Roses for Aria

Aria was the youngest daughter of Crown Prince Altair of Myth Gates and Beatrice of Lareau. She was only twelve when her father decided to visit his long-time friend. Francois Harrison, the Earl of Lancaster. Her older sisters were present too. Briana was the same age as Francis, who turned seventeen last January. Clarisse, who was a year older than Keith, who was fifteen. It was her first time to meet the Harrisons. Henry caught her eye. She’s two years older than her. Keith could describe her hair as a golden light. It’s the color of Keith and Francis although it seemed quite a lighter hue than hers. Her eyes were blue like the ocean. When Keith and Aria’s eyes met, quickly, she hid on her father’s back. “Go on, my darling. I want you to meet them. Please don’t be shy.” Her father said in a softer tone to appease her. “You know that we will stay with them for a week. I hope that a friendship will bloom between you and the younger Harrisons.” “OK.” Aria slightly bowed in front of Keith. Keith held her hand and kissed her hand. He had deep blue eyes that looked like they could see everything in the world. He may look cold outside; he was gentle inside. “Nice to meet you, milady.” ---~~~--- Clarisse and Briana decided to have an afternoon tea with Francis and Henry in the garden. The table was full of sweets, from glazed doughnuts to small cakes in different flavors. Afternoon tea was not part of Aria’s favorite thing, she used to love adventure. She decided to climb on one of the branches of the apple trees nearby. She’s not a scaredy-cat. She did not know that Keith had already joined her. “Don’t you want to join them, Princess Aria?” Keith asked her. At first, she did not know how to reply. “I don’t like little boring conversations.” She heard Keith’s laugh. It made her confused. “Well, why don’t we join them instead? I can give you a good conversation to start with. Plus…” He heard her stomach growl. “You’ll enjoy the glazed doughnuts.” “I do?” “Of course.” Quickly, Keith jumped out of the branch. “Come with me, Princess Aria. Don’t be scared. I’ll catch you.” After hearing that, Aria followed her. She jumped and Keith caught her with open arms. They stared at each other for a moment. He had sweet blue eyes that could melt any woman’s heart. It could give her a foolish heartbeat even though she’s quite young to be in love. “Uhm…I can’t wait to taste those glazed doughnuts.” She said shyly as she held his hand. Holding his hand made her feel secure. Aria sat next to Keith. He carefully poured her some hot green tea, then he gave her the pink glazed doughnut with white almonds. Her sisters, Francis, and Henry were talking about random topics while Aria focused on eating her doughnut while Keith sipped his cup of tea. After a while, Aria heard that Francis was asking about a map of Transvale. She did not dare to listen to other details. She was about to finish her doughnut when she felt a cool hand on her shoulder. “Aria, do you want to come with me? I have to show you something that you won’t regret. The voice of Keith was somewhat soothing. It could give her an unusual vibe. “Aria, I’ll show you around our mansion.” “Sure, I would love it too.” Since it was her first time to walk around in the mansion, it made her feel more excited. Keith gently held her hand as they both entered a small barn full of horses. Then, one white horse caught her attention. “Oh my…is this an appaloosa?” Aria asked him while she patted the head of the white mare. “Is she yours, Keith?” “Yes, she’s mine. This is my favorite horse. I got her on my fourteenth birthday. I named her Sakura because of her color. It really fitted her name. She’s quite an agile horse that can outrun other horses. Then, he walked towards a grey Arabian horse named Storm. “This is my other horse.” He said as he sat down on him. “He’s fast like me.” Without further ado, he picked Aria and made her sit on his lap. “See if you can hold tight to my waist. Let me show you the speed of 'Storm'.” “O-okay.” Aria closed her eyes as she held his waist. They could see the other parts of the mansion. They could see the beautiful scenery full of colorful flowers and trees. “It was my first time to ride one. Although my father owned a lot of horses in the palace, I prefer to play throw and catch with Charlie, my St. Bernard during my free time. However, I realize that I enjoy this kind of view. It’s like a real picture of a landscape painting. Can you teach me how to ride them on my next visit, Keith? I want to tell my older sisters that I can also ride a horse all by myself.” “Why not? I’ll