12 The warning!

" The preparation begins first with a warm bath, your Water has been prepared. I would be outside waiting, as soon as you're done bathing, please do not hesitate to call me. " Aunt Rose told Arianna bowing as respectfully as ever.

" Thank you Aunt Rose! But please I do not want you to wait outside there for me, your legs could ache. Kindly sit here, ( she pointed to the chair of her dressing table) and wait for me" Arainna pleaded with her . "And please aunt Rose, don't do the traditional bow for me as well. " Arianna said smiling at her.

Aunt Rose just obeyed smiling...

In no soon time, Arianna had taken her bath, and was out of the bathroom.

" Aunt Rose ! " Arainna called. " Yes Brianna"

Aunt Rose answered standing up to meet Arianna. Aunt Rose liked to pronounce the name with a stress, making it sound Bree-hana.

" My water seemed to be colored and has scent, what could be the possible reason for that ? ". " Oh ! that ?" Aunt Rose said laughing a bit. " Well it's all part of the evening ritual, it is believed that bathing with those sweet smelling spice, prepares your body for your husband. More like a purifier" aunt Rose explained to Arianna who had been listening with rapt attention. " Your body should always be a safe haven for your husband" aunt Rose finally concluded.

Arainna's heart became heavy. How was she going to escape making love with her sister's supposed husband ? Arainna remained very optimistic that Brianna was going to be found soon enough, making her free from all the mess. And so she didn't want to mess around with prince Liam, atleast that was respect for her sister according to her ideology.

Arianna had missed her old self. She missed dancing, she thought about the dance competition that was coming up, she had perceived herself winning it, now she was going to loose it without even contesting, pains accumulated in her hearts, but she often comforted herself with the thought that Brianna would be found soon.

" Wait you're not excited ? " Aunt Rose asked peeping into her face. " Oh ! Aunt Rose !" Arainna laughed sarcastically, " of cause I am happy. Who wouldn't be ? I mean it is the dream of every newly wedded bride." Arianna said shifting aunt Rose's attention.

" Come sit, I must give you a quick massage, so that you do not breakdown. Let's soothe your aching body" aunt Rose said to Arainna, making her sit gently before her dressing mirror. Arianna just sat quietly.

Aunt Rose administered care effortlessly, Arianna felt with aunt Rose, as she would with her mother. Aunt Rose tactfully ran her hands through Arianna's body, from her legs through her back. It was indeed soothing. Arainna for a while forgot all her challenges and was just blank, not thinking or saying a word. She just closed her eyes, and savoured all the care that aunt Rose lavished on her.

" Brianna! Are you still there ? " Aunt Rose asked, as a result of Arainna's long silence. Arainna opening her eyes, and returning to her reality, answered softly. " Of cause!"

Aunt Rose walked to the wardrobe and brought out a very pretty red dress. It was a long dinner gown. Aunt Rose helped Arainna get into the dress...

" Oh dear! You look stunning ! " aunt Rose complimented Arianna who had been staring into the mirror speechlessly. She could not stop looking at herself.

Arainna asked within herself, " Arainna where has all this beauty been hiding all along ? "

Back at her kingdom, there was a general consensus that she was more pretty than Brianna. However, it was argued that she doesn't smile often, that smiles could make a person prettier, to which Brianna took all the credit.

" Please sit let's make your hairdo firmer". Aunt Rose told her again. Arainna still speechless, sat quietly . Soon enough, aunt Rose had transformed Arianna into a beaut. Arianna was amazed at her own beauty...

" Thank you ! Thank you Aunt Rose." Arainna said filled with gratitude. " You are really good at what you do " Arainna praised.

Aunt Rose smiled and bowed.

" It's right about time, dearest Brianna ! Come, I'd walk you to the dinning room. Aunt Rose beckoned, Arainna stood up elegantly and followed her.

As they approached the room's door, aunt Rose halted suddenly and took a sharp look at Arianna, making her stop as well, " listen more than you talk out there, it'd be better for you my child! " Aunt Rose said to her in a friendly warning tone.

Arainna had wanted to question her reason for the warning, but for some reason, remained calm. She believed that things would be unfolded gradually, and so she simply resolved to be more vigilant.

Arainna just nodded...

Aunt Rose smiled and continued the lead.