《As A Princess》


 Chapter 1：1. Coronation

    The nighttime scene took its toll. Elie sat only weakly when the thirty-year-old woman found out the king and queen were no longer breathing. Elie''s daily routine was to check on the king and queen. Considering their malady for which there is no cure. So every day elie would wake up to check on their condition. Of course elie wakes up in a deep sleep.


    The bodyguards, the servants, as well as the royal hound''s bushy coat bowed its head. They were all grief over the passing of the king and queen.


    ***


    The Diamond Kingdom had not been established since Winston''s first reign. Then he married the most beautiful woman of his choice, Clemmie. Clemmie is a smart girl and has vast knowledge. Clemmie was born into a humble family where her father was a sheep farmer, while her mother worked asa cook in one of the restaurants.


    King Winston was born to his parents who were already the first Kings at the diamond job. Both of Winston''s parents had passed away at the age of 20. His father died because he was sick. And her mother died in a boating accident while visiting another kingdom. And finally the one who was crowned king of the diamond job. Until she married Clemmie and was blessed with a beautiful princess named Ariadne.


    ***


    "Darian? What are you doing here?" Said Ariadne awake as Darian entered her room. The sound of Ariadne''s door made her wake with a hint of surprise.


    Darian approached Ariadne''s bed with his index finger in his mouth. Tell Ariadne to keep quiet. "Don''t shout. I''m here because mom told me to go with you." He said.


    Darian stood upright as a guard and stood beside Ariadne''s bed.


    "I need neither company nor care. I''m a big girl. Even I''m ten years old. I don''t like being read fairy tales either. Just go away!!" Send Ariadne away. The girl sat with a frown on her face.


    While darian stood still and looked straight ahead. How very like a good guard to be silent.


    "I told you to go darian! Why are you still here? Go! Go! I can''t sleep with someone in my room." Ariadne''s words sickened and darian stared with anger.


    Darian flinch. Do not listen to Ariadne''s orders.


    In her furious feelings, Ariadne immediately rose from her seat and stood up. "Get out of my room!" She exhaled, pointing to the large, tall bedroom door with the gold engraving.


    Ariadne''s beaming. "Why am I guarded? Will there be robbers in this kingdom?" She asked innocently.


    Darian smiled slightly. "Think of it that way. I will take care of you."


    Hearing it is Ariadne is somehow calm. Darian is older than three years, but they''re the same height. So, Ariadne has such a sister.


    "Ariadne sleep." The one who still sees Ariadne unlying.


    Ariadne''s eyes are fixed on the passage below the door. Her ears also hear the many hurried footsteps as if there were something to see. Ariadne knows the servants'' wakings by heart. And at this early hour no one could have woken up, let alone many people.


    Ariadne glanced at Darian whose body language the man seemed to take care of her. Slowly Ariadne positioned herself to lie down. The girl glanced in Darian''s direction now in a straight line like a statue.


    Let''s cut to the chase, Ariadne unwrapped her blanket and ran as fast as she could until she made it out of the room.


    "ARIADNE! DON''T GO OUT THERE!!" The Darian shrieks caught himself off guard. The 13-year-old man went straight after Ariadne, who was travelling quite fast.


    But the trail of Ariadne is gone. Darian was now able to pass only between the busy servants to and fro, preparing for the funeral. The royal palace is too big, and Darian would not be so easy to discover Ariadne''s whereabouts. Darian had not yet memorized the royal map, let alone the rooms Ariadne used to visit.


    *


    Ariadne''s breath is short. She clutched her rather heavy chest as he ran through the throngs of servants gathered in front of his parents'' room. Her long hair was now broken, her white nightgown wrinkled and her sweat flooded the area of the neck and forehead.


    Ariadne''s footsteps slowed as the servants automatically made way for her. The large number of servants immediately pulled up to the right and left of the aisles.


    Ariadne''s gaze was drawn to her parents'' wide-open bedroom door. Her long, dragged nightgown was slightly raised to make her walk easier. Ariadne''s feet seemed too cold for wearing no shoes.


    At the threshold of his parents'' room, Ariadne gave way to sleep. Speechless and still standing with an empty gaze forward. Looking down at his parents'' bodies covered in white cloth. Her tears instantly fell down her white cheeks.


    "DAD! MOM!! NO. NOOO!!." Ariadne shouted in disbelief.


    Elie immediately ran toward Ariadne and gave the girl a close hug. Elie''s also still crying without a sound. Her defense collapsed at the sight of Ariadne shocked to learn of this.


    The greatest heartbreak for the first time in Ariadne''s life was the death of her parents. And Ariadne was forced into adulthood by her nanny Elie.


    ***


    It has been one week since the death of king Winston and queen clemmie. This morning Ariadne is still curled up in her bed. Her face was pale and her eyes had blackened eyes. Ariadne cannot sleep nor eat. The girl could only cry and cry, unable to accept the reality she was facing.


    Clack!


    The large door to her room was opened by someone. Elie comes in with a wide tray of food, drinks, and fresh fruit. Darian''s following Elie''s footsteps behind her.


    "Get up princess.. I''ve prepared breakfast for you." Said Elie politely and placed the wide tray on the already Darian dining table on Ariadne''s bed.


    "Take the food out. I have no appetite at all." Said Ariadne lazy.


    Elie curtsey. "Princess, please eat something.. Since the king and queen have been absent, the princess has eaten very little and hardly even eaten. If the princess gets sick, this one kingdom gets sick." Coaxed elie.


    Darian nodded, confirming his mother''s words. "Eat Ariadne. Regain your strength and scold me like always."


    Hearing that Ariadne sat instantly. "Can I scold you as much as I want when I''m done eating?" She asked.


    Darian just nodded and smiled. "Eat it first. Those honey - covered pancakes look delicious. Especially with blueberries trimming it. Should I just eat it?" Said Darian, who also accidentally extended his hand to reach for the blueberries on the tray.


    Ariadne hit him with a swift blow. Of course darian winced in pain. Afterward, Ariadne chose to eat her honey pancakes and drink a glass of fresh cow''s milk. While the blueberries were in the last small bowl eaten.


    Elie smiled when she saw a clean tray. Only tools left. Darian quickly helped elie with an empty tray to the dishwasher. Elie let her son out first.


    "What? Why are you looking at me like that? What else should I do? I''ve finished all the food you brought. Then leave when your task is done." Said Ariadne in innocence.


    Elie just smiled slightly. "Be prepared, princess. The servants will come in and take you to the tub. You need to dress up as beautiful as you can. It''s your coronation." She says. Then bow to Ariadne who still does not understand elie''s words.


    The coronation? What is the coronation? Not yet finished asking in his own mind, the servants whom Elie said did enter and overrun Ariadne''s body slowly and gently. Escort Ariadne into the circle and broad tub. The tub was filled with warm water and filled with rose petals that were red and pink. Nice smell.


    After bathing, Ariadne was immediately taken in and the ten men''s attendants put a layer of lint over her. The lining of the skirt is so thick, even Ariadne has lost count. The lining of that skirt shaped the gown that bloomed so much.


    Then followed by a beautiful, gold-colored dress with an elegant, gaudy accent. Many floral ornaments on the chest, as well as diamond beaded seams around the waist. Look at the fancy dress Ariadne wears.


    The girl''s hair was also shaped very nicely by the insertion of several pin needles in the tip in the shape of a rose. Of course the hair pin was made of gold and had a diamond eye. All that was put on Ariadne''s body as a walking treasure. Even one diamond in her dress if it was sold could of course be used to eat for more than two or three months. If used by ordinary people and simple people. For Ariadne, diamonds are of no use.


    The praetorian ministers took up nearly three more hours, just to make Ariadne decked up. Upon sighting is Ariadne, who is now as beautiful as jade goddess, led directly to the coronation building.


    The ten-year-old girl could only see around with her beautiful eyes with lentils. The praetorian guard or royal guard would instantly draw their swords and be lifted upward. They''re in a line of sight. And Ariadne strolled along the midst of the red carpet stretching straight up to the one royal chair that looked so fancy.


    Everything was going so well. Ariadne stood as the priest with the counselor stood before her. A court butler named Meghan carrying a diamond crown on a gold tray. Ariadne knows the woman.


    "I hereby anoint you, my lady, as a princess of the kingdom who will lead us all." The clergyman blurted out.


    Meghan makes her way closer to speechless Ariadne. Then the gold crown with its many diamonds successfully landed on Ariadne''s head. Until there was the applause of royalty sitting on many chairs.

 Chapter 2：2. Learn Good Manners

    The coronation ceremony ends with a buffet meal. Some also enjoy dancing with one another. The royal guests have been given a different and wider space. While ordinary citizens'' guests remained next to the seat they were seated in.


    Ariadne chose to walk away from her seat. Here everyone is celebrating her coronation, yet she is left alone. Ariadne''s small but blooming body was trying to get out of the crowd. Unroll the crowd to make it easier.


    The persons eating simply gave Ariadne a way. They bow their heads in honor of Ariadne.


    "Bow down the princess, bend down a little to repay their sign of respect." Darian whispers that are somehow already on Ariadne''s left.


    Ariadne purrs in ignorance. "Why should I bow them down?" She then asked.


    "For if the princess does not reply, they will not raise her up at all. It will remain that way until the princess salutes them."


    At this she then bowed briefly, after which she could see that the people were no longer bowing down to her. All smiled at Ariadne, as if looking at a beautiful goddess.


    "Take me out of here. I don''t like being stared at by all of them." Demanded Ariadne with a hint of fear. It''s the first time Ariadne has faced the stares of so many. Even though they all smiled, it was like Ariadne had never felt safe.


    Darian nodded instantly and complied with Ariadne''s request. The man leads the way in front of Ariadne and leads the princess to the palace front garden. Such a vast garden with so many beautiful, fragrant flowers. Next to the park is a garden maze with only beams of foliage.


    Ariadne has never entered the garden maze. Because the herbs in the maze garden seemed to her very high. The maze is a circle. Of course it feels like going in there. You don''t know the map by heart. Only the gardeners know the area well.


    "What''s the matter, princess? Would the princess like to go there?" Ask Darian if he wants to know. For he had gazed upon the gaze of Ariadne''s captivated eyes.


    Ariadne''s shaking slowly. "No. I don''t like dark and lost."


    "It won''t get lost if the princess takes the map."


    "No. I''m not going in there. I''ll stay." Said Ariadne, who later sat instantly on a palatial lawn chair.


    Darian only nodded, then stood up straight on the right side of the lawn chair.


    "Why don''t you sit down? Your knees never get tired?" Asked Ariadne who always saw Darian standing. Darian never sat while standing near Ariadne.


    "No need, princess. Don''t worry about me. I''m here to take care of you, princess." Ask Darian.


    "When will the party end?" Asked Ariadne.


    "This afternoon, I think. Just when the sun is overhead."


    "I am exhausted and this dress is quite heavy. I need a nap. I''m hungry, too. In fact they were all just eating alone and busy themselves. No one asked me or paid attention to me. I don''t like sitting in that fancy chair staring at it like a statue." Ariadne''s grievance.


    "Just relax, princess, you''ll be able to rest after this. My mother will bring the princess here."


    "Elie?" Asked Ariadne.


    Darian nodded in reply. Darian''s blue eyes attracted Ariadne to him. Since Ariadne''s eyes are not as blue as Darian, Ariadne''s eyes are golden brown.


    "Since when did Elie know I was in the park?" Ariadne asked again.


    "My mother always knew where the princess was. And I will always be next to the princess when my mother is busy."


    After hearing that Ariadne has chosen to remain silent. She was a little tired of talking to Darian, whose answer was like that. Ariadne only wants to consort with Darian asa child of ordinary citizens who can run around and laugh freely.


    But Ariadne herself is aware that she cannot be like the son of an ordinary citizen moving freely. Now even her body wears a gown that is extremely blossoming and heavy. Much less accessories such as bangles, rings, earrings, even necklaces. Plus a diamond crown now perched sweetly on her head. It made him unable to bow his head in fear of falling off his crown. Ariadne''s movements alone are severely limited. How could he run around and laugh like that? Even Ariadne has no friends besides Darian. Only Darian and Darian are beside her.


    As darian says, elie now comes and bows to Ariadne still in the park seat. "The coronation party is over, princess. Come with me." Says Elie then leads the way first.


    While darian went straight to the riding field behind the palace. Joined up with the other boys.


    Elie please Ariadne at the table seat at the far end. The list of foods Ariadne has been waiting for. Her stomach''s so hungry.


    But the movement of Ariadne''s right hand in wanting the meal stopped when Elie interrupted her firmly. "It''s not that, princess. Eat with proper manners." Said elie, guiding Ariadne''s hand movements to pick up a fork and a dinner knife.


    "What''s this for? I just want to eat fast and take a nap. I miss my room Elie." Cried Ariadne in agony.


    "Stop princess. It''s forbidden for any princess to cry. Hold back your tears. Now, elegant. Eat in the right manner. Sit up straight up your back like a wall. Do not bow down and chin up." Elie called out sharply.


    Ariadne''s eyes filled with tears. It''s never like this before. If she was hungry and wanted to eat, her mother would feed her immediately. Ariadne does not like orders.


    Crash!


    The silver dining knife and fork Ariadne slam. And Ariadne then chose to come down from the chair. The girl ran as fast as she could, lifting her little dress. Ariadne chose to go to her room and shut her down immediately, also locking her from the inside. Ariadne wants to be alone.


    ***

 Chapter 3：3. Doing Paperwork

    Ariadne''s crying out loud. While Darian standing at Ariadne''s door is silent, Darian was reluctant to enter, for it would be no use if he went into Ariadne''s room.


    Ariadne''s sobs filled her vast room. With two bare feet, Ariadne moves forward toward the balcony of the room. Look at the palace from above. Staring at the houses of ordinary citizens.


    "Princess, may I come in?" Ask Darian from outside the room. The man cried out a little for Ariadne inside to hear his voice.


    Ariadne quickly wiped away her tears. The girl ran in her heavy dress. To the bedroom door and unlock it. Darian stood upright in front of the door with a long tray filled with lunch.


    Darian followed Ariadne''s little steps toward the bed. The man quickly arranged the lunch for Ariadne on the small dining table.


    "Eat, I''ll stay with you until this meal is over." Speaking. come on.


    Ariadne did not answer, just staring Darian in the eyes of inquiry. "Have you been told by elie?" She asked slowly.


    "Yes. My mother couldn''t bear to starve you, princess."


    "Elie told me to eat a lot of good manners. I just don''t want to. Ah, I''m just not ready to learn my manners yet. Why is it so complicated just to eat?"


    "My mother taught you the right thing, princess. Because you are a princess in this kingdom. My mother says, after this coronation your days will be a little rough."


    Ariadne is silent, still not understanding what darian is describing. Her mind is still a child''s. Ariadne is not such a grown woman as to understand the situation now. All Ariadne needs are her parents. Not Darian or Elie. Ariadne wishes to leave this palace.


    "Now please eat your lunch, princess. My mother has promised to let you rest for the day."


    "Seriously?"


    Darian nodded. "Yes. My mom won''t see you today. She''s busy with the kitchen and the maids with Meghan."


    Then Ariadne smiled. The little hands instantly moved to grab a spoon and fork. Then Ariadne ate in peace and darian kept standing at her bedside.


    Ariadne''s lunch now includes a honey-roasted chicken, a vegetable salad, slices of apples, and wheat toast. And there was fresh milk for the drink.


    After the meal, Ariadne prefers to take a nap. Calmed down any loose ends in her mind. Darian also returned to Ariadne''s room. Darian, of course, remained standing upright beside Ariadne''s bed. Guarding the princess who slept well that afternoon.


    ***


    The very next morning at dawn, the servants were lined up to awaken Ariadne and bathe her.


    And at six o ''clock in the morning, Ariadne is now beautiful in her heavy, floral gown. And very tight in the chest up to the waist. Apparently the servants were dressing her up and pulling the strings tight. Makes it a little difficult for Ariadne to breathe.


    Ariadne sits in the chair of the magnificent work. Before her there was a wooden table with many files on it. It provided the royal seal as well as quill and black ink. What does all this have to do with anything? Is Ariadne told to draw something?


    If it had been for Ariadne''s hand, she would have struck a piece of paper with a request in polite form, Elie would have prevented it. "It''s not like that, princess." She said firmly.


    "Then what''s it like? Am I supposed to draw?"


    Elie shook her head. "No. These are all the papers that want to be approved. These are files of supply requests from the residents. There was an agreement between jobs. There''s also a letter from the minister for the diamond transfer permit from the mines. Please use the seal and sprinkle the princess''s signature on the lower right. That is if the princess approves the file."


    Elie''s explanation is too long. Ariadne feels she doesn''t understand what elie means at all. "Do I have to agree to everything?"


    Elie smiled. "It doesn''t have to be. Let''s just agree to what the princess thinks is good to carry."


    "Okay. I get it." Said Ariadne.


    Elie could just watch and breathe her long breaths. If no one signs the papers, the royal system won''t move. Elie quickly called the counselor to help Ariadne understand the contents of the files.


    "Why not just tell aunt Ariadne to run the empire?" Ask Meghan when elie has just returned from the main hall.


    Elie frowned. "What do you mean Meghan?"


    "Why does the little girl have to do all the papers on the throne? If there is a family, why not just a family?"


    "Meghan, I don''t know what''s on your mind. Our princess must be kept in the kingdom. Don''t let us be as crazy as you think we are right now."


    Meghan chuckles. "Oh, am I crazy? I just don''t like to see that little girl acting all smart and all powerful. Wouldn''t it be better to lead us in an authoritative and appropriate age?"


    Elie flinch. And then chose to walk away without answering meghan''s questions that didn''t matter at all.


    It is true, Ariadne still has an aunt living in the village of hallstatt. Her aunt was named Mary, and the woman had lived for a long time apart from the royal family. Because it turns out that Mary is not of royal blood. As a child Mary was raised by Winston''s parents.


    But Mary chose to be expelled from the royal family for not liking the rules of life there. As a result, Ariadne has no one besides her parents. Especially if his parents are dead the way they are today, it would be Ariadne in power and her father''s throne falls to her.


    "Elie, can I please not do this? I was so dizzy when I saw the writing." The Ariadne complained when Elie had just come with a royal advisor.


    The imperial advisor bowed politely to Ariadne. "Let me represent the job, princess." Talk is polite. The counselor''s hair has gone gray. His beard is also white. The old man looked down at Ariadne, pleading for work on the papers of the kingdom.


    "Okay. Be my guest. I want to play in the park." Ariadne said briefly and was about to get out of the chair.


    But elie held back. "No can do, princess. The princess must stay here until the counselor has finished his work."


    And Ariadne could only submit and try to sit up straight so that her diamond crown wouldn''t fall.


    ***

 Chapter 4：4. Meet Prince Avery

    Ariadne evaporates more this afternoon. The girl was just tired of following Elie''s movements that grew farther and farther away. Elie is explaining how to plant crops. Even Ariadne who hears all of Elie''s words is not seriously listening.


    To Ariadne, all elie''s words are like wind. Goes in the right ear out the left ear. Just keep going, and Ariadne is bored enough.


    Ariadne has intended to play in the royal garden. But not this way. She just wanted to play sand or pick flowers. It''s not asking to be taught to plant properly.


    "Stop elie, my feet are tired." Ariadne''s upset.


    Elie looked down politely. "Okay, princess. Take a break in the lawn chair. The servants will get you a fresh drink."


    "I want to drink fresh fruit. That have grapes, strawberries and watermelons." Demanded Ariadne.


    Again and again Elie nodded politely to Ariadne''s every request. "Well, make it what the princess wants." Talk to one of the servants.


    "Elie.."


    "Yes?"


    "Can you just get out of here?"


    "What do you mean princess?"


    "I want to be alone. Without you and the servants. Just get Darian here to accompany me."


    Elie looked down again. "Okay, princess. Darian will be here after this." She said, then go with the servants to the royal kitchen area.


    Ariadne smiled widely. Her face grew very cheerful now that he was alone in the park. The girl took off her glass slipper made of diamonds. She saw her own feet, so they were rather reddish and sickly. The glass slipper is very stiff, and Ariadne doesn''t like to wear it.


    Ariadne happily steps her bare feet toward the sand of the garden. A lot of freshly injured grass on their feet disappeared. Ariadne pluck one rose and tuck it in her left ear.


    "You''ve always been beautiful, princess." Darian''s sudden impulse.


    "Oh, really?"


    "Yes. You look just like your mother."


    Hearing that, Ariadne is speechless and listless. She remembered clemmie''s cheery face as she invited her to play in the park.


    "Forgive me, princess, I didn''t mean to remind you of the queen."


    "It''s okay darian, I''m fine. Elie said I should start growing up. But I don''t understand how to be an adult."


    "Someday you will be a very mature and wise princess. And I will remain beside me." Genuine verbal.


    "Thank you, Darian."


    "You''re welcome, princess."


    After that came a servant with a box tray. The tray contained the full bowl of ice Ariadne had in mind. Exactly what she asked for. It contained red wine, strawberries, and diced pieces of watermelon.


    "Please enjoy, princess." The attendant retorted politely.


    Ariadne bowed a little in reply to her maid''s respect. While Darian only chuckled small.


    "Why do you laugh at me, Darian?" Said Ariadne after the maid left.


    "Curtching to return the gesture is only for guests or important people, princess. Not for the servants."


    "Am I wrong that I would also like to repay a sign of respect from a servant?" Asked Ariadne.


    Asked like this makes Darian unable to reply or answer Ariadne''s question.


    "My mother taught me to be polite to everyone. And no separating people. Whether it''s servants or someone important."


    Darian was amazed to hear the reasoning of Ariadne. "You''ve grown so much, princess."


    "Does that include growing up?" Ariadne asked innocently.


    "Yes. Of course."


    The little girl chuckled happily. "Ah, at least I remembered my mother''s message."


    "Prince Avery enters the kingdom." Yelled a royal doorkeeper.


    Ariadne hearing that is surely a bit surprised. And she was just about to eat the ice.


    Elie ran from the garden door to Ariadne''s side. The woman''s breath was heard racing.


    "Elie, who is he?" Said Ariadne afraid.


    "Prince Avery Frederick fitz. Prince of the kingdom of pearls." Answer elie.


    While Darian immediately stood so upright in the presence of Ariadne. To guard the princess in case of surprise attack.


    "Who is he? I don''t know him." Said Ariadne.


    "He''s the son of a friend of the king and queen. He''s darian''s age. Say hello to him, princess. He is the most handsome prince in the land." Blurted with a smile.


    Darian somehow got wind of elie''s speech, didn''t like it. Darian''s gaze was sharp at Avery, with his hooks as he moved closer to them.


    Avery''s step stopped exactly two meters from Darian standing. The prince was half asleep. Show respect to Ariadne.


    While Elie immediately ordered darian to stand at the side only. For obstructing a meeting between Avery and Ariadne.


    "Good day, princess Ariadne. Let me introduce you to Avery Frederick fitz. I''m from the kingdom of pearls. I met you when you were six and I was nine." Blurted Avery and gave a handsome smile.


    Ariadne also bowed kindly and smiled. "What brings you here?" She asked.


    Avery looked down at darian and elie. "Can I leave you two alone?" He asked.


    "Can''t. If you come and remain guarded by guards, then I will keep the princess safe until you leave." Darian says.


    Avery chuckled. "Okay. I only want to give flowers to princess Ariadne, after all."


    "Woah, flowers? I love flowers." Ariadne said enthusiastically.


    Overheard Avery immediately asked one of his guards to fetch a bouquet of flowers that he was carrying on his horse.


    "I present this red rose to you princess Ariadne." Avery said, presenting the flower to Ariadne.


    Surely Ariadne would welcome the flower and immediately breathed the sweet smell of roses. "Thank you.. Ah, what''s your name again?" Ariadne asked innocently for not remembering Avery''s name well.


    "Avery. Prince Avery of the kingdom of pearls." Avery blurted plainly.


    Darian only looked at Avery with his keen eyes. And Avery looked down at Darian, too.


    "All right, prince Avery, please come in. I''ll prepare the food. Have dinner here with princess Ariadne." Elie said politely.


    Avery nodded. "Okay, if that''s what you want. Is that all right, princess?" He asked Ariadne.


    "You may. I''ve been dining alone. And it''s so quiet."


    And Ariadne''s answers made Avery happy. But darian can only keep his annoyance to himself.


    ***

 Chapter 5：5. Dinner With Prince Avery

    "Sit here, prince Avery. I will prepare princess Ariadne to be ready." Elie politely said.


