ile her mother sat upright in bed holding the tea that she made, looking towards the

y spoke across the room. Ariana walked back to the cha

down at her hands. Her mother reached forwards and placed her han

not do anythi

r head to the side and jo

ing," Her brows furrowed. "You are so spirited, I just do not

thing will caus

ere was nobody else who seemed to care for what her mother was going through, the king of course did but he was always busy with his royal duties. In the spare time he did hav

vants and many others, it was always just them two. The nobles disliked the pair of them but showed them enou

just as her lips parted to reply to her daughter, a l

maid curtsied. Turning to Ariana sh

, she saw a man stop in the hall. A man she hadn't seen in 2 years. He looked more rugged than before, taller maybe? His dark brown hair had definitely grown as it lay down nearly touching his shoulders.

uld, but he found her to be breathtaking. Even with her hair half pinned up, it was nearly at her waist. Her green eyes looke

rms over his shoulders, hugging him tightly. His cheeks reddened slightly as he leaned down and wrapped

oice replied, holding in a chu

u!" Ariana's eyes were lit with e

e vibrant look in her eyes, nor the high-spirited persona she had. The fact that she disobeyed most of the rules that are set for the royal family, never went unnotic

e internally rolled her eyes at how pompous they all acted, and how they would soon gossip about how the princess did not act like a princess at all. Throwing herself into a man's arms, now that w

king has summoned me, I would lo

"I would be de

nd of the hall shone across the marbled floor, lighting up the grand features of the high ceilings. As her steps echoed in the room, she passed the pillars and high arches by her sides. Sh

chairs. Behind the king, standing against the wall was Sir Hugh, who kept his gaze impassive as he looked blankly

spoke loudly, "that you

k up at him, p

ther, it was

to the village but also the forest! No matter the length of

to attack her. Her father knew this, but he wanted her to have that extra protection. The thought of having guards following her around, it made her shudder. There was n

I will next ti

exasperated then stood up and walked to stand in front of his da

down at he

ving guards follow you

em again. I Promise," Her voice rose higher, with her

. He moved his hand indicating that she could go. Ariana released the breath sh

ning!?" A shrill voice p

oking very tired. He placed his hand under his chin, leaning his elbow on the frame of the throne. His graying s

before walking forwards so she stoo

dress on PURPOSE," The queen repl

na spoke up, "It was not o

g? Your Queen?" She raised her

.." The k

information" Ariana tilted her head to the side. The nobles by the pillars, started to murmur to e

e queen, to the crown? Is

e king barked

ian, I have had enough with your favoritism

d from his throne. He glared at his wife who

out of the throne room, the building tension left her shoulders, as the queen stayed quiet. The only indi