I woke up the next morning with a sense of anticipation and nervousness. Leaving my fake home with Ariel had been a difficult decision, but the pull between us was undeniable. Now, I needed to return to the palace, but one burning question consumed my thoughts - why had Ariel been invited? And who had extended the invitation?

As I made my way through the grand halls of the palace, my mind was consumed with these questions. I needed answers, and I knew that my grandmother, Regina, would be able to provide them.

I found Regina in her study, surrounded by books and papers. She looked up from her work...