well?”
Brian laughed. “I wondered how long it would take you.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out some paper.
Di had already filled a shallow tray with seawater. He gently laid the pages in.
As the words began to appear on the paper the others left him alone.
TO THE OTHER HALF OF MY HEART.
HOW CAN TIME GO SO QUICKLY WHEN WE ARE TOGETHER AND SO SLOWLY WHEN WE ARE APART?
I HAVE KISSED YOUR PHOTO SO MANY TIMES MY PARENTS TEASE ME THAT I WILL WEAR OUT THE GLASS.
BUT I DON’T CARE. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT IT IS NOT YOU.
ONE MONTH HAS PASSED AND I MISS YOU MORE NOW THAN EVER. I KNOW IT MUST BE GETTING COLDER IN YOUR WORLD BECAUSE THE GARDENERS ARE BUSY REPLACING ALL THE CORAL AND REPLANTING THE DORMANT.
WHEN THEY CHANGED THE CORAL IN THE CLOCK, I CRIED. NO ONE COULD UNDERSTAND BUT FOR THAT MINUTE TIME STOOD STILL. AND THE THOUGHT OF TIME STANDING STILL EVEN FOR A MOMENT IS UNBEARABLE.
I MISS YOU MY DARLING SO MUCH I CAN HARDLY STAND IT.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE OCEAN MY LOVE. BECAUSE SOON I WILL BE WALKING OUT INTO YOUR ARMS.
ALL MY LOVE.
THE OTHER HALF OF YOUR HEART.
Jim read it a dozen times before gently lifting the papers out and laying them onto the towel Di gave him. The words began to disappear quickly and it took everything he had not to put the papers back in.
Di had left him with some waterpaper and a pen so after a moment began to write. As he wrote the words slowly faded.
TO THE OTHER HALF OF MY HEART--
OH , HOW I MISS YOU, MY PRECIOUS PRINCESS. WE ARE EXTREMELY BUSY NOW PREPARING FOR WINTER. THERE ARE MANY MEETINGS AND DINNERS THAT I HAVE TO ATTEND BUT I FIND MYSELF INCREASINGLY MORE AND MORE STOPPING AND THINKING OF YOU.
HONEY LAUGHS AT ME AND TELLS ME IF I DON’T STOP DAYDREAMING, SHE WILL THROW ME IN THE OCEAN. SHE DOESN’T REALISE THAT IT IS WHERE I WANT TO BE. THE PHOTO OF YOU I CARRY IN MY POCKET AND I LOOK AT IT SO OFTEN MY DAD TEASES ME AND SAYS THAT I WILL BORE A HOLE IN IT ONE DAY.
EVERY NIGHT I STAND BY THE OCEAN. SOMETIMES IT IS ONLY FOR A MOMENT BUT AS THE SUN SETS I BLOW YOU A KISS. I CALL OUT TO THE OCEAN AND TELL IT HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU. IF ANYONE SAW ME THEY WOULD THINK I AM CRAZY.
BUT CRAZY IN LOVE IS ALL I AM. CRAZY IN LOVE WITH YOU.
SLEEP SWEET, MY PRINCESS, BECAUSE EVERY NIGHT YOU SLEEP IS ONE LESS BEFORE WE ARE TOGETHER AGAIN.
ALL MY LOVE.
THE OTHER HALF OF YOUR HEART.
As Jim rolled up the papers Brian walked in. Jim handed him the papers and pocketed the other.
“How is she, Brian?”
Brian sat at the table.
“I would say the same as you are, Jim. After such a small amount of time you two have become two halves of a whole.”
Jim smiled. “I never thought I could love someone so utterly and completely. I never wanted to really need anyone, but I need her so much. I ache for her, Brian. I feel like half of me was left behind and I know that I won’t feel whole again until she is in my arms again.”
“Trixie said almost the same thing.”
“I have had a long talk with Dad and if Trixie cannot remain on land, I will join her in the water.”
“But what about your kingdom?”
“Dad is only 43, so he has a lot of time left before he is too old to rule. By then maybe I will have a son that may make the choice to walk on land. If not, Dad would consider Mart. He is a prince, and although not related apart from marriage, would make a fine ruler.”
“But what about you, Jim? What will you do?”
“I was intrigued by the farmlands and the cattle. I would be happy working there.”
“But wouldn’t you miss being the King someday?”
“I have thought long and hard about this and I would be no good as King if my heart is only half here.”
He then stood up. “I must go.”
Brian watched him go. As he headed upstairs to bed he had a decision to make.
Trixie waited impatiently for Brian to arrive.
As he handed her the letter she turned to go but he took her hand.
“Trixie, we need to talk.”
Trixie walked into her father’s office. She loved this room. It was so cozy and filled with warmth. Her father and mother were waiting for her.
