Ever After

Chapter 6: A Glimpse of What Could Have Been

Eric

I heaved a breath, grabbed at the rope and pulled hard with the rest of the men. The weight burned at my muscles but it felt amazing. More so when the sail finally rose to the top of the mast and the winds began to pick it up, sending the vessel moving forward into calm sparkling seas off the Tastris coast.

After so long, I was again on a ship! I expected any moment to wake up and find myself behind that horrible wall that surrounded my kingdom. I didn't though and I went to the helm and turned it towards the course I laid out as I savored the wind whipping at my face.

This was freedom! I had forgotten how good it felt and I just couldn't stop drinking it in.

My gaze turned to the deck where another lovely dream awaited me. Elsa looked like the sea itself in her light blue gown with a tight bodice and a sweetheart neckline that seemed held up only by her ample bosom. Her neck, shoulders and arms were bare, covered only slightly by her braided hair that reflected the morning sunlight. The skirt of her dress fell loosely around her and was made of material that was light enough for the wind to whip it around and show off her legs. She must have kicked off her shoes at some point for she stood on the deck with bare feet and casually walked over to me.

"Where are you taking me Eric?" her tone was almost a purr and I suddenly noticed that the deck was clear. The men that had just helped me raised the sails must have headed below. I was alone with Elsa and I felt the urge to tease her.

"It's a surprise."

"Are you kidnapping me?" she asked with a tiny of a pout.

That little pout emboldened me to push the banter a little further. "That depends."

"Depends on what?" she asked demurely as she stopped right in front of the helm and laid her hands on it, her fingers mere inches from mine.

"Depends on whether you want me to kidnap you."

She gave a little giggle. "I'm not sure my captains would appreciate that, but then again I am queen. I can do as I please."

"And what would please you?" I asked as my fingers moved closer to capture hers.

She leaned over and whispered in my ear. "The pleasure of your company as we go on an adventure together like you promised me before."

Oh if I could only do just that forever! Out here in the sea with a ship under me and this amazing woman by my side, I can almost forget that I was a king with so many problems back home. I wondered what it would be like if I was an ordinary man without the responsibilities of the crown upon my head. I would spend days exploring the oceans, living off on the bounties it offered and coming home to a simple house with a wife and daughter that could share my interests. I thought of how Melody's eyes sparkled when she listened to the tales of sea adventures last night from the Arendellians. I imagined myself being able to openly tell her stories of my encounters as Captain of my own ship. I could teach her to sail like my father did when I was her age. It was a pleasant image but one I knew would never happen. For now, all I could do was enjoy this moment with Elsa.

"I live to obey," I whispered back to my lovely companion. I reached for her fingers but I felt nothing but air for her hand was no longer by the helm. She had moved away and looked out into the sea like she was fascinated with everything around her.

"While you're keeping me in suspense on our destination, why don't you show me everything about sailing a ship," she said.

I was more than happy to do so.