    Avery nodded his head. "Well, get on with it."


    Darian just twitched his tongue with a annoyed look. The man walked in the other direction. Wanted to leave Avery alone with one bodyguard still following the prince.


    "Darian." Call Elie in a firm voice. "Be with prince Avery. Just go have a long talk with him. He''s the prince of the Pearl Kingdom. you shouldn''t disapprove."


    "I just want to go riding."


    "It''s afternoon. My head wants to pop when you talk back. Accompany prince Avery!" Said Elie.


    Darian was finally only able to follow Elie''s orders against his will. The man sat down next to the seat Avery was sitting in.


    "Sit down. Aren''t we the same age?" Asked Avery without looking at darian. While Elie has gone by to join princess Ariadne''s bath.


    Darian flinch. He got very upset when Avery, with his gallant attempt, offered him a sit-down.


    "You''re not my bodyguard. So just sit tight." Avery''s orders.


    "Why are you here?" Said Darian who finally chose to sit.


    "I just want to see Ariadne''s condition."


    "Lies."


    Avery smiled slightly. "You''re very good at reading people''s attitudes."


    "The look on your face, Avery."


    "Yes. My parents told me to come here. They want me close to Ariadne."


    "For what?" Ask darian.


    "To be cooperative. Uniting the Diamond Kingdom with the Pearl Kingdom."


    "Princess Ariadne is a child. Are you crazy to want to get married at thirteen?"


    "I''m not saying I''m here to invite Ariadne to marry me. That''s seven years away." Blurted Avery.


    "Princess Ariadne would not be so foolish as to accept your royal alliance."


    Avery was staring at her real hard. "Just wait seven years later." He said firmly.


    ***


    Now the sky is going dark. The birds fly back to their respective nests. Dominating their beautiful sounds at night. The sun had truly set when Ariadne was now beautiful in her blooming dress.


    I don''t know how many dresses Ariadne wears. At any rate, she was well-dressed and clothed by the king''s servants.


    "Elie, do I have to have dinner with prince Avery?" Said Ariadne in innocence.


    The Elie who sat down folding the sheets all she could do was smile. "Didn''t you say yes yourself?"


    "I think he''ll be home before dark. I didn''t know prince Avery was waiting so patiently until dinner."


    "Wouldn''t you like to have friends? Then make friends with prince Avery." Elie says advice.


    "But he''s a boy. I do want to make new friends. But not men. I want to have a girl friend."


    "Just relax. Prince Avery was nice like Darian. They''re the same age."


    "No Elie, Darian and prince Avery were different. Nothing comparable."


    "Okay. Suit yourself, princess. I''m going to the kitchen to have the servants set up the dining table right away. Wait here, and I''ll call you when the table''s ready."


    Ariadne nodded obediently. The little girl went back to her room in the balcony. Her current habit is to stare up at the star-filled night sky. Imagining herself free to run around out there with the rest of the country''s children. But it''s not gonna happen. Ariadne is Ariadne. Ariadne is a princess.


    ***


    Ariadne enters the dining room with Elie walking behind her. Ariadne is specially dressed in a gorgeous evening gown that blooms in gold. Of course, wearing glass shoes like Cinderella.


    The diamond crown on Ariadne''s head seems to be getting rather bulging. And of course the crown must not fall from its head, except in bed and in the bath.


    This dinner is rich and fancy. There was a whole chicken roast that was fed a lot of stuffing. The fruit was so full. There was corn soup, roast beef, and other heavy foods.


    There are also various kinds of bread and dessert. Like a round strawberry cake. On top of that cake was a bunch of sweet strawberries mixed with leci''s. While she hisses there is a cheesecake, macaron, a doughnut, a fruit jell-o, and a cupcake.


    All the servants lined up around the dining table immediately bowed to their heads. That means they''re finishing serving dinner. The servants keep standing faithfully, in case Ariadne needs something.


    "Thank you for taking me to dinner." Avery politely said.


    Ariadne smiled. More like she was faking it in Avery''s presence. "You''re welcome, prince Avery."


    "What''s your favorite food?" Ask Avery was curious.


    "My favorite is roast chicken. But only the haunches."


    "Ah, yes. That''s very edible. What do you do every day, princess?"


    "Yesterday I was doing paperwork. But I don''t know what''s inside. I''m not that smart. Maybe after this I''ll be taught a lot of manners by Elie."


    "That''s good. I also learned manners in my kingdom. Of course it was my father who taught me directly. He said I would be a king one day."


    "Oh, yeah? That was so awesome." Said Ariadne.


    "Of course. You too will be a queen in this kingdom, princess."


    Ariadne only responded to Avery''s words with a smile. Then she chose to eat dinner right away.


    This time Ariadne chose to eat a lot of cookies. Elie standing among the servants could not prevent it. Ariadne only wants to satisfy her stomach this time. She wants to eat a lot of sweet cakes.


    While Darian standing next to elie could only let out his heavy breath. Doesn''t like to see Ariadne at dinner with Avery. Not to mention Avery eating very, very well. No manners.


    The next second Ariadne''s only to be upset. She gazed keenly at Avery''s noisy feeding. The little prince ate with a squeaking sound on his tongue. It is troubling for Ariadne.


    Especially the clatter of the knife and the fork Avery used was very noisy. It''s like they''ve never been taught to eat in slow motion.


    "Prince Avery, can you eat slowly? Didn''t you say you were taught manners?" Asked Ariadne.


    "Ah, I''m sorry. The food tastes too good. So I just meant to eat quickly. All right, I''m gonna turn my stuffing down."


    And Ariadne could only stare again at Avery. The little prince still ate loudly.


    "Prince Avery, it''s not just your noisy eating equipment." Ariadne alert.


    "Then what?"


    "Decanted your tongue distracting my ears." Ariadne said boldly.


    While Ellie hears it can only shut her mouth. Didn''t think Ariadne had the courage to comment honestly. As for Darian, the man can only hold back his laughter. It''s nice to see Avery look bad in Ariadne''s eyes.


    ***

 Chapter 6：6. Sweet Seventeen

    "Princess Ariadne enters the main palace." Said a soldier in a loud voice. It was so echoic that the palace ceiling was so high.


    Ariadne nodded to everyone. The girl smiled sweetly. Her aura is shining so beautifully. Her cheeks are red and her lips are pink. The two footsteps enter the main hall. Walking softly in her beautiful, blooming dress. To the high throne.


    The guards, the soldiers, and the servants all bow with respect to Ariadne. Ariadne responds to their courtesy by standing and bowing briefly with the slightest lifting of her gown.


    Next, Ariadne stands standing with her sincere smile holding a bouquet of red roses. Behind elie is a woman named meghan, with a teeny-sized box of presents.


    Almost everyone lined up like an elongated queue, to present a gift to Ariadne.


    "Happy birthday, lovely princess Ariadne." Said a little girl with a round face and a big, fat cheek. The little girl presented a gift for Ariadne with a very pretty headband.


    "Wow, thank you, honey. You''re also very pretty." Said Ariadne who squatted and hugged the little girl.


    The little girl''s mother only chuckled and felt a little timid. Then lure his little girl away from princess Ariadne. "Forgive my daughter, princess. Hold you too long." Talk is polite.


    Ariadne nodded only. "It''s okay. She''s so cute. Thanks for the present."


    The little blonde girl nodded happily, then walked away with her mother''s hand in her hand.


    Ariadne sits back in her throne seat. Box of presents is a lot. Don''t even count. Almost everyone in the kingdom gave her gifts, and ordinary citizens gave gifts.


    After the gift-giving and cake-cutting session, all in attendance at Ariadne''s birthday party immediately enjoyed the provided buffet.


    Yes. It''s Ariadne''s birthday. Now she''s seventeen. Seven years has gone by and she''s doing well. Of course he learned a lot of manners from elie. And learn to ride with darian. Only one thing Ariadne has not learned, is war or fight.


    "Happy birthday, princess. Happy seventeen." The words and squatting gave a small box of presents.


    "Wow, you gave me a present? What is this?" Wondered Ariadne.


    "Open immediately."


    Ariadne still smiles for a moment. Looking at the little golden gift-box. It was predicted that its contents would be very special.


    She opened the box softly. On the spot was a very pretty necklace. It was a very rare white gold necklace. The make looks like it was made with Darian hands. The pendant necklace is heart-shaped.


    Of course the pendant part of the necklace is made of diamonds. The stone is shappire blue. It''s heart-shaped and has an engraved letter "A" engraved in the middle. "A" for Ariadne.


    "It''s so pretty, Darian." Praise Ariadne with her bright eyes.


    "Really? I made it myself. Especially for you, princess."


    "I knew it. Your hands have been very creative all along."


    "Want me to tie it to your neck?" Darian offered help.


    Ariadne nodded instantly. She parted her hair to the side. Let Darian''s hand put a necklace around her neck.


    The combination of white-gold necklaces with Ariadne''s clean skin was exquisite. In Darian''s eyes, Ariadne grows more beautiful in his necklace. Ariadne''s throat is long empty wearing no accessory. So, Darian took the initiative to give the necklace to Ariadne.


    "Thank you. This necklace I''ll wear every day." Said Ariadne with great joy.


    Darian nodded. "Really?"


    "Yes. Of course it was. I''m not taking this necklace off, Darian."


    "Thank you, princess. You really appreciate my gift."


    "How I don''t appreciate it. This necklace is very beautiful. You''re not my bodyguard, you''re my best friend. So I consider this necklace a gift from my best friend."


    Knowing Ariadne''s words, Darian is feeling rather ill. Being considered as her friend, he didn''t seem to like it. Doesn''t Ariadne realize she likes him? Did the shape of the locket not make Ariadne aware of darian''s feelings?


    "Why are you looking at me like that Darian?"


    Darian snapped. Because he paused. "I''m sorry, princess. I was just stunned to see the necklace I gave you so beautiful when you put it on." His lies lie.


    "Ah, I see. There is one who has not come."


    Darian furrowed his brow. "Who?"


    "Prince Avery, I''ve been looking forward to his since. Last week he promised me not to come late. But why hasn''t he arrived until now?"


    Darian would love to disappear from earth right now. It turned out he had a one-sided love. Maybe Ariadne likes Avery.


    "Perhaps he is preparing something special for you, princess."


    "Is that so?"


    Darian nodded. "Can I get you a piece of cake?"


    "You may. I haven''t tasted my own cake."


    While darian went to get cookies and drinks, Ariadne looked at her festive birthday party. Classical music plays of the violin are very comfortable. The hustle and bustle of all who enjoy the meal add comfort to the program.


    Ariadne sat up steady and lifted her chin. Gave a strong impression to all the pairs of eyes that looked at hier. Meghan, the woman in her 40s just stared at her with a flat face. Ariadne knew she had always been displeased with meghan.


    Even Ariadne has wanted to cast Meghan out of the palace, but Elie intervened. Because Meghan has a little boy in the army. And Meghan''s boys are good with archery. So, Ariadne can''t just walk meghan out of court. Meghan''s boy scores scores and badges in the army.


    "Prince Avery enters the palace." Shouted one of the soldiers. His voice echoed through the main hall of the palace.


    Ariadne stood at once when she heard the announcement. She could see with her eyes now. Avery stepped into the palace and walked up to him in bold footsteps.


    Everyone immediately looked at Avery walking down the red carpet. Avery''s good looks fascinated everyone. Everyone whispered to each other that Avery was Ariadne''s soul mate. Talking about a match between the two of them.


    While darian, who was carrying the cake and a glass, chose to be speechless at his place. Reluctant to go next door to Ariadne. Chose to witness in silence what would happen next.


    ***

 Chapter 7：7. About Love

    "Happy birthday, princess." Avery said with a curtsey.


    Ariadne smiled and her face so full of joy. "Thank you, prince Avery. It''s an honor for you to come to my party."


    "Of course I''ll come. Sorry to keep you waiting."


    "It''s okay, is the trip okay? Why is it late?" Asked Ariadne, who now feels very agitated.


    Avery chuckled softly. "On the road there''s a small obstacle, princess."


    "Ah, what''s that?"


    "My horse is thirsty." Avery answered with a chuckle.


    "I thought what. You scared me." Said Ariadne.


    "It''s a present from me, princess. Open it when the show''s over tonight."


    "Why can''t I open it now?" Asked Ariadne.


    "You better open it later."


    "All right, prince, I''ll do as you say. Thanks for bringing me a present."


    "You''re welcome, princess. I hope you like it."


    "Oh, you''re making me even more curious." Said Ariadne gaily at the gift she had received. The present from Avery box size is pretty big. I don''t know what''s inside.


    Swiftly grabbed the box from Avery directly for safekeeping.


    "Dance with me..." took Avery and the man held out his right hand.


    Ariadne was a little hesitant to take Avery''s hand. But the girl finally took Avery''s hand in her hand. "All right." Said Ariadne.


    While Darian''s two hands were carrying the cake and the drinks were hard. The man didn''t seem too happy to see Ariadne close to Avery.


    They both danced with such exquisite, dazzling gestures. Ariadne isa bit nervous, but she is able to control her nervousness. Up close, Avery''s very handsome.


    Avery''s blue eyes drug Ariadne''s. They both looked very deeply.


    "Enough. I want to dance quietly." Politely asked Ariadne.


    Avery nodded. Stopping the dance moves moves Ariadne to exhaustion. They dance with normal movements. Ariadne''s hands rested on Avery''s neck. While Avery''s hands clasped Ariadne''s waist.


    All the pairs of eyes that saw them dancing erupted in amazement. As if looking at a couple that actually looks very suitable. Avery handsome and Ariadne beautiful. Everybody knows that.


    "Your scent smells so good." Praise Avery by living the scent of Ariadne''s skin on the neck.


    Ariadne feels they both look very intimate. She wanted to get a little distance, but was detained by Avery''s hand still clutching her waist.


    Avery said. "Let it be like this. Let everyone know we''re this close."


    "But I''m not used to this close."


    "Ssstttt... Keep dancing with me like this, princess."


    "You know Avery? I managed to run a good job until I was seventeen."


    "Uhum.." Avery muttered.


    "I want to be a better princess."


    "Why stay a princess when you can be a queen?"


    Ariadne looked at Avery. "What? The queen? When I am queen, I must have a king."


    "There I am."


    "What do you mean?"


    "I want to marry you. United our kingdom. I am the king and you are the queen."


    Ariadne smiled. "I still have much to take care of, prince. I don''t want to get married too soon."


    "And I''ll wait until it''s ready."


    "Do you love me?"


    "Yes, I love you." Avery said.


    "Why are you talking now? You never declared your love for me."


    Avery chuckled. "Do love have to be expressed in a sentence? Wasn''t it enough for me to come here twice a week a long time?"


    "I''m not sure."


    "Unsure of what?"


    Ariadne had once lowered her head, now daring to look Avery in the face by looking up. "I''m not sure you love me."


    "Why?"


    "Because you weren''t there in my time of grief and distress."


    Ariadne''s answers made Avery''s teeth clatter. Avery''s liver got a little cut. Was he just jilted?


    "You never said, princess. I don''t know when you need me." Said Avery.


    "You should try to find out. Not for me to tell."


    Avery froze. Both feet still lead the dance. While Ariadne''s head now rests comfortably upon the breast of his field.


    "I will learn again to love you well, princess."


    "No need to learn. Just prove that you really love me."


    "Yes, I will."


    ***


    Birthday parties end at twelve o ''clock at night. All important residents and guests have retired. The palace hall was suddenly deserted. Only the servants were busy cleaning up all the leftover food and silverware.


    Avery and Ariadne were on those long lawn chairs. Ariadne''s body lay with Avery''s right hand holding her back. Avery''s body was on top of Ariadne''s. They look at each other and talk romantic thoughts.


    The park in this hour is very dark. There is no light other than the moonlight. Avery''s lips kissed Ariadne''s lips slowly. No resistance from Ariadne. Ariadne''s first kiss was taken by Avery.


    Ariadne''s right hand stroked Avery''s cheek gently. Their fangs are deep and intoxicating. Accompanied by the evening breeze that makes them even warmer.


    "If Elie finds out, I''ll definitely be scolded." Said Ariadne as their kiss ended. Her pink lips got a little swollen. Caused by the crack from Avery''s lips.


    "No one has a right to scold you, princess."


    "Why did you kiss me?" Asked Ariadne.


    "Because I love you."


    "Does kissing prove that love is real?"


    "Not completely. Except for lovers."


    "But we''re not a couple, Avery."


    "Call me your beloved, Ariadne. Do you want to be my girlfriend?" Asked Avery by gazing softly at Ariadne''s face.


    "Should I say yes?"


    "No, but that''s the answer I expect from your lips."


    "Then I want to be your girlfriend. Should we get married quickly?"


    Avery chuckled. "There''s no rush if it makes you think hard. I will wait until you are ready to marry me."


    "Okay. Come again tomorrow. I''ll be waiting for you at the waterfall bridge." Said Ariadne.


    "I can''t."


    "Why?"


    "Darian must be around you. I think Darian is annoying. Can''t you replace Darian with a new bodyguard?"


    Ariadne gave Avery a brief kiss. "Will be safe. Darian won''t be anywhere near me tomorrow. He watches the diamond mine all day. And Elie was also busy organizing the servants in the kitchen and the palace cleanliness. So will you come to the bridge?"


    "Of course you wish, princess." Avery blurted sincerely.


    And their kisses happened again. They sip their lips from each other. And the Elie voice crying for Ariadne''s whereabouts instantly separated the two of them from each other. The cold night breeze instantly felt the sensation of Ariadne''s skin.


    Avery took off his suit and put it on Ariadne''s back. "See you tomorrow, goodbye." Her and Avery walked away.


    While elie took to her breast when she found Ariadne motionless in a park seat. Ariadne''s hair was quite messy and her crown tilted. "Can''t you please not steal some time alone with prince Avery? What if someone sees you?" Elie asked with a feeling of resentment.


    ***

 Chapter 8：8. Gathering Puzzles

    Avery took off his suit and put it on Ariadne''s back. "See you tomorrow, goodbye." Her and Avery walked away.


    While elie took to her breast when she found Ariadne motionless in a park seat. Ariadne''s hair was quite messy and her crown tilted. "Can''t you please not steal some time alone with prince Avery? What if someone sees you?" Elie asked with a feeling of resentment.


    "Oh no, did you know I was here on Avery?" Said Ariadne in surprise.


    "I never taught you to hide, princess. And don''t you ever do it again after this. Maintain your dignity before marriage." Elie said firmly.


    "Well.. Alright.. Never again."


    "Good. Let me show you to your room. Rest well. Tomorrow I''ll teach you to sew."


    "What? Stitch? Elie, I''d rather paint than sew. Please, I don''t want my fingers on a needle anymore."


    "No refusal, princess. You should be good at embroidery. Tomorrow you''ll be very busy, princess."


    "Can I please get away from the six o ''clock rush?" Asked Ariadne.


    "For what?"


    "Ah, the sun on that clock is almost good. I want to take a walk after my afternoon bath."


    "Fine, I''ll accompany you tomorrow."


    "Ah, no no.. Don''t be I want to walk alone. Free me a few minutes without you. I feel like I''m suffocating." Ariadne''s antennas are outraged.


    Elie finally nodded her head. Allow the princess a few moments out of sight. "But I ask you for one thing, princess." Said elie.


    "What''s that?"


    "Don''t you dare do anything rash. If anything happens to you, I won''t forgive you and won''t let you go out without a guard."


    Hearing that, Ariadne breathed her heavy breath. "Well, elie, you''re such a chatterbox."


    "It''s late. You''d better go to your room, princess."


    "Yes. I can manage." The voice of Ariadne rising from her seat. Tighten her grip on Avery''s coat, which she wears to keep warm. Perhaps, Ariadne will not remove the suit until tomorrow.


    ***


    Morning, Ariadne''s usual routine. The girl bathed at dawn and was already beautiful when the clock said six in the morning. Ariadne now bathed herself, just as she was always helped by the royal servants.


    After the bath, the first thing Ariadne does after breakfast is go to the royal hall. To do the paperwork that needs approval. And also meeting with his majesty''s ministers and royal advisors.


    After a jam of his activity in the royal hall, Ariadne was herded by elie to the sewing room. The room is very large. There are a lot of open Windows on the right and left side. The center of the room was a soft sofa with a great big, round carpet.


    "Elie, I told you. I don''t want to embroider. Anything I would do, except sewing." The reluctant complained Ariadne stepping toward the sofa.


    Ariadne''s pouting lips. But when she saw elie''s un-angry face, Ariadne immediately sat on the sofa. Elie''s face looks weary each time it is done to accompany Ariadne or guide her. The woman has been very loyal to Ariadne''s side since Ariadne''s parents died seven years ago.


    Sometimes Ariadne too is incapable of challenging or rebelling against Elie. Ariadne will naturally learn that Elie''s hard efforts to teach her something are difficult. Elie''s like a mother to Ariadne.


    After all Ariadne''s fingers are covered by fingers, Ariadne begins to embroider. This time it''s up to him to embroider. All that matters is that elie is watching her.


    "Elie, can I ask you something?" Said Ariadne while still embroidering.


    Elie nodded. "All right, princess."


    "Why don''t you get tired every day there for me? Don''t you want a break from me? You''re like my own mother. So, upon seeing you exhausted, I dared not defy you."


    Elie was moved by what Ariadne said. She thinks Ariadne is now a grown woman and is well-behaved.


    "What I do is because of the message the queen sends me."


    Ariadne''s a little surprised. "My mother spoke to you"?


    Elie nodded her head. "Yes. The queen at the time could still speak to me. And the king died first."


    "What did my mom say?"


    "The queen has asked me to take good care of you. She gives you a will for the throne given to you in full."


    "Is that it? No message for me, Elie?"


    "There is."


    "What?" Said Ariadne quickly.


    "The queen has a message, so be a wise and brave princess. Grow well and take care of yourself." Elie said gently.


    Ariadne''s hand movements have stopped. Hearing what Elie described seemed enough to represent all her current feelings. "Is that Elie?"


    "I would never dare lie to you, princess."


    "I''m just asking. Because you were the only one who knew how my parents died."


    Elie smiled slightly. "I went to the queen''s room at the sound of heavy breathing. And the queen slammed down a glass of iron to signal that she was not okay. And when I came in, the king was dead. Only the queen can still speak."


    Ariadne has tears in her eyes. If only she had grown up back then she would have been right next to Clemmie. But Ariadne knows one thing, her parents did not die of illness. It was the poison.


    Seven years ago, Ariadne saw the contents of the iron glass clemmie threw beside the bed. Its water mark becomes consumed by ants, and within seconds they just die.


    "Elie, what''s in the iron glass that my mom threw me?" Asked Ariadne.


    Elie furrowed her brow. The woman thought for a moment while trying to remember. "Water. The queen always provided water at her bedside. It gets thirsty easily and wakes up at midnight."


    Now Ariadne truly believes it is a poison. Not just water. "Who usually delivers water to my mom?"


    "Meghan, be with the maids." Answer elie truthfully.


    Ariadne''s eyes blinked. Her heart rate''s racing fast. Was it meghan? Why would meghan poison her parents? If you want the throne, why didn''t Ariadne just get poisoned?


    The roar of Ariadne''s breath. Truths that he knew were slowly collected. Ariadne must quickly find out who''s behind the murder of her parents.


    Ariadne will not give up. Ariadne must be at war. She will be ready to plunge her sword into someone who has committed a crime. Ariadne will not hesitate to keep the traitor alive. By all means, Ariadne swore to herself. She''s going to kill someone who killed his parents.


    ***

 Chapter 9：9. Jealous

    "Why do you ask about water, princess? What''s up?" Said elie, who felt that Ariadne had kept something.


    Ariadne shakes her head immediately. Continue her unfinished embroidery. "It''s okay Elie. I just saw the water pouring out of that glass of iron. I just want to ask you a question."


    "Ah, I see."


    "Yes."


    Elie smiled as she learned of Ariadne''s growing hand movements at embroidery. The girl embroidered the thread that makes the letter "A".


    "Why do you embroider a letter?" Ask elie.


    "I just want to. ''A'' for my name."


    "Really? Not for prince Avery, is it?" Guess Elie.


    Ariadne''s face tightened. "Elie, do I look particularly fond of Avery?"


    "Of course, princess." Answer Elie with a soft chuckle. "Do you love him?" Ask Elie.


    Ariadne shrugged her shoulders. "I don''t know. But as soon as he kissed me last night, it was like I couldn''t forget it."


