A Mermaid's Kiss

Chapter 9

All day, William and I had ridden across the country side. Through fields, forests and swamps we rode, not stopping for anything. At the end of the day, William directed us to a small secluded area near the ocean where we dismounted.

"William, what are we doing here?" I asked once we were settled on the ground.

He answered with a smile. "This is the final leg of your adventure today. We are going to go on a sailing trip."

I glanced nervously at the ship that was bobbing in the water below us. I had no idea whether I had been on a ship before, I could only hope that I had.

Sensing my hesitation to board the water-bound vessel, William placed his hand on my arm in reassurement. "Don't worry, you'll love it. I know I do."

Biting my lip, I nodded. We climbed into the small ship and set off.

                                                                                      ~/~

Aarons POV:

I swam back and forth. It had been almost two full days since Adrienne had gone missing, and I still couldn't find her. I was a wreck. If only I hadn't told her to leave, she wouldn't have left. And who knows what kind of trouble she could get into by herself.

So engrossed in my worrying, I didn't realize that someone had swum up behind me. I gasped in shock as arms wrapped around my neck and a knife was pressed to my throat.

"Who are you and why are you swimming this close to my house?" was growled into my ear.

"I am Aaron, and my friend went missing around here. I didn't realize that this was your home. If you'll release me, I shall be on my way."

The person ensnaring me chuckled. "How dumb do you think I am? The royal guard has been looking for me for years, I'm not going to let you go and blab to them about how you found me."

I gulped, and felt the sharpness of the coral knife digging into my throat. "Listen, if you will please let me go, I won't leave, I'll stay here until you're through with questioning me."

After a moment, my captor released me from his deadly grasp.

Turning around, I finally saw who he was. He was a boy around my age, though he looked slightly younger. He was thin, but muscular. His tail was a deep blue, the same color as his eyes.

He glared at me, arms crossed and tail swirling visciously. "Well?" he asked, "What were you doing here with your friend?"

"We were running away from home. She was up at the surface, but I was worried that someone would see her, so I told her to come eat then go back up the next day. We fell asleep, and when I woke up, she was gone."

The entire time I was talking, the boy had been nodding. "Ok," he said when I was done. "I'll help you find your friend on one condition. You give me some food."

I smiled. "Deal."

                                                                                        ~/~

Adriennes POV:

I laughed as a dolphin came up to the surface and sprayed water up at me. It just missed, but I flinced away all the same.

"Are you alright Erin?" William called from the wheel.

"I'm fine," I yelled back.

I walked away from the edge of the ship to William. "I think I liked being on a ship or in the water," I said.

William glanced at me. "Really? Well thats wonderful!"

I nodded. We were silent after that.

After some time, William glanced over at me again and said, "Do you want to learn how to steer a ship?"

I looked up at him in delight. "Do you mean it?"

He laughed. "Of course I do. Now come stand in front of me and I'll instruct you."

I did as I was told, and standing there in William's arms, I had the sudden urge to kiss him. I looked up at him, and saw that he was looking down at me. My eyes fluttered closed, and when our lips met, it was like fireworks.