Arranged Aristocracy

Chapter 4: Imperial Engagement and Possible Truths

Pendragon 18th the following year.

Since that day, I have never set eyes on Nathalio again. He heeded my words but I am lonely, without him here to brighten up my day. I have officially completed my empress training and today is my formal introduction into the royal family. Going forward I will be required to wear a mask always, except for in the presence of my personal maids, the royal family and their trusted advisors. I really don’t know how I feel about this, as I am yet to attain the knowledge of the reason for the mask. Unfortunately I was also informed that only when I am married to the crown prince, I will be allowed to attend family meals. I was so ecstatic thinking that I will finally get to see my fiancé only to be disappointed yet again.

My maids were busy looking through my closet for a dress that was suitable for me to wear to the engagement ball. When a knock sounded on the door. Sarah rushed to answer it and came back holding four cloth bags. “Your highness, it is time to get ready, the ball is in four hours and we can’t afford to be late,” Sarah said seeming fidgety. I rolled my eyes playfully saying, “Sarah, how many times have I told you to call me Ariadne? I am not yet married to crown prince Alaric, therefore I am not yet a crown princess and as a result I am just a normal citizen of Aidinth like you. Besides, we are friends there is no need to be so formal.” “Your highness, after today you will be Crown Princess Consort Ariadne. I cannot with all due respect call you Ariadne. I love the position that my head is currently at thank you,” Sarah replied with a curtsy. It’s at times like this that I miss Nathalio. The most carefree spirit that I have ever met. I would temporarily forget that I was going to be the future empress of Aidinth, which in itself was very refreshing. I just looked at Sarah and sighed admitting defeat.

I stepped into the warm vanilla and almond scented bath and felt my tense muscles relax, as my worries drifted away. I submerged myself completely as I prepared myself for tonight’s festivities. After I was finished, I went to my bed to see the most beautiful violet gown that I have ever laid eyes upon. It was violet, silver, white and black. Sarah helped me into the dress and it hugged my waist and flared out at the bottom. The dress was a classy strapless violet gown with silver embellishments on the bodice area flowing towards the skirt, the waist was cinched with a row of diamonds along the waist and a black bow containing a larger diamond in the center. The skirt of the dress started with white at the waist, then lilac, to purple, violet and it ended in black. There were silver, white, purple, lilac, violet and black butterflies scattered at the base of the skirt. They seemed as if they will take flight at any moment. The cape for over my shoulder was made of violet tulle and it made a long trail behind me as I walked. My hair was placed in several curled ringlets on top of my head, with a silver tiara containing amethyst stones of varying sizes and diamonds to match the dress. For accessories I wore an amethyst and diamond necklace and earring set. To complete the ensemble I wore silver and violet sparkly heels. When I looked in the mirror, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The dress brought out my eyes and the natural colour of my hair. As I turned to head for the door, I heard Sarah calling me. I spun around to see her holding a mask in her outstretched hand. “Thanks Sarah,” I said as I placed the mask over my eyes and fastened it behind my head. This was going to be my new normal.

Ballroom where the engagement ball is taking place.

Alaric’s POV:

Although he was seventeen now and no longer the curious fourteen year old that snuck away from his birthday party to see Ariadne three years ago. Alaric was growing impatient awaiting her arrival. After that day, he avoided her like the plague because he was scared of what Alduin will do in her presence. Now, however he didn’t care about that at all as from today until their marriage she will become his crown princess consort. Signaling that their marriage is only one year away. While he was deep in thought, the smell of vanilla and almonds assailed his senses, causing him to lose his train of thought and look in the direction of the scent. Upon seeing her, he lost his ability to breathe. She looked breathtaking in that violet dress, which enhanced her violet eyes and the lilac highlights in her hair. Alaric didn’t realize that he was staring until she came up to him to offer her greeting and she nervously asked, “is there a problem with my outfit your highness? Is it my hair or makeup? Is my lip stain smudged? I tried so hard to look perfect, so that you wouldn’t reject me.” Alaric looked at her as if she had grown two heads and replied, “no, nothing is wrong with your apparel. I was just enthralled by your beauty.” This caused her to blush profusely and she just smiled in reply.