    "Was that your first kiss?"


    Ariadne nodded. "Of course, I''ve never kissed anyone before."


    "I saw you last night." Elie began by holding back her smile.


    Ariadne''s pouting. "I knew it, Elie. You can always find me."


    "Do you really like him?"


    "I don''t know, Elie. You know I haven''t had the experience of loving someone. The only thing I can think of right now is Avery."


    "But last night he was disrespectful." She says.


    Ariadne furrowed her brow. "Was he in a bad way? Which part was rude?"


    "Prince Avery ran away from you and went home. The good man would say goodbye first. Instead of just leaving."


    "Oh, yeah? Does that mean prince Avery''s not a good guy?"


    "Nor do I know, princess. But a good man shows a good attitude."


    ***


    In accordance with Ariadne''s statement yesterday, the girl is now free to walk alone to the waterfall bridge. Ariadne''s famous waterfall bridge is at the foot of imperial flora. It''s nearly a kilometer away. And of course Ariadne walks at ease in the afternoon breeze.


    Darian hasn''t seen one full day. Ariadne was not meeting with her bodyguard at all. No wonder Elie was by her side all day.


    As long as Ariadne goes to the waterfall bridge, Elie is allowed to do her favorite thing. Elie likes to shower most of the time. Soaking in lots of foam and rose petals. So now Ariadne is completely free of Elie''s supervision.


    Ariadne''s footsteps stop right in the middle of the bridge. Her eyes caught sight of the surroundings, which were so beautiful. Lots of birds flying. And beneath the bridge there was fresh, clear water. The place of the falls is visible from the bridge.


    The sound of the falls also made Ariadne feel more comfortable standing there. Here the sun didn''t set until about seven o ''clock at night, or so it could be.


    Ariadne felt her two massive arms encircling her belly. That''s Avery''s hand. The prince of the Pearl Kingdom hugged princess Ariadne from behind. Avery kissing Ariadne''s open throat.


    "How long have you been here?" Said Avery.


    "I just got here." The reply Ariadne whose eyes closed enjoyed a small kiss on her neck.


    "I thought we''d never meet." Avery said speculative.


    "Why?"


    "Usually elie tells you not to do anything. Does it now not?"


    Ariadne chuckles softly. "I''m seventeen, Avery. Elie won''t be banned much longer. Besides I know what''s good and what''s bad for me."


    "Well.. Want to ride with me?"


    Ariadne turned her over. Looking at Avery''s healthy, handsome white horse. The white horse has a necklace. The name ''Sparrow'' on it. Ariadne stroked the mane with ease.


    "His name is Sparrow?" Asked Ariadne.


    Avery nodded. "Yes. I met him at the church. At the time, he was surrounded by sparrows, like talking to one another. And I bought it straight from the owner. I''ll just call him ''Sparrow''."


    "Won''t he be mad I''m coming up?"


    "No, for you are riding with me." Said Avery by extending his hand to Ariadne. Intended to help Ariadne get on his horse.


    Ariadne smiled. She happily took Avery''s hand and set her foot on the stirrup. Then she managed to sit sideways at the saddle end of the horse. Quickly Avery too, riding directly behind Ariadne.


    Avery''s two hands were starting to bend the reins. Ariadne''s body feels very warm. Her position had Avery hugging her from behind.


    "Where do you want to go?" Said Avery.


    "I want to approach the falls."


    Avery directly complied with Ariadne''s request. Controlling the horse to make its way to the water. Through the warm afternoon breeze on their skin.


    Ariadne no matter what time she will return to the palace. Now she just wants to spend time with Avery.


    ''mom, if only you knew who I am now. Will mom be happy? I''m seeing someone right now.'' Ariadne says in her heart.


    ***


    At exactly eight o ''clock at night, when the sky was already dark, Avery had just lowered Ariadne off her horse. Ariadne wishes to be lowered again on the bridge earlier.


    "Is it okay for you to come back alone, princess?" Said Avery. His gaze was anxious to let his beloved walk alone in the dark.


    Ariadne shakes her head. "It''s okay. Go home." She said.


    Avery does Ariadne''s bidding. The man rode on his horse again and immediately left Ariadne alone.


    By taking a long walk, Ariadne has already passed the bridge. But the tall man on a brown horse stopped in front of her.


    "Darian?" Said Ariadne did not believe.


    Darian got off the horse with a jump. "My mother told me to come get you." He said.


    And finally the two rode the darian horse. Ariadne is in front of darian by sitting sideways. For Ariadne this position is very awkward. They ride with each other.


    "Why did you meet that man, princess?" Ask Darian.


    "That guy? So you found out I was meeting Avery? He''s got a name, darian. It''s not appropriate for you to call it that." Ariadne''s assertive.


    "I don''t like you being with him."


    "What gives you the right?"


    "I''m your bodyguard." Darian''s tough.


    Ariadne is kindled. "You''re just a bodyguard. Avery''s my boyfriend now. Why do you dare forbid me?!"


    Darian''s face blushed at Ariadne''s words. Boyfriend? Ah, I think Darian wants to punch Avery in the face right now.


    "A lover will never let his beloved come home alone on a dark road." Darian says.


    Now Ariadne is silent at the words of Darian. Darian was right. Avery walked out when she told him to go. As far as Ariadne''s concerned, a lover won''t let his beloved be safely escorted home.


    ***

 Chapter 10：10. Rough Night for Avery

    Darian escorted Ariadne out in front of the girl''s bedroom. Ariadne turned to Darian, who still stood behind her. At least she wanted to say before she actually went into the room.


    Darian wants to go. "Go to sleep, princess. Good night.." He said.


    "Wait." Ariadne is preventing darian from leaving.


    Darian asked. "What''s wrong?"


    "Next time, I don''t want you telling me anything. Especially about who I''m supposed to love. If my life is meant to live in the kingdom and I am the princess, then the affairs of romance belong to me alone. Nobody should tell me not to." Ariadne''s words sternly warned Darian.


    Darian smiled slightly. "Okay, princess. I''ll stay out of your way after this. You''ll figure that out later, about the mask Avery was wearing."


    "Masks?"


    Darian didn''t answer Ariadne''s question. The man bowed again. "Good night.. You should go to bed early." Said Darian, then left Ariadne standing at the door.


    Ariadne did not understand the meaning of Darian''s words. Masks? Why did Avery have to wear a mask?


    It''s getting late and the wind feels cold enough to puncture the skin. It''s hard for Ariadne to close her eyes. But the nightgown she''s wearing now it''s really thick. The blanket was thick. Ariadne daydreams in the dim light of the room.


    What Avery said this afternoon was enough to make Ariadne think hard. Avery was really just talking about the wedding. And time and again Avery declared his love for Ariadne as they neared the falls.


    Ariadne''s mind still has not calmed down. It was as if Avery wanted immediately to merge his kingdom with Ariadne''s kingdom. What exactly is going on?


    ***


    Plaque!


    Avery''s left cheek was sorely slapped by the king of Eden. The two of them were in an empty room away from the guards and bodyguards.


    Berenice queen can only silence her mouth with her own hands. She did not have the strength to see her son hit by his own father.


    "Are you so stupid? Couldn''t you entice Ariadne to marry you already? Take her virginity immediately! Why have such a handsome face and yet you have failed to seduce Ariadne? Stupid!!" The king of Eden said very harshly and curtly.


    Avery''s two eyes heated up. His tears were already in his eyelids. The man''s two cheeks were very red from the repeated slaps.


    "I''m sorry, dad. Ariadne doesn''t plan to marry too soon. She kept very much dignity." Avery blurted out in a polite voice.


    "You''re in the wrong! I told you to take that girl''s honor away. It will leave Ariadne no choice but to marry you. Are you deaf?"


    Avery was about to answer again, but the king of Eden spoke earlier.


    "You never think about the state of this kingdom, Avery! Our economy is in great decline! People demonstrate about scarce foodstuffs. Pearls are scarce. The only way is to merge our kingdom with the Diamond Kingdom! The diamond mines are heavily stocked and heavily guarded. Their people have never lacked food. Our while? We were almost destitute!!"


    Berenice queen can only cry in a small voice. Dare not defend her son before her husband. The kingdom is in a bad mood and has no idea what to do. The pearl empire economy started falling seven years ago.


    And it made it impossible for the king of Eden to spoil his wife and child. That''s why Avery had to step in to marry Ariadne. Combining his kingdom with a Diamond Kingdom.


    The truth is Avery didn''t love Ariadne at all. He loves another girl. Avery loved a plain country girl who lived asa Diamond Kingdom folk. The common girl was named Diona. A pretty girl with a knack for cooking and growing things. Diona''s also a good rider.


    Diona didn''t know Avery liked her. They only see each other once a week. That''s only because Avery was riding around Diona''s house.


    Eden''s king and berenice had no idea Avery was attracted to another girl. Avery hid his feelings very well. Because if dad finds out, he''ll definitely get whacked.


    "Awh! It hurts, mom," blurted Avery with a small cringe holding back his wound.


    Berenice looks only at his son. She wiped Avery''s cheeks with a soft cloth soaked with warm water.


    "I''m worried, Avery. Every time you fail, you will surely get your father''s wrath. I was cut to watch you get beaten." She blurted out in tears.


    Avery took a firm hold of his ruffled shoulders. "Mom, I''m fine. I''m going to try to do dad a favor."


    "That''s hard, son. The diamond kingdom has very tight security and surveillance. Princess Ariadne is well-guarded there. Are you still trying to marry her?"


    Avery nodded. "No choice, mom. I don''t want to be beaten up again like this."


    "And what about dad?"


    "Mom doesn''t love him anymore. Living in this palace I feel like a pet. I was just told to and told to be a queen who had to smile every day." My heart aches.


    Avery clenched his hands together. He also gets annoyed when his father mistreats his mother. "Getting out of here is not the way out, mom."


    "Why? Avery, we can live a simple life out there. Let your father marry the sisters."


    Avery shook his head. "No. Though we are free from this castle, we are hunted outside. And if the soldiers find out where we are, we''ll both be finished with him. We''re both gonna die, mom."


    Lacy tears ran high. She wondered how else to face the harsh and stubborn king of Eden. Living like this every day has made Berenice and Avery endure the pain.


    "You''re right, son. But I don''t have the strength to see you hurt almost every day."


    Avery held his mother''s hands together. "I''ll find another way, mom." Say it confidently.


    The cold nights left bruises on Avery''s cheeks all bruised. The king of Eden has been gone since he finished swearing. Now Avery and Berenice are still holed up in the empty room.


    Berenice used to stay up all night to compress his wound a little later to recover quickly.


    The door to the empty chamber was opened by a young girl. She is seventeen, just like Ariadne. The girl''s name was Alice. And Alice is the daughter of one of the royal servants. Berenice named Alice as her right hand.


    "I''m sorry, Queen .. I''m late in coming." Alice said and bowed politely.


    Berenice smiled at Alice. "It''s okay, come here."


    Alice nodded politely. The girl walked slowly on bare feet and was still wearing her long nightgown.


    Berenice said, pleading. "I must immediately overtake the king in his Chambers. As usual the king would ask me to massage his arms before bed. Can you apply this to the wound on my son''s cheek?"


    Of course she was only obedient and nodding her head. "Yes, queen." She answered as she received a wet rag from his lacy hand.


    ***

 Chapter 11：11. The Other Side of Avery

    Alice started compressing Avery''s cheek. Clean up the rest of the blood on the corner of Avery''s lip.


    Avery always shuts up when his wounds are being cleaned. To Avery, the wounds on his body were nothing compared to the pain of living every day. Even the man didn''t grin at all when Alice pressed the wet cloth.


    Alice asked, "Doesn''t it hurt, prince?"


    "No. The wounds on my body are nothing compared to all that happens every day. The punch of the king of Eden has been my dinner."


    Alice wanted to cry at Avery''s words. Because she helped Avery almost every day to heal his wounds. And when Avery''s wounds were healed, the king of Eden sent Avery to see Ariadne again. It was an abomination of Avery. Should Avery be honest with Ariadne? But will Ariadne help him? There would have been a royal war.


    "I''m just in charge of cleaning and compressing your wounds, prince. But I also felt the sting." Said Alice, feeling sad.


    Avery smiled slightly. "It''s only natural that you are. You''re a woman, you have a soft heart. But I thank you, you were so patient to help me. Especially when you have to wake up in the middle of the night just to compress my wounds."


    "It''s all right, prince. It is my duty. My mother has also approved queen berenice''s request for this. Because I''m the only one who knows the safe passage back here."


    Avery said, "which way do you think you''re walking?"


    Because walking past the guards is very difficult. Not to mention Alice''s fitting room with the rest of the royal servants. Where the door leading up to the servants'' rooms there must be soldiers.


    "The servants'' rooms were near the royal kitchens. I always lead down the hall to the servants'' room. There''s a small door. When it is opened, it focuses on the small space behind the pantry pantry. That narrow opening no one ever knew. So I walked down the street like an opening between the royal hall." Alice explains.


    Avery nodded in his understanding. "Why don''t you ever wear shoes?"


    "For it will make a sound. The guards'' ears are sharp. If I get caught, I''ll never see my mom in the room again."


    "I''m sorry to trouble you like this."


    Alice chuckled small. "I told you it was okay, prince. It''s my duty."


    "Ask for something, I''ll do it for you. As a token of my gratitude to you."


    "Oh, don''t be like that. I''m just the daughter of a royal servant. The prince doesn''t need to reply to me."


    Avery shook his head. Reject Alice''s statement. "Permit me, I will grant any wish. Except to be a queen in this kingdom." He said: amused.


    Alice couldn''t help but laugh. She had often seen Avery''s undulating laughter. Avery''s smile was so sweet for Alice, let alone her laugh. "You''re quite good at joking, prince."


    "Of course."


    "What about princess Ariadne? Are you gonna marry her soon? I''m sorry I asked like this."


    "No. I will not marry Ariadne. Nor would I take away that girl''s honour. My father''s plan was evil."


    Alice looked straight in Avery''s eyes. "What if the king of Eden is very angry?"


    "I don''t know. But I''m sure there will be another way."


    "I''m sorry to ask you that, prince."


    "Don''t apologize. You''ve been like a good friend to me."


    Alice smiled happily. "Rest when I finish your compress, prince."


    "Okay.."


    Then the two no longer spoke to each other. Alice nimbly finished her activity until the warm water inside the container was cold.


    About thirty minutes after Alice finished her compress Avery. The wounds on both cheeks and the corners of Avery''s lips were better.


    "Is it done?" Avery asked Alice.


    Alice nodded politely. The girl removes a soft cloth and a container of water for her to carry with her.


    "You really don''t want anything from me?" Said Avery once more. To make sure the offer is completely acceptable to Alice.


    "No. I won''t ask anything of you, prince."


    "Okay. Then let me drive you."


    Alice was shocked. "Take me where?"


    "Go back to your mother''s room. Aren''t you going back there?"


    "Yes. But you don''t need to take me, prince."


    "No. This time I''m forcing you. If you don''t, we''ll stay like this until morning." Avery threatened.


    Alice inevitably nodded her head. "Well, if it''s the prince''s will. But you can only get me to the back of the royal kitchen."


    Avery nodded instantly. "Okay. You just walk ahead, show me the way."


    "Prince Avery sure? I''m so afraid the prince can''t come back."


    Avery chuckled. "Who do I look like, huh? I am the son of the king of Eden. If any of the bodyguards see me, they won''t dare touch me."


    Hearing that has made Alice understand. The girl nodded in agreement and finally began to walk first.


    There were no bodyguards in front of the empty room. For no one knows the rudeness of the king of Eden against his own son.


    It was a lonely night. Avery took small steps from Alice, who sneaked out whenever she passed through any of her security detail. Avery patiently followed Alice''s movements, and even the man was barefoot.


    They both came through the gap between the buildings. The road is a little muddy because of the rain. Avery figured out why Alice''s feet are always dirty. Most of the girls travel this narrow road.


    And finally, the two of them were already behind the royal kitchen building. Alice is turning on Avery. The girl bowed.


    "Thank you very much, prince. It got me here. Are your feet okay? No wounds, right?"


    Avery chuckled. "I''m a man. My body is strong. If my feet are hurt or dirty, I''ll have servants cleaning up all over me in the morning. You just relax."


    "Okay. I thank you again."


    "Yes. You''re welcome, Alice. Come on in."


    Avery shook his head. To deny what Alice wants. "If I ask for a thing, then just change it. Go get in the kitchen. It''s two in the morning. In two hours the servants will awake."


    "Ah, well. I''m coming in." Alice said, bowing her head again.


    Avery nodded and smiled. The man patiently watched Alice walk slowly into the kitchen through the back door. And after the back door closed, Avery hurried straight back to the inner palace area. He also needs time to rest before he welcomes the next day.


    ***

 Chapter 12：12. Continuous Jealousy

    Today Ariadne woke up earlier than the servants. The girl was reading a book about the manners of a princess. Explains how to walk and sit well. How to meet others. The way to meet the king and queen of other kingdoms. How to treat the waitress well. And many others.


    In fact, the book has been studying Ariadne since she was ten years old. But it wasn''t until she was twelve. Now she was just repeating a few of the manners she was reading. To do it in everyday life.


    The Roman clock in Ariadne''s room is still three o ''clock. The palace is still quiet. There''s only the sound of birds outside the window.


    Ariadne closed the book she had been reading when she was getting bored. Ariadne had a hard time sleeping last night. She''s thinking of Avery. About how Avery treated her and invited her into a relationship. Ariadne feels a bit strange. Because Avery was clearly insisting on something.


    Ariadne''s thoughts return to mind as she and Avery spoke by the falls yesterday afternoon. The whole point of Avery''s conversation kept us talking about marriage. Avery never asked what Ariadne likes and Ariadne wants. Plus, Avery was inclined to smell her lips. And according to Ariadne, that is not a form of love.


    Darian was right, that Avery was wearing a mask was a very big opportunity. Ariadne should have realized that first. Ah, she wants to see darian after breakfast. Ariadne would like to ask her bodyguard more questions.


    Awaiting dawn, Ariadne moves from her bed to the balcony. Enjoying the bitter cold. But for Ariadne the cold is nothing. There''s a thing she''s waiting at the clock right now.


    A white dove has come to Ariadne''s balcony. The white dove came to rest on the balcony. Ariadne smiled at the dove before her.


    Ariadne says, "Hi, my friend. You''re faster than I thought, apparently."


    The white dove appeared to respond to what Ariadne had told her. Ariadne carefully removed the red tape holding the small roll of paper at one of the dove''s feet.


    After Ariadne took the scroll with the message of the sender, the dove flew straight away. And Ariadne waved her hand with a smile.


    Ariadne unrolled the small roll of paper and read its contents.


    It says this:


    ''Come to your rehearsal tonight. From what I can tell, the situation tonight is very safe.'' -C-


    Ariadne smiled. The girl went back into her room and closed the balcony door. Stopping the cold hurts her skin. Ariadne took the iron cans under her bed. Then she put the note in there.


    Ariadne carried the iron can and approached the fireplace across the bed. She takes out a small piece of wood with a fire and puts it in the iron can. The paper the pigeon had on fire in the tin.


    Ariadne poured iron foil marks into the fireplace, after the paper and wood had been burned to ashes.


    "Thank you, charlotte." Ariadne mumbles softly.


    ***


    Ariadne has no agenda today. Elie freed herself to enjoy something else. Yet Ariadne has no idea what to do. Darian hasn''t been seen since this morning.


    Ariadne''s footsteps lead directly to the royal hall. Elie was there with the royal advisors and ministers. The woman seemed to take the royal economic road very seriously.


    "Sorry to interrupt. Elie, are you busy?" Ariadne asked with a cheerful face.


    Counselor of the job and one minister of the realm immediately bowed in grace to Ariadne. They pay respect to Ariadne.


    Elie stroked her chest for the slight surprise of Ariadne''s arrival. Immediately, she ordered the counselor and the minister to leave the royal hall.


    Elie asked. "What is it, princess?"


    "Are you busy or not?"


    "Yes. I''m very busy. I have to monitor how the empire''s economy is functioning. And monitor the files you agreed to yesterday."


    Ariadne seems thinking. "Why were the files I agreed to be monitored?"


    "To be truly worked upon by the royal guards."


    "I see, all right."


    Elie smiled. "What''s wrong? You haven''t answered my question in a while, princess."


    "Ah, nothing. I just want to ask you a question."


    "Ask me if you have anything you want to ask me."


    "Where''s darian?"


    Elie laughed quietly. "So you''re looking for my son?"


    Ariadne nodded quickly.


    "Won''t my son always be by your side when I''m busy?"


    "I haven''t seen darian since morning. Or have I not seen darian?"


    Elie chuckled. "Did you fight? Darian was sulking last night and didn''t want to see me."


    "Ah, I had a little argument with him." The words Ariadne confessed to her deed.


    "Seek him out in the riding field. If he''s not there, Darian is practicing archery."


    "If I''m not at the archery range, where do I find Darian, elie?"


    "Emm... Where could I be? Maybe he''ll be at the diamond mine."


    "It would be annoying if Darian were there. It''s a long way from court. I''ll find Darian."


    "Don''t need my help, princess?"


    "No."


    Hearing Ariadne''s reply, Elie nodded politely. She saw the girl half running around with her tip in her blooming dress. Elie''s letting Ariadne go today.


    ***


    It''s pretty hot and hot this afternoon. Ariadne mopped away her own sweat which was dripping on the temple of the head. He found darian. Turns out the guy was at the archery field.


    "Darian." Ariadne called out in a voice.


    Darian heard that. He knows Ariadne is standing outside the archery fence. The girl was waving at him. Darian doesn''t care. The man stood where he stood ready to strike again.


    Ariadne was furious when Darian hadn''t ignored her at all. The archery field is quiet this afternoon. There was only room in the wooden table where the arrow was placed.


    "Are you deaf? Should I walk up to you like this? I hurt my foot walking here. It''s so hot. Why haven''t you been seen since? Did you forget your duty is a bodyguard for me?" Ariadne glared at darian resentfully. Her hands rested on her waist.


    "Didn''t you tell me last night to stay out of it?" Darian asked in a sullen tone.


    Surely Ariadne was surprised by darian''s impoliteness in asking questions. "I''m just advising your attitude. That was my deal with Avery. It has nothing to do with your duties as my bodyguard."


    "There is a connection, princess."


    "What?"


    "I don''t want to be near you anymore if you''re stealing time to sneak out like yesterday."


    "I''m not sneaking out. Elie knows where I am."


    "But you didn''t tell my mother that you were seeing a man. If anyone else is watching, they''ll think you''re a pervert with Avery."


    "You! Just saying what? Pervert? Hey! Hey! You making fun of me? You''ve got some nerve, Darian."


    Darian went silent. He felt out of control in his anger. "Forgive me, princess. I''m mad at you."


    Ariadne''s breath is upon us. It''s the first time she''s had a fight with darian. "Please don''t do that again."


    "Okay. I''m sorry."


    "Forgive me. But why are you acting like this?"


    Darian was silent for a moment. As if preparing answers to Ariadne''s questions. Then he said, "Maybe I''m jealous."


    ***

 Chapter 13：13. Ariadnes Secret Night

    Ariadne sniffed at the Darian reply. "What does jealousy mean? Who are you worrying about? Avery?"


    Darian was clumsy. The man scratched the part of his head that didn''t itch. "Ekhem! Well, maybe so." He said.


    "Come on Darian. Are you kidding me? Don''t make me think that you like me. No. right? You''ve been like my best friend since childhood."


    "Uum.. Well, I''m jealous as your friend." Darian lied to Ariadne. He does not want Ariadne to guess correctly that he fancies her as a woman.


    Ariadne breathed her relief. Knowing that Darian''s answer sounds perfectly natural. Because ever since she got close to Avery, Ariadne had become rare with darian. No wonder darian was jealous. "Thank god. You don''t like me as a woman. You''re my bodyguard. Don''t let anything go wrong between us."


    "All right, princess."


    "I''m sorry for yelling at you. I''m also sorry about yesterday, about our argument. Fighting with you makes it hard for me to face the day."


    Darian chuckled softly. "What are you struggling with, princess?"


    "I thought about what you said last night. About Avery wearing a mask in front of me. I don''t think he really loves me."


    "Isn''t that obvious?"


    "I don''t know. Because I just fell in love. And Avery got me there."


    Darian froze for a moment. "You love prince Avery?"


    The question baffled Ariadne. Does Ariadne have to say yes? The thing is, she liked Avery when he kissed herself yesterday.


