[color=lightgray][h1][center][color=greenyellow]Drake[/color], [color=slateblue]Ariella[/color] & The Edwards [/center][/h1]
[hr]

As the two entered the carriage, Drake would knock twice on the wall behind him, signaling the driver to go. He let loose a quiet sigh and placed a hand on Ariella’s knee. [color=greenyellow]”I am sorry, Ari. The two of them quite literally ordered me to come find you. Before we make it back to the house, what have you done that may have gotten them riled up like this? Perhaps there is a way to circumvent the lecture this time.”[/color]

Ariella leaned against the back of the carriage, She held her hands together in her lap as she shrugged, [color=slateblue]“Who knows...maybe I got mud on the carpet again.”[/color] She let out a long sigh as her head tilted back against the carriage, [color=slateblue]“ How embarrassing... Do you know that he may be the future sultan, and now he’ll remember me as the girl whose brother took her home to get yelled at.”[/color]She groaned and buried her face in her hands. 

Drake felt a tinge of regret in the back of his mind. Perhaps he had been too rash. In his momentary lapse of judgment, he embarrassed his beloved sister. But the man’s reaction was not one of discomfort, rather it was one of either resolve or determination. As if he was trying to read Drake’s intent and character from a brief glance. He was certainly an interesting individual.

[color=greenyellow]” Future Sultan you say? Well, I’m sure a man carrying such a title would have the patience and understanding that a world leader has. He definitely seemed more concerned with your safety than the fact that you were being rushed home.”[/color] Drake silently applauded his sister’s taste in men, at least that one. [color=greenyellow]” Aside from simply slinging mud, did you do anything in those woods? They say you were with a man. Was this the future sultan you were with or someone else?”[/color]

Ariella's eyes widened, [color=slateblue]“ A man!?”[/color] she asked [color=slateblue]“ In the woods? “[/color] she shook her head with an exaggerated movement. [color=slateblue]“ No I was down at the Tavern with Farim and Princess Anastasia” [/color] 

Drake could only raise an eyebrow. [color=greenyellow]”But you said earlier you tracked mud onto the carpet…Would that have been from the tavern?”[/color] His arms crossed as he let out a slight sigh. 

Ariella took a deep breath [color=slateblue]” Because…I fell in the mud, getting in the carriage.”[/color] She looked at Drake, clearly a terrible liar. 

Drake leaned in and couldn’t help but smirk a little at his sister’s adorable attempt at subterfuge. [color=greenyellow]”Ari. I know when you are fibbing. We don’t have much time and if we are to try and curb our parents' wrath I think it best if we do it together and get some form of story together. I really am trying to help you, sister.”[/color]

Ari sighed heavily, [color=slateblue]“ I was with Prince Callum. I had gone for some drinks and ran into him there and I had invited him to come see the little place in the woods and that was it. I came home an hour before Dinner and got changed for supper.”[/color] She looked at her brother,[color=slateblue] “ Nothing happened if that is what they were worried about, I was just showing him the woods.”[/color] She said her face show just how nervous she was. 

If his face would show anything, it would be utter shock at first. [color=greenyellow]”Prince…Callum? Like Danrose Callum? One of the three royal princes of our kingdom? First a future sultan then a potential king. Your tastes are certainly bold sister…”[/color] He realized he’d have his work cut out for him if he was going to watch over her in the way that he had done since she had come of age. [color=greenyellow]”We will address that later. For now, is there anything in those woods that would be cause for alarm? Maybe some weird art you drew or perhaps a diary of some sort that Mother would be livid to see?”[/color] Drake rattled off ideas, looking nervously out the window as their destination was not too far off.

Ari smiled awkwardly. [color=slateblue]“ You make it sound like something scandalous that a prince would be interested in spending time with me.”[/color] she said crossing her arms,[color=slateblue] “Plus it's not like that, he was interested in seeing the woods I told him about at the prince's court. But no, I do not think that there was anything about here. Maybe a bunch of novels, various mythology books..romance novels.. different flowers, and Twiggs that I found around. “[/color] Except that was where she kept her book… [color=slateblue]“ Why are they spying on me anyways, I’ve never done anything remotely wrong but enjoy nature and the woods. I could be going to strange parties and getting high off various plants but no... I'm just enjoying the outdoors... Why am I being questioned over it.”[/color] Her tone grew more annoyed.

