On the kingdom of Verdanthi, the birds were singing from the distant trees on the capital-Verdis. The smell of jasmin, lilly and rose were everywhere. Unlike other kingdoms, Verdanthi is full of grasslands-full of farming everywhere.
People were singing on the streets at the occasion of Rice day-a day only celebrated on this kingdom after planting the rice on the lands.
But inside the palace, the atmosphere was exactly opposit-full of chaos and desperation. Inside the war counsel King Maynard, was sitting on his throne seat and beside him were nobles, counts, Marshal, and Royal Chancellor.
Count Morgen said "We need to find a way before the whole kingdom will know about it."
The Royal chancellor, Deforge Daegon said "In this grave situation, there is only one who can help us".
King Maynard nodded in approval "I know".
Then the doors opened slowly, and entered a woman with ember calm eyes, ash brown hair falling down to her waist. But unlike other princesses who wear gowns, she wears normal clothes-a formal dress not as a princess but as a helper of her people.
When she entered, everyone stood from there seat and bowed to her deeply but she shove her hand-as a sign-and they all straightened . Then she bowed deeply to the king.
"Father"
"Ariana" King said. "Go to the kingdom of Astraxen. You know what you needs to do"
"I know".
Then she straightened and turned to leave when the king whispered "Take care".
She paused only for a second before sge again started walking. And as she went out of the chamber, the door was closed behind her but the king stared the place the empty place for more than necessary where she was standing seconds before.
He whispered only for himself to hear "You are our last hope. Take care, Ariana".
Ariana went straight towards the Royal stable. So here we are now again...Arnold. She thought.
Then she shook off the thought. Focus Ariana. The kingdom is more...important than anything right now. More than... nothing.
"Metaphors" She ordered, "Prepare Aegis, right now".
"...Ari"
She turned to find her mother Queen Andres standing there. She paused for half a second
"Mother....".
Queen Andres approached and hug her firmly.
"So you know". Ariana murmured .
Not asked.
Said.
Queen Andres loosened her grip on her and freed her from the hug as she cupped her cheek and said "I am your mother. I know more than you think".
This time just above a murmur she said "But this isn't my concern right now. When you meet him, tell him that he is not alone at all. No matter whatever would happen, he is still our son" She said taking Ariana's both hand on her own now. "Do you still remember the promise you did to Queen Illara?".
Ariana nodded faintly.
"Good" she said "Then go and fulfil it".
Ariana turned then, astride on Aegis-her black horse, who looked too discipline to be hers- and rested her hand on it's mane.
One last time she looked at her mother and they both shared a reassuring nod to each other before the palace gate opened for her by the guards and she started vanishing away in the distance.
She rode for days and nights, no matter what. She rode on cold nights, rainny days and sunny days and finally after 20 days, she entered the capital of Astraxen Kingdom-Asteri.
She pulled down her cloak from her head which she was wearing for days when the guards on the gate stopped her.
They suddenly bowed and fell to their knees as they knew who she is. A bell ranged from a distant tower of the palace as they know she arrived.
The servents came to the garden and stepped aside bowing deeply as she went inside the palace. Her steps were hurried but steaded.
When she turned to a corridor, someone suddenly blocked her way. She looked up and for a moment, both surprise and recognition was clearly visible on her eyes.
The man infront of her looked tall, jaw tight but even it can't hide the playfulness in his eyes. His blue eyes looked too rare and his golden brown hair were making him unforgetable.
"I didn't know that people of Astraxen welcome their guest by blocking their way" She said, trying to sound cool but her voice faltering anyway.
"No", the man spoke with a genuine smile.
"We welcome our guest with great harmony, grace, respect and proper care but we welcome some guest by directly summoning to his highness."
Then he looked at her-really looked-from foot to top and scoffed "And I think you don't want to be the guest with proper care".
"Allen" Ariana sight but even theb she couldn't hide the sime tugging on her lips. "You still haven't changed a even a little bit".
Then she drawled lazily " I still remember hitting you on your head for making silly jokes and making fun of me back then. And I cam do that even now if you want".
Allen lifted his both hands on surrender but titling his head, and lifted his brow with amusement-in challenge " You are still that little girl i remember who tried to caught butterflies but instead always got hurt multiple times stripping on the grass".
She poked his arm with her elbow-hard.
"Aahugh" He whimpered with pain. "You are still that cruel princess i remember".
Ariana rolled her eyes and ignored him as she passed by him. "Where is Arnold by the way, or I am only going to talk to his majesty's Royal counseller?"
"His majesty is in his Royal Cabinet".
Ariana started walking towards the cabinet amd Allen was walking behind her. She stood infront of the door for more than 3 seconds before opening it.
When the door was opened, she saw him sitting on his seat, too focused, reading a file. His jaw was thight, looked more sharper than she remembered. His black hair were slightly falling into his eyes as if he touched them with his hand too many times. His golden eyes looked tired-too tired.
When he looked up and their eyes met.
A flash of shock and surprise then recognition and then relief flickered on his eyes.
He blinked and then stood slowly, circuled the table infront of him and crossed the distance into 3 long strides and pulled her into his embrace.
She gasped in shock and the familiarity on his embrace."You took too long to return to me after all". he murmured too softly on her hair that she doubt he didn't speak.
The world tilted at that moment. Every restrain broke at that moment as she leaned on his chest.