A/N: Sup! I didn't particularly like how the chap came out, but I was too tired to care. Took me 2 whole days of constant procrastinating and writing a hundred words here and there to finally finish this chap.
Anyways enjoy!!!
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A few days after the stable's visit, the royal halls felt unusually quiet. Maybe a bit too quiet.
Summer had finally arrived.
After what felt like a never-ending winter, the snow was gone from the cobbled streets and palace rooftops. The breeze from the fjord carried a warmth that soothed the skin instead of biting through it.
Birds sang lazily from the trees. Even the guards had swapped their heavier armour for light leather and cloth.
We decided, on Anna's enthusiastic suggestion, to go to the beach just outside the southern cliffs of Arendelle—far enough from the public eye but close enough that we could walk.
Anna called it a "friend trip," but with the way she and Elsa were dressing and giggling that morning, I suspected it was less about friendship and more about… flaunting.
And I wasn't complaining.
"Come on, Camden!" Olaf shouted excitedly, racing ahead on the sand with a small bucket on his head. "I'm finally gonna see what summer feels like with friends!"
I chuckled as I caught up, carrying the rolled-up parasols and a basket packed with snacks. Behind me, Anna and Elsa walked together, both wearing loose outer wraps and wide-brimmed sun hats. Their steps were light, playful, like kids on the first day of summer break.
We picked a nice quiet cove between the dunes, hidden by rocks and a few wind-blown trees. I helped set up the parasols, spreading towels under them while Olaf tried building a sandcastle using a fishbone and seaweed as tools.
The girls each disappeared into their own tents to change, giggling like conspirators. I stayed outside, sipping water and enjoying the sound of waves lapping against the shore.
The heat soaked into my shoulders, and I pulled off my shirt, tossing it onto the nearest towel. I stretched and lay back on my elbows, letting the sun hit my bare chest and torso.
The past few weeks had done wonders for my form. Between sparring with Anna, keeping pace with Elsa's elemental affinity, and carrying half the royal library around Arendelle, I'd gotten leaner.
My abs were more visible now, arms tighter, shoulders broader. I wasn't vain about it, but I was aware of how I looked.
The tent flaps rustled and Anna stepped out first.
She wore a bold cherry-red bikini, tied at the sides with little ribbons and accented with golden beads that matched the sun in her hair. The top hugged her modest chest in a flattering cut that showed just enough to make my brain skip a beat.
Her waist, slightly freckled and smooth, curved into round hips and toned thighs that had probably earned their strength chasing Olaf up palace staircases. Her long braid swung behind her like a tail as she walked barefoot across the sand toward me.
"You like?" she asked, twirling once with her arms raised high. I didn't even try to avert my gaze . "I'm not even sure I deserve to look at you right now."
She giggled, cheeks flushing a colour that matched her swimsuit.
Elsa soon followed after a few minutes.
She didn't say anything. She just pushed open her tent flap and stepped into the sunlight, letting the breeze lift the sheer shawl off her shoulders.
Her bikini was icy blue, laced with silver that sparkled like starlight. It clung to her in all the right places, hugging her elegant frame with effortless grace. Her high-cut bottoms accentuated her long, shapely legs, and the top brought out the curve of her chest in a way that was tasteful but undeniably alluring.
Her stomach was smooth and flat, her arms slender but toned, and the way her braid curved over one shoulder made her look like some kind of sea goddess returning to land.
Elsa met my gaze, a slight smirk playing at her lips.
"You're staring."
"You came out looking like that and expected me not to?"
She tilted her head, pleased. "Good answer."
Both sisters took a moment to lay out their towels, and I had to pretend I wasn't fully aware of how close they sat beside me.
Every time Anna leaned forward, her chest shifted just slightly. Every time Elsa reached for the sunscreen, I caught myself watching the gentle sway of her hips.
But to be fair, I caught them staring too.
Anna peeked at me whenever I stretched or stood. Her eyes lingered too long on my arms, and once, when I brushed hair from my eyes, I saw her bite her lip before pretending to adjust her hat.
Elsa was subtler. Her gaze was sharp, almost scientific, but the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her. Once, as I helped Olaf adjust the umbrella angle, she openly scanned my back, and when I turned around, she didn't even pretend to look away.
By late morning, we were deep into beach fun.