All he could offer at the moment was a shrug and a confused glance. [color=greenyellow]”You know Mother. When she fixates, she truly does not let it go. Perhaps it was a string of occurrences that made her jump to conclusions. But whatever it is they found you must deny it. I think trying to say you were ‘just enjoying the outdoors’ would only spur them on further. But I like the approach of you simply showing Prince Danrose around the estate. Perhaps as part of the ‘tour’ he asked to see the more overgrown areas of our property. That might work….”[/color] The carriage turned a particular corner and Drake took another look out, as time seemed to be rapidly waning. A slight click of his tongue signaled his frustration that they couldn’t discuss this further. [color=greenyellow]”I know you are terrible at lying, but just convince yourself that you do not know what any twigs or flowers or roots or books or art or whatever it is they found. I will think of something…”[/color] 

He opened the carriage door and stepped down, offering her his hand to help her out. He walked side by side with her to the doorway and opened it for her, quickly yet softly closing the door behind them. The foyer they entered was rather well lit for this time of night, and the sight of a very angry-looking Victoria and bewildered Gideon Edwards would only further exemplify just how serious these two were about this ‘meeting’.

Ariella accepted his hand and moved out of the carriage, she stepped out onto the gravel as she felt a bit of nerves building up. She clearly was about to enter into a potential warzone, and something told her she wasn’t going to leave unscathed. 

She walked into the lobby, gripping her brother's arm for dear life before letting go. [color=slateblue]“ Father…[i] Mother [/i] Has someone died? They must have in order to embarrass me like that in front of an Alidasht royal,”[/color] she said in a snappy tone. 

[color=F0E399]"About time you returned.”[/color] The duchess was seated in the foyer, a servant girl standing at her side wielding a giant lace fan. She waved the girl off as she rose up from her seat, her gold gown shimmering under the chandelier light with each movement. [color=F0E399] “We’ll all go to the drawing room.”[/color] Victoria said simply and coldly, dismissive of her daughter’s complaint. 

As their mother made her way into the next room, Duke Gideon pushed off the wall and approached Ariella. He lightly touched her shoulder with a warm smile.[color=Burlywood] “I am glad you’re alright dear… We have no intention of embarrassing you. I apologize sincerely.”[/color] His gaze slid to Drake questioningly, [color=Burlywood] “...I hope you did not make a scene, son.”[/color] 

Ariella’s face softened with her father's touch. She wished so badly it was just them. Life would be much simpler. Let out a defeated sigh [color=slateblue]“ No, Drake was … Drake. It's just hard when you’re being summoned by your parents in a very stern tone while you're on a stroll with a potential suitor...Now the possible future sultan will just think of me as some puppy with her tail between her legs.”[/color] She groaned as she started to head towards the drawing room. Walking inside she took a seat across from her mother who still held a burning look at Ariella.  

Drake sighed as he looked his father in the eyes. [color=greenyellow]”It was a matter of importance, so I treated it thusly. The man seemed rather respectable of the notion and I did my best to make the notion as vague as possible. I simply said there was a family emergency and left it at.”[/color] He began to walk towards the drawing room, stepping beside his father and ushering a whisper. [color=greenyellow]”Please tell me everything's okay. What in gods name did you all find that made you feel the need to meet this late?”[/color]

 [color=Burlywood] “ We found various items in the woods where Ariella snuck off to that could imply that she has intentions of affiliating with the occult.”[/color] Duke Gideon got straight to the point, and addressed both of them instead of just Drake.  [color=Burlywood] “Considering it was an outsider who saw Ariella go into the woods with that man, we are concerned about anything getting out or twisted as we know-”[/color] Gideon began, intending to express his unwavering belief in Ariella's innocence, but his wife interrupted, unable to contain herself.