    Ariadne breathed slowly, then asked. "Does it mean when it feels good to be kissed by a man that it means love?"


    "What? Did Avery kiss you?"


    Ariadne nodded in reply.


    "Princess, tell me that is not the case."


    Ariadne is staring straight darian. "It happened. Obviously it happened. He''s kissed me since my birthday party. He declared his love for me on a lawn chair. And my second kiss happened yesterday, while I was at the falls."


    "Enough. Don''t tell me the details of it."


    "Why?" Ariadne asked in ignorance.


    "Do you love Avery too?"


    "No."


    "Why would you say no, princess? And you just admitted that Avery''s kiss made you feel good. Why would your answer be no?"


    Ariadne chuckles softly. "I think I''m old enough to learn to understand someone''s body language. Maybe it''s true what you told me last night. Avery was wearing a mask."


    "What makes you so sure?"


    "Because Avery never asked me about anything else, except marriage and uniting my kingdom with his kingdom. That''s weird enough for me. And no lover should be able to let his beloved go home alone over a dark road."


    Hearing Ariadne''s reason, Darian''s feeling is greatly relieved. Apparently, Ariadne did not take for granted what behavior Avery was pointing out.


    "What makes you so sure that prince Avery''s wearing a mask?"


    "Yes, that''s right, princess. This is what I''m talking about. I was worried if something happened to you when you went off on your own with prince Avery." Darian said that with a very uneasy feeling.


    "Don''t worry, at least I know what to do."


    Darian furrowed his brow. "What will you do, princess?"


    "I''ll play the game Avery''s playing."


    ***


    The Roman clock in Ariadne''s room is already at twelve o ''clock. Where all the inhabitants of the palace must have fallen asleep and only the faithful guards guarded the perimeter of the royal walls.


    Ariadne''s buckling her leather belt. That girl tonight is turning into a tough girl, not a princess anymore. Ariadne wears a leather suit. It was all black in her boots and carrying a samurai sword in her left hand.


    The girl had one braided in the back. Of course she braided it herself earlier after the servants had left the room.


    Ariadne packed a few wheat loaves and two bottles of pure milk. She put it in the pouch she had tied around her waist. But prior to that, of course Ariadne had wrapped wheat bread in a clean cloth specifically for wrapping food.


    As the stores provided, Ariadne hurried downstairs through the balcony. With strength and speed the girl descended the rocky walls of her palace. Until his feet have stepped on the grass safely.


    Ariadne walks slowly and sneaks about like a thief in the night. Don''t worry, there''s one side of the castle safe from the guards. On the left side of the palace is a pond for food garbage. Ariadne''s going through there with the rock climbing.


    Her legs jumped gallantly as she climbed over the wall. Ariadne immediately stretched her hands and neck muscles. Then she said, "Ah, it''s been a long time since I''ve done this."


    And finally Ariadne can truly exit her domain. She saw the royal condition behind the tall undergrowth. It was clearly evident that the guards were exceptionally poised at the front of the palace gate and remained faithful to watch the surroundings.


    "Ah, you''re the good ones. I''ll give you a present sometime. Just wait. Thank you for guarding my palace."


    Ariadne chuckles after saying that. The girl then turned immediately to head for the waterfall bridge. Where it is within a mile of the palace.


    The road in the middle of the night is very dark. Even Ariadne cannot see her own footsteps. Can only rely on the sound of a waterfall. If the sound gets clearer, it is near the position of the falls.


    ZRAAASSHH!!


    The sound of the falls came very clear and began to whisper in my ear. Ariadne''s footsteps immediately seek safe footing to the rear of the falls.


    Beyond the water that fell off the cliff above, there''s actually a secret passage that leads to a place that no one knows. Only Ariadne and Charlotte have found the place.


    The secret passage behind the falls is covered by vines that have very old roots. So just anyone who thought it was a big rock wall and it was a dead end.


    Ariadne uncovered the vines that dangled like leaves. The girl entered a passage that resembled a cave passage ten meters long. Then step over the stream with ease. And after that she saw a vast bed of grass surrounded by tall walls of rock.


    Charlotte can be sitting by the fire to keep her hands and feet warm.


    "Hi, charlotte, how are you?" Ariadne''s words greet Charlotte first.


    ***

 Chapter 14：14. Ariadnes Secret Night (2)

    "Ariadne!" Charlotte called out in a merry voice. The girl jumped to her feet and ran toward Ariadne. Charlotte immediately embraced Ariadne closely. "I miss you. Long time no see." Said charlotte.


    Ariadne smiled and nodded in Charlotte''s arms. "Yes. Almost two months. I''m sorry, Charlotte, the condition of the palace is not something I can leave behind. Elie''s tightened my guard. And she told me to complete the lesson in manners." Said Ariadne explains why.


    "It''s all right, Ariadne. I''m glad we can meet now."


    "So am I. I''m sorry if I shocked you by my white dove delivery. I think if we don''t, we can''t be in touch." Said Ariadne.


    The white dove charlotte is a gift from Ariadne. For Ariadne is at a loss to tell charlotte what to do. Ariadne could never get out or ask one of the servants to send a letter to charlotte. It would have revealed Ariadne''s secret.


    "It''s all right, Ariadne. I''ll take care of that pigeon you gave me. He ate a lot."


    "Really?"


    Charlotte nodded. "By the way, didn''t Elie suspect you were out tonight?"


    "No. Just... relax. Elie''s safe in her room. No one knows me out of the palace."


    "Okay. Shall we start now?"


    "Hold on, I brought you whole wheat bread with pure milk. Eat it while the bread is still hard. I''m sorry, I can only bring you that. I was in a hurry."


    Charlotte smiled as she received a cloth containing wheat bread and pure milk. "You needn''t bother bringing me food and drink. Look up there. I burn yams for you."


    "Oh, that''s so sweet of you. Thank you. How''s your family, charlotte?"


    "My mother and sister are doing well at home. We are now busy helping make the dough at the cake shop. The salary there is enough to eat every day." Said charlotte.


    Charlotte was a regular girl who lived in the diamond kingdom village. Charlotte is only one year apart from Ariadne, eighteen. Charlotte lived only with her mother and sister. Her father died of illness.


    Ariadne got to know charlotte by accident meeting around the palace. Exactly three years ago, when Ariadne wanted to walk to the people''s houses. A girl Ariadne''s age wasn''t particularly friendly. Most of the children are afraid to see Ariadne walking with so many guards. Then it was charlotte who greeted her from a distance. And Ariadne invited charlotte to be friends.


    Charlotte herself doesn''t mind being friends with Ariadne. Because she also has no friends in the village. Charlotte''s childhood was just filled with martial arts. Her father was healthy and Charlotte was required to do martial arts. In her village, Charlotte has been called a tough girl. Charlotte had the look of a young man. After all, the girl''s hair was cut short like the man''s. But Charlotte was as gentle as a woman.


    "Charlotte, why didn''t you come with me to the palace? In my court, enough food. Your mother and sister can be my court servants. Elie will help. And you can be my personal bodyguard to replace darian."


    It was charlotte who heard Ariadne''s offer that she really wanted to accept. But Charlotte''s not ready to enter the palace life. "No need, Ariadne. In other villages, there are still a lot of poor people. As long as I can still work with my mother, then I''ll do my job. My mother doesn''t want to live in the palace either."


    "Why?"


    "Because she says there''s a lot of politics going on. My mom''s just scared. She fears being made into slaves."


    "Charlotte, you know how my kingdom system works. I''m leading it. Next to me is Elie, Darian, advisory Jason, and Marlyn as ministers. They all surround me. My kingdom is like no other kingdom. Trust me."


    Charlotte smiled. "If I persuade my mother, can I stay in your palace?"


    "Of course. I''ll get you a room."


    "Let me think first, Ariadne."


    "All right."


    "Let the training begin." Charlotte''s telling Ariadne to begin their training.


    Ariadne nodded. The girl immediately brought out the samurai sword that she was holding. However, Charlotte shook her head.


    Charlotte said, "enough with the sword. It''s time for you to practice your archery."


    "But the sky is dark, I haven''t been able to strike it on target."


    "In every corner I have given a candle, Ariadne. Sharpen your vision. I had the stone walls marked with white papers. Or you could shoot it into the candle."


    Ariadne received a bow and arrow from Charlotte''s hand. While the samurai sword he had brought with her was taken by Charlotte to rest on rocks.


    The sound of waterfalls dominates between the two of them. Now charlotte is teaching Ariadne the exact position of the arrow. The girl taught Ariadne with great patience and explained every move that mattered in the shooting.


    Until Ariadne succeeded in launching her first arrow. And her arrow struck the fire from a candle that was five meters from its position.


    "Well done, Ariadne! You''re easy to understand and understand what I''m teaching you. Thank god you were so quick to understand." Charlotte speaks well of Ariadne.


    Ariadne chuckles softly. "It''s all thanks to you, Charlotte. Two years ago you started teaching me martial arts. And I need not worry if anyone will do evil to me."


    "Thank Charlotte."


    "I''m also grateful to you. You deliver good food every Sunday. Does Elie know that?"


    Ariadne nodded. "Yes. Elie knew all about it. Elie knows I''ve been friends with you since three years ago. But regarding my training with you as we do now, of course Elie doesn''t know."


    "Let no one know, Ariadne. You haven''t solved the riddle of your parents'' death."


    "Yes. I know that too. If anyone knew, it would be dangerous. I also don''t want to hurt myself to the murderer."


    Charlotte chuckled softly. "You won''t get hurt. I''m sure he''s watching your every move. If he dare harm you, then he''ll have to go through me first."


    "Ah, you made me feel safe charlotte."


    "Okay. This session goes here first, Ariadne. My stomach hurts because I have my period."


    Ariadne pouting to hear that. "I wish I could practice until the morning. Too bad I can''t. Do I have to go back to the palace right now?"


    Charlotte shook her head. The girl offered Ariadne a seat over the campfire. "Don''t. Let''s enjoy the yams I burnt earlier. I will eat your given wheat bread."


    And they were both busy enjoying each other''s food and water. Ariadne still wants to relax first, before returning to the palace at three in the morning.


    ***

 Chapter 15：15. A Princess Who Looked Like A Thief

    After all the food was gone, Ariadne said goodbye to Charlotte. Their stomachs full of sweet potatoes. Ariadne quickly carried her samurai sword again.


    "Time flies when we meet, Ariadne. When did you ask me to train you again?" Charlotte asked.


    "Maybe in two weeks. Actually I want to be trained every day, Charlotte. But of course my body won''t have the strength to wake up in the middle of the night every day."


    Charlotte shook her head. "Don''t do that. At least your health is more important than this exercise. Do we have to change the practice clock?"


    "It won''t work. Many will know where I am going."


    Charlotte seemed to think for a moment. The girl is trying to help the other exit for Ariadne. And in just a few minutes, Charlotte came up with an idea. The girl flicked her fingers and said, "what if we practice on a predetermined day?"


    Ariadne furrowed her brow. She didn''t understand what Charlotte was saying. "What do you mean, Charlotte?"


    "Ask for one day each week. One special day where you can go anywhere without an escort."


    At first Ariadne''s eyes widened with joy. But the next second her eyes fell back a melancholy. "Elie would never let me." Said it by tuning the lips.


    Charlotte holds Ariadne''s hands. "Try at least to seek Elie''s permission and trust, as well as Darian''s. Get one horse special for you to ride here. No more walking."


    "But Charlotte, Elie won''t let me leave without a bodyguard."


    Ariadne was silent. She looked at Charlotte as if pleading with her. Charlotte''s words are true, Ariadne will not be able to train in this way all the time. Martial arts exercises are best done when the sky is clear, not at night.


    Ariadne''s body also easily felt tired after a night''s training. In the morning her body will certainly ache, especially to be bathed by servants who make sure her skin is completely healed.


    Ariadne breathed slowly. Then looked at Charlotte who still looked straight at her. "Okay, Charlotte. I''ll tell you in two days. At least two days I''ll need to persuade Elie. After two days, send your dove to me."


    Hearing that Charlotte just let out a big smile. The girl immediately embraced Ariadne''s body. "You are the best, Ariadne. I''m sure Elie will allow you."


    "Umm, you sure as hell are charlotte."


    "Trust me, we''re going to have free exercise one day every week."


    Ariadne nodded. "Well, it''s time for me to go back to my palace."


    "Should I drop you?"


    "No need, Charlotte. Go straight home to see your mother and sister. I''m sure they''re waiting for you back home. Give them my regards."


    "All right, Ariadne. Drive safely home."


    "Yes. You too."


    After that, Ariadne began to come out of their hiding place. The girl went back down the hall that looked just like the cave. Which is about ten meters long. Then went back through the curtain through the vines. And immediately a waterfall fell with a tremendous crash.


    Ariadne made it out. He kept a little eye on things around. Like in case something comes down on her.


    Unknown to Ariadne, Charlotte was already on the cliffs above the falls. The girl is watching Ariadne to ensure that Ariadne is safe and no harm will come to her.


    Ariadne walks at a relatively accelerated pace. Until she finally got to the grass in front of the palace. The girl walks slowly behind the tall grass. Until finally it reached the side of the palace that was near the food dumps from the kitchen.


    Ariadne directly climbed the walls of her palace stones. The girl''s still very frisky. In fact, though, Ariadne''s eyes are particularly sleepy. He feels that he''s even starting to ache.


    The palace is still very quiet. Only the sound of crickets and birds moving about at night. Ariadne climbs the rock wall that leads into her room upstairs.


    BRUK!


    I think Ariadne wants to swear. She dropped her body by making a loud noise from the floor of the balcony of the room. She had intended to jump, but she found that her legs were quite loud.


    With a swift move, Ariadne immediately changed into her white pajamas. Ariadne was in a hurry to hear the sound of footsteps approaching her room. Who goes to her room at four in the morning? Would not the servants bathe her at about five o ''clock in the morning or half past six?


    Ariadne''s black undergarment and shoes were immediately taken under the bed. The lint of Ariadne''s bed hung all the way down, so the thing under the bed was not visible.


    Klek! Ariadne''s chamber was opened by someone.


    Ariadne immediately positioned her body on the floor holding her head. Like someone who fell out of bed.


    "Princess!!" Darian screamed a little. The man was somewhat alarmed to see Ariadne wincing in pain and sitting on the floor. The man is supposed to help her up and she is seated at the edge of the bed.


    Darian asked. "Are you all right, princess?"


    Ariadne massaged her head. The right temple is flushed like a hit. Yes, just before darian came into the room, Ariadne intentionally was banging her own forehead at the edge of the hard bed.


    "Ah, it''s okay. I just fell. Why are you here?" Ariadne asked.


    "I heard a loud noise from your room. I thought there were people who jumped up and did bad things."


    "No. There is no one else, darian."


    "Is that the sound of your body falling out of the bed? Did you have a nightmare that fell out of bed, princess?"


    "Oh, yeah, I fell out of bed. I don''t remember what I was dreaming. I feel like I''m running."


    "But your body is light. You''re not that heavy. There''s no way you''re making that noise just because you fell out of bed." Darian said deny the truth.


    "Ah, forget it. Proof I just fell out of bed and no one jumped off or whatever it is you have in mind. Help me heal my wounds." Ariadne''s words deliberately shifted the subject.


    Darian nodded. The man quickly cleaned the wound on Ariadne''s left side. It''s not bleeding, it''s just a few bruises. Darian is just a little compress with cold water.


    "Didn''t you sleep, princess? Your pockets are very clear and dark."


    "Really?"


    Darian nodded, the man had finished compressing the wound on Ariadne''s left forehead. "Go back to sleep, princess."


    "I had trouble sleeping. I would fall asleep in the middle of the night and dream like I was running. My sleep is not quality."


    Darian smiled gently. "Therefore go back to sleep. Wake up early if you need more sleep. I''ll tell my mom about this."


    "You sure?"


    "Yes. Go to sleep."


    "Thank you Darian."


    "You''re welcome, princess."


    And after Darian left Ariadne''s room, Ariadne breathed a sigh of relief. The girl closed the door of the balcony immediately. Good thing Darian didn''t see that the balcony door was open.


    Ariadne breathed her breath once more. Immediately, she lay down and enveloped herself from the cold. Then she slumped straight into a dreamland with no idea what was inside.


    ***

 Chapter 16：16. Meghan and Powdered Poison.

    Meghan. Women who were the same age as elie were outside the kitchen area. She skulk like a thief. Her legs were bare with no shoes on them.


    Meghan''s head looks up, staring at the balcony of Ariadne''s shuttered room. Meghan is sure she saw someone climbing over the rock wall to Ariadne''s room. Meghan sure as hell she just saw somebody. Well, even meghan saw the people in the black suits jump up on the balcony and create a lot of noise.


    "Mom, what are you doing here? Didn''t you just throw out the leftovers?"


    Hearing that question, Meghan berked in shock. It was Sergio who asked. Sergio was Meghan''s only son. And Sergio was part of the strongest fighting force in the palace.


    "Oh, you scared me. What''s up?"


    Sergio shook his head. "Nothing. I just wanted to ask where my sword belt was."


    "I put it on top of the wardrobe."


    "Oh, don''t put it there. Not visible to my eyes." Sergio blurted a little protesting.


    Meghan tooked her tongue off. "You go back to your room! I''ll come by your room later to clean up the mess."


    "Okay. You don''t have to visit me often next time. I''m ashamed of the other soldiers. I feel like I''m your only son. Don''t embarrass me in front of the other soldiers. Obviously our rooms are in a different building."


    Meghan shrooms off her son. The woman hurried immediately to the kitchen area.


    "Are you not listening to me?"


    Meghan flips over. Looking at Sergio being so chatty and annoying. If Sergio''s the woman it''s okay, but Sergio''s the man. Meghan gets most upset when she hears a bunch of complaints and runs through Sergio''s mouth. It''s a good thing Sergio has a good badge in the army.


    "You never listen to me. If you don''t want your mother to visit your room, then clean up your own. Don''t mess up." Meghan stated in a firm tone.


    Sergio scratched the part of his head that didn''t itch. The man chuckled slowly and nodded. "Okay. Then I''m going back to the soldiers'' room. Thank you for bringing me my food earlier."


    Meghan nodded. "Okay. I''ll never hear from you again. Instead, visit the kitchen every two or three days. I''ll give you plenty of food."


    "Okay, mom. See you."


    "Yes.."


    As Sergio left the royal kitchen area, Meghan started ordering the kitchen servants to start their activities. The morning would be too early.


    When Meghan was about to have the servants in charge of princess Ariadne''s bath, Darian suddenly stopped by.


    Meghan asked. "What is it darian?"


    "The princess will rise at noon today. So the servants in charge of giving her a better bath later."


    "On what basis does a princess get up too early?"


    "In the early days, the princess wake up and have nightmares. She''s hit hier forehead on the curb. She is weary, I shall stand guard in front of princess Ariadne''s Chambers." Darian explained everything to Meghan.


    Meghan''s eyes are winking. She smells like a lie. Meghan remembers clearly that she saw someone climbing up to Ariadne''s balcony.


    "All right then. I let the servants help with the kitchen activities."


    Darian nodded politely to Meghan. "If princess Ariadne wakes up I will come here again to tell you, Meghan."


    "No need. Just tell your mother she must lead the servants to bathe the princess."


    At that word, Darian gave meghan a glimpse. The man nodded briefly and then walked away.


    Meghan has a faint smile. She stared at the darian exit until the man''s back disappeared at a bend in the palace wall. "You are too loyal to stand beside Ariadne, Darian." Meghan says, softly.


    ***


    The temperature is getting warmer by the day, of course. The sun has made his way to Ariadne''s bed. The girl was seen yawning and flexing her body muscles. Ariadne still wakes up.


    The Roman wall clock embedded in the wall of her room pointed to nine o ''clock in the morning. Ariadne sits quietly. She doesn''t feel sick anymore. Her sleep was quite well and was not disturbed by any sound.


    Ah, Ariadne remembered her promise to Charlotte the other day. Today she must successfully persuade Elie to ask for one special day each week. One particular day of her being cleared of all palace regulations and no bodyguards. At least Ariadne should be able to seduce Elie.


    Ariadne strolled to her bedroom door. But before the girl opened the door, Darian suddenly opened the door from the outside.


    Ariadne nodded. "My body feels better."


    "I''m glad to hear it. Do you want to take a shower?"


    "Yes. I want to shower myself. Tell the servants to wait outside the bathroom for me."


    Darian nodded and immediately went to tell the rotating servants to bathe Ariadne in preparation for Ariadne''s gown and jewels.


    ***


    "Is the food for the guards ready?" Meghan asked the kitchen staff.


    All the kitchen servants seemed to nod. At another table a large portion of food was already filled for the guards and soldiers.


    Meghan asked again. "Which is the food for the special people?"


    One attendant showed me a special tray containing three morning meals. Meghan nodded in understanding. "I''ll take this tray. Please all of you go to bring food to the guards and soldiers at the front."


    All the kitchen servants nodded at once. They all walked in neat rows carrying food in their hands to give to the men of the bodyguard and soldiers.


    Meghan has a faint smile when she sees that the kitchen is clear. Three meals on a big tray that looks so delicious.


    Meghan pulls out a bowl of mashed rice. Then her right hand reached for a small bottle from inside the pocket of her dress. The woman opened the lid of the small bottle and poured the small amount into the bowl of rice.


    Meghan does that rice slowly. The mashed rice has now been mixed with meghan''s special powder. The woman''s head was seen turning to the right and to the left. Look around and be aware that someone is watching her.


    "Rice for breakfast this morning is specially for you, Darian." Says meghan with a crooked smile.


    Behind the door of the spice room Elie hears and sees all Meghan''s doing. The woman clenched her hands. Why would Meghan want to harm Darian? Elie wouldn''t let her son get hurt.


    Elie should wait till Meghan leaves with a tray. Then she emerged from the room of spices. Elie glared at Meghan''s back.


    "Are you behind the king and queen''s death, Meghan?" Elie asked quietly.


    ***

 Chapter 17：17. Requesting Permission

    Darian still standing at Ariadne''s door, his head turned to Meghan as she approached him. Meghan brought a wide tray of three freshly cooked morning meals. The woman was concerned with bringing a tray, Darian helping Meghan by taking over the tray.


    "Ah, that''s nice of you." Meghan said.


    Darian smiled. "Is this three portions for me, for Jason, and for Marlyn?"


    Meghan nodded. "Yes, of course. Your bowl is black. I added the rice portion to your request."


    "Well, that''s nice of you, meghan. Thank you."


    "You''re welcome. Enjoy your breakfast."


    Meghan smiled at Darian before she turned her back. The woman returned to the kitchen area. Meghan ordered the kitchen attendants to clean up all the dirty silverware, and throw away the horrible leftovers.


    Nimbly, all the servants did so obediently. Until meghan comes back from interrupting that all the waitresses start cooking ingredients for lunch.


    "Eat without rice." Said Elie, trying to prevent Darian from putting rice in his own mouth.


    Darian still scooped his mouth and looked at his mother with some astonishment. "What''s wrong, mom?"


    "The rice will make your stomach uncomfortable. Have some bread with milk. Mommy''s gonna get you some fruit." Elie said firmly.


    Darian was sniffed at seeing the soft black bowl of rice that Elie had taken away.


    "Oh, my god. What is the problem with my mom? It looks so good on the rice." The word Darian looked sad as a child.


    Jason laughed. "Never mind. You have to listen to your mother. You''re a young man. Don''t eat too much rice."


    Marlyn laughed too. They do eat three every day. "That''s right. Don''t eat rice tomorrow, Darian." Said marlyn with a giggle.


    Darian only snorts at the mockery of Jason and Marlyn. Jason and marlyn were older than Darian. Even Jason and Marlyn already have a small family. Darian did not have close friends his age in the kingdom. Darian''s daily conversation was with Jason and Marlyn at the kingdom hall.


    ***


    "Hi, elie.." Ariadne greeted elie with great joy. The girl in the diamond crown looks so fresh on her face. The color of Ariadne''s gown today is golden yellow.


    Elie smiled at Ariadne''s tidy appearance. "Have your eyebrows improved? Should I get you a physician?"


    "No need, elie." Said Ariadne as she followed the footsteps of Elie in the repository of fresh fruit.


    "What''s the matter with you following me to the kitchen?"


    Ariadne burst into tears. "It''s okay. I just wanted to see you."


    "Oh, I see. How''d you sleep last night? Darian says you woke up and fell out of bed so your forehead was like that."