teach you what I know about riding a horse during my free time.” Keith gave her a sweet smile that she cannot forget. Then, they continued to ride their horse, called Storm, as they moved at an amazing speed. “This is my family’s estate. Most of the time, I would be in the fields, practicing with the bow and arrow.” They stopped by the pond. There’s a small pavilion in the middle of it. “And now, my father expects me to get a wife as soon as possible. So, this is where you will live in the future if you choose me,” he explained as he pointed to a massive house. ‘If you will choose me’ Those words captivated Aria’s mind. As if it kept on repeating to her curious mind. “A wife?” Aria glanced at him and she wanted to change the topic. “Just like in a book?” Aria had a little bit no idea about how she'd reply to him since she’s still young. “I don’t know if my father wants to give me a husband right now.” She giggled. “Maybe, when I grow up then I could already choose you. Will you wait for me, Keith? Then, we can determine that you and I might be destined together?”. “Oh, Aria,” Keith laughed. “This is not about an ending in a normal romance book. We are both nobles. And, I will have a chance to marry you someday. Then, it means that we will be the most powerful couple in the Kingdom of Myth Gates. “He said as he looked at Aria’s bright blue eyes. “I want to protect you and make you feel that you’re the luckiest girl in the Kingdom of Myth Gates. Will you wait for me too? When the right time happens, I’ll ask for your hand in marriage… Will you say the word “yes” for me too? “Of course, I am willing to wait for that perfect time.” Aria smiled at him as they watched the swans swimming from the pond. “Oh, look! I could see some swans.” She pointed at the two white swans. “Some people said that swans are loyal to their partners. If one of them dies, then the swan won’t dare to look for another partner until the end.” Keith kept on listening to her explanation as he continued to stare at her. “I am familiar with that story. That’s the reason why there’s an old saying that lovers who died before us are often reincarnated as swans.” Then, he held her hand. “From now on, you’re my swan. You are the most beautiful girl that I’ve ever met. I’m happy that you’re spending your time with me. Hopefully, you will be mine someday.” He placed his hand on her head. “I will make you the envy of any girl in Myth Gates and beyond the whole Transvale.” He kissed her forehead. Before the sun began to set, Keith decided that they needed to go back inside the mansion before it got dark. “Where have you been, Keith?” Francis asked him with a muffled tone. Then, he turned to Aria. “I hope that you are gentle when you are with her. Remember, that she’s just a child. She’s not yet capable of being your puppet.” Aria folded her arms and pouted her lips. “Stop calling me that.” She complained. “I am no longer a child.” Briana and Clarisse looked at her when they heard her explanation. Then, they both chuckled. “Don’t worry, brother. I just showed her around the estate. We even rode one of my horses. I didn’t do anything that could harm her.” He said as he took a look at her. “Oh, Francis is right. You’re still a child, Princess Aria. You still need to eat your veg---” Aria kicked his leg. “Hey, you should not do that!” Keith closed his eyes to hide the pain. “By the way, I have a small gift for you.” He then rummaged through his closet and pulled out a silver necklace decorated with a blue sapphire gem on it. “This is perfect for you, Princess Aria. I hope that you will accept this necklace as part of my gift to you.” The frown on Aria’s face changed into quite surprise when she saw the beautiful necklace. The sparkling blue sapphire caught her eyes. “Oh my.” She kept on staring at the necklace. “Is this really for me?” She pointed at herself. Sapphire was the birthstone of her month since she was born in the first-half of September. Keith walked behind her as he carefully placed the necklace around her slender neck. Although Francis could feel Keith’s hands shaking, he was successful at locking it with the small golden snap-lock behind it. “Yes, this will belong only to you…Let’s say, it’s a way of thanking you for being with me on your first ride and for your future too.” Keith said as he looked back at her from one side. Keith was captivated by her unique beauty. “Do you like my simple present, Princess Aria?” He said with a smile. “I know that sapphire is the birth gem of September. But I chose this gem, because I know that it will perfectly match with you.” There was