Olaf roped us into a game of "beach monster," where I had to crawl after him and the girls through the sand like some ancient sea beast. Anna laughed so hard when I finally caught her that she nearly choked on seawater.
Elsa, trying not to get caught, used her magic to form an ice-surfboard and rode a wave before wiping out spectacularly in a burst of cold mist. I ran in and helped her up, water glistening down her back, and when she looked at me—really looked at me—I forgot the ocean existed for a second.
"Thanks," she whispered, her hand still in mine.
I didn't let go immediately.
We made a shallow fire pit around midday using sea stones and driftwood. I heated a few skewers of food while Elsa cooled down a few bottles of juice with a flick of her finger.
Anna added seashells for decoration and started telling stories about their childhood beach trips. Most of them involved chasing crabs or trying to teach Olaf to float.
Eventually, we settled down to just soak in the sun.
Anna lay beside me, belly-down on her towel, chin on her crossed arms. Her legs swayed back and forth as she hummed softly. "You know," she said, "I could get used to this."
"Same," I said.
Elsa, on the other side, propped herself up on one elbow. Her icy blue eyes glittered under her sun hat as she glanced over at me.
I smiled, turning my head to her. We all fell into a comfortable silence. Just the sound of seagulls and the waves. Then Anna rolled onto her back and gave me an innocent look that was anything but.
"You haven't complimented our swimsuits properly yet." I lifted an eyebrow at her shameless comment, "Didn't I already call you radiant?"
"That was before the beach games." Elsa leaned closer, teasing. "You've had plenty of time to… observe."
I chuckled and sat up, placing my arms over my knees. "All right. Official review time-."
However, I was quickly interrupted by a very distinct sound. A deep, melodic call, not from any bird or horn on land—but a series of harmonious trumpet blasts echoing from beneath the waves.
The four of us turned our heads just as a line of shimmering shapes rose from the water.
Mermen.
A full troop of them breached the surface in perfect formation, their muscular torsos glinting with scales that shimmered like sapphires and emeralds in the sun. They held long, curved horns carved from shell and bone, each one polished to a gleam. Their expressions were stoic, regal even, as they blew the last few notes of their sea trumpet call.
Behind them, rising from the depths on the back of massive, majestic seahorses, came King Triton.
He was exactly as I remembered from that strange day when his trident had stirred the sea into a frenzy before calming it again. His presence was commanding, like a storm waiting to be unleashed, but his posture was relaxed now, his long white beard catching the sun like woven pearls. His golden crown rested atop his brow, and the trident in his hand crackled faintly with oceanic energy.
Beside him, riding her own blue-and-pink striped seahorse, was a girl with vibrant red hair flowing like silk down her back. She looked younger than I expected—maybe just around Anna's age—but her face radiated joy and wonder.
She must be Ariel. She waved before the seahorse had even reached the shallows.
"Hi!!" she called out excitedly, almost bouncing in place. I quickly stood, brushing off sand from my hands and motioned to the others. "Come on. Looks like we've got guests."
Anna leapt to her feet, grabbing her towel to wrap around her waist, still barefoot. Elsa stood more gracefully, adjusting her sunhat a bit to appear more presentable.
We walked to the edge of the surf just as the seahorses neared. Ariel slid off hers without hesitation, splashing into the water up to her waist, and she waded forward with a grin that made even Anna look shy.
King Triton remained on his steed for a moment longer, taking in the sight of us with a slow, measured gaze.
"Camden," he said, his voice deep and rich like a crashing tide. "We meet again. And properly, this time."
I bowed my head with respect. "King Triton. An honour."
He inclined his chin, trident resting across his chest. "My daughter has been pestering me for weeks to come to shore. I gave in for the sake of peace... and a break from her constant humming."
Ariel splashed toward him, her cheeks flushed. "Daddy!"
Triton chuckled. "I say that with love, child. You've been relentless."
Turning back to me, he added, "She's very curious about the surface world—and particularly curious about you, young man."
I laughed softly, already sensing the whirlwind energy Ariel brought with her.
She reached me now, still waist-deep in the waves, and held out her hand like someone trying to imitate court manners without ever having practised.
"Hi! I'm Ariel. It's nice to finally meet you. I've read about you! I mean… I heard stories. No... not you specifically but y'know—!"