“Okay, Trixie, this is the moment of truth. Tell me, what you have decided to do?”
Trixie looked at them and smiled.
“Jim made up my mind for me.”
A light rain had begun to fall, but Jim didn’t care. The sun had long since gone down and still she had not arrived.
When he heard a splash it did not register at first until a golden head appeared.
His feet refused to move as she walked closer to him.
But then with a whoop he moved, picked her up into his arms, and kissed her soundly. He tasted salt but didn’t care.
“I am never letting you go again, baby,” he told her between kisses. “I couldn’t survive without you.”
It was only when he felt her shiver did he stop. He picked up the robe he had dropped on the sand and wrapped it around her.
“Let’s get you dried off baby. Then we can talk.”
She nodded as her teeth chattered.
He put his arm around her and they headed up to the farm.
“Di and Mart are out visiting her parents for the weekend, so we have the house to ourselves.”
When they reached the rocks Jim picked her up effortlessly and deposited her on the stops.
“Go get changed Trixie and I will start a fire and make us some hot chocolate.”
She grinned. “Terribly domesticated aren’t you?”
He laughed. “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”
She laughed as she hurried up the stairs to the bathroom.
By the time she came back down, a fire was warming the lounge room and two hot chocolates were sat on the coffee table.
Jim had piled cushions on the floor and she sat beside him. He handed her some hot chocolate and she drank, feeling warmth spreading through her body.
Just sitting beside Jim again made her feel finally whole again. Jim took her cup from her and put it on the table. He slid his arm around her and she snuggled closer.
“If I am dreaming, don’t let me wake up.” He sighed.
Trixie reached over and gently pinched his arm.
“Ouch. What was that for?”
“Just showing you that you are not dreaming.”
“There are more subtle, but satisfying ways.”
“Like what?”
“Like...”
He pushed her down into the cushions, lying beside her. He tugged gently at the curl on her forehead before his lips met with hers.
It was timeless moments later when he lifted his head. He then sat up.
“As wonderful as it would be to kiss you all day, we need to talk.”
She nodded and sat up. He stood up and began to wander around the room.
Trixie watched as he paced.
“Jim?”
He didn’t seem to hear her.
“Prince James,” she spoke more loudly.
He turned.
“Sorry, Trix, I was miles away.”
“Before you speak, can I say something first?.”
He nodded. “As long as it is not another shock like the last time.”
She smiled. “I don’t think so.”
“What is it, Trix?”
“Over the last three months, I have had a lot of time to think.
“So have I.”
“I have made a decision that I have already discussed with my family and now I want to discuss it with you.”
“Have you decided that you and I aren’t?”
She shook her head.
“Did my kisses give you that impression?”
He smiled as he shook his head.
“I am hoping that you are not too disappointed,” she said, “but I have chosen to spend the rest of my life walking.”
“I told Brian that I would be happy--” He stopped and stared at her. “What did you say?”
She pulled up the trousers she was wearing and showed him her shapely legs.
“Don’t you think my legs are good enough to see on land.
He dropped in front of her.
“Are you sure?”
“My dearest, you are the most honorable man I have ever met. I know you would have followed me and I know you would have been happy but your heart would always be for your people and I couldn’t ask you to be less than you are.”
“But what about your people?”
“Brian is going to make as good a King as my father. I will miss my family, but I know I can visit them whenever I want. But knowing you would have given it all up for me makes me love you more if that is at all possible.”
He took her hand in his. “Princess, while I swam, I had a long talk with your father and he gave me the go ahead.”
“For what?”
“Princess Beatrix of Beldenia, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”
“How long have I got to make up my mind?.”
“Trix!” he said frustratingly.
“Then I guess I had better say yes.”
“Yes?”
“Yes.” She laughed.
He threw his arms around her, knocking them both to the ground.
He kissed her, becoming increasingly passionate. His hand moved under her shirt and across her stomach.
“Don’t make me wait too long,” he sighed.
“Brian’s wedding is in two weeks. How about a couple of weeks after that?”
“Too long.” He told her. “But I guess I will have to be patient. And we can be married in your world if you want.
She shook her head. “Brian and Honey are being married there because Brain is the future King. But you are the future King and I want to marry you on land. I want to dance with you as man and wife on land.”
“But what about our honeymoon?”
He smiled as she blushed.
“Brian and Honey are spending a couple of days at Mart and Di’s while they visit my family. Then they are moving into their suite of rooms in the palace.”
‘Then how about we spend a couple of days in your palace and then we can take residence at mine.”
Trixie grinned. “Then I had better make sure we take enough food with us to last a couple of days. I can’t see us leaving our room.”
He grinned down at her then frowned. She was surprised to see him blush.