[color=F0E399]"Oh please we don’t know anything.”[/color] Victoria retorted dismissively. She had been sitting down at the table when the two had walked in. She turned her body to point a finger at Ariella,hazel eyes filled with fury, [color=#F0E399]"Listen here, Ariella. You are lucky to be a part of this family. If you're going to be an Edwards, then you need to start acting like it. You are the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Soralia. [i]We are directly under the King and Queen.[/i] Do you know... Do you know how important we are? How important [i]I[/i] am? You're an Edwards and you're going to start acting like one."[/color]

She rose up to her feet. [color=F0E399] “That means no running in the woods with men and collecting chunks of hair or keeping insane diaries about plants. Oh. And.. [i]It means wearing shoes.[/i] “[/color]

Duke Gideon sighed patiently,  [color=Burlywood] “Let me handle this, dear. Please, feel free to retire for the rest of the night and relax.”[/color]  Victoria simply glared and folded her arms.

He turned his attention to his daughter and gently greeted her,  [color=Burlywood] “Sweetheart. “[/color] Gideon gave her a moment to think before adding, [color=Burlywood] “We found your journals and trinkets in the woods. We also know you snuck off to the woods with someone today.  We are concerned and would like you to tell us what these items are and who you snuck off with.”[/color]

Ariella stared in disbelief at her parents. Her mother's reaction was to be expected, however, it was still just as frustrating. Her father stepped in a little too late, Ariella's blood was already starting to boil. She took a long inhale of air as she let it out slowly trying to calm herself. 

[color=slateblue]“There is nothing to be concerned about, I promise.”[/color] she said, [color=slateblue]“I keep a small library there, I like to read. A person I briefly met at the tavern overheard me discussing some of my favorite authors and was interested in exchanging some books. I offered a tour around the building and showed him where my books were. The little items you found were just rocks and foliage I thought were pretty. I like drawing.”[/color] she shrugged [color=slateblue]“ I don't understand why you are both freaking out. Yes, I was barefoot, the rocks are slippery and my heel would break. I didn’t want to break the beautiful shoes you bought me, Mother.” [/color]

Ariella lied through her teeth, mainly to protect Callum. Although his name would likely make her mother shut up, she didn’t want his name associated with her space. She needed to keep him as far away as she could from them even suspecting a thing. 

[color=Burlywood] “Going off alone in the woods where no one can find you is dangerous, Ariella... I am uncomfortable with it. The Damien Estate was just attacked today and there are criminals in the city. “[/color]

Drake looked on as the three of them began to argue. He knew this was coming, but still felt a slight migraine creeping on the edge of his psyche. For now, his expression remained calm and calculating. He thought of ways to provide any leeway and leverage for his sister, but found very little. He was at least happy she was giving them the story that they talked about on the way in. But that’s when an idea came into his mind. [color=greenyellow]”So the books and art pieces are a simple collection. Do we even know these items are occult related? What exactly was concerning the things you both found?”[/color] He wasn’t sure what exactly they found, nor the nature of their concern, so perhaps prodding the situations carefully would give him an edge to help his sister.

 [color=Burlywood] “ We don’t know that, but some of them were strange. A book of plants, twigs with flower wrapped around it, human hair… It could look strange to some.”[/color] Gideon explained to Drake.  [color=Burlywood] “Even if it was innocent…”[/color] He leaned in to whisper,  [color=Burlywood] “The kingdom guards are paranoid about magic use... We have to be careful.”[/color]

[color=F0E399] “A library in the woods when there’s a library in the city? Ridiculous.”[/color] Victoria scoffed, [color=F0E399] “Plus, what would a noble lady be doing in a library or with a book in the first place? There’s a reason those stuffy Damien girls and deranged Vikena girl all do not have any suitors. Girls who spend their time on looks instead of their nose stuck in a book are going to be the ones who win the game.”[/color]

