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.

Darian is loyal. The man remains near princess Ariadne, wherever and whenever. Darian followed in the footsteps of princess Ariadne behind. Then stand firm asa post when Ariadne is seated on the 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.

***