    "Yes, that''s right. I just had a bad dream. And I can''t remember what to dream."


    "I''ll make you an apple drink later. Drink before bed."


    "A drink from an apple? For what?"


    Elie turned to Ariadne. "So you sleep easy and soundly."


    "Okay. It''s up to you, Elie."


    "Tell me, what exactly are you asking me, princess? I know your agitation when you feel like asking me for something."


    Ariadne smiled shyly. Elie knows her inner character very well. "Actually I want to ask you something."


    "What''s that?" Elie asked as she plucked grapes from the fruit stalk.


    "I want to ask for one day every week. I want in one day that I am given freedom, wherever I go is allowed. Give me a white horse I once rode with Darian. And, I wish that one day no bodyguards would follow me, including Darian."


    Ariadne breathed a grudge. "Elie, please. I''m seventeen years old. Free me. I''m only asking for one day a week anyway."


    Finish preparing fruit for Darian into the dish, Elie turns her over to Ariadne. "What for? Even so, princess, you are seventeen years old and must have many bodyguards. You''re still a girl and --"


    "I won''t do anything weird or dangerous, Elie. I know I must maintain my honor as a woman."


    "No. I won''t allow it. It''s dangerous for you even if it''s for one day." Elie said firmly and came out of the storage room of fresh fruit.


    Ariadne follows in the swift footsteps of elie. "Elie, please."


    Elie''s footsteps stopped and the woman looked back. Ariadne''s face is sad and desperate to ask for one thing.


    Before he said, she drew his breath slowly. An entire plate of fruit for darian he placed it on the table. Elie''s hands hold both of Ariadne''s arms. She said, "tell me first, what was that for? At least I know where you''re going and who you''re meeting.


    Ariadne looked straight into elie''s eyes. "Elie, you believe me, don''t you? I asked that one special day for myself. For a full time to myself. I want to take this crown off once a day every week. Any day will do if you let me."


    "Princess, I just don''t want you to get hurt. Ask for one bodyguard and I''ll allow you to venture outside the kingdom once a week."


    Hearing that, Ariadne still shook her head. "This is important to me, Elie. I can''t tell you yet. And I don''t want Darian hearing about this. I can only ask your permission. You''re like a mother to me. Please, let me do what I want on this one."


    Elie chose to surrender. He knew that if Ariadne had a wish, it would be hard to argue. "Okay, but I have a condition for you."


    Ariadne smiled with joy. She gazed with two twinkling eyes at Elie. "What''s the condition?"


    "If you depart from the kingdom in one piece and unharmed, then you shall return in the same condition. If you get hurt, then I''ll make sure to find out who hurt you." Elie said very firmly.


    Hearing that, Ariadne''s eyes filled with tears. Elie does worry about Ariadne like a mother. The girl hugged Elie''s body very closely.


    "Thank you very much, Elie. You''re so good to me." Said Ariadne.


    Elie smiled and stroked Ariadne''s delicate hair. "You''re welcome, princess. Can I really trust you?"


    Ariadne nodded. "Of course. You let me out one day, and on what day did you let me out?"


    "You can come out on Thursday, the day the palace began to feel loose."


    "Okay. Can I ask for my horse right now?"


    Elie chuckled. "Go with Darian when my son has finished breakfast. Have a horse of your choice. I''ll tell him."


    "Thank you very much, elie."


    ***

 Chapter 18：18. Selecting A Horse

    Darian asked, "which horse do you choose, princess?"


    Darian and Ariadne are currently in the stables. Ariadne still chooses the white horse she wants. There are two white horses available. One female, and one male.


    "I want the white horse we rode in training. When you taught me to ride. If I remember correctly, we''re on a white horse. Was the horse of the time female or male?"


    Darian chuckles. "Of course the male one. It''s called Space."


    "His name is bad."


    "Then you should give me another name. Are you going to take Space?"


    Ariadne nodded. She stood in front of a stall that contained a handsome white stallion. "But I''m afraid, this horse is quite big."


    "I''ll teach you to ride him to excel."


    "Okay. Then let him out."


    Darian nodded. The man opened the horse cage door called space. Leading the white horse to the corral and into the field.


    "What do you want to ride for?" Darian asked because he was curious.


    "I just want to try something else. Can''t a princess ride a horse?"


    "Of course you can. But you''re a woman and --"


    Hearing that darian could only be silent. What Ariadne said was true. All women have the right to do whatever they please.


    "Where did you learn about it, princess?"


    Ariadne smiled. "From the outside world. The outside world is filled with all kinds of things. Elie did teach me how to sew, embroider, cook, paint, and learn manners as a princess. But Dlie didn''t teach me to be a tough woman."


    "Tough woman?"


    "Yes. Tough lady. Elie never taught me how to be a strong, strong woman. You know darian? A princess also needs the strength to take care of herself. It will take when all the guards fall."


    "You mean, a princess must fight?"


    "I didn''t say that. But if so, why not?"


    Darian chuckles. "Enough of your jokes, princess. You''re a princess with a lot of bodyguards. And you shouldn''t do anything strenuous."


    "What kind of heavy stuff are you talking about, Darian?"


    "Well, heavy things like riding, archery, martial arts. A princess should be honored and sit on her throne."


    Ariadne laughed heartily at darian''s statement. The man in front of her doesn''t know that she''s been practicing martial arts with Charlotte.


    "Why do you laugh, princess?"


    "Oh no, whatever you think. I just want to let you know that all the things women do shouldn''t be limited."


    "Okay. This time I give up. I agree with your opinion, princess."


    "You should give up when you see me."


    Then they both laugh together. Their laughter was witnessed by the horses released from the stalls.


    Darian patiently taught Ariadne the right way to ride. Surely Ariadne has replaced her gown with a thick riding suit. Ariadne''s body looks so thin and ideal. Even Darian was nervous teaching Ariadne to ride up close.


    Darian has never seen Ariadne''s slender body before. Because Ariadne had always been wearing a dress only in the service of any event.


    While training Ariadne, Darian''s heart quickened. When that man''s hand touched Ariadne''s body, it felt like electricity. Sometimes Darian helps Ariadne gain control of the horse. Help Ariadne get on the pedals. Darian also held Ariadne''s waist in helping the woman set the balance of the body.


    Several times Ariadne fell, overwhelmed when the white horse on which she rode was particularly swift. Her body was not steady as her horse increased in speed. Ariadne''s still trying to master it.


    "Do you think I''ll be able to ride a horse after how many days?"


    Darian was wiping Ariadne''s sweat on her forehead and on her neck. The man smiled. "After a week or two weeks at least you''ll be able to ride a horse yourself."


    Ariadne''s pouting. "Ah, that''s way too long."


    "Where do you think you''re going with a horse?"


    "I only wish I could ride."


    "Can''t you ride a horse, princess? You have mastered the riding exercises."


    Ariadne shakes her head. "I''m not good at running. I''m definitely gonna fall. My body is not balanced."


    "Then, ride your horse in the usual manner. No need to tell that horse to run. Just let it walk and point where it will take you."


    "Is that so?"


    "Yeah, just like that. Don''t put yourself in danger."


    "Okay. I''m tired of Darian, put that horse back in the stable."


    Darian nodded. "You''re done? Won''t you give him a name, princess?"


    "Ah, yes. Umm, what''s his name again?"


    "I don''t know. Think about it."


    "Emm, his name is Griffin."


    "Griffin? Ah, I just heard that name." Darian said with a look of admiration.


    Ariadne chuckles. "I just took a word from my Latin name, Darian. In latin, Griffin means strong."


    "Ah, I understand. Would you give him a necklace?"


    "Well, can it?"


    Darian nodded enthusiastically. "I''ll get you the horsebands available at the barn."


    "All right, I''ll wait here."


    Ariadne smiled at Griffin, her horse. The girl stroked Griffin''s thick hair. The horse seems so tame in Ariadne''s eyes. The horse has been silent and breathless, not revolting at all.


    About fifteen minutes, Darian came in with a horse collar. The pendant is made of copper iron, while the neckline contains only a special string for animals.


    Ariadne was fascinated by the necklace. It had a "G" engraved in the middle. "Woah, did you carve it?"


    Darian nodded. "I''m going to stop by the jewelry department. I asked Robert to help me carve a letter here. Put this on your horse, princess."


    Ariadne smiled brightly. The girl received a necklace from darian. Then put a collar around griffin''s neck. Griffin is much more handsome as a horse. It makes that horse look really tough and strong.


    "Thank you, darian. You''re very kind."


    "You''re welcome, princess. Return first to the palace. I''m gonna put your horse in a special place."


    "Yes. Okay.."


    Ariadne stroked Griffin''s face before she actually went back inside the palace. Enough riding practice for today. At least Ariadne has mounted Griffin. Ariadne will make sure she gets to see Charlotte once a week. She''s starting her secret training next week.


    ***

 Chapter 19：19. Poison Powder

    "Meghan." Elie summons Meghan in a firm tone of voice. The kitchen is quiet at night.


    The kitchen servants had gone to their bedrooms to rest. Some go home when their house is close. However, the system in the Diamond Kingdom has extended a stay for all its servants.


    Only, Ariadne has been kind to the servants. Married servants were allowed to return home after a long day''s work in the palace.


    Meghan, who checked the clean water canister and the wine turned to Elie. The woman gave Elie a casual look.


    "What''s wrong, Elie?" Meghan asked.


    Elie walks closer to Meghan. "What did you put in my son''s food this morning?"


    At the sound of that question, Meghan''s legs tremble behind her skirt. Meghan''s hands are cold. "Ah, I just added pepper porridge." She pleaded in self-defence.


    Elie eyed Meghan suspiciously. "That''s rice, not porridge. No need for you to add pepper to plain rice." Elie firm.


    "Elie, you''re really overreacting. I''m sorry if I put something in there wrong. I thought Darian would like the taste, anyway."


    "You think I''m stupid? If it''s pepper powder, why did you put it in your pocket? Tell me, is it poison?" Elie asked in a growing tone of voice.


    Meghan is walking backwards. Her body was cornered. "You''re really overreacting, elie. I just --"


    "Stop pestering my mother." Sergio blurted out that had suddenly come and entered the kitchen area. The guy''s pissed off and kept Meghan''s body out of Elie''s.


    Elie backs her chest and smiles slightly. "I''m not disturbing your mother. I just asked you a question that had to have an answer."


    "I have answered your question. It was pepper powder." Meghan''s crack is fixed.


    "Thank god it''s pepper powder. My son didn''t let me eat the rice this morning anyway. From tomorrow, darian won''t need food from you. I can cook my own for my son." Elie says. She left the kitchen immediately. That left Meghan and Sergio alone.


    Meghan breathed a sigh of relief. At least, Elie didn''t follow up on the problem.


    "Mom, I told you never to do that again. You promised me." Sergio blurted with his sad look. His handsome face just cut Meghan loose and shut. Meghan quickly hugged Sergio and stroked his son on the back.


    "Sergio, is your life okay with this? It should be you who sits on the throne. Not Ariadne." Meghan says with her tears flowing.


    Sergio gives off meghan''s arms. The man shook his head slowly. "Mom, I don''t mind living like this. I''m after the throne. But mom and I could have a happy life. Wait a little longer, at least until I can lead all the soldiers. I will strike back this palace. After that I''ll take you to another land. We will have a happy life there."


    "Mom, listen to me. There are other ways. Don''t kill anyone here. At least you shouldn''t act like a criminal. I''m not the first kid anyway. I was a child he didn''t want to be in the family tree. So please, don''t make a crime while I''m still fighting here."


    Heard that Meghan dropped her head right off. The woman cried. Then Meghan instantly slammed that little bottle out of the pocket of her servant''s dress. The small bottle of the white powder was crushed and its contents gushed out. Meghan stepped on her, pissy.


    Long as meghan never uses that powder again. A very long time. However, once she wore it, death instantly occurred.


    "I''ll take you to your room, mom. Rest up." Sergio blurted gently.


    Meghan nodded her head. The woman walked slowly by holding into sergio''s hand. Meghan''s legs were still a little wobbly when Elie managed to interrupt her earlier.


    The next second, however, a girl in a white nightgown came out of the bend in the kitchen wall. The girl is Ariadne. Ariadne''s hair stretched all the way below the waist.


    Ariadne''s face looks red. That girl wasn''t wearing any shoes. Ariadne intends to find water to fill into her glass. Under the cover of darkness and the rest of the servants, Ariadne took the initiative to fetch her own drinking water in the kitchen. And Ariadne hears all the talk from the beginning.


    And as Sergio passed through the kitchen area again, Ariadne quickly hid behind the kitchen counter. Watching Sergio walk away to get to another building.


    After Sergio is invisible, Ariadne comes out of hiding. The girl studied the shattered little glass bottle on the ground in the kitchen. Fill that vial out. It contained white powder and a very soft texture.


    Ariadne took the white powder just at her index finger tip. The girl tried to smell the white powder. The white powder has no smell. Courageously, Ariadne tried to taste the powder on the tip of her tongue. She tried very very little.


    Upon learning the taste of the powder, Ariadne neither tasted it nor swallowed it. The girl spit in the wrong direction. Then Ariadne took clean water to rinse without swallowing it.


    "What is this powder? No smell, no taste. But my tongue is rather hot." Ariadne mumbled softly.


    Carefully, Ariadne took a cover of food. To remove the spilled powder along with the broken vial. Ariadne quickly packed the powder she had gathered and put it in the pocket of the nightgown.


    Ariadne''s thoughts were directly suspicious of Meghan. The girl spent some time moping in the middle of the kitchen. Then select some water to be poured into a special glass.


    Ariadne is walking back down the hall of the empty palace. The dim moonlight illuminates the naked footsteps. The girl walks up with a large gold mug. A princess''s glass is indeed different and special.


    There will be no guards at Ariadne''s door tonight. Guards were directed by Darian to guard the lower regions in Ariadne''s Chambers. To keep an eye on Ariadne''s balcony so no one comes in.


    Ariadne still sits motionless on the edge of her bed. The girl noticed the fine white powder she had opened in the cloth.


    "Meghan, what are you hiding? Who is sergio? And what is this powder?" Ariadne asked alone. The thought of the fine powder bothers her.


    However, instantly Ariadne''s eyes widened. The girl noticed the fine white powder on her lap. Ariadne realized something.


    "The arsenic poison. Yes. It''s arsenic. Arsenic powder. Meghan, did you kill my parents?"


    ***

 Chapter 20：20. An Offer Of Assistance

    Ariadne woke early this morning. The girl is now more comfortable bathing herself. Ariadne no longer likes to bathe with the servants present. So the servants who served her bathed now could only wait for Ariadne in front of the bath.


    After a bath, Ariadne goes for breakfast as usual. All sorts of side dishes are on the table. A big, long dining table. Of course, only Ariadne was at that great dining table. Not forgetting the servants were also standing around the girl.


    Elie could never eat with Ariadne. That woman must be busy with work in the morning. Elie must be in the royal hall with the ministers and advisers. Working on documents Ariadne agreed to pass on to workers in the diamond mines yesterday.


    The kingdom''s economic situation is going well every day. Diamonds were imported to another country or another kingdom in need. In this day and age, money is still gold, like coins and jewels. After earning a lot of gold coins, Ariadne was able to pay the salary of every court worker every month.


    The royal money keeps turning. The needs of the people working the diamond should also be met and no one should go hungry. Ariadne has promised the people. To properly govern her financial affairs, Ariadne assures that there will be no corruption in her kingdom.


    The tax money granted by the villagers, Ariadne used to care for the beauties along the way. That''s the reason why imperial village diamonds always look so beautiful and clean. Ariadne has been fair to her reign.


    "Elie, is everything all right?" Ariadne asked Elie. The girl had just entered the royal hall after having finished her breakfast.


    Elie nodded politely. "Yes, princess. You can check all the work."


    "All right, I believe you. Arrange all ministers and advisers. If there''s anything else or any trouble, let me know."


    Elie, Marlyn, and Jason nodded politely. These three are indeed Ariadne''s footstool. The inner man Ariadne believed to be running the empire since he was only ten years old.


    "Ah, where did Darian go?" Asked Ariadne.


    "He went to the mines. Check the situation there and check the health of the miners." Elie explained.


    Marlyn nodded and gave a friendly smile. His beard is white. The man was of a moderate build and a friendly face. "Of course, princess. We''ll always be there for you and for the kingdom. We''ve existed since the reign of your father and mother." Marlyn said politely.


    Ariadne nodded in understanding. "Thank you so much, Marlyn, Jason. I''m sending gifts to your families."


    "Ah, there''s no need to over do it, princess. Our family is very enough." Jason said.


    Ariadne shakes her head. "No, Jason, don''t take anything from me. You''ve been very, very good. Elie, send a gift to their families this afternoon. I''ll be very grateful to you."


    Elie nodded instantly. "Yes, princess. I''ll have it ready by noon."


    "I don''t want to touch the documents for today. Secure my throne. I wanna go see Griffin."


    "Griffin? Who''s that?" Elie asked with curiosity.


    Ariadne laughed. "Griffin. That''s my horse. I trust you with today''s activities, Elie."


    "Yes, princess. Come back for lunch." Said Elie.


    Ariadne nodded. The girl went straight to the riding field on her own. Ariadne is still wearing her blooming gown and her diamond crown. She didn''t intend to ride Griffin, she just wanted to see Griffin for a while.


    Ariadne has refused to be followed by the servants behind her. It bothers her a lot. So, Ariadne only wants to walk freely anywhere.


    The guards and the soldiers also stood at every corner of the palace. Ariadne will always be safe with the eyes of all of them.


    Ariadne smiled when she discovered that Griffin had just been cleaned. The horse stayed in the stable eating its food. Ariadne stroke Griffin''s face.


    "In two days'' time, you will come with me to see Charlotte. Make sure you''re healthy and in no pain, Griffin. I''ll make a special cage for you later." Says Ariadne to Griffin.


    Griffin is just a horse, he only responded to Ariadne''s words with a soft snort from his nose.


    After ten minutes in the stables, Ariadne just stepped out of there. She had no intention of breaking griffin out. The riding field looks clear. Some of the horses were put out for combat training.


    Some of the soldiers were seen training. At each other''s throats yet they were on their horses. Ariadne marveled at her soldiers who continued to practice daily. Although there has been no war in the past, yet all soldiers are required to keep training.


    As Ariadne enjoyed the view of the men practicing, a maid approached her. The young maid nodded politely to Ariadne.


    "Sorry to interrupt your time, princess." Said the waiter.


    "It''s okay. What brings you here?" Asked Ariadne.


    "Prince Avery''s here to see you. He''s waiting for you in the park seat."


    "Ah, here he comes again. All right, I''ll be there in fifteen minutes. You go first. Tell him to wait for me."


    The maid nodded in understanding. Then she excused herself from Ariadne''s presence and returned to the palace.


    Ariadne is marching slowly to return to the palace. She doesn''t want to rush into Avery''s. Apparently, Ariadne''s affection for Avery is waning.


    *


    "Prince Avery, what brings you to see me?"


    Avery turned straight back. The man smiled with a rose in his hand. Avery saw clearly Ariadne''s always pretty in her everyday dress.


    "I''m sorry for seeing you again today." Avery said, giving the rose to Ariadne.


    Ariadne received a rose from Avery. She smelled the roses in appreciation for what Avery had given her. Of course they smell nice.


    "It''s okay. Are you okay?" Asked Ariadne.


    Avery nodded. "Of course. I''m just busy working the empire with my father."


    "I have heard word, that the kingdom of the economic pearls is hard. Is that true?"


    "Ah, where did you hear that from, princess?"


    "The talk spread. I heard from some of the servants and residents. Is that true?"


    Avery smiled slightly. "Yes, sometimes the royal economy has a fall. I''m trying to fix that."


    "Shall I help you, Avery?"


    ***

 Chapter 21：21. Averys Honesty

    "Shall I help you, Avery?"


    Avery paused after hearing the question. Is Ariadne''s help to be accepted? Is this Avery''s chance to capitalize on Ariadne''s goodness? Did Eden like this?


    Seeing Avery speechless, Ariadne chuckles softly. The girl looked around at the condition where the guards and servants had circled them.


    "Can all of you leave us alone? Nothing will happen. Prince Avery and I need to have a private conversation." Said Ariadne. The girl had Avery''s guards reside on the left side of the palace. While her own guards and also a few royal servants quickly dispersed in accordance with the orders of Ariadne.


    The royal park is deserted. Ariadne immediately took Avery into the kingdom hall. Told Elie to order everyone to leave the royal hall. The royal hall doors were also closed by Elie. That woman came out of there, of course.


    In the royal hall, there was only Ariadne and Avery. Avery sits directly at the seat facing Ariadne''s desk. She got on the throne, too, especially.


    "How''s Avery? Don''t you need any help from me?"


    Avery was still quiet, the guy still didn''t know how to say yes or no. "What help do you give my kingdom, princess?"


    "Diamond supply. Then you can trade it in and form an alliance out there with another kingdom. I''ll give you a box of diamonds for your kingdom. It would have been very costly to sell to other kingdoms in need of diamonds."


    "Ah, looks like I''m gonna mess up your empire."


    Ariadne smiled. "No. I''m in charge here. I can help anyone at any time. News of your kingdom like that really upsets me. Did the servants get their rights and salaries?"


    "Yes. Of course it was. My father still has leftovers to help the empire live. Food in the kingdom and wages from servants are still given." Avery explained the state of his kingdom.


    "But what about your village? I hear they are starving and can only rely on one of their families working within the kingdom. Is that right?"


    Avery nodded slowly. "Yes. Only farmers can afford to spend food on their families."


    "How did it get so bad Avery? The royal economy shouldn''t be so weak. You know? If your kingdom were poor without economics, your parents and you would certainly be overrun by the people. You too will be dethroned. I just didn''t think your kingdom was in such a bad state."


    Avery froze to hear the words of Ariadne. Avery''s intention here today was to return to the task from Eden, to entice Ariadne to love him. But now that Avery had failed, the topic of love was now lost. Replaced by the topic of Avery''s kingdom.


    "Avery, your kingdom is like that, but you come here often to see me. Is a love story more important than your royal condition?"


    "Forgive me, princess. I came because I wanted to see you. I am also very tired and have tried very much in my own kingdom. I came because I wanted to see you. "To encourage my own enthusiasm." Avery said. Of course he''s lying. And Avery drops himself like this. Avery embarrassed in front of Ariadne.


    Avery''s very shy. Avery lost to Ariadne. Ariadne can lead her own kingdom and manage everything well. Ariadne''s empire is known for its clean corruption and illegal trade. And Avery was mortified when Ariadne heard the condition of the pearl kingdom from her other mouth. Not from Avery''s own mouth.


    "But you shouldn''t always come here. While your royal condition is like that. So, will you accept my help?"


    Avery looked at Ariadne hesitantly. "Can''t my kingdom and your kingdom work together?"


    Hearing that, Ariadne desires anger. Ariadne had been kind enough to assist Avery by delivering sufficient supplies of diamonds for the trade. But Avery wants to cooperate with her empire? Ah, really? Ariadne has never even received cooperation with the other kingdoms.


    Elie has long taught not to cooperate with other kingdoms. Ariadne only receives cooperation from a kingdom that serves the same purpose as her kingdom. That too is not cooperating in a long and long period of time. Just a few moments until the corporate vision and mission have been accomplished.


    That''s why Ariadne couldn''t like Avery sincerely. Ever since Avery''s been asking herself to unite her kingdom with Avery''s kingdom, it''s been like Ariadne''s hatred grew. Ariadne''s cooperation with other kingdoms only tightened up. Surely to unite her kingdom with other kingdoms is the thing Ariadne must pass through with various selections and diligence.


    "Avery, I''ve been nice to help your empire. Can you please not ask for anything heavier than that?"


    "Princess.. Every time I ask you to unite our kingdoms, why do you refuse? Don''t you love me?"


    Ariadne clenched her hands under the table. "The affairs of the realm you cannot relate to the affair of love. Love and affairs of the realm are far apart. I was kind enough to help your kingdom. But you want more than that."


    "Princess --"


    "Listen Avery! If you want to marry me or want to make me fall in love with you just because you want to unite my kingdom with yours. Then it will never happen!!" Ariadne said so firmly and under great pressure. She got out of her seat and pointed to Avery''s face.


    "Ariadne.. I''m sorry." Avery said regretfully.


    "Please leave if you won''t accept my help. And please get out of my life too, because I never loved you Avery." After saying so, Ariadne is off her throne. The girl climbed down several steps and walked straight on the red carpet. Ariadne wants to get out of the royal hall.