Ariella rolled her eyes, [color=slateblue]“ Wow a woman who enjoys educating her mind. Fancy that. “ [/color]She scoffed, crossing her arms against her chest as she sat back in the chair,[color=slateblue] “ Perhaps their more educated minds are simply settling for the first man that offers her attention.”[/color] she sighed heavily, [color=slateblue]“ I understand it looks strange without any context behind the matter, but I just told you. I enjoy drawing, I was documenting the different types of plants I found around. Have you never seen a herbology book? It's used for medicine and cooking, teas… And again the twigs were just pretty things I found to decorate my little place. The human hair you say is just my own, it got stuck in some branches when I was looking at some plants. So I cut it off, just wasn’t sure what to do with it. “[/color] She let out an exaggerated sigh [color=slateblue]“ The two of you certainly could create the most interesting tales the way your minds wander.” [/color]

Ariella started to realize just how serious this situation was. With Callum having been at her place, and all the magic-infused items not to mention the book that she had left there. She was going to need to find a way to fix this, she wasn’t going to let this kingdom's largest mouthpiece run around claiming all these tales. Perhaps a spell she could use. She would need to go there at night. She also would need to be more careful. 

[color=slateblue]“Father,”[/color] she said turning her attention to him, her large eyes looking at him with sadness [color=slateblue]“ I swear there was nothing going on, You cannot allow me to not enjoy what I enjoy, it will be torture.”[/color] she leaned forward. [color=slateblue]“ Have I ever done anything to cause worry? I went to all my studies, I learned about all the latest fashions, I come home on time and put in the effort that mother insists. I just had dinner with the sultan and his family for crying out loud. My best friend is the daughter of the king and I have been nothing but good. Sometimes I like to just relax with my shoes off in the woods. Don’t you do something you enjoy? Smoking cigars in your office…enjoying a strong drink after a long day… this is just mine, Father.”[/color] she looked at him with a pleading expression [color=slateblue]“ Please believe me,  I would never do anything to insult you or your name. “ [/color] she shot a dirty look at her mother [color=slateblue]“ Even though I am constantly being reminded how much of a failure of a daughter I am to you “[/color] she turned her attention back to her father [color=slateblue]“ I really am trying my best. I know I don't have any potential suitors yet, but the courting season has only just started. “ [/color] xher face turned into a sad expression of defeat as she tried to lay on the innocent daughter act. 

Drake did his best to hide the disapproval in his body language and soon his tone. This all seemed rather far fetched in his mind. Another excuse for his parents to be worried or frustrated with her. [color=greenyellow]”Well I for one enjoy a learned woman myself. Makes for far more involved conversation. And to further attest for her she really was in the process of establishing relations with a rather personable man.”[/color] Drake chose to ignore the comments of the other women. His opinion of them was on the positive side, but that was because he didn’t buy into any of the tabloids and gossip like his mother.

[color=greenyellow]”Also I can’t remember the last time I used the public library. I prefer a private study as well. I believe I remember lending a botanist journal to Ariella the other day. So far I think this all might be one giant misconception, but feel free to digress.”[/color] His manner was calm, and the little white lie he sprinkled in there was hopefully one that his parents wouldn’t catch on. His tone carried no hint of nervousness or worry, but he still took great care in observing their reactions as he and Ari wove their little tale together.

[color=F0E399] “Ariella stop the melodramatics.”[/color] The Duchess finally declared with a sassy eyeroll. She was secretly interested in hearing more about the dinner with the sultan, but she wouldn’t give Ariella that satisfaction. She’d wait on that. [color=F0E399] “...You’ll be just fine if you stop obsessing over writing about leaves in a book and sitting around in the woods while bugs crawl on your skirt.”[/color] Her gaze intensified. [color=F0E399] “You need to let go of this sick hobby before you tarnish my reputation…”[/color] 

Angrily, she moved to the doorway, but couldn’t resist turning around for one final remark, [color=F0E399] “Drake, Ariella, from this moment forward, we’re doing things the way I want them. [i]No. more. woods.[/i]“[/color] With that, she left Gideon to deal with the two pests.

