18 I Don't Need the Prince! 15

George may have wanted to treat Ariel better, but he did not have much experience on small talk as a fiance or prince would have been thought to have. So for the entire walk, the two of them were silent. George at first was pensive at the silence, but seeing Ariel still having a pleasant expression and not lonesome, he grew calmer.

Love was never a thing that needed words to be expressed.

Avina did not know of George's thoughts, but she grew more bored the more the two of them walked. In boredom, she could only rely on her real-time entertainment, the monitors.

One monitor was of the budding love of two characters while the other one was a comedy between two villains. To be bored with these two quality shows, how could that be!

Avina and 5025 munched again on their imaginary popcorn while live commentary on the two sides.

'Look at them! They are practically long time lovers!' Avina exclaimed pointing at the smiling eyes of Jane and Rey. Although no feeling was expressed verbally, her Cupid Senses was tingling. The two had warm eyes staring at one another and Rey even had a small circle of blush on his cheeks.

5025 nodded agreeing before looking at Amanda's screen. The little blue ball glowed with merriment before rolling around laughing hysterically. Stopping, he impersonated Amanda with its cute little voice. 'Why don't you take lessons from a theatric group!' Avina and 5025 laughed out loud one more time before continuing to watch the monitors. While it was quiet outside, in Avina's mind it was more than just lively.

Time passed quickly with laughter and humor erupting spontaneously, and soon they reached the garden. Walking inside, Avina finally had the time to bask in the glory of an imperial garden.

Each bush of flowers was planted systematically arranged to complement the other flowers. There wasn't a single red rose in blue indigos nor yellow sunflowers amidst purple irises. Despite having such a large variety, it was not chaotic but had a pleasant charm of a massive floral arrangement.

Other than flowers, there were several marble statues standing high and tall each with its own elegance. Some were of baby angels holding harps while others were of women garbed in robes dancing in the breeze. In a scenery of vibrant colors and splashes of green, the statues stood lofty and pristine looking high above the shadows of the mortal world.

In the middle of the whole garden was a huge fountain. Molded to look like a giant clam with another layer, but smaller, above it, it spouted clear water. It glistened in the sun sometimes showing a small rainbow in the ripples of water falling down. The water flowed down blurring the flowers and hedges behind it. If you looked closely, it looked like a marvelous watercolor painting made with only the most expensive and intricate techniques.

Looking at the symphony of beauty and harmony of her surroundings, Avina couldn't help but feel at home. She felt like a flower fairy bouncing and flying here and there granting a small bit of magic to each and every flower. Slowly, the flowers would bloom and stand high and tall looking down at the common wildflowers and weeds. Unfurling its leaves, it would greet the morning sun and evening showers taking in the nutrients of Mother Earth. For those proud of their own achievements, they will always stand tall against the mountains.

George watched Ariel running side to side taking in the site of each and every flower in the garden. Her childish appearance and shining eyes overshadowed the beautiful flowers around her. Her luscious blonde hair bounced with every single step she took and her every step had a small bounce to it too. Her skin glistened in the light akin to snow and her vibrant eyes took in the world around her appreciating the beauty. Ariel was the Garden Fairy incarnated.

George looked warmly at the scene grateful to the generations of ancestors before him building a magnificent garden. He had never appreciated looking at flowers thinking they were unnecessary with no ounce of use except to look pretty. But if they made Ariel as happy as she is now, then maybe these blooming leaves actually were helpful. At the very least, Ariel enjoyed seeing them.

After Ariel enjoyed every single spot of the garden, the two sat at the largest gazebo in the garden sipping on tea and eating lunch. Taking the opportunity of Ariel not looking, George reached out his hands and placed them above hers. Startled, Ariel's eyes grew round before she started to blush and fidget in place. George's eyes grew teasing but he restrained himself.

Clearing his throat he invited her out once more, "Next week, there will be a dance in the Imperial Palace. May I be your escort?" Hearing his invitation, Ariel blushed even more before a soft voice agreed. For the remainder of their date, the two of them held hands looking out at the beautiful garden.

In the evening, George personally escorted Ariel back home bidding her farewell and giving a small kiss on the back of her hand. After making sure Ariel went inside, George too left back to the palace.

Walking inside, Avina was stunned momentarily as she did not expect someone to be there; it was Hector. His figure slightly slouched on his side appearing to be lazy but still maintaining the dignity of nobles. He scanned her up and down before a teasing smile bloomed on his face. "Oh? I don't think this is the same outfit you wore this morning?"

Not willing to reply, Ariel blushed profusely and hurried to her room, but not forgetting to give her brother a smack on his arm along the way. Her small pat did not hurt him but instead garnered Hector's laughter erupting behind her, and Ariel ran even faster. With her back turned towards him, she did not notice Hector's eyes looking at her bandaged hands and his eyes grew dark.

In her room, Avina finally felt the day taking a toll on her body. Taking off the dress, she placed it on her nightgown and prepared to crash directly on her bed. That was when she noticed the letter sitting on top of her desk. It was a simple blue color with her name on it written in cursive. Each loop and curve flowed with attention and detail, and the sender was Jane.

Quickly, Avina sat down and used a letter opener finally folding out the letter. Inside, a simple greeting greeted the recipient before getting to the main part. It was an outing scheduled several days later at the Town Square.

Avina's eyes grew excited knowing this was going to be fun but also a great opportunity to foster friendship with the heroine. After all, can anyone believe that her friend would harm her? Well, yes, it was possible, but she believed in true friendship, there was trust binding them together. She may be 'Ariel' but her friendships were those of 'Avina.'

Although she knew the outing wasn't entirely needed because phase 1 was completed (gain the love and attention of the prince as she had witnessed today), her heart could not help but yearn to explore the world inside the novel. It was different from her modern world, and it was also more lively and simple.

Laying in bed, she squealed in delight kicking her feet in the air. Stopping, she rolled around before sighing happily. Finally, she placed the letter down and prepared to go to sleep. There were long days ahead of her, and she could not let her defenses down.