While they were in a world of their own, they were brought out of it by the orchestra playing a waltz. Realizing that everyone was waiting on them to take the dance floor. Alaric took Ariadne’s hand, kissed it causing her to become more red and led her to the dance floor. Alaric looked quite dashing in his matching violet outfit. He wore a white pleated shirt with black buttons, a black tie and pants with a black jacket containing violet embellishments woven in intricate patterns along its entire surface. To complete his princely attire was a violet and black shoes, a mask in the same colour and a crown similar to Ariadne’s but made especially for him. He looked dynamic, even with the mask obscuring his features. The jacket hugged his muscles tantalizingly, hinting at well defined arms underneath. As Alaric held her close Ariadne felt like her breath was stolen from her as they began to waltz. She silently prayed to Inari that her three years of preparation for this moment, will help her to avoid feeling ashamed. To onlookers they looked like a match Bahamut himself took his time to create as they danced together not missing a beat. This couldn’t be further away from the truth for Ariadne as she prayed silently that she doesn’t embarrass herself. That is until she looks into Alaric’s eyes and feels herself relax as she becomes lost in his green orbs. He has the most mesmerizing eyes that she has ever seen. This makes her even more curious to see what he looks like. This thought lead her to ask the question that has been plaguing her for a while now. “Your highness,” she began, “is it okay if I ask you a question?” Alaric looked at her and smiled saying, “ You may, however you have to call me Alaric first. You are now my crown princess consort, there is no need to be so formal. In a years time you will be my wife.” He finishes with a smirk. Ariadne was caught off guard but nodded in acknowledgement. “So Alaric,” she nervously continued, “why do we have to wear these stuffy masks? I really don’t see the purpose.” Alaric glanced at her and struggled to hold in his laughter, tears pooling at the sides of his eyes. When he felt like he had calmed down sufficiently. He replied, “I hate the stuffy masks as well but it is for our protection. I can’t go into details here as this is not the occasion for such sombre stories, but I promise that I will tell you.” Ariadne accepted his answer with a nod and said, “I have something to tell you before we proceed with the engagement.” Alaric looked at her with raised eyebrows, not that she could see. Realizing this he simply said, “proceed.” Ariadne was in the middle of preparing her explanation, when the waltz ended and they were required to take their seats and proceed with the evening’s festivities. The evening progressed smoothly without Ariadne getting to speak to Alaric about the issue that was weighing heavily on her heart.

Ariadne’s POV:

Feeling completely exhausted from the events of the evening. Ariadne could barely stand to allow Sarah to help her undress and put on something comfortable to sleep. Finally free from the bondage of the eye catching dress and heels. She lay sprawled over the bed looking at the majestic diamond ring on her finger. This was an indication that she was officially Crown Princess Consort Ariadne, future empress of Aidinth. As she looked at the ring she remembered Alaric’s captivating eyes and his voice that was as smooth as velvet. She felt her heart doing leaps, as her stomach tied in knots. These feelings were becoming overwhelming. Why does he have this effect on me and I have never seen his face? I meet him a few times before and I have never had this type of reaction. What is going on? Ariadne’s mind was racing and she eventually fell into a confused sleep, Alaric heavily imprinted on her mind.

Alaric’s POV:

I didn’t realize how much I missed Ariadne until I saw her tonight. Her intoxicating aroma, those violet eyes and her perfectly curved body. I need to stay away, it’s only a year. “We can do this right Alduin?” All I heard was a laugh. That damn cheeky dragon actually laughed at my distress. “Did you get a joke that I somehow missed?” I chastised him. I felt him smirk. How is this possible? “Yes, the joke is you thinking that we can do this, and with such a tease for a mate. My advice is to go on a reconnaissance mission to see what your uncle is up to. I know that he is up to something, he has been too quiet these past few years. He didn’t even come to his own nephew’s engagement party. Didn’t your dad tell you about his suspicions?” Alduin said. Sending the wheels in my head spinning. Dad did say that he had a mission for me, I better take him up on that offer. I really need a distraction or else Ariadne will find out that Nathalio and Alaric are one and the same before she has to.

Author’s Note: Will Nathalio re-emerge? What is the cause of Ariadne’s sudden feelings? Is she really prepared for the trials ahead? What is Alaric’s uncle up to? Tune in next time on Arranged Aristocracy.