"Arielle, I am quite embarrassed to say this. I actually feel very unworthy to be sitting here right now. A few days ago you said you had forgiven , but that could never erase my guilt for what I’ve done in the past."
"We’ve talked about this, Archie. I no longer have hard feelings about the past."
"I wish I could turn back ti. Maybe I’ll change my attitude and listen to my heart more. I want to treat you as a sister properly."
Arielle took Archie’s hands, then squeezed it gently. The girl smiled, making Archie smile too. "Hearing talk like that alone makes happy. Thanks for thinking about it."
"Arielle, it’s likely that I’ll ascend to the throne in a week before another chaos erupts. And... I am going to stay at my grandfather’s residence. Before the palace is repaired, I should carry out all my duties from the Ambrose residence."
Arielle nodded in understanding.
"I will support you, Archie," she replied.
Archie chuckled, making Arielle tilted in confusion. What she said was completely sincere, but why was Archie laughing at her?
"Why are you laughing? Is there sothing funny?"
"No-no... it’s just that you’re adorable," said Archie. Arielle’s face turned bright red from embarrassnt. She slowly pulled her hand from his grip and covered her cheeks so he wouldn’t see the blush there.
Archie scratched his non-itchy head. He also felt ashad. This was the first ti for him and Arielle to have an intimate conversation as a family, and there was one more thing he wanted to say.
"Arielle."
"Yes, Archie?"
"If you don’t mind... would you stay in the South untill my coronation? I an, my coronation will not be as grand as it should be because we’re in an ergency state right now. It’s just... you’re the only family I have left, and I want to share that blessed day with you," Archie said with his head down.
After he had said his true feelings, he pressed his lips together to hide his nervousness. Arielle’s heart was beating faster in joy. She almost forgot that her body and legs were in pain. She hugged Archie tightly, making the man startled to death.
"Of course! With pleasure!" she replied enthusiastically.
"Really!?" Archie asked once again. He couldn’t hide his happiness.
""Yes! Yes! Yes! No matter how many tis you ask, my answer would be the sa. It’s a yes!"
Archie returned Arielle’s hug tightly. They ignored the door that was opened. Lucas, who had just co in to bring Arielle’s extra breakfast besides sandwiches, was surprised to see the two siblings were hugging each other. He could only stand still, feeling confused whether to separate them or just let them be.
"They are siblings. King Ronan wouldn’t be jealous over a small thing like this, right?" asked Tania from behind.
Lucas, who was standing in front of the door, was surprised and almost spilled the soup he brought.
Lucas and Tania cleared their throats to announce their presence. Arielle and Archie let go of their embrace, leaving a wide and bright smile on their faces.
"I’m sorry for interrupting your ti, Your Highness. I ca to bring Princess Arielle’s breakfast," said Lucas, then put the soup on the table.
Arielle nodded and thanked Lucas. Then, Archie touched Arielle’s shoulder enthusiastically.
"Oh, and one more thing! I will take you and Sasha to the Ambrose residence."
"Eh!?" she exclaid in surprise.
Arielle looked at Archie in confusion. Why did he invite her to the Ambrose residence so suddenly? She didn’t know anyone from the Ambrose family at all, for she was not that close to her brother.
"Oh, you don’t have to worry. Lucas, Kael and Tania can co with you too. My mother is the only child, so there are only and my grandfather in the Ambrose residence now. Sasha and you will be treated with the best doctors; you will recover faster there. The capital is currently in need of many doctors, so they cannot focus on treating you."
"Eh, just a minute, Archie... take it slow."
"Besides, I can quickly introduce you to the public. That way, people won’t be wondering who Princess Arielle is again. I won’t hide or forget you like father did, Arielle. I also want you to shine like a real princess, as you will beco a queen in the future," Archie said at length.
Arielle was getting overwheld with everything Archie had said. She was touched by Archie’s will to introduce her to the public. Every ti there was a publication about the Nieverdell royal family, she was always eliminated.
She never attended a royal party, so people had never heard her na. This was an opportunity for her to be recognized as a princess. However... for Arielle, who was used to living a secluded life, being recognized by many people was sothing that was beyond her imagination.
"I-isn’t this... too fast?" asked Arielle nervously.
"Too fast?" Archie asked back.
"I an, I’m quite happy you thought about , but... I’ve never appeared in front of a crowd. I am... worried. What if people don’t like ? I an... What would they think about ? I have... n-never had any education before. I guess.. I need so preparation... I don’t...." Arielle blabbered incoherently. Her anxiety overwheld her once again.
Lucas handed Princess Arielle a glass of water to calm her down. He rembered his first eting with Arielle, who was so clumsy and awkward. The girl was clumsy about everything. Maybe it made her feel anxious if she didn’t live up to people’s expectations.
"Princess," Lucas called softly. "You are the greatest person I have ever t. Your worries about your education, background, and whatever it is ans nothing... just be yourself. I believe you can gain the respect of all of us."
Archie nodded in agreent. "Yes, We can do it slowly. Just think of it as a trial before I beco a queen."
Arielle still couldn’t shake off her anxiety. Many bad things and possibilities haunted her. Even so, she nodded in agreent with her brother’s request.
"It’s been set. Then after this we can go straight to the Ambrose residence," Archie said.
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