Chapter 12: Once Again

Ariadna POV

It was 2 days before my debut, people there were all busy preparing and decorating the ballroom. My father and Uncle Vard were the ones planning everything. Marika is helping me with the invitations and the guest list. Estann and Kabel were helping the guards with the heavy work.

"Now, Big Sis, did you already decided who will be your escort? You and him will lead the first and the last dance you know."

"I haven't decided yet who it will be"

"Well, just pick my brother. He is willing to be your escort after all. I'll be back Big sis I'm just gonna get something"

I nodded in response. It has been 3 days since Estann last talked to me. Even when I greet him he always reply coldly and never looked at me. If I call him out he ignores me. He really is mad about last time. I admit that I rejected him coldly but this is too much. As I was busy writing the invitations I suddenly heard the maids and guards were shouting.

" Hey! what is happening?! Hey!"

Uncle Vard screamed. Father and Uncle Legos hurriedly ran to the scene. I was worried so I followed, there I saw Kabel and Estann fighting and punching at each other. My Father and Uncle Legos were trying to stop them

"Stop! Stop fighting!"

"Kabel stop it right this instant!"

Both of them stopped. The guards quickly seperated them apart and calmed down. Then Father started nagging at them.

"Have you no shame?! You two are both crown princes and future leaders of a kingdom and you want to set this as an example to your people? Fighting in such trivial matter?"

" It wasn't a trivial matter though"

Kabel answered. His mouth was bleeding and there were bruises on his face. I quickly ordered a wet towel with ice to a maid.

"Estann, tell me what happened"

Uncle Vard asked. Estann glared at Kabel and then looked at me as if I was the one who started all this ruckus. Estann clicked his tongue. Kabel chuckled. Then a guard walked towards Father.

" Sir, there is someone who asked for a private audience for you"

He nodded in response. Father looked at me and tapped my head.

" I'll be back. Be sure these two never go near each other"

I was curious so I followed him. He walked to his temporary study room. He entered and saw a man with a hoodie and cape. His face was covered so I didn't see it clearly. I peeked at the door slowly and saw them talking.

"You can take off your hood now."

The man take off his hoodie and I saw a man with black hair and violet eyes. His skin was tan . My father smiled at him and leaned to the table.

" It's nice to see you, Erden"

My eyes widened from the shock. How can this be Erden? As I remember, Erden has blonde hair and blue eyes. But this man is the complete opposite. I continued peeking.

"It's also nice to see you Your Majesty"

"Is everything going well in Sydonia?"

"Your brother, Sou. He has his men going back and forth"

"He is still not giving up the throne isn't he?"

Who is Sou? My father has a brother? I thought he was the only son of grandfather.

"When you come back to Sydonia tell his men I'm inviting him and his son to Ari's Debut. I also want to talk to him"

"Yes sir"

"Don't you want to see Ariadna?"

"No, I already saw a glimpse of her"

So, he already saw me? when? My head was full of questions that I want it to be answered. Then suddenly I heard footsteps. It was Erden and Father walkign out the room. I quickly escaped to the garden. As I arrive at the garden, I sat down and think things out. I'm not prepared to see Erden yet. It's been years. Then I heard a rustle from one of the plants.

"I thought you would be here"

A familiar voice. A sweet and deep voice. I turned around and saw Erden standing behind me. My eyes widened.

"It's been a long time, My Lady"

My eyes where starting to rain. I walked towards him and punched him

"You Idiot!"

I punched him several times. He looked shocked on what I was doing. It really has been years and there are lot of things I want to say. But words that coming out of my heart were anger and disappointment.

"You Idiot Erden! you left me. You promised"

He quickly hugged me. I also hugged him back.

"I'm sorry, I promise this time I won't leave by your side My Lady"

I can't let go of his embrace as if time stopped and everything didn't matter. My heart never felt so happy.