I can't wait to explore the capital

Helen huffed and sunk into a chair as Jacob approached. "It's all happening again. Aria suddenly does something which creates a scene and my plans are completely foiled!" Helen said and threw her hands in the air.

Jacob replied with a frown, "It wasn't her fault you know."

"I know." Helen sighed, "She wasn't at fault. Mrs. Carl blows up at anyone who tries to get close to her son. It doesn't help that Hayden has such a habit of sneaking off."

The two were silent for a while before Jacob spoke in a small voice, "Actually. It rather works out."

"Huh?" Helen asked.

Jacob knelt in front of Helen and spoke, "We both know Aria is fine. She usually likes to be left alone whenever she's sad or angry."

"I'm a bit worried about anyone who encounters her while she's angry." Helen replied with a chuckle.

Jacob's face also broke into a smile. "But the adults won't understand. So I was thinking. . ."

Helen waited in anticipation as Jacob slowly continued, "I was thinking we could sneak out among all this commotion. We could tell everyone that we're not feeling well or something. . ."

"And no one will really bother with us during all this commotion!!" Helen said, clapping her hands.

Jacob nodded and stood up. He said as he took Helen's hand, "You could take a pair of Aria's clothes. They are more comfortable and less noticeable. We can tell her when we get back."

Helen nodded as her face turned excited. "I can't wait to explore the capital without a band of bodyguards!!"

Jacob smiled as Helen continued, "But I do feel bad for Joseph."

Jacob: "Because his birthday was spoilt due to that huge scene?"

Helen: "No. He hates these balls. I think he's rather happy that something exciting happened. But he'll be angry because Aria was humiliated."

Jacob nodded and spoke, "Even I'm a bit angry at that woman. But anyway, I'll come fetch you at your window in a few minutes."

Helen nodded and the two went their separate ways.

Aria had just come out of a bath with only a towel wrapped around her body.

She had forgotten to bring clothes with her in the bathroom as she had quite a bit on her mind.

She had also forgotten to lock her bedroom door which she realised with a start as the door opened.

A shriek escaped Aria's lips as soon as whoever had opened her bedroom door entered. Hearing her shriek, Helen, who had sneaked into her room also let out a shriek.

The two girls were very surprised as they recognised each other's voices and immediately shut up.

"Helen? What are you doing here?" Aria asked, walking upto Helen and locking the door behind her before leading Helen to her bed.

"Me!? What are you doing here!!?? And why did you shriek??" Helen asked, placing a hand on her heart, which was still beating very fast.

Aria blushed as she said, "I shrieked because I had no clothes on. And why shouldn't I be here? It's my room?"

Helen sighed as she spoke, "Aria. The whole mansion is looking for you. I'm pretty sure search parties have already been formed and are about to set out to look for you."

Aria: "...."