Stuck inside a jail wagon, we were. Iron bars surrounded us as we made a rickety ride past the familiar fields of salvia. I viewed them quietly, trying my best to keep calm.

 Arne beside me hadn’t anything to say. We had said it all. We knew our plan. I kept reminding myself that for the entire ride.

 Before I knew it, we were stopped outside the castle gatehouse. One soldier stepped forward to address the sentinel.

 I tried to ignore my rising anxiety, but as I watched the men speak, unable to hear a word, something about this didn’t seem right. Swiftly turning to Arne, I said, “No. Not this way.”

 “Ariel? Are you doubting the plan already?”

 “No, Arne. I just know I cannot appear before Eric as a prisoner. It won’t help his mood.”

 Arne fixed me a curious look. “What else would you have in mind?”

 I turned and touched one of the bars on my side. “I could...” The idea lingered furtively in my mind as I was too appalled at myself for even considering it. How could I bring myself to speak it?

 “They’re about to open the gate, Ariel,” Arne patiently told me. “If you believe this is something you must do, do it.”

 I met his gaze. “I told myself I would never do it again. Never ever.”

 Arne watched my eyes, his gaze sure and direct as though he has beginning to understand me. He placed his hands on my lap, his wrists cuffed in iron. “Do it for me.” He began to lean into me.

 I did the same to let him speak in my ear.

 “I dearly adore the sound of your voice.”

 I looked up at him, my heart instantly calming on the matter. I grinned and nodded. “Alright. For you, then.”

 The moment the gates began to open, I opened my mouth and let out a lilting ring. My melody, as mystifying as I could make it.

 The gaurds halted, immediately drawn to my song. They each approached, completely entranced.

If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

 Arne's fingers slipped around mine as he briefly squeezed my hand, offering gentle encouragement.

 As I looked the other way, I was mildly shocked at how close the gaurd planted his face against the bars.

 “A little further back please,” I sang.

 He obeyed.

 “Now open the cage.”

 The guard swiftly pulled out his key chain and unlocked the cage. After, he held bent before me with arms ready to assist.

 I grimaced, though still humming. His fervent behavior made me feel worse about myself, but I could not stop singing.

 Placing my arm around, I let him lift me. He began walking with me. Raising a hand to say 'wait', I looked back at the wagon as Arne scooted himself towards the opening, about to step down.

 I am not sure what then came over me. Perhaps the sharp impetus of my love, a sudden wave of righteousness. This is not his fight.

 “Close it.”

 Arne immediately shot me an urgent look of confusion that pained my heart as the gaurds began locking him up.

 “Ariel, what are you doing?”

 “Take him home.”

 “Ariel!”

 “You must go home, Arne.” I stifled my urge to cry. “I love you too much to put you in harms way.”

 Arne gripped the bars, shaking them frantically. “What happened to doing this together?”

 “If Eric sees you—”

 “So you care more about what Eric thinks of us?”

 His accusation stabbed like scissors. “No,” I gulped. “I care what he does to you.” I turned to the chauffeur. “I said take him!” I sang in soprano.

 The wagon turned around as the horses cantered.

 Arne continued to watch me in dismay. I averted his stare, turning back to the men before me. My magic stirred within me. I embraced it, feeling emboldened and prepared to do what I must. Thank you, Arne.

 Lowering my jaw, I let my hum fall into words:

I heard a weep behind in the walls,

'hind the walls.

Someone a-weeping down the halls, O' knight.

It was soft and strained.

Gave me quite a fright.

So tell my weeper to stand by,

stand by.

 They led me through the gates. My voice finding a stable strength as I continued.

Take me to the weeper of my soul,

Of my soul.

Tell him that his woman has come home, O' knight.

If my hopes ring true,

love will make this right.

Prince Eric, please do stand by,

stand by.

 We passed into the the inner court, coming around to the entrance of the castle. I hadn’t entered this way in such a long time. As I viewed the stone steps, I spoke one last verse.

Though I come as gentle as a lamb,

as a lamb.

May you not assume what I am,

what I am.

For, you barred my love

when you banned your bride.

Prince Eric, I come to test your pride,

your pride.