"Ariel, what's wrong?"

"Hmm? Oh nothing to concern yourself with Master Phillip!"

Having put on some regular clothes, Phillip wore but a simple vest and pair of pants. He had decided to keep the three in doors for today, and for none of them to spend any excessive time outside for fear of catching a cold. Crossing his arms though, Phillip wasn't stupid; he could easily tell when something was upsetting someone. Years spent around his own family had taught him that much.

"Ariel, tell me. What's wrong with Amy? I know there's an issue going on."

Ariel laughed. "Well look at you taking some responsibility! I'm proud of you Master!"

"Hey, I'm not a kid anymore! Now tell me what's going on already. If Amy is in any kind of trouble, I can hel-h-hey!"

Oh the many ways to keep someone in the dark. Ariel meant it when she told her fellow maid she would keep her actions secret; she would do anything to fulfill that promise. So what was the best way to quiet Phillip's suspicions? Make him embarrassed of course!

Ariel leaned forward to gently stroke his cheek tenderly. "Master needs to mind his own business," she lovingly. "Ok?"

"Um, y-yeah, sure."