“My dad talked to me, but I...”
She put her hand on his warm cheek.
“My mother had that talk with me. If you take care of the land I will take care of the water.”
He reached down and kissed her gently.
“Between us I am sure we are going to have fun figuring it all out.”
“Definitely.” She grinned
“But for now, Princess Beatrix, I have more important things to think about.”
“Like what, Prince James?”
But he gave her no answer and by the time she could again think clearly she had forgotten she had asked the question.
“You look beautiful, honey.”
Trixie turned as her father strode towards her.
“Walking seems so natural to you,” she told him and he smiled.
“I don’t mind it, but my love and my home is a tail. Are you sure what your love and home is?”
She knew what he was asking her.
“I love Jim, and I need to be with him and he needs to be here. I love my tail, but I love Jim a little more.”
He understood as he reached over and kissed her cheek before putting her veil over her face.
“Let’s get you married, baby.”
The only sadness she felt was that her younger brother could not be there. He was too young and his lungs were too many years away from being strong enough to take air.
But Dan had taken him and Reddy camping to make up for him not being at the wedding.
As she began to walk down the aisle with Honey and Di, she saw her mother standing smiling with tears in her eyes.
Then she saw Jim’s parents. She knew they were happy for them and pleased they had decided to walk on land.
Then she saw her two older brothers, looking uncomfortable in their suits.
And then Jim came into her field of vision. The love that emulated from his eyes almost knocked her off her feet. By the time she reached him she was trembling.
Her father handed her over and Jim took her hand in his.
“Hi, baby.”
All she could do was smile slightly.
The preacher smiled down at both of them.
“Before we begin this service, Prince James wished to say something to his intended bride.”
Jim swallowed and Trixie saw the tears that formed in his eyes.
“My beautiful Trixie, I didn’t think you could ever look any more beautiful but seeing you now you have proved me wrong. How could someone like me be so blessed to find someone like you?
“When I first met you I bowled you over, but from the moment I saw your face it was me that was bowled over. I found someone that was completely natural with an incredible sense of humour. You are warm and giving and you are willing to leave all that you know and all that you love to live here with me.
“Those three months we were separated was the hardest I have ever been through. I know that I never ever want to be parted again from you. I love you my Princess.”
She looked up at him as tears ran down her face. She then smiled.
“Oh Jim, I love you with all my heart. Without you I am just an empty shell. When I came here I had every intention of staying for a month and then going home.
“Standing on your shore I was suddenly tackled to the ground and I looked up into eyes as green as the greenest ocean and with a smile that could stop your heart.
“Oh, my Jim, you have taught me so much. About love, honour and that home is definitely where your heart lives because mine lives with you. Thank you for loving me.”
Jim wiped his eyes then reaching under the veil wiped hers.
“I love you, baby. How about we get married?”
She winked and he understood her meaning.
“I am so glad Bobby is still away or we wouldn’t have been able to sneak into this room without his knowing.”
“And we have enough food to last us for a few days,” he told her. “Though, I am hungry at the moment, but not for food.”
She smiled, glad blushing was impossible to see under water.
She moved slowly around the room and he watched her. The gown she wore was pale blue and floated around her like a cloud.
“Lesson one.” She told him. “Remove that robe.”
It took him only an instant to remove it. He stood before her, his chest bare.
He watched her as she removed her gown, floating before him in a lacy blue camisole.
“Lesson two.” She moved around him, just out of his reach. Her tail moved from the base of his at the back to his waist.
His eyes then opened wider as a piece of blue lace floated slowly to the ground in front of him.
Trixie’s hands slid from his shoulders to his waist. He turned around, drawing her gently into his arms.
She smiled up at him.
“So what is Lesson three?”
“I think you can work that one out for yourself,” she told him as she reached up for his kiss.
And he did.
Everything was so peaceful as she stood by the window.
When Jim’s arms slid around her she leant against him.
“Are you happy, Princess?”
“I am whole again,” she told him and he smiled. “The last couple of days have been the perfect ending to a fairy tale.”
He then turned her around to face him.
“I think that it is my turn now.”
“Lesson one?”
“Lesson one.” He took off his robe and dropped it.
“Clothes don’t float to the ground here. They just hit the floor with a gently thud.”
Trixie took her robe off too and dropped it also.
“Hmmm, it certainly does.
“Lesson two. Oh by the way, how does this fairy tale end?”
She slid her arms around his neck and reached up for his kiss as she said.
“AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER.”
And they did.
The End
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT ON THIS FANFIC. THE LAST COUPLE OF CHAPTERS SEEMED TO TAKE FOREVER BUT I HAVE FINALLY FINISHED. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU TO MY WONDERFUL EDITOR NIKI. YOU SUPPORT IS TREMENDOUS