Princess Ariel of Atlantica

**Princess Ariel of Glowerhaven**, born **of Atlantica** (8 October 1790 - 7 May 1861) was the wife of Crown Prince Eric of Glowerhaven and mother to his only child, Princess Melody of Glowerhaven. Through her granddaughter Queen Philippine of France, the kings of France descend from her. She was a member of **House Neptune** by birth and **House Glour** by marriage.

## Appearance and personality

Princess Ariel was famed for her beauty, having flaming red hair, bright eyes, blushing cheeks and a petite stature.

More than anything, Princess Ariel was known for her musical talent, singing and playing the piano excellently. She was also charitable and incredibly curious, having purchased the first set of encyclopedias. She loved studying.

## Biography

### Childhood

Princess Ariel was born in the royal palace of Atlantica as the youngest of King Triton and Queen Athena's seven daughters. Continuous childbirth had weakened Queen Athena significantly and her health deteriorated until she died in 1796 aged only 33. The court had little time to mourn, as revolution threatened the royal family and they grew more and more secluded.

At the orders of their parents, all sisters received a music-orientated education. The seven of them formed a choir, and occasionally performed as a band at concerts given by their father. Out of all sisters, Ariel remained closest to her sister Andrina, with whom she shared a room as a child.

### Marriage

After rumors grew that revolutionaries would attack the palace, the Atlantican royal family temporarily moved to the palace of Sarema at the Glowerhaven Isles in 1807, staying as guests of King Gustav of Glowerhaven II. Here, Ariel met and fell in love with Gustav's son, Crown Prince Eric. They announced to their fathers that they wished to be wed. There were several issues: the bride and groom were fairly young, aged only 16 and 19; none of Ariel's six older sisters were married yet, and it would be rude not to allow them to marry first; and the Crown Prince was unofficially engaged to his cousin, Princess Virginia of Glowerhaven.

Still, the youngsters peristed and as King Triton was eager to marry his daughters off and move them to safer courts, Ariel and Eric wed on 31 August 1807.

On 14 January 1811, Ariel gave birth to the couple's only child: Princess Melody Athena Katherine of Glowerhaven. As only men could inherit Glowerhaven's throne, Crown Prince Eric remained without an heir. Both Eric and Ariel were described as loving and involved parents, indulging their daughter. As Crown Princess, Ariel supported many musicians and became patron to multiple concert halls.

### Tragedies

In 1829, Princess Melody married her cousin Alexander. Ariel and Eric had originally wanted Melody to marry Alexander's older brother who would be king after Eric, but Alexander and Melody were a better match. According to royal rapports of the time, Crown Princess Ariel found it difficult to let go of her only daughter, but delighted in becoming a grandmother (at age 39) when Melody gave birth to her daughter, Princess Philippine in 1830.

The rest of 1830 would prove to be disastrous year for Princess Ariel. The mysterious shore illness killed many in the northern kingdoms of Europe, including King Triton of Atlantica. The Crown Prince and Princess were able to attend her sister Queen Attina's coronation, but fell ill shortly after. While Princess Ariel recovered, Crown Prince Eric and his mother died on the same day, which meant Ariel would never be Queen.

To Princess Ariel's concern, her sister's reign was troubled and suffered from their father's unpopular decisions. In 1839, Queen Attina was deposed and imprisoned with her husband, children and sister, Princess Andrina. Soon, they were joined by their other sisters Princess Arista and Princess Aquata. The late Princess Alana's children were captured as well. The nine family members were executed on 21 December 1840.

### Death

Ariel died in 1861, aged 70, at the Sarema Palace where she had met her husband. She was survived by her daughter, granddaughter and single surviving sister, Princess Adella.