    But Avery held Ariadne''s left hand. And all of a sudden Ariadne was able to look Avery in the face with this depressing message. "Ariadne.. I want to be honest about something to you. Are you going to accept my honesty? I''m really embarrassed to say something like this." Said Avery in a quivering voice.


    Ariadne''s angry stare has now grown dim. Avery''s face looked very serious. The man clearly showed the heavy burden he was carrying in secret.


    Ariadne asked, "what?"


    "I''m not all right, Ariadne. I was forced into this. All the behavior I''ve given you is false. Forgive me.. Forgive me, Ariadne."


    To see Avery kneeling before her, Ariadne completely freaked out. "Avery, please stand up. What do you mean?"


    ***

 Chapter 22：22. Receiving Help

    The sound of the falls was clearly heard. Some young children run around with immature lanterns. Some of the little ones also greeted Ariadne with great courtesy. Sheep herders also greet and bow their heads to Ariadne.


    Ariadne and Avery are on the bridge heading to the falls. Speaking of Avery''s private life, it''s best to be outside the kingdom. Ariadne fears only that one of the servants might hear their conversation.


    Elie did allow Ariadne to go with Avery. Because Avery himself had the courage to ask Elie for permission in person. To take Ariadne away from the palace for a moment.


    "Let''s talk under the apple tree, Avery." Said Ariadne. The girl walks first. Avery led the horse to a grassy area.


    From the bridge to the falls, there is indeed an apple tree plot. The ground was covered in green grass, regularly flattened. So the grass was not too thick and very comfortable sitting on the grass.


    Ariadne has just sat there when she found a place where she feels comfortable. The girl chose to sit under a shady apple tree. The apple tree is quite tall, so the leaves don''t bother the person sitting under the tree.


    Avery was also sitting next to Ariadne after locking his halt on the apple tree across from them. The man paused for a moment to enjoy the cool midday air.


    "All right, tell me what really happened to you, Avery." Said Ariadne.


    Avery smiled. His blue eyes are particularly beautiful when exposed to the sunlight that picks up between the leaves of an apple tree. "As I said, princess. Everything I''ve done for you is fake.


    "Just tell me from the beginning."


    "My father has asked me to seduce you. My father wants me to marry you right away. His goal is for your kingdom and my kingdom to be one. And my father wanted to take possession of that fortune." Avery said. The man is trying to tell Ariadne the truth and everything.


    "So true, all this is a fake? No wonder I feel weird about you. You''re not like a guy who really likes me. And you''re always talking about marriage and talking about the union of empires."


    "Forgive me, princess."


    Ariadne is holding Avery''s right hand. "Avery, I don''t know your royal condition and I don''t know your personal condition. I''m sorry, too, for expecting you. I thought for a moment that you would do evil to me and my kingdom."


    "No, that was your father''s wish. Not your wish. If you were really gonna do evil to me and my kingdom, you wouldn''t be as honest as you are right now, Avery."


    Avery let out his quiet breath. The heavy burden he felt seemed to lessen a bit. There was a feeling of relief Avery clearly felt.


    "My mother and I could only do as my father says, princess. When I fight, then I must be ready to receive my wounds. And when my mother was wrong, I was willing to take her place to be beaten. That''s why I see you only once in two weeks. I had to disguise my wounds first."


    "Wounds? Did the king of Eden use violence against you?"


    Avery nodded. "Yes. And there are only two servants who know of this in my palace."


    At the sound of Avery''s story, Ariadne''s heart sank. Ariadne had no idea Avery was living a bitter life every day.


    "Are you okay now?" Ariadne asked with her eyes, almost in tears.


    "Yes. I''m okay now. If I come here, then I''m in good shape. When I return from your kingdom and I have brought no good news, then tonight I shall be struck again."


    "You should''ve been honest with me a long time ago."


    Avery shook his head. "I''m afraid you won''t accept me at your court."


    "I do not believe that the king of Eden had this quality. Is your mom okay, too?"


    "Yes. I will always protect my mother, princess. She''s healthy."


    "I''m sorry to say this. But I had a strange feeling about you from the start. You always talk about marriage with me, but you never bring your parents into my palace. Elie once told me, a good man is the man who introduces his love to his parents."


    Avery smiled slightly. "I''ve told my father to come to your kingdom. But he''s always telling me to take care of things on my own."


    "Ah, all right then. I understand your condition. Bring a box of diamonds later when you go home."


    "But princess --"


    "I insist. Take a box of diamonds from me. I don''t want you getting beat up by your father again. I''m only giving you one chance. If your father wants more diamonds, then he wants more. And I''m not giving it anymore." Said Ariadne with the straight look on Avery''s face.


    "I am most grateful for your kindness, princess. I''ll bring you your gift later."


    "What will you say to the king of Eden? What if he asks why I gave you a box of diamonds?"


    Avery smiled. "I''d say the diamond was a gift from you."


    "What if your father wants to get you married to me right away?"


    "I''ll try to buy some time, princess. That''s not gonna happen. Unless you approve of this marriage. But, I won''t force you to marry me. You know my truth."


    Ariadne was silent. She was thinking about what Avery said. Ariadne''s just afraid something bad might happen.


    "Well, let''s just say the diamond was a gift from me. It''s because you pay attention to me and visit me all the time. Just say it like it is, Avery." Ariadne''s orders.


    Avery nodded. "Well, I''ll do it, princess. Thank you very much."


    "You''re welcome. Let me know if you get into trouble. Maybe I can help you. But do not try to use me, I shall know it." Ariadne alert.


    Strong action is also needed in situations like today. Because Ariadne still doesn''t understand Avery completely. Maybe Avery will take good care of her. That could happen.


    Because a great many people have been helped, but they are taking advantage of the good that helps. For Ariadne, such a thing is most disrespectful and worthy of punishment.


    "Yes. I''ll tell you, Ariadne. Did elie not know about this later?"


    "No. I''ll have one of the waitresses bring you a box of diamonds later."


    "That''s very kind of you, princess. I''m so happy to be honest with you."


    Ariadne smiled. Now she can see the other side of Avery. The other side of Avery who turned out to be very weak. Ariadne simply did not expect that the man next to her had led a hard life.


    "Use a diamond from me for something good. Because if you can manage a box of diamonds and develop it to live up to your kingdom, it would be very rewarding. Especially if you were able to revive the production of pearls for all your workers. I would love for you to make good use of the diamond, Avery." Ariadne said seriously.


    ***

 Chapter 23：23. Edens Request Has Not Changed

    Just before the sun went down, Avery entered his imperial area. Queen Berenice was seen waiting for Avery''s arrival at the entrance to the royal hall.


    "What''s wrong with you standing alone in the front, Mom?" Avery asked after he got off the horse.


    Berenice smiles. "It''s okay. Are you all right?"


    Avery nodded. "Yeah, I''m good. Looks like there''s something else I haven''t heard."


    "Yes.. You know? Our production of pearls is crisis free. Mother was so happy to hear the news. The workers who had been put to rest are now being reemployed by your father."


    Hearing that would certainly make Avery happy for me. The king of Eden won''t beat him tonight.


    Berenice looked at Avery as he lay still. "What''s wrong with you? You don''t like that news? Ah, my son did you just come back from the diamond palace? You want to eat first?"


    Berenice disappearance was only answered in a head shake by Avery. The man refused to give a happy reaction.


    "Yes, mom. I just came home after visiting Ariadne. No, I''m not hungry."


    "Then what have you brought now?" Berenice asked him because he saw a large box on the horse''s cargo.


    Avery was there looking at the box he was carrying. A box of diamonds from Ariadne. "Ah, please pass that gift on to Dad. Ariadne has given me a box of diamonds for our kingdom."


    "Why did she give you so many diamonds, Avery? Did you tell her about the condition of our kingdom?"


    Avery smiled. "No mom.. Just relax. Ariadne gave me a diamond present for Mom and Dad. She just gave it as a gift."


    "What''s the reason?"


    "Because I visit her often and pay attention to her. I always bring her flowers whenever I visit her at her kingdom. She was very fond of flowers. She asked me what I wanted. She wanted to give me something too, so she got me a box of diamonds."


    To hear those words, berenice was unsure. Normally, the prize given to a pair of men was a boot, a armor, a sword, or arrow. But why would Ariadne give a box of diamonds to Avery?


    Seeing berenice frozen, Avery had to be able to talk her mother out of it. "Mom, a box of diamonds would help the royal economy if it was properly managed and marketed. Just tell dad I''ll manage."


    Avery nodded. "Yes, ma ''am."


    Walking away from berenice, Avery breathed a sigh of relief. He had to lie about a box of diamonds that he brought home.


    While production of pearls again improved and the economy of the empire would be restored. Avery still appreciates Ariadne helping him. Hearing the pearl production had started running again, Avery was very relieved.


    Why did Ariadne''s recent assistance suddenly improve production of pearls? Is that what just happened a coincidence? Avery smiled happily. It seems that Ariadne''s gift of a diamond box has come in very handy.


    After dinner, Avery will be brave enough to talk to Eden. To rescind Eden''s request for marriage to Ariadne. As Avery promised, he will never marry Ariadne. Unless Ariadne wants it.


    ***


    Dinner at the pearl kingdom tonight was a luxury. There was a little celebration in the kingdom. Celebrating the rise in pearl production from times of crisis and the kingdom economy was restored.


    It is true that pearl production was in crisis for months, nearly two years. Because workers were dishonest and brought pearl - bearing shellfish to be taken elsewhere and sold illegally. The king of Eden, of course, was furious.


    No one has been able to find the man who''s carrying so many shell pearls. Because the guy ran off somewhere with the rest of his family.


    And when the pearl production was restored, the king of Eden intended to change the rules of all the workers. Avery was ordered to proceed directly to the production area and monitor the flow. And if anyone dares to act outside the rules, his punishment will be imprisoned in the basement and no bail out will be left behind.


    The kingdom of pearls is now throwing small parties only. Only the royals and their servants and guards. While some food was given to the villagers of the pearl kingdom. So that all may return to the glory of the kingdom of pearls.


    "I give my regards to Ariadne, if you go to the diamond kingdom again." The word Eden. The man was seen eating with gusto. Her face looked so happy and excited. And the first time Avery''s seen Eden smile without a load and a frown on his forehead.


    Avery nodded. "Okay, dad."


    "I didn''t expect to receive a box of diamonds from princess Ariadne. Returning the favor by giving him jewelry from our pearls, Avery."


    Heard it was berenice and Avery looking at each other for a few seconds. Somehow hearing and seeing Eden behave was a very rare moment. Eden''s mean and ugly side is now gone.


    "Ah, good dad. I''m going to the diamond kingdom tomorrow after supervising the pearl production area."


    Eden nodded. "Yes. That''s good."


    Berenice smiled happily. The woman immediately added a side dish to Eden and brought her husband water to drink.


    ***


    "What''s the matter with you wanting to talk to me in private?"


    Avery smiled slightly. He did ask to speak to Eden alone in the royal garden after dinner.


    "Dad.. The glory of the pearl kingdom has returned. Do I still have to marry Ariadne?" Avery said asking.


    Eden nodded in understanding. Now he understood that his rein was too bad on his own son. "Do you have any other plans?"


    "Dad, I''m sorry. But I like another girl."


    "Who is she?"


    "Oh, she doesn''t know me. When I get close to her I''ll tell you who she is." Avery explained.


    "You are the future king, Avery. You will take my place when I get sick or die. Marry a noble girl from another kingdom at least."


    "But Dad --"


    "My command to ask that you marry Ariadne is still valid. My goal is not just to unite my kingdom and the diamond kingdom. But to create a new government."


    "What do you mean?"


    "If you marry Ariadne, our government too changes. Not only are the kingdoms united, but their citizens as well. Our empire''s distance from the diamond empire is a perfect match. We''ll be able to build a country. Pearl production and diamond production can be put together."


    Hearing that Avery had been misunderstood the whole time. Avery just thought Eden was crazy with a fortune.


    "Avery, at least don''t fall in love with a regular girl. Fall in love with a noblewoman like a princess. And I agree that you love Ariadne." Eden was very serious.


    ***

 Chapter 24：24. Making Friends With Alice

    "Avery, at least don''t fall in love with a regular girl. Fall in love with a noblewoman like a princess. And I agree that you love Ariadne." Eden was very serious.


    "Dad, can''t you let me make a choice for my own life?" Avery asked boldly.


    Eden seems very serious on Avery. "Remember your own kingdom! If our economy was in crisis, who would guarantee that? If you had a wife like princess Ariadne, father would ensure our kingdom would be safe to live! Write that. A mere girl from a simple family will not help us make our kingdom prosper Avery!!"


    "Dad, you''re always doing whatever you want. You don''t remember what happened the other day? You''re suing me for always going to the diamond kingdom alone. You beat me if I didn''t listen. You''d hit Mom too if Mom didn''t listen. Actually, are you a father or not?"


    Plaque!


    Hard slap landed on Avery''s left cheek. The man grimaced with pain because of the heat rolling down his cheeks. The blow from Eden''s hand was still very hard.


    "Do as I say. I am your father, but I am here as king! If you don''t do as I say, go live out there with that poor girl!!" Eden was very strict.


    Avery froze as he held his left cheek. Avery''s eyes were boiling up, and so was his face. It turns out Eden was still very cruel.


    "At least, you will also visit the diamond kingdom if you really want me to marry Ariadne! Show yourself as my parent. Not just as a king!!" Avery''s firm.


    Avery''s words made the footsteps of Eden stop. Eden looked back and looked at his son again. Eden just shut up and didn''t speak out loud. Then the man continued the two steps again to get into the palace.


    Avery instantly hit the edge of the iron chair in the park. He hits so many times that the back of his hand bleeds. Eden couldn''t care less about Avery''s life. Avery only wants to marry a girl he loves.


    It was getting late and Avery was still sitting in a park chair. The man simply lowered his head and watched his aching right hand. The pain of the wounds is nothing compared to the horrible story of his life.


    The royal atmosphere grew silent. The servants also finished their activities and prepared to go to the bedroom. Leaving only loyal palace guards standing at every corner and the royal gate. There was no sound other than silence. Not even an owl or crow make a sound tonight. Maybe the birds went to another area.


    "You must sleep, prince."


    Avery was a little surprised when he heard the voice. It was Alice who came to the park.


    "Ah, Alice. You scared me." Avery said as he stroked his chest.


    Alice smiled slightly and nodded politely right away. "I''m sorry. I was sent by the queen to find you, my prince. Go straight to bed and get some sleep."


    "What''s wrong? Where''s my mom?"


    "Queen Berenice was with the king discussing the pearl production route. They are still in the royal hall with the ministers and advisers. The queen cannot see you yet, and you are sent to rest." Alice said very carefully.


    "I''m not a kid anymore. I''ll sleep when I want to and be sleepy."


    At Avery''s words, of course she didn''t have the courage to talk back. The girl nodded and bowed asa courtesy. "Very well then, prince. I''m going back to the servants'' bedrooms."


    "Aren''t you going to patch me up?"


    Alice looked at Avery. She furrowed her brow. Is her prince wounded? "What''s the matter, prince? Are you hurt?" Alice asked with her panicked facial expressions. The girl''s footsteps moved closer to Avery.


    Avery showed me a cut on his right hand''s back. It still bled out even though it was small.


    "My goodness! What did you get, prince?" Alice took Avery''s hand very carefully. The girl sat down because Avery was sitting in a park chair.


    "I hit the iron fist of a lawn chair."


    "Prince, don''t hurt yourself. Then I''ll get the medicine and a soft cloth."


    Grep!


    "Let me go with you, Alice."


    Alice looked Avery right in the face. They stared at each other for a few seconds. But Alice immediately averted her eyes. It is not proper for servants to look into the face of the king or crown prince.


    "Ah, just let me get the medicine."


    "I''ll go. Treat my wounds in an empty room as usual."


    "But it''s late."


    "Please do me a favor, Alice." Said Avery with a hint of pleading. The man needs someone to talk to.


    ***


    As Avery ordered, Alice and Avery are now in an empty room far from the core kingdom. The vacant hall was close to the kitchen building and the servants'' bedrooms. Yet the distance is very different and no one will know that in the empty space there are two humans.


    Alice gently washed the wound on Avery''s hand''s back first. Then apply the drops and wrap Avery''s hand in a soft cloth that is specially used to bind the wound.


    "Don''t hurt yourself like this, prince." Said Alice when she finished bandaging Avery''s wound.


    Avery looked at Alice. "The wound is nothing compared to the way I live."


    "I know. That''s why you shouldn''t get hurt. You''ve been fighting a lot of bad days every day."


    "Why are you always there when I hurt Alice?"


    "Because it''s my duty, prince."


    "Just call my name. Talk leisurely with me. Haven''t you taken care of me long enough?"


    Alice is still bowing. Her heart is beating because Avery said so. "Ah, I''m just a waiter. I''m not your friend prince."


    "Then be my friend." Avery said by slowly raising Alice''s chin. Make the girl in front of him become straight at him.


    Alice was almost dazzled by Avery''s good looks and the girl wanted to turn her face in the other direction. But Avery prevented that.


    "Look at me like a friend. You''re the same age as Princess Ariadne. Make friends with me, Alice. Don''t be so formal when you''re alone with me. And this is my command to you." Avery said seriously.


    "Ah, if that''s all you want, prince."


    "I told you to call my name."


    Alice shook her head. "I can''t. We''ll be friends and I won''t be so formal when we''re both. But I still call you ''prince ''."


    Little Avery chuckles. "That''s fine if you want. Friends?"


    "Friend." Alice chuckled as well and greeted Avery''s hand as she shook her hand.


    Alice chuckled, Avery charmed her for a moment. Alice is more beautiful when she laughs and shows her neat rows of teeth. Alice had two dimples on her cheeks. And Avery just realized Alice was so beautiful.


    ***

 Chapter 25：25. Practicing With Charlotte

    It''s Thursday. As Elie said, the royal system is very loose on Thursday. A lot of guards take turns guarding or passing positions.


    The kitchen maid didn''t seem too busy either. Breakfast has been cooked since this morning and distributed to other guards and servants.


    Ariadne has, of course, eaten at her dining table. That girl forced Elie to have breakfast with her this morning. Yet again and again Elie refused the invitation. Elie''s busy making Darian breakfast. Elie really doesn''t want to take Meghan''s food anymore. And Ariadne doesn''t know it''s only Elie''s dish now.


    All Ariadne''s food is mandatory for Elie to try first. A princess must be taken care of. And if Ariadne''s food is filled with poison, Elie will be the first to feel the pain. But all this time Ariadne''s food has never contained any poison or anything. Elie ensure the food for Ariadne will always be safe.


    Darian was seen still having breakfast with Marlyn and Jason. The three of them always ate at the other table away from Ariadne''s dining room.


    If Ariadne is able, Ariadne will invite the inner circle to have breakfast with her. But it never worked because Elie forbade it. Elie says a princess is not allowed to eat with servants. Ariadne does not consider Elie, Darian, Marlyn, and Jason to be her attendant. To Ariadne, these four are like Ariadne''s family.


    "Elie, thank you for the food. Give Meghan my thanks, too. This breakfast was delicious. Tell Meghan I want another one for the evening." Said Ariadne, wiping the corners of her lips with her handkerchief.


    Elie nodded politely and was followed by the servants. "Yes, princess. I''ll tell Meghan. Are you really going out today?"


    Ariadne smiled. Elie''s face looked troubled and worried for Ariadne. The girl got up from her seat and walked slowly. "Of course, I''ll go out with Griffin. Make sure Darian doesn''t know this, Elie."


    "Yes. My son is going to the diamond mine."


    "Good for you. I''m very grateful to you, Elie."


    "Princess, can you go with one bodyguard? If you don''t want to be too watched, then I''ll have the guard follow you from afar."


    Ariadne''s two steps stopped at once. The girl turned to Elie walking behind her. "Not Elie. You promised me. If you send a bodyguard for me, then I''ll be angry." Ariadne said in a disapproving tone.


    Elie was a little surprised. Ariadne has never acted like this before. Why is Ariadne so quick to anger now? Even Elie was very worried about Ariadne that the girl had gone out to leave the kingdom alone.


    "Ah, yes, princess. I''m sorry I upset you. You know, you''re like a daughter to me. I''m just worried about you."


    Ariadne holds both of Elie''s hands. "Elie, I can take care of myself. I will tell you many things when my legs are strong enough to stand on their own. Trust me, I''m going somewhere safe."


    Still, Elie''s face still worried. How is it not to worry? Ariadne is a princess. Only Ariadne commands this diamond empire. If anything happens to Ariadne, then all of it will be Elie''s fault.


    Ariadne smiled and rubbed Elie''s shoulders slowly. "Well, I''ll be honest with you. I''ll tell you one thing. I went out to see Charlotte. The things I did with Charlotte were completely harmless, Elie. You know that Charlotte''s been my best friend since I was fourteen."


    "Princess, why are you meeting charlotte? You wouldn''t do anything weird, would you?"


    Ariadne shakes her head. "Give me your trust, Elie. Then I''ll be fine to be outside. Have my horse ready and bring me enough food. I''m gonna get changed in the room."


    Elie nodded with a resigned face. She cannot forbid Ariadne constantly. Ariadne also needs to know the outside world. Now Elie''s job is to guard the diamond empire when Ariadne leaves her throne. Anyway it''s just for one day and it''s only once a week. All right, Elie will allow Ariadne to come out.


    ***


    "Charlotte!!"


    Hearing the screams, Charlotte sitting on the rocks turned her head. It appears Ariadne has already arrived on her white horse. Charlotte ran in excitement and immediately embraced Ariadne when she had come down from the horse.


    Their rendezvous point of course remains the same. Behind the falls. Nobody knows this place. This place is so bright and beautiful in the morning and noon. Even though it''s surrounded by rock walls, it''s quite large and very beautiful.


    "Ariadne.. We meet again at last." Charlotte said very pleased. The girl''s hair seems to be getting shorter just like the boys.


    Ariadne softly ruffled Charlotte''s hair as she felt soft on her fingers. "Ah, did you cut your hair again Charlotte?"


    "Yes. If I get a little longer I feel a lot of pain."


    Ariadne chuckles. "All right, shall we start now?"


    "Why? Are you in a hurry?"


    "No, charlotte, let''s start now. So that at noon we can take a break and have lunch and chat."


    "Okay. I need you to warm up first. Won''t you mind Ariadne if we practice battle with swords again?"


    Ariadne smiled. "Of course I don''t mind. Incidentally, the only thing I brought from the palace was my sword. Teach me until I can master the sword with great skill. Attack me if at all it will increase my speed controlling the sword."


    "But what if a part of you gets hurt?"


    The truth is Charlotte''s worried sick about this. Honestly, Charlotte has never hurt Ariadne. Because Charlotte always let Ariadne train alone without any opponent.


    "Charlotte, I''ve come to this point. This exercise I''ll do once a week with you. If I get hurt from practice, I can still fix it. If you''re my teacher, then act professional and just attack me. It''s my request."


    Charlotte took Ariadne''s eyes very seriously. Before they actually began the practice, Charlotte taught Ariadne to return with a sword to the enemy.


    Ariadne also warmed up first so that the body would not feel aches.


    Until finally Ariadne began her training with charlotte as her enemy. Their swords jingle. Holding back, swinging, trying to scratch the opponent''s skin, and the most important point is to be able to drop the opponent''s sword.


    Ariadne''s power is just as steady as charlotte''s. Ariadne''s movements are also remarkably swift and balanced. On several occasions Charlotte had also been rather shaken by Ariadne''s strong hand.


    They both dissolved in sword training. Sweat flooded into both of them. Of course Ariadne is now wearing a suit of protection. So Ariadne will not have a scratch, but may have been cut by a sword in the fingers or facial skin. That if exposed, if not exposed means Ariadne will not be injured.

 Chapter 26：26. Injured Arm

    SRAAAKK!!


    Ariadne''s left arm was cut by Charlotte''s sword. Instantly Charlotte dropped her sword and approached Ariadne.


    Ariadne seemed to weep in pain. The skin of her left arm seemed to be torn lengthened. Her armor would not be so safe if it liked to be struck by the sword of the opponent.


    "My goodness! Ariadne! I''m sorry. I''m sorry. I really didn''t mean it. I was so stupid. I knew you were moving to the right but I was swinging my sword."


    Charlotte was really scared. Ariadne''s left arm is stained. Since Charlotte had not brought supplies of cloth in case of injury, the girl tore the tip of her garment to be wrapped in Ariadne''s arms.


