The morning sun painted the sky in hues of gold and pink, casting a soft glow over the grand palace of King Darius. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of blooming jasmine that lined the pathways leading to the palace gates. The kingdom had come alive with the sounds of servants beginning their daily duties and guards standing at attention. Birds flitted across the open courtyard, their songs mingling with the distant murmur of the bustling marketplace beyond the palace walls.
A grand carriage, adorned with the emblem of a noble house, made its way toward the palace entrance. The golden wheels rolled smoothly over the stone-paved path, drawn by four pristine white stallions. The sight of such an opulent arrival sent a ripple of excitement through the palace staff. The slaves and servants instinctively halted their tasks and bowed their heads in deference as the carriage came to a halt.
The heavy door of the carriage swung open, and from within emerged a woman of striking beauty. She stepped down gracefully, her presence demanding attention without uttering a single word. Her skin was as pale as the morning moon, radiant and flawless. Dressed in a gown of the finest silk, its silver embroidery shimmered under the sun's rays. A delicate crown of pearls rested atop her golden hair, styled in an elaborate cascade that framed her sculpted face.
Heath, standing at the ready, was the first to greet her. His usual composed demeanor softened as he took her delicate hand in his, bowing slightly before placing a courteous kiss on the back of her palm.
"Princess Arianna," Heath greeted smoothly, his voice laced with charm. "The kingdom is all the more luminous with your presence."
Arianna let out a soft, musical laugh. "You always say the most delightful things, Heath. It has been too long since my last visit."
"Indeed, my lady. Come, the King awaits you."
Heath escorted her through the grand corridors of the palace, their footsteps echoing through the vast halls. As they approached the workroom, the large double doors were pulled open by the palace guards. Inside, King Darius sat at an ornately carved desk, his brow furrowed as he perused various documents.
At the sound of footsteps, he looked up, and the moment his gaze landed on Arianna, a sigh of displeasure escaped him. He leaned back against his chair, barely masking his lack of enthusiasm.
Arianna, unfazed by his reaction, let out a squeal of excitement and rushed toward him. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders in an affectionate embrace, but he did not reciprocate. Instead, he cleared his throat pointedly, reminding her to maintain her decorum.
She pulled away, pouting playfully. "Oh, Darius, must you always be so formal with me? We are to be married someday, after all."
Darius exhaled heavily, rubbing his temple. "And yet, you still refuse to show proper curtsy when greeting your King."
Arianna giggled, her blue eyes twinkling mischievously. "You are not just my King. You are my betrothed." She twirled dramatically before him. "I have missed you terribly. Have you missed me?"
Darius returned his attention to his paperwork, uninterested in indulging her. "I have been busy," he replied flatly.
Arianna huffed, plopping herself onto a cushioned chair across from him. "So, what have I missed? Anything exciting? Any new developments in the palace?"
Darius flicked his gaze toward her briefly before returning to his work. "Nothing of consequence."
Arianna, noticing his lack of interest, rolled her eyes. "How utterly dull. You should really make more time for entertainment, Darius. A kingdom without joy is no kingdom at all."
He did not respond, instead focusing on the document before him. Frustrated, she leaned forward, resting her chin in her palm. "You are impossible. I should have known you'd be just as boring as ever."
Heath chuckled under his breath but quickly straightened when Darius shot him a sharp glare.
Arianna sighed dramatically and stood up, stretching her arms above her head. "I suppose I shall take my leave then, perhaps get some fresh air."
Darius nodded in approval. "Yes, you should do that."
But just as she turned toward the door, she hesitated, casting a coy glance over her shoulder. "I shall be here for quite some time, you know. That means I can get as much fresh air as I want."
Darius looked up, his expression unreadable. "What do you mean?"
Arianna smiled sweetly. "Oh, didn't I mention? I will be staying in the palace for an extended period. Isn't that wonderful? We shall have all the time in the world to... reconnect."
Darius' grip on his quill tightened slightly. He did not like surprises, especially not this one. He turned to Heath, who stood silently, his expression carefully neutral.
"Did you know of this?" Darius asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
Heath shrugged. "I only received word of her arrival this morning, but I had no knowledge of her intended stay."
Arianna let out another lighthearted laugh. "Oh, stop looking so bothered. I promise not to be too much of a nuisance. I simply thought it best to spend more time here, given our future together. Isn't that reasonable?"
Darius did not respond immediately. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, assessing the situation. He could not outright refuse her stay, after all, she was a princess of noble blood, and their engagement had long been established by their families. However, her presence here complicated matters, especially with the growing rumors surrounding Odi.
Arianna tilted her head, awaiting his response. Finally, he sighed. "Do as you wish. But do not interfere with palace affairs."
Her grin widened. "Oh, you are far too serious, Darius. But very well, I shall behave."
With a final wink, she twirled on her heels and strolled out of the workroom, leaving an air of perfumed mischief in her wake.
Darius exhaled heavily, his fingers rubbing the bridge of his nose. Heath, watching him, crossed his arms. "She is up to something."
"She always is," Darius muttered. "And I have a feeling she will not make this easy for me."
Heath smirked. "Then perhaps you should make things difficult for her instead."
Darius merely shook his head. His kingdom was already full of complications, what was one more?