I took her hand gently, offering a warm smile. "It's nice to meet you, Ariel. I'm Camden. This is Anna and Elsa."
Both girls stepped forward politely, nodding with grace, though Anna's face betrayed amusement at Ariel's bubbling enthusiasm.
Ariel's fingers closed around mine, and I noticed her whole body give a tiny jolt. "Oh," she breathed, her eyes darting to where our hands touched.
I tilted my head. "You all right?"
Her face turned bright pink. "Y-Yes! Sorry! I've just—uh, I've never… shaken a human's hand before. Or held one. You're… warm. Like, warm. Not boiling warm, just… pleasant warm! Like a sunrock!"
Anna blinked. "What's a sunrock?"
"They're rocks that sit on the shallow sea floor and soak up sunlight all day. The turtles love them. I sit on them sometimes and pretend I have legs."
Elsa's gaze softened at that. "You wanted to walk?"
"For as far as can remember," Ariel said, her voice hushed like she was confessing a secret. "I was fascinated by how humans can move around with their long appendages." Triton gave her a quiet, fatherly look but didn't interrupt.
"Well then," I said, releasing her hand and stepping back, "I can make that happen. If you're all right with a bit of magic."
Ariel's eyes lit up like moonlight on ocean foam. "Really?!" I turned to Triton for confirmation. He gave a slow nod. "I trust you. Just don't give her wings while you're at it."
I laughed. "No promises."
I took a step back and raised one hand, calling upon my inner magic. I muttered a few words, "Muta, o filia maris."
Light pooled around my fingers and spiralled toward Ariel and Triton, wrapping them in golden-blue ribbons. The magic wrapped around their tails as if water itself had turned to silk, then burst outward in a soft pulse that startled even the sea.
Ariel gasped and looked down, her tail was gone.
In its place, she now had two long, slender legs. Her skin shimmered with leftover stardust from the spell. A loose, sea-green floral dress had formed over her hips, tailored from woven kelp and coral-thread, yet dry and light like any surface fabric.
She stumbled forward, laughing. "I HAVE KNEES!" Then promptly fell face-first into the sand. "Oh boy—okay, walking is harder than I thought."
Anna rushed to help her up while giggling. "Trust me, I've fallen harder."
Triton remained seated on his seahorse for a few more moments, watching his daughter with fond amusement. Then, with a deep breath, he stepped off. The moment his fin touched the shore, the same light enveloped him, transforming his tail into strong, weathered legs. He landed solidly on both feet, now wearing dark blue trousers with gold trim.
He looked down, flexed his toes, and nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad, human."
I gave him a respectful bow. "Welcome to dry land, Your Majesty."
Ariel ran in a few uneven circles on the sand, squealing with delight every time she managed more than two steps without falling. She kept glancing at her feet like they were some mythical artifact. Then she paused, looking up at me with awe.
"Thank you," she whispered. "This is a dream come true."
I smiled. "I'm glad I could. You deserve a walk on the sand."
Elsa, who had been watching the whole time with quiet fascination, finally stepped beside me and murmured, "That was beautiful."
"I think I might need your magic for a few things. My wardrobe is looking a little drab these days," Anna commented while still staring at Ariel's new dress.
"I am guessing you must be princesses as well? Do you have a castle? Is it big? Oh, I wanna see it!"
Anna giggled once again, "Guilty," while Elsa nodded and smiled. "Though not all of that is as glamorous as it sounds."
Ariel's eyes widened. "Can I visit the castle?! Can I live there?! Okay, no, too soon. But maybe?" Triton gave a long sigh and rubbed his temples. "What have I unleashed?"
That made us all chuckle.
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[A few minutes later]
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A very regal carriage, finely polished and bearing the golden crest of Arendelle, pulled up along the edge of the beach road. Ten horses, all adorned in gleaming silver and blue livery, halted in synchronised grace.
In moments, a stream of servants and guards poured from the accompanying carts. They moved with elegant urgency—wooden stakes driven into the sand, fine fabrics unfurled, and poles raised.
In less than five minutes, a grand open tent stood against the seascape—its silken canopy flapping gently in the wind.
A table draped in embroidered linen sat beneath it, lined with polished chairs and silver goblets already being filled with summer wine and cold water from tall pitchers.
