Chapter Text
Ariel couldn't believe it.
He spoke so eloquently, it was clear he was learned and a poet at heart.
But apparently, she was the only one who could understand him.
So, as a matter of course, it became the Queen's responsibility to serve as escort to Ambassador Donald of Duckburg.
"Where would you like to go first, sir?"
To her surprise, he responded, enthusiastically "The Docks!"
"...the docks? Surely an ambassador of your stature and education has seen plenty of shipping yards before. Why not let me show you all the austerity the palace has to offer? It's made quite the impression on so many over the years."
"Your Majesty. I appreciate the courtesy and there's much about your palace that I would be delighted to see. But I would humbly point out to you a few points. First, that my Uncle is the richest Duck in the world, and while I appreciate austerity as much as the next fowl, I find it less interesting than seeing other things a country has to offer. Second, your kingdom is the finest port city in the world; you've managed to do what almost no other nation has and import and export effectively and efficiently regardless of the changing tides- I want to see the greatest strength of our allies in person. Third, if my understanding of your story is correct, the docks is, like you, a blending of land and sea and the first place you came to in your kingdom. And finally, and I grant that this, you might not know, I live on a boat, so I'm always interested in seeing where I could stay if I visit again.
I understand you might want to keep some things under wraps and I respect it but if we're to be allies, we must trust each other enough to at lease see what we're all working with."
Ariel blushed a bit. "Well...I equally as humbly accept your reasonings. The docks it is."
The problem was, she realized after she said it, was that Ariel hadn't had time to leave the castle in a long, long time. Going to the Ocean and the docks used to be like going home. Now, she'd have to remember how to get there herself.
Oddly enough, though, she kept hearing the music.