something in her eyes that Keith could only see. Then, he glanced at Francis. “I know that you’re a little protective of Aria, brother.” “Of course.” Francis nodded. “She seemed like the sister that I never had.” “I will promise you something, Francis. She is in safe hands when she’s with me. I am always there to watch over her.” He ended the conversation with a genuine. “I hope you are true to your words.” Francis gave him a warning look, for he knew that Keith had a bad reputation when it comes to ladies. Aria couldn’t stand herself but to stare at her reflection in the long-standing mirror. “I never knew that this one really fitted me.” She gave Keith a smile. Keith smiled at her too. “I would like to say that I’m truly grateful for this gift. I appreciate this even though my birthday is so far from now.” Briana placed her hand on Aria’s shoulder. “We know that today is still part of summer. Since it’s summer…” She glanced at Francis, Keith, and Henry. “What kind of activity do you prefer for tomorrow?” “How about we play croquet?” Henry suggested. “It’s a perfect sport for a sunny day.” Aria looked at her with dismay. “I…I don’t know how to play that.” “Because little girls like you will never play croquet. You can’t even handle the wooden club.” Clarisse added. “Oh really?” Aria whined. “I’ll show you both. That I can play croquet.” “Croquet?” Keith thought for a moment. “I remember that I tried it once during Henry’s birthday.” Then, he smiled at Aria. He knew that Aria was a good kid. However, she really needs to learn more things about the world. “I can help you learn how to play croquet.” He took one of the wooden clubs from a long wooden basket. “I can help you to learn how to deal with this kind of sport. You’ll get the hang of it by tomorrow.” He demonstrated the basic steps to how to swing the wooden club.” Then he turned to Francis. “Brother, you know how to play this game, right?” Francis and Henry nodded. Then, he needed to ask approval from Francis first before teaching Aria the basic steps. If Aria gets hurt, he might get blame from his older brother for letting her play. It’s quite dangerous for a little girl like her. “Of course. I can’t wait to have you as my competitor. It’s up to Miss Aria if she’ll let you teach her.” Francis challenged him. Then, he glanced at Aria. “If you win tomorrow, I shall bring you my gift too.” It made Aria feel determined. She’s determined to win the game even though the game rules might sound new to her. However, she was curious about what Francis's gift would be. It might be something that she really loved. Perhaps it could be another jewel. She can’t wait for tomorrow. ---~~~--- After dinner, Aria couldn’t sleep so she decided to walk to the hallway of the second floor. There she could hear a familiar tune. It’s the same piece that her late mother played for her. She decided to follow where the music was coming from. Slowly, she pulled the door and saw Francis playing the old grand piano. She could hear some off-keys but she decided to let him finish it. “Hm… you’re playing the minuet in G major by Bach if I am not mistaken.” Francis heard her voice and made him to stop on the half-part of the musical piece. “Oh, you must continue what you’re doing.” She stood beside him. “Thank you, Miss Aria.” Then, he started to play back the missing keys until the whole song was finished. “You’re right, Miss Aria. It’s a minuet in G major. I’m just a little curious.” He gently rubbed the tip of his chin. “What are you doing here within this hour?” “Uhm… I’m really sorry. I just can’t sleep. That’s why your music led me here.” Francis tried to play the same piece again. However, Aria could hear the mistakes that he made. She sat beside him on the piano stool. “Here, let me show you how you should do the minuet.” Then, her hands started to play the minuet as her eyes focused on the musical piece. She closed her eyes as she got closer to the highlights. Confidently, she knew that she could play it perfectly because she had already memorized the entire piece since she was eight. Francis was stunned while he watched her play. He didn’t know what to say. He was amazed by Aria’s talent when it came to classical music. “I never thought that you'd be very talented at such a young age!” Francis applauded her after she finished playing the minuet. “Aria, you are very talented. How come you are so good at music?” “Oh, I…” She flipped the strands of her long golden hair. “I used to do these same pieces with my mother. She’s my first teacher when it comes to piano. My family was musically-inclined. However, my mother