A Big Mermaid #Wattys2014

Chapter 13 A fish out of water that sparks new interest

They had tugged and brushed and pinned her hair into every curl, every updo and every position.  She grimaced as Margorot (the eldest who's name shed discovered)!raked her scraggly claws through her raging hair as she attempted- and failed- to lift her heavy, knee-length hair into a decent bun.

"Hair of a mermaid this one has!" Margorat grunted, as she heaved the thick hair into a messy bird nest at the top of her head.

"Leave it Marge! It looks much better uncept!" Lucy (the second maid) whined, her scrawny arms pushing against Margorots sausage ones. Ariels hair tumbled carelessly down her waist, the waves wild and uncontrollable. Her hair glistened and shone it's rich, chestnut-red colour.

She opened her mouth, ready to declare something, then realised she couldn't. Depressed, she clasped her throat. How easy would everything be with her voice? A sore, dry tingle clogged the sides of her throat.

"Well, there goes the breakfast bell," Margarot grunted, before beckoning at her to stand up. Unsure, Ariel stood up, steeling herself against the sharp pain pinching her feet. So strong. So raw. It felt like swords were slashing mercilessly against her heels, digging their glinting tips deep into her flesh. Her face twisted with agony, as she forced herself, urged herself to take feeble steps forward.

It'd all be worth it when she saw her love.

Clap. Clap. Footsteps sounded against the tiled, marble floor as she was led towards the dining room.

Whispers and murmurs of curiosity rose from around her, crashing over her in a wave she was so desperate for. Snide, jealous remarks were thrown at her, envy lacing every word spat.

Finally, they reached a pair of detailed, arched doors defined with gold decor. Behind them stood her love.

Eagerly, she yanked them open, reeling back as bright sunlight stung her eyes. The room shone from the stream of light flooding through the tall, glass windows decorating the walls.

"This is her," his husky, gravelly voice assured. Sunlight danced through his raven locks as stray curls slicked across his meaning-full, shining green eyes framed by eyelashes. His uniform brung out the broadness of his muscular shoulders and arms, clinging itself to his torso. The man next to him, presumably the king from his jewelled crown, had a faint hint of similarity to the prince- His son! Although his hair had turned grey streaked white, they had the same untamable curls and jawline.

"My! My! Son! You've discovered quite a beauty!" Ariel shrunk self-concious under his powerful gaze. Next to their rich uniform, her flimsy nightgown appeared poor and dull.

Noticing her discomfort, the prince gave her a heart-throbbing, freindly smile. She took that as an invatation to join them at the dining table. A table so grand, made out glossy wood stetching across either side of the room. Unusual, glass containers like in her room were splayed in front of every seat. Plates (which she gladly did recognise) of dazzling china were lain neatly in a pattern. Next to them... What was that? It looked like a small, silver spear next to a small sword? What was that?

Curious, she engulfed everything in with an excited smile at the opportunity. She almost forgot the pain clenching her lower half at the scenery.

"Care to sit, ma'am?" the king beckoned, himself taking a seat at the far end. The prince held out a soft yet manly hand out, and she gratefully gripped it, taking the seat next to him.

It felt weird, as if her legs were bent or folded. (Although she seemed to feel lighter) Sitting. The king stared intruged at her. "Where do you come from? You look foreign... But I can't put my finger on what country,"