The two monarchs emerged from the carriage just as the last chair was placed.
Queen Iduna's soft grey gown shimmered subtly, as if stitched from starlight. Her long brown hair fell in an intricate braid behind her shoulders, and her eyes scanned the scene with a practised calm.
Beside her, King Agnarr looked slightly more stiff in his deep navy robes, his gaze flicking between the ocean, the unfamiliar mermen guards stationed near the water, and the imposing figure of King Triton.
Despite their differences—one born of sea, the other of land—their steps met in unison beneath the tent.
Triton greeted them with a respectful nod, planting his trident softly in the sand beside his chair before sitting down.
What was said between them, we could not hear from where we stood. And truthfully, I didn't want to. I had other thoughts.
"Looks like the grown-ups are talking now," I said, turning to Ariel, whose hair was still damp and clung to her neck like sea silk. "What do you say we take a walk?"
Her eyes lit up with eagerness. "Oh! I'd love that!"
Anna looped her arm through mine without hesitation. "Count me in." Elsa simply gave a soft nod. "It would be good to stretch a little before we have to sit through a long diplomatic debrief."
And just like that, I found myself walking along the shoreline, barefoot in the warm sand, with three princesses at my side, each one beautiful, unique, and full of charm in their own way.
Ariel stumbled slightly at first. "Okay, so land is... bouncier than I thought. I keep thinking I'm going to float, and then I remember I can't anymore."
Anna chuckled. "It's okay, even I with all my years of experience still trip over nothing. You're doing great."
"I really like how warm everything is," Ariel said, marvelling as she dragged her toes through the surf. "In the water, things are cool and calm, but here it's very comforting. I think I could sleep here all day."
"I wouldn't advise that. The shore gets nippy during the night. You might freeze your newfound legs before the night is over." I said.
Elsa walked a little behind us, her hands tucked lightly behind her back. "You're very open about your feelings," she observed. Ariel blinked, unsure if that was a compliment or a criticism. "Is that… a bad thing?"
Elsa's lips twitched slightly. "No. Not bad. It's very refreshing, even."
"Aw," Ariel said with a wide grin. "Thanks, ice princess!"
Elsa looked like she didn't quite know how to react to the nickname, but she accepted it nonetheless. As we wandered along the shoreline, the golden sun now descending slowly toward the horizon, Ariel picked up a spiral shell and held it up to her ear, gasping.
"I can hear the sea," she whispered.
Ariel would pick up a few random things here and there, make a few comments as well. She was quite cute with how curious she is. We continued walking, and Ariel began asking a hundred questions per minute.
"What's bread like?"
"Do you have hairbrushes for horses?"
"Is dancing something you have to practice or does it just happen?"
I did my best to answer them all. The girls chimed in too, taking turns explaining things like snowballs, spring festivals, and the joys of hot chocolate. Ariel's eyes sparkled brighter with each answer, and she made little sounds of wonder after nearly every sentence.
"I think I'd like tea," she said at one point. "Do you have seaweed-flavoured tea? No? Hmm. Missed opportunity."
As we approached a cluster of large driftwood logs half-buried in the sand, we paused to sit down. The view was spectacular, miles of soft sea meeting the open sky, the sun now melting slowly into the waves.
Ariel stretched her legs out in front of her and stared at her toes with fascination. "I can't believe these are mine. I always dreamed of walking. I used to imagine running down beaches just like this one."
"Are you disappointed?" I asked quietly.
She looked at me and shook her head, completely sincere. "No. It's better than I imagined."
"Do you want to stay?" Elsa asked, not unkindly. "On land?"
"Do I get to keep the legs?"
"Haha, of course you do."
Ariel hesitated. "I don't know. I love the ocean, I do. But… this is also all too exciting for me. A chance that can't be missed.
"That's a mature thought," Anna said, her voice warm. Ariel smiled even brighter, showcasing her pearly white chompers.
"I'll see if I can convince your father to allow you to stay for a little longer." Who knows? Maybe he might agree. What's one more princess in my already chaotic life?
"Really!? You would do that for me?" Ariel practically flung herself onto my shoulder and screamed into my ear. This seemed to amuse both Anna and Elsa because I saw them giving me the eye.
"Sure, why not?" The more the merrier.
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