Gideon sighed. He moved to hug Ariella, rubbing her back comfortingly.  [color=Burlywood] “My dear Ariella.”[/color] He began with a tone etched with warmth and reassurance.  [color=Burlywood] “I’m proud of you. Your intelligence and your passion makes me so proud. I understand you enjoy this pastime and your love for nature. I, too, find fascination in the like… I believe you and I believe you come forward every day with nothing with good intentions.”[/color] He let go and brushed hair from her eyes with a steady hand.  [color=Burlywood] “Your mother and I may have different opinions on how you should act and how you should behave, but I want you to know I trust your judgment. That is not why I asked you here. You’re an adult capable of discerning right from wrong. I am here only with love.”[/color] He gave her a warm smile that gradually faded into a more serious expression.


 [color=Burlywood]  “But… I need you to remember that not everyone is as kind as you are, my little flower.  You have to be careful with how they perceive you. I won’t ask you to abandon your passions, but I need you to exercise more caution and discretion, for the sake of our family and for the sake of your safety… Can you promise me that?”[/color]

Ariella's eyes narrowed in a serious expression. She looked at her father, discretion … she was being cautious even now. However, her sanctuary was no longer a safe place and she would find a way to make it safe once again. It would be a shame if her mother and father simply forgot this conversation even happened. Her brother wouldn’t dare say or do anything to put Ariella in a position but perhaps she also needed to be cautious there. Drake had his own agenda and was too much like their father. 

[color=slateblue]“ I promise,” [/color]she said plainly. She would put on an act, wear fancy outfits, and attend parties… but in her own time, she would start to learn, and learn more magic so no one could cage her again. She knew the perfect person to reach out too. 

Drake’s cold demeanor only seemed to be exasperated by his mother. He turned towards where she had left and began to start a retort, but ultimately found it fruitless. [color=greenyellow]”Blanket statements and commands are unbecoming of you dear mother.”[/color] He spoke under his breath and sighed before turning to the other two.

There was something about the way Ariella spoke and acted towards their father that seemed off. He could tell she had something going in behind those innocent eyes. This truly felt like a game of subterfuge and deceit, as was the case with all noble families nowadays. He nudged back any suspicions he had for now and finally directly spoke to them both.

[color=greenyellow]”With all due respect. She is not 12, and neither are we. Weak rumors and whispers in the dark so not dismantle a family nor its titles. You and I both see to that daily.”[/color] He paused before lowering his voice and stepping beside him, merely a whisper coming from his lips. [color=greenyellow]”The more you alienate her, the sooner she will stop being your daughter and will simply be Ariella.”[/color] Stepping back, his body turned to look at his sister.

[color=greenyellow]”Well my lovely evening has become a bit of a wash. I’m sorry dear sister for all the trouble. If it means anything I doubt you were up to anything nefarious. For now I think I will retire to my study. The door is open if either of you wish to have further word.”[/color] With that he took long and slow strides across the tiled floor and the echoing clacks of his shoes grew fainter as he journeyed down the hall.

 [color=Burlywood] “ Thank you, Drake… Your wisdom is beyond your years. However, when it comes to rumors of any occult or witchcraft, the King will not take them lightly. You must take this seriously, Drake. ”[/color] Gideon said to his son before he left and then glanced back at his daughter,  [color=Burlywood] “ Ariella… Will you be alright? I have some work I must attend to.”[/color] 

Ariellas ears perked up as she looked over at her father [color=slateblue]“ Oh yes, of course. I will likely retire to my room for the night. You mentioned the king … does know any of this, was he the one that reported it?”[/color] she asked curiously [color=slateblue]“ I just would hate if that were the case, to have such a silly misunderstanding affect the family like that” [/color]Truthfully she just wanted to know if she needed to give Callum a heads up. 

[color=Burlywood] “...It was not the King but one of his guards, the Edin’s Enforcers, did take notice.”[/color]

[color=slateblue]“Well, it won't be a problem again.”[/color] she said with a smile [color=slateblue]“ Goodnight Father. “ [/color] Ariella left the drawing room, she had a few letters to write and it seemed. [/color]