    "It''s okay, Charlotte. Your move was merely a reflex. It''s my fault to move to the right when you''re about to attack from the left. I should use my sword to restrain yours." Said Ariadne. The girl just winced as Charlotte tightened the cloth on her left arm.


    It is not Ariadne who cries. Instead, charlotte sobbed a little. The girl''s shoulders were seen going up and down.


    "Hey, why are you crying Charlotte? Hahaha god. It should be me who cries." Said Ariadne with a giggle.


    Charlotte stared at Ariadne in exasperation. How can Ariadne laugh like that when her left arm is now bleeding?


    "Stop your laughter! It''s not funny at all Ariadne! Huhuuu... "said Charlotte with a gasp.


    "It''s okay. I''ll fix it myself when I get back to the palace."


    "How come? Will you be able to control your horse? Elie and your servants will know of these wounds. If they know how? The servants who pose you and change your clothes will be the first to know."


    "Charlotte, relax. It''s gonna be okay."


    "I cannot calm Ariadne. I told you not to make me attack you. Starting next week we won''t be practicing opposites. I''ll just teach you a few counter-moves. That''s enough for today." Said Charlotte. She tried to stop her crying and control her breathing.


    Ariadne smiled effortlessly. "Hey, I''m fine. Every night I would heal my wounds on my own. If it was not covered up, it would quickly dry up."


    "Oh, why are you so patient Ariadne? I understand this is your first scar. Don''t you ever get hurt?"


    Ariadne chuckles at hearing that question from Charlotte. "I''m human, Charlotte. I''ve been wounded. I was injured by a needle while I was embroidering. I got cut by a knife once while learning how to cook. I once fell off a horse and bruised my knee. My calves nearly cracked my first time riding with Darian. Any wound will heal, Charlotte."


    "But you didn''t cry at all."


    "What am I, a child? I''m just a little sore, not sad."


    Charlotte breathed her breath. "Follow me to my house. It''s still daytime anyway. Let me treat your wound properly."


    Ariadne nodded only. She did not want her friend to feel overly guilty. The girl followed charlotte through another shortcut to charlotte''s house. The equipment Ariadne brought was also delivered by charlotte. Ariadne has only been able to control her horse slowly.


    It''s true what charlotte says. Riding a horse with one hand is very hard. And Ariadne can only keep her horse running smoothly. Follow charlotte from behind.


    Some do not recognize Ariadne as she entered the residential area. Charlotte''s wide-circle hat now Ariadne wears to mask her face.


    If anyone knew Ariadne was hurt, we would be in for a shock and sound throughout the empire. That can''t happen. Ariadne''s fight will be in vain.


    "Come in. I''ll get you some clean water and a soft cloth." Said Charlotte inviting Ariadne into her home.


    "Where are your mother and sister?" Asked Ariadne.


    "It''s still daylight. They were both at the bakery. My sister just helped run the shop there. My mom makes the dough."


    Ariadne nodded in understanding. Charlotte''s house has been the same since Ariadne was last here. Charlotte''s yard was spacious and a lot of pretty flowers. The inside of Charlotte''s house is simple.


    There are some wooden chairs and countertops for the living room. Charlotte''s house looks cozy even though it''s not the same as Ariadne''s. Although she is small, yet Ariadne can feel the warmth of charlotte''s family.


    ***


    Ariadne''s left arm is much better after being treated by charlotte. Since the skin on Ariadne''s left arm was scratched lengthward, finally charlotte chose to send a medical expert to her home.


    And Ariadne''s wounds were finally stitched to keep from bleeding out. Of course Ariadne was in pain from being stitched earlier. It is a good thing the medical expert did not recognize Ariadne because her hair was darkened upward.


    And now Ariadne is in her room. The girl had just finished her afternoon bath. Ariadne wishes to bathe alone and put on her own clothes. Does not allow the servants or Elie to touch the body.


    Before wearing a modest long sleeved gown, Ariadne observed her left arm. The stitching is neat and the string is black. Next week Ariadne will have her stitches out when she sees charlotte again.


    Even though her left arm is still a bit sore, Ariadne still has to come out of her room. To see the state of the palace and see some documents on its throne seat.


    "Princess, where have you been?" Darian asked while approaching Ariadne in the kingdom hall.


    "What is it Darian?"


    "Of course.. I took Griffin out."


    "You''re alone? Why didn''t you summon me to accompany you?"


    Ariadne smiled. "I heard you were watching the mines. I didn''t want to disturb you. So I''ll just leave it with Elie. Just ask her. She knows where I''m taking griffin."


    "But you''re alone?"


    "No. I have guards looking out for me." Said Ariadne was lying.


    "Ah, well. I worry about you. I''m relieved to hear you''re okay. Do you need anything?"


    Ariadne shakes her head. "No darian.. Rest if you''re tired. You''re busy with so many things."


    "I took a short break. Elie brought me food too. What are you checking out?"


    "I was just going through some paperwork. Marlyn''s gonna be here again at dinner. Things are going well-- Aaargghhh!!"


    "Princess, what''s wrong with you?" Darian asked frantically.


    Ariadne grimaced with pain by holding her left arm. She tried to lift up the thick book in her desk drawer. Yet Ariadne''s right hand moved to her left shoulder to avoid suspicion.


    "Oh, my shoulder''s a little sore. Maybe it''s because I''m exhausted." Says Ariadne''s lying again.


    "Just rest.. I''ll talk to Marlyn about the royal document."


    It seems Ariadne must be resting. The medic just said her left arm shouldn''t move much. If much movement will cause the seams to tear or tear and bleed again.


    "All right, I''m gonna go to my room. Tell Elie I want to have dinner in my room."


    Darian nodded obediently. "I will command my mother, princess. Should I drop you?"


    "No. I can go by myself."


    ***

 Chapter 27：27. With Prince Avery

    It''s colder today. Scientists have announced that it''s going to snow tonight. Temperatures actually drop with cool breeze.


    Avery kept his horse ready for the front hall. The man had already worn a thick coat of bear feathers. The white-haired coat contrasts with the color of Avery''s horse, which is also white.


    "Are you going anyway?" Ask Alice.


    Avery nodded. "I have to keep looking directly at the pearl production area."


    "It was very cold. There must be only a few workers there. Did not the king of Eden ask the workers to secure the pearls into the storehouse?"


    "I only looked there for a moment, Alice. Give me that glove you''re holding."


    Alice had noticed that the glove she was trying to hand Avery had been holding her hand the whole time. "Ah, here''s your gloves. Queen Berenice to send you her advice. You can''t catch cold. Hurry back."


    "Wait.. Aren''t you with the bodyguard?"


    Avery shook his head. "No. Pearl production area is just down the road. I just need to circle around to the right of green lake. You look worried Alice, what''s wrong?"


    "Oh no.. I''m only worried about you, prince." said Alice in shame. The girl didn''t have the courage to look Avery in the face and just looked the other way.


    Avery smiled slightly. "Will you come with me?"


    "What?"


    "Would you like to come with me to the production area?" Avery asked by rephrasing his sentence.


    Alice blinked a few times. And Avery chuckled at Alice''s adorable reaction.


    "Ride with me if you want. I won''t repeat this invitation line again if you don''t listen."


    "You mean I ride with you?"


    "Can you count your own horses? If you could please go ahead. Follow me from behind."


    Of course Alice shook her head. How can she ride a horse? Alice is no lady of the sport. Alice''s daily duties are only as a royal servant. Helped in the kitchen, cleaned up, and served any duties in the kingdom with her mother.


    Avery''s left hand outstretched to Alice. "Hop in." take Avery.


    Alice looked up. Looked at Avery unconsciously. "Is it okay? I''m afraid people will come looking for me."


    Avery chuckled softly. "No way. I''ll tell my mom later."


    "Okay prince, I''ll get my coat first."


    Grep!


    Avery held Alice''s left shoulder. To prevent the girl from entering the palace again.


    "Your dress is thick. You''ll stay warm when you sit in front of me." Avery said.


    Looks like Alice is having a hard time controlling her nervousness. The girl had a hard time swallowing her spit. And finally Alice welcomes Avery''s left hand. All at once her body felt light as Avery pulled her up on to the horse.


    The cold made Alice''s body freeze up when she felt Avery''s body behind her back. Alice''s breath also had a cool breeze when she breathed.


    Since Avery''s fur coat was very thick and wide, the two ends of his coat were pointed forward. To cover Alice from the cold, too. All at once Alice''s cheeks turned red as Avery''s hand attached the hem of her coat to the front of her chest.


    And now they''re both in a thick coat. Avery ran the horse as soon as he finished his business with the coat.


    Alice''s heart felt so overwhelming. She clearly felt Avery''s chest against her back. It''s so warm. Avery''s hands were on both sides of Alice''s. Avery''s bending the reins. They both went around green lake to go to the pearl production area.


    For Alice, this was her first time out of the palace after being inside it for four years. Alice was never allowed to leave the palace to sit in on her kitchen shopping. Her mother said she shouldn''t wander in and out of the palace as a teenager.


    "Did you just come out this once?" Said Avery.


    Alice nodded. "Yes. I was in the palace for four years."


    "How will you feel when I take you out now?"


    She couldn''t help but smile, pleased. The girl couldn''t hold her smile anymore. "Of course I''m pleased, prince. But I''m scared of getting scolded by my mom."


    "No way. I told you I''d talk to my mom later. No one will scold you. You''re my best friend now, Alice."


    To be honest, the word ''friend'' Alice didn''t seem to like it much. Alice''s feelings for Avery weren''t just friends, they were more than that. Alice didn''t know how long she had felt this way, but she wasn''t being honest with Avery.


    Of course Alice wasn''t being honest. Does a servant love the crown prince? Ah, that doesn''t sound right. Alice did not want to be butchered by the king of Eden. Even though it was only Alice''s shadow, she knew that the king of Eden really wanted Avery to marry princess Ariadne.


    Alice couldn''t deny it. Avery was very handsome and hardly a match for him. Avery deserved a noblewoman of course more dignity and intelligence.


    "What are you thinking about? Look Alice, this is the pearl production point." Avery said.


    They''ve reached the pearl production area. It lay near sea reefs and coastal areas. It had become the official territory of the pearl kingdom.


    Avery did stay on his horse while watching the production area. It''s almost winter, so all the production shells will be transferred to the artificial pools behind the palace. The shells will be bred there. To avoid future frostbite.


    "Wow.. So this is what the production area looks like? Do they fish?"


    Avery nodded. "Yes. Some of them are fishermen. There, which was between the sea corals by boat. These are the same fishermen."


    Alice followed it the way Avery pointed it. Several men on small boats were moving many shells into the net.


    Avery and Alice stay on the horse. Actually Alice was anxious to get down and walk up to the workers. But of course it can''t. There''s gonna be a lot of people looking at Alice. Avery didn''t want Alice to be in danger either.


    "Prince, may I come again when you look at the production area?"


    "Of course you can. But after this all production of shellfish will be transferred to the artificial pool at the back of the palace."


    "So, till the winter is over you won''t be here anymore?"


    Avery nodded. "Yes. I just get to the back of the palace."


    ''Prince, may I go with you wherever you go? But I don''t think I deserve to be around you.'' Alice thought to herself.


    ***

 Chapter 28：28. Avery Loved Another Girl

    Having had the satisfaction of watching the workers in the pearl production area, Avery turned his horse away from the coastal area. The cold grows on the skin and makes a deep, steamy breath.


    "Are you cold, Alice?" Said Avery.


    "Not too cold. Your coat is thick enough for me, prince." Said Alice with a smile.


    "Well, tell me if you''re cold."


    "Yes. Where are we going again?"


    Avery chuckled. "I was hoping to return to the palace. But do you still want to be outside?"


    "I want to be outside more." Said Alice. That girl deliberately said it like iti as her wish to Avery. Alice was starting to take it easy on Avery. Alice wants to see if Avery will grant her request as a friend?


    "Where else do you want to go? Ah, you''re not afraid your mother will scold you anymore?"


    "Aren''t you going to tell queen berenice that I''m going with you? That''s what you said, prince. Don''t lie to me."


    Avery smiled. "No. I''m not gonna lie to you. All right, where do you want us to go?"


    "Did I not trouble you, prince?"


    "No.. Think of it as my thanks to you for being so good to me." Avery said. The man then steered back around green lake.


    Alice''s hands remained perfectly still clinging to the center of the rope. If I had, Alice would have had the courage to hold Avery''s hand firmly. But Alice couldn''t, she had to keep her love to Avery a secret.


    "It''s gonna snow tonight. Since it''s still early, will you accompany me to the diamond kingdom village?"


    Alice looked a little bit. "Why go there, prince?"


    "To see something. There''s something I haven''t seen in a long time. I never visited. And I miss seeing it."


    Alice furrowed her brow. What makes Avery so homesick? Will Avery take her to see princess Ariadne? Oh, no! Alice shook her head quickly.


    "Prince, will you take me to the diamond kingdom? You miss princess Ariadne? Ah, better send me back to the palace. I don''t want to intrude on your time." Said Alice hastily.


    Avery chuckled. "No. I didn''t go to a diamond kingdom. I just want to go to the diamond village. My goal is not to see Ariadne much less miss her. Alice, you know I don''t like Ariadne."


    "Then why go there?"


    "To see the things I miss. You''ll find out soon enough."


    After arriving at the border between pearl village and diamond village, Avery gave Alice a scarf. The red knitted scarf Avery had taken along and placed on the leather bag hanging from his horse''s stomach.


    "Wear this scarf Alice. Cover half your face. The wind is a bit stiff."


    "But, what about you?"


    "Half my face is covered in your head. No one will notice that I''m passing by in this village. It was cold anyway. Just some people who left the house."


    Alice just nodded. Got a scarf from Avery and put it on his neck. Alice smiled happily. Her body feels even warmer now.


    The white horse Avery mounted already entered the diamond village area. And Avery''s goal was about five hundred meters away. The kingdom of diamonds was clearly seen from there.


    "I''m curious, you actually brought me to see what prince?"


    Avery smiled. "Never mind, soon you''ll understand."


    "You won''t be stopping by to see princess Ariadne, will you?"


    "No Alice, just relax. But next time I''ll take you to Ariadne. I think he''d like it very much if I introduced him to you."


    Alice only smiled slightly when she heard Avery talking like that. Though Alice is very uninterested in meeting or knowing Ariadne. Alice is just afraid of being rivaled by a noblewoman like Ariadne. Ah, Ariadne is not only a lady. Ariadne is a princess. If Alice meets Ariadne, it is clear that Alice is defeated by Ariadne.


    Avery''s white horse now stops in front of a closed bakery. Alice looked around. The girl was looking for something to make Avery miss. What is that thing? For Alice, around here nothing caught her eye.


    "Have you reached your destination? What do you miss, prince?" Ask Alice.


    Avery smiled. "Look across the house. A house with a large yard with flowers and a horse with a light brown in it."


    Alice followed Avery''s orders. The girl turned to the right to see a modest, comfortable house. The courtyard was quite spacious and there was a light brown stallion.


    A girl was seen busy in the yard. Alice still couldn''t figure out what Avery was talking about. But before Alice asked again, Avery said first.


    "The girl''s name was Diona. She''s very pretty, isn''t she? She''s the thing I miss to see. I haven''t been here in a long time." Avery said. The man was overjoyed to see Diona from a far.


    Alice froze. It seems the answer to his feelings is answered. Avery turned out to like another girl. A mere girl and that girl is not a lady. Is this what a broken heart is?


    "Diona once rode with me. Because a few months ago I came here very often. Actually I like to ride in the green fields near the apple field. Diona also rode there. I met her there. She doesn''t know that I''m a prince. Whether she doesn''t know or pretend she doesn''t. I definitely like diona." Said Avery with a happy smile.


    Avery''s view had hardly moved from Diona. Alice who saw Avery staring at Diona without pause felt her disappointment. Alice''s love for Avery was clearly unrequited.


    "What do you think Alice? Was Diona pretty? Why don''t you speak up? I''d like to hear your opinion."


    Alice blinked twice. She tried to control her feelings and self first. "Ah, I''m sorry. I just can''t believe that you like another girl."


    "Yes. I keep this stuff to myself. I plan on approaching diona next week."


    "And what of princess Ariadne?"


    "Ariadne knows my true feelings. I''ve been honest with Ariadne. About the wedding my father planned wouldn''t have happened if Ariadne and I had refused to do it."


    "My father was angry. I told him yesterday. And of course my father still wants me to marry Ariadne though there is no love between me and Ariadne."


    Heard it was Alice''s grip on the reins. She''s jealous.


    "I''ll dare to marry Diona even if I have to be expelled from the kingdom." Said Avery confidently. And Alice was speechless from Avery''s words.


    ***

 Chapter 29：29. First Snowfall

    Content to stare at Diona from across the street, Avery turned his horse around. Because she had finished setting out the flowerpot in the yard.


    Avery''s white horse headed back down the same road as he had left. Across the border between the diamond village and the pearl village.


    Alice has been quiet for a while. She just kept busy watching the road she was on with Avery. Alice could only daydream once in a while.


    "When winter''s over, I''ll take you out again, Alice. Maybe I''ll introduce you to Diona." Avery said.


    Hearing those words, of course Alice flatly refused. "No Prince necessary. I''d rather be busy in the palace. I understand you prince. Feel free to meet her alone and tell her how you feel about her."


    Avery smiled. "I''m kind of embarrassed actually. Diona was a very clever and polite girl. What do you think I should do for her this weekend?"


    "Just give the rose like you gave princess Ariadne."


    "Ah, no. Not the flowers. Diona doesn''t like presents of flowers. Maybe I''ll give her a cookie. She likes cake."


    Alice nodded without looking back at Avery.


    The two of them arrived at the front of the kingdom hall when it was time for lunch. The sky was cloudy and the temperature was still cold. It''s true it''s going to snow tonight.


    "Come in, Alice, I''ll carry my own coat. I promise to tell my mom and your mom that you''re really going out. They won''t scold you." Avery said.


    Alice smiled. Then the girl saluted Avery with a polite bow. "Thank you, prince. Then I''ll go inside."


    "Yes. Go ahead."


    While Alice, who had been up the hall in the palace, stopped her two steps. The girl looked down at the red knitted scarf she was still wearing. That scarf belongs to Avery she''s been wearing since before.


    "Alice! Where have you been?"


    Agnes hurried over to Alice. The forty - year - old woman strolled along with a slight uplifted skirt on her dress.


    "Mom? Ah mother.. My apologies. I only went out for a moment with prince Av --"


    "She came out with me." Avery said. The man was suddenly behind Alice''s body.


    Alice was surprised, of course. She was about to take a punch from Agnes.


    When Avery came in, Agnes leaned over politely. "I''m sorry, prince, for making you see the way I was angry at my daughter."


    Avery smiled. The man shook his head. "Do not scold your daughter. I asked her out. Just go around green lake and look at the condition of the pearl production area. Alice is completely innocent. I wanted to tell you that."


    "Ah, well. Alice, go to the kitchen and blend in immediately with the rest of the servants. You should also prepare lunch for prince Avery." Agnes said.


    Alice nodded obediently. "Okay, mom. Prince, thank you."


    Listening to Alice''s thanks, Avery winked his left eye. Then the man turned and went to the room. Maybe Avery will pay a visit to Queen Berenice and tell her what he''s been through.


    ***


    Ariadne''s dinner this time is rather difficult. Her left arm still hurts when she''s moving. To even move the fork, it tastes like shit. Her left arm shouldn''t move around too much until her stitching dries up.


    What can be done if Ariadne moves her left arm just to eat. She was not to be seen in pain in front of the servants, Elie, and Darian. They will all suspect Ariadne is in pain.


    "Is your shoulder all right?" Ask Darian. The man put a royal plush coat on Ariadne''s back. The weather is getting colder and all kingdom citizens have changed in warm, thick clothing.


    Ariadne just nodded. Today she wore a long-sleeved dress. Fortunately, the temperature is cold, so Ariadne feels no heat at all.


    "Go to sleep when you''re tired, princess. I''ll tell Marlyn and Jason to take care of some paperwork you just did."


    "No need, Darian. I''m done with my paperwork. Can you help me get these two notebooks into my room?"


    Of course Darian nodded. The man then followed Ariadne''s footsteps from behind.


    Ariadne ordered Darian into her room and placed the two books of documents on the wooden table. On the wooden table there was room for candles and ink for writing. And there''s also a royal seal. So if Ariadne is unwell or unwell, she can do her paperwork in the room without going to the royal hall.


    "Do you need my help again?"


    Ariadne shakes her head. "No. Thank you for bringing me my papers."


    "It looks like your shoulder is unable to carry anything. Should I ask my mother to give you a massage?"


    "No Darian. I can handle my own body problems. Maybe I''ll go to bed early. Ask the guards to tighten their guard."


    "Yes, princess." Darian said obediently. The man was about to leave Ariadne''s room, but Ariadne again called.


    "Darian... You gonna tell the guards right now?"


    "Yes. Weren''t those your orders?"


    Ariadne chuckles softly. "You don''t have to do it right now. Let them have dinner first. Don''t you want to talk to me while it snowed?"


    "Ah, well. We haven''t talked in a long time."


    "Come in, come with me to stand at the end of the balcony."


    "But it''s cold, princess. I don''t want you to catch a cold."


    "Standing in the balcony of my room for only a few minutes won''t give me the flu, darian. Only the air feels cold." Said Ariadne.


    Darian nodded and smiled. The man is now standing at Ariadne''s right hand. The two looked at one another in a dark ash. Clouds in the sky appear very broad and thick.


    There is no talk between Ariadne and darian. The two just enjoyed a quiet night. Waiting for the first snowfall.


    "How is your relationship with prince Avery?" Darian asked boldly.


    Ariadne smiled. "I had an excellent relationship with Avery. He''s not very good at expressing feelings."


    Darian nodded his understanding. If Ariadne is well, then darian will feel well too.


    It finally snowed. Making the dark sky now adorned with snow-white beads. Ariadne''s right hand is looking up to catch the falling snow.


    The girl was amazed when she saw the first snow fall. A snowflake that landed on Ariadne''s palm immediately melted away and was gone.


    "Princess, do you like snow very much?" Ask Darian.


    "Yes. I like it very much."


    ''And what about me? Did you ever like me'' Darian asked in his own heart. The man stared at Ariadne''s face from the right. Ariadne''s face is beautiful. It''s so beautiful to see.


    ***

 Chapter 30：30. Removing The Stitches

    It''s Thursday again. After breakfast Ariadne went straight to her room followed by Elie. While Marlyn and Jason were left to work on the royal document at Ariadne''s desk.


    While Darian was on his way to the diamond mining area to look at the workers'' condition and see the mine.


    "Princess, it''s snowing a lot today. Do you still want to go out alone? Go with one bodyguard only. Please do me a favor." Elie said in a tone that sounded worried.


    Ariadne breathed heavily. "Elie, I''m fine. I told you that when the time came, you would know what activities I was doing. At least you got that I was seeing Charlotte. Can you not worry? If you''re worried, I feel uncomfortable leaving the palace."


    Elie is closing in on Ariadne. The woman took Ariadne''s hand and tenderly held it. "Very well I believe you, princess. I''m sure you''ll be fine. How late do you get today?"


    Ariadne laughed softly. "Of course I''ll leave the palace until the afternoon."


    "I''ll prepare a coat for you."


    Hearing Elie''s words, Ariadne immediately restrained Elie''s hand. Didn''t allow her to help him get ready. "No need, Elie. I''ll prepare everything myself. I can be. Go to the royal hall and ask Marlyn about a ledger on economic spending. I want you to represent me on the economic expense check. I trust you." Ariadne literally asked Elie for help.


    There''s nothing Ariadne can count on but Elie. And Elie must be able to trust Ariadne. All this time Ariadne has also involved Elie in all matters of the heart of the realm. And Elie has, of course, been promoted to Ariadne''s trust. Elie also joined the council at the kingdom meeting with the ministers, Marlyn, and Jason.


    Elie looked at Ariadne with affection. Ariadne was like a daughter to Elie. And Elie doesn''t want anything to endanger Ariadne. "All right, I''m gonna fix a snack for Marlyn and Jason. I will also join their discussions. Your lunch is packed in a hanging bag on your horse''s stomach. Eat with charlotte," Elie says.


    "Yes, I''ll eat with charlotte. Thanks Elie."


    "Are you sure you want to do this yourself? No need of my help?"


    Ariadne chuckles softly. "Yes. I can manage. Make sure no one knows I''m leaving the palace."


    Elie nodded politely. Then the woman left Ariadne''s room. Elie heads to the royal hall and joins Marlyn and Jason. Discussing the royal affairs whether it''s safe or not.


    ***


    While Ariadne is on her way to the falls, the snow falls is not so thick. Makes Ariadne feel much more comfortable as she gazes toward the road.


    The footsteps of Ariadne''s white horse are not too fast and not too slow. For Ariadne''s left arm still feels a bit sore even though her stitches are dry.


    It wasn''t long before Ariadne arrived at her rendezvous with charlotte. As usual they met in the one field behind the falls. A secret place for both of them.


    Two days ago charlotte was able to send a message to Ariadne by pigeon. Charlotte said she was going to the falls on foot.


    And sure enough, Ariadne saw Charlotte sitting on the rocks. Charlotte''s horse wasn''t there.


    "Oh, charlotte, did you really walk all the way here?" Ariadne asked in a panic.


    Charlotte smiled and jumped down from the rock top. "Just relax. I''ve been here thirty minutes. I''m not tired, Ariadne. Let''s just go straight to my house. The medic who stitched up your arm is in my house."


    The two girls head straight for the diamond village. Charlotte is controlling Ariadne''s horse fluently. They both took another shortcut where too many of the residents had left the house. To keep Ariadne''s face unknown.


    Ariadne comfortably sits in the long wooden chair in Charlotte''s home. A young medical expert woman went straight for Ariadne''s left arm. She took the stitches out on Ariadne''s left arm at once slowly and deftly.


    Occasionally Ariadne grimaced small for being ill. "Will it scar later?" Asked Ariadne anxiously.


    The woman smiled a little. "Of course. These stitches look like they''re gonna leave when they''re dry."


    "Can''t the marks completely wear off?"


    "I''ll give you some skin salve. Wear it every day when you''re done bathing. Apply this ointment evenly to the stitching in your skin. Apply it lightly. Not too much."


    Ariadne received skin salve in a small container from the medical expert''s woman. It is as white as the facial cream that she wears every morning. "All right, thanks."


    After removing the stitching on Ariadne''s left arm, the woman immediately excused herself from Charlotte''s home. Ariadne told Charlotte to deliver some gold coins and two diamonds to the medical expert. It''s all a form of gratitude to the medical examiner who helped her with her injuries.


    "Charlotte, is it true that the medical examiner didn''t know who I was?" Asked Ariadne. The girl was quite concerned that if she became an official princess, the diamond would be exposed.


    Charlotte smiled and sat beside Ariadne''s right. "You just relax. She''s a medical expert from another village. Not from this village. He was very kind and didn''t really know the royal people."


    "I was so afraid elie would find out I was hurt. I''m afraid these stitches won''t go away the way they used to."


    "Ariadne, I told you. That I don''t want to attack you and train against your war. You''re a princess, your body must not be broken. That''s my reason. After this please do as I ask that I want you to practice only in gestures. Don''t make me your opponent. If you get hurt again because of me, I can''t forgive myself."


    Ariadne nodded in understanding. "I''m sorry, Charlotte. I didn''t think it was that far. All right, I''m going to practice martial arts with movement only and understand the moves theory. I will no longer force you to be my opponent."


    Hearing the words of Ariadne, Charlotte smiled happily and hugged Ariadne closely.


    After Ariadne''s rest a few hours at Charlotte''s, the girl will be returning home this afternoon. Ariadne has promised to have lunch with Charlotte and meet Charlotte''s mother and sister.


    **

 Chapter 31：31. Meet Diona

    While the atmosphere in the kingdom of pearls was very serene. Eden''s king and Queen Berenice had a meeting with the royal ministers and an advisor.


    Avery had failed to attend the meeting because Eden had forbidden him from entering the kingdom hall. That could be Avery taking all the time. Eden was still angry with him about Avery''s feelings for another girl and negotiating about not marrying Ariadne.


    The man took the crown off his head. The title crown prince doesn''t exactly fit Avery. To Avery, his life had never been able to make Eden smile and proud to have it as a son.


    Avery still finds Eden''s stubborn ways every day. And every day Avery watches queen Berenice defend him and protect him from the king of Eden. Avery never felt like a real son to Eden. According to Avery, his parents were just berenice. Berenice is always there for him and always supports Avery in any decision.


    "What are you doing here, prince? Have you had lunch yet?"


    Avery turned to the right. Alice always comes when she''s sad and needs someone to talk to. Avery sat silently on the balcony wall facing the front of the royal court. "It''s okay. I just want to enjoy the afternoon air." Avery said.


    Alice walks closer. Today the girl was wearing a blossoming housemaid''s dress. Made her look graceful and very slim. "Berenice queen asked me to take you to lunch. I''ll sit down with you at the table."


    "Really? So you''ll have lunch with me?"


    Alice chuckled softly. "It''s not like that, prince. I''ll just keep you company. I''m not going to lunch with you. If that''s the case, how am I supposed to face the sharp gaze of the other young servants? Of course I don''t want to make many enemies in the kingdom."


    "Is it wrong if you eat with me?"


    "The other servants don''t know how close we are as friends. Only my mother knows that. And of course Queen Berenice also knows that my relationship with you is as a friend. There are many young servants who admire you, and I don''t want to be perceived as a rival." Said Alice with a faint laugh.


    Avery smiled slightly. "Rival? How famous am I to the young servants? That''s why I don''t get too attached to other servants other than you and your mother. It was as if they were stealing opportunities to get close to me."


    "Forget it, prince. It''s lunch time. You should go to lunch and get on with your other thing."


    At Alice''s words, Avery stepped straight down the balcony wall and looked excited. The man smiled brightly. "You''re right, Alice. I have to go to lunch and head to the field to practice another archery. And after that I have to meet Diona at the diamond village."


    Alice''s eyes were wide open. The girl''s reaction was surprised when Avery remembered his promise to meet and express love to Diona.


    "What''s your plan today?" Asked Alice quietly.


    Avery nodded his head as he walked down the hall. "Yes. I''ll see Diona this afternoon. I hope it doesn''t snow too much."


    The two footsteps of Alice stop. Let Avery walk down to the dining room first. The girl moped at Avery''s back as she pushed away.


    That''s how Alice felt about Avery. When Alice gets close, Avery''s always away. And now Alice has to stop at the same point. Let Avery slip away and walk away on his own to find his one true love.


    Today''s love story is known for its faithful love story. Love expressed to one person only. And many couples grow old with the same love. Will Avery be able to get married to Diona as well? And what about Alice? What if the king of Eden defies Avery''s decision?


    Alice remembered Avery''s words as they pulled out before the snow. Avery once said that he would still marry Diona even though the king of Eden would be furious. Even Avery left the kingdom to unite with Diona.


    The more she think about it, the more dizzy Alice''s head is. Apparently liking someone different from her caste is very painful. Plus Avery thought Alice was his best friend. Of course Avery didn''t have any feelings for Alice.


    ***


    The evening arrived. Now that Avery''s horse rides at the border of pearl village and diamond village. Avery was wearing a thick coat with a hood on. His handsome face is safe and will not be seen by residents leaving the house.


    Avery take the field. This afternoon the snow was not too heavy and the sky was still a bit bright. Maybe Diona was at the riding grounds even though it was cold.


    And sure enough, as Avery made his way to the equestrian field located at the edge of the diamond village, Diona was there with her horse. Diona seemed to be standing in front of her brown horse as if talking to her.


    Avery smiled sweetly at Diona. In the hanging bag next to the horse''s stomach, there was already a box of cookies Avery had brought back from his kingdom.


    Alice baked the cookies for Avery. Avery had Alice make him a heart-shaped pastry and put a cheese grater on top. The pastry in that box looks so delicious. Avery sure as hell is gonna love the cookies he''s bringing.


    "Good afternoon Diona.." Avery greets diona directly. The man immediately got off his horse and was approaching Diona, guiding his own horse.


    "Yes. It ''sme. I haven''t ridden in this field in a long time."


    Diona chuckled. The girl''s smile was very sweet and made Avery''s heart skip a beat. "Many are looking for you. Three days ago the snow didn''t fall and the snow layer wasn''t too thick. The men also rode here and asked me about you. They say I''m very close to you. I don''t know why you don''t ride here anymore." Said diona in a kindly way.


    "Ah, I''m sorry Diona. I have other interests."


    "I understand. Would you like to ride this afternoon? It looks like it''s going to snow a lot. I came because I wanted to take my horse for a walk."


    Avery chuckled softly. "I didn''t come here to ride. I came here to see you. Can I talk to you about something?"


    Of course she nodded and smiled kindly. The girl is indeed known as the friendliest girl in the diamond village. "All right, Avery. Just talk.. What''s up?"


    "I just want to introduce myself to you, Diona. And I want to tell you something else." Avery said.


    "Emm... Okay. Say what you want to say."


    ***

 Chapter 32：32. Express Love To Diona

    "I just want to introduce myself to you, Diona. And I want to tell you something else." Avery said.


    "Emm... Yes, okay. Just say it."


    "Can our horses be tied to trees at the edge of a field? I don''t feel comfortable talking in this position."


    Diona furrowed her brow. Felt weird about Avery''s treatment. But she nodded only and followed Avery leading his horse to the leafy tree that stood on the horse''s edge.


    Diona also attached a horse rope to one of the trees and told the horse that it would have to wait a while.


    Avery was able to adjust his breathing. The guy was a little nervous about talking to diona. Avery pulled out a box of cookies from the hammock next to his horse. The man walked slowly toward Diona standing under the frozen apple tree.


    Avery smiled as he made his way to Diona. "I brought this for you. I hear you like this food very much."


    Diona looked down and received a box from Avery. The girl smiled as she gathered lots of cookies in the box. "What a pastry? This is my favorite food. How do you know I love this food?"


    "Ah, I just heard from some locals here. I''m glad you like the cookies I brought for you."


    "Thank you, Avery. I really like crackers. I''ll eat this cake at home later."


    "Well.. Um, I wanted to introduce my real self to you. But please, don''t go when I''m done introducing myself to you, Diona."


    "Ah, of course. I''m not just gonna walk out on you. Say what you want to say, Avery." Said diona.


    Avery smiled. "My name is Avery Frederick Fitz. I am the crown prince of the kingdom of pearls." Avery immediately extended his hand to Diona for the handshake.


    After hearing the real identity of Avery, diona was, of course, surprised. The girl could only be silent and open her mouth for a moment. It didn''t seem as though her right hand had been taken by Avery''s right hand.


    "I haven''t known you long. And you didn''t know me long, either. We met by accident on this field. Even when I was bumping into you on the way out of the field. But as long as I''ve known you and I''ve been riding together, I''ve had other feelings." Said Avery confidently.


    While Diona was now only able to swallow her saliva nervously. The girl looked up at Avery taller than her. It was so quiet when Diona listened intently to Avery''s words.


    Avery stared at Diona. The man then went down and knelt before him while he was holding Diona''s right hand. "Diona, I''ve been carrying this feeling all by myself. I like you. Can I get closer to you and get to know you better? Let me be your boyfriend."


    Unexpectedly, diona dropped a box of cookies right from her hand. The girl also pulled her right hand out of Avery''s palm. The girl''s footsteps slowly retreated, creating a long distance from Avery.


    "You.. You were prince Avery who came to princess Ariadne''s birthday party? You.. You''ve been posing asa civilian the whole time? Oh God, why didn''t I realize you were a prince? Sorry.. I can''t prince.. You''re --"


    "Diona. Please listen to me. I loved you from the moment we met, diona. I like you."


    "But you are a prince. You too will marry princess Ariadne. People have been hearing about it for months. Why are you declaring love to me all of a sudden? You would betray princess Ariadne?"


    Avery''s rattled. The man couldn''t explain them one by one to diona. Diona didn''t get the whole story.


    "Diona, hear me out."


    "No.. Can''t. can''t. I''m soon to be married to a man from another village. I''m getting married to that guy next month. Prince, go. Go back to your kingdom. Please don''t come see me like this again. It''s dangerous. I''m so sorry."


    "No.. Diona... I --"


    Avery''s sentence stopped. The man saw diona who had now taken her halter off the tree. The girl looked in a hurry to leave Avery. The snow grew thicker and the temperature became very cold.


    Diona''s riding on her horse. The girl was seen crying as she justified her coat hood. Se laid off her horse beside Avery''s body.


    "Forgive me, prince. I cannot accept you. I didn''t even realize you were prince Avery from the kingdom of pearls. Forgive me.. Go back to your kingdom and stay out of it." Said Diona. The girl spoke while wiping away her tears. Then chose to go with her horse and leave Avery alone in the field.


    This is exactly what Avery was so scared from the very beginning. Loving a country girl is not easy. There''s a lot of risk coming his way.


    Avery couldn''t get diona to love him. And Avery now found out that his love was one-sided. Diona''s even getting married to another man next month. Turns out the answer from Avery''s plea to Diona ended up in agony.


    Distraught and shattered, Avery stood up and jerked his way to his horse. He put the box with the pastry in the bag hanging from the horse''s stomach.


    Avery was forced back to his kingdom with a feeling of disappointment. Riding his horse quickly and penetrating the cold, piercing flesh. It was snowing so much that Avery was distracted watching the roads.


    While in the kingdom, Alice was standing at the edge of the kingdom hall. She watched as the snow poured down from the sky. Alice moaned as she thought of Avery. Is Diona accepting Avery''s love? Is Avery smiling now with Diona? Are the two of them kissing behind the snow right now?


    It sounds so romantic. But for Alice it really hurt her heart. Maybe Alice should let Avery go to love another girl.


    ***

 Chapter 33：33. Forgetting Is Hard

    Alice will faithfully observe the snow that falls this afternoon. There''s a lot of work to do as a waitress. Make Alice relax early.


    Alice was specially assigned to set the table, watch the kitchen with her mother, as well as to clean the bedroom of the king and queen, as well as Avery''s bedroom.


    Of course Alice has servants lower than her. Alice has three maidservants so she can put them to work. The three servants were devoted by queen berenice to help Alice.


    Alice''s eyes focused on the fallen snow were forced to get sidetracked by Avery entering the palace. Avery''s footsteps looked hurried and his face dejected.


    Alice saw Avery''s hands carrying a box of cookies. The box Alice had packed before Avery left for diona. Why would Avery take the box? Is there no way to meet Diona?


    Alice gingerly followed Avery as she made her way to the garden behind the palace. When Avery went to his room for nothing, he was meeting with Berenice and Avery wasn''t in the mood to see his mother.


    Alice''s two footsteps stopped as Avery stopped her and sat down in a park chair. That lawn chair is in the terad behind the palace. Sitting there would be snow protection against the roof of the garden seat.


    "Prince, what is it? Why do you have it?" Asked Alice politely. The girl sat down next to Avery''s right and looked at Avery with a curious look.


    "You? Prince, of course you are a good and handsome man. Everyone knows that. Even I admire you."


    "Am I allowed to live like this? Can''t love someone? Or am I just not allowed to love someone?"


    Alice grabs Avery''s right hand. Taking Avery''s hand very gently. "Prince, tell me. What''s up?"


    "Alice.. Diona denied my love. She''s getting married to another man next month. And she was shocked to find out I was a prince in the kingdom of pearls. Why is this so painful?"


    Hearing that, Alice felt what Avery felt. Alice understood that grief because she was in that state, too. Alice likes Avery and Avery doesn''t like her. Same as Avery''s current condition.


    The difference lies with Alice who hasn''t Shared her feelings with Avery. Alice doesn''t have the guts to do that. She was also afraid that she would feel a broken heart.


    She could see Avery''s tears falling all over her cheeks. Alice can''t say anything. The girl had never seen Avery crying and crying before. When the king of Eden hit him, Avery never cried. Why did Avery cry when his love was denied a village girl?


    "Alice, can you just hold me for one second?" Said Avery in a quiet voice.


    Alice nodded. Then get closer to Avery and give him a big hug. Avery''s face looked down on Alice''s right shoulder. Avery poured his sorrows over Alice. Only Alice was there when he was sad and hard.


    ***


    Days passed. Slowly Avery could be rid of diona and forget diona from her mind. Avery never visited the diamond village again. It''s been almost two months since he has visited Ariadne again.


    Of course the king of Eden was angry every day on Avery. Avery wouldn''t go to the diamond kingdom before seeing the king of Eden go to visit Ariadne himself. Avery will still be waiting for Eden to visit the diamond empire. If Eden hadn''t done that, then Avery wouldn''t have gone near Ariadne again.


    "Prince, talk to your father. You can''t stay like this. You''ve been quiet for a long time. One more month this winter will be over, right? Do you still not wish to visit princess Ariadne?"


    Avery turned his head to Alice standing to her left. They met together most often in the rear of the palace. Some servants are now also aware of their close friendship. And the young servants don''t mind about it. Alice grew to be respected by many of the servants because Avery once told the rest of the servants that Alice was his special and that no one should disturb her.


    "Alice.. You know I''m repairing my emotional condition. I do not wish to see Ariadne in such circumstances. I''m still very hard to forget about Diona. Ariadne is a good girl. I don''t want to misbehave in front of her. Let my father decide. If he still doesn''t want to go to Ariadne''s kingdom on his own, then I dare break with the kingdom of Ariadne."


    Alice stroked Avery''s left arm gently. "Control your emotions, prince. Princess Ariadne does not know of your troubles with the king of Eden. So far, hasn''t princess Ariadne never summoned the king of Eden to her palace?"


    "It is true Ariadne has never solicited such payments. But he knew where I was wrong. Ariadne once told me, if the king of Eden goes to her palace and asks kindly to marry me, then Ariadne will accept it. That''s if I''m willing. Ariadne and I have made a decision. If there is a pressing matter concerning the kingdom and the solution to the solution is to a marriage, then I shall marry her."


    Alice''s heart skipped a beat. She was surprised when she heard those words from Avery. Alice remembered Avery once explained this to her. Still, Alice''s feelings will never be taken care of by Avery. Fate does say Avery aligned with Ariadne.


    "Then marry princess Ariadne. I heard that the diamond kingdom was in conflict with the northern kingdom. Engaging in conflict with the northern kingdom is a dangerous thing, my prince. Do you not wish to visit princess Ariadne and inquire of the truth?" Asked Alice apprehensively.


    "If the rumors were true, my father should have gone to Ariadne''s kingdom and saved her from the conflict. My father once promised to help the diamond kingdom if she got into trouble." Avery said.


    Alice breathed. She had Avery come to her. "Prince, come back like a prince Avery I know. Forget about Diona. Diona is married to another man. Are you going to be like this all the time? Until when are you going to be like this? I''m always by your side. Then you don''t have to be afraid to face anything else. Go.. Go to princess Ariadne and help her." Said Alice.


    ***

 Chapter 34：34. Mandatory Task For Avery

    Alice breathed. She had Avery come to her. "Prince, come back like a prince Avery I know. Forget about diona. Diona is married to another man. Are you going to be like this all the time? Until when are you going to be like this? I''m always by your side. Then you don''t have to be afraid to face anything else. Go.. Go to princess Ariadne and help her." Said Alice.


    Avery looked her in the eyes. The man was, like, sedated by Alice''s blue eyes. Alice''s eyes suddenly looked so beautiful on Avery. "Do you want me to go to Ariadne or stay here with you?" Said Avery with a very deep look.


    Alice came to realize the position they were in was too close. She let go of the collar on Avery''s shirt. Alice was very nervous and turned her face the other way. "Ah, I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to talk so close to you, prince." Said Alice.


    Avery and Alice were in an empty room separated from the rest of the palace. The empty room that once belonged to Avery was beaten by the king of Eden.


    The economic condition of the jade empire is getting better and better. The kingdom of pearls became a glorious kingdom again like last year. Make the king of Eden no longer demand much of Avery.


    "So what if we talk so closely?" Said Avery by grabbing Alice''s waist to stick to his body.


    Alice was shocked. The girl''s hands reflectedly grabbed Avery''s breasts in the luxurious robes of her royal highness. "Prince, I --"


    "These few days, you look beautiful in my eyes."


    Alice''s heart was pounding so fast when Avery said it. What''s Avery saying?


    Avery''s right hand gently stroked Alice''s left cheek. And Alice enjoyed the close of her eyes. The girl immediately took Avery''s left hand to stop the touch from her cheek. "Prince, what do you mean talk like this?"


    They both stayed close together like before. Avery''s left hand remained clinging to Alice''s waist. "You''ve kept your feelings for me so long, why don''t you ever tell me how you feel?"


    "Prince, how do you know?"


    "I''ve always known things, Alice. I know you''ve always liked me. You never even stopped me from seeing diona. You were always by my side in any condition. Are we gonna stick together as friends? Or do you want more than that?"


    Avery''s voice sounds so intimate. Avery spoke like that next to Alice''s left ear very seductive. Alice was even sedated with the smell of Avery''s neck. The smell of roses shut Alice''s eyes.


    "If I want more than a friend. Is that allowed?" Talk to Alice on Avery. Alice''s hands hung on Avery''s neck. It brings their faces closer.


    Alice''s breath whoosh could Avery clearly feel it. "I let you like me, Alice." Said Avery confidently.


    The mood looks good for a romantic scene. Alice and Avery brought their faces closer together. Avery''s lips began to touch Alice''s lips very intimately. Kiss and crush it like sweet candy.


    Both are captivated by the intimate atmosphere that is created. Avery''s hand squeezed Alice''s waist still covered in a thick dress.


    Their kiss is long and far from over. It''s the first kiss Alice took from Avery. They both kiss very hot. Even Avery didn''t let Alice''s lips slip from him. It''s sweet and addictive.


    As Avery''s hand began to sit on Alice''s cloaked gown, Avery''s hand began squeezing her chest. And their kiss was stopped by Alice. Alice was surprised when her chest was chipped by Avery. The girl''s breath was breathless and heavy.


    "Stop this, prince."


    "I can''t stop, Alice.."


    "We shouldn''t be like this."


    "I love you Alice.."


    At Avery''s words saying that the man loved her, Alice looked at Avery again. Then the girl kissed Avery''s lips very deeply. Alice let that long kiss happen all night long. Leaving his body in Avery''s warm embrace.


    The atmosphere of this night seemed meant for both of them. Alice and Avery drowned in their heat activity on the bed. It didn''t matter that the wooden bed would squeak and bang.


    Alice managed to belong to Avery completely tonight. Alice''s entire body belongs to Avery. And after this, Avery promised not to leave Alice under any circumstances.


    ***


    Two days passed. Alice and Avery''s relationship was carried out quietly. No one knows of their hot romance every night. Even Alice''s mother never suspected Alice. And then queen Berenice never looked for Avery where she was every night.


    "Enjoy your breakfast, prince." Alice said very gently. The girl placed a bowl of delicious porridge in front of Avery and stroked the skin of Avery''s neck gently. Then Alice left the dining room.


    Avery smiled as his gaze met Alice''s. Both were deeply in love.


    Avery promised Alice that one day she would talk to Eden and talk about their relationship. Avery also promised to marry Alice if Alice carries the baby.


    "Avery, how''s the production area looking? In two weeks the winter will be over. You should keep an eye on the workers as they move all the shells to the seaside." The word Eden.


    Avery nodded politely. "It''s all good, dad. Of course I still control the production area. Dad, it''s okay."


    "You didn''t ask me where I went yesterday?"


    Avery looked up at Eden. His breakfast action ceased upon hearing the serious tone of the voice of Eden. "Where are you going, dad? Did you leave the palace yesterday?"


    The king of Eden nodded. "Yes. I went with your mom yesterday. We went to visit the diamond empire. We met princess Ariadne. The diamond kingdom is having a big problem with the northern kingdom. Haven''t you heard of this?"


    Avery nodded. "Yes, father, I''ve heard the news."


    "The royal diamond mine was almost under the northern kingdom''s control. They cannot accept the particulars of the cooperation contract Ariadne has presented. The northern kingdom threatened the lives of princess Ariadne''s servants and bodyguards if not to hand over a portion of the diamond mines. They need our protection, Avery."


    "What''s it gonna be, dad?"


    "Marry princess Ariadne. Protect the diamond kingdom and help him maintain the diamond mines. The diamond kingdom must be united with our kingdom. To prevent the northern kingdom from attacking the diamond empire. The northern kingdom will declare war if the diamond empire does not give swift order." Said Eden was very serious.


    It was like Avery''s whole world was about to collapse. Should he marry Ariadne in such a condition? Even Avery was having sex with Alice and expressing love to her. What does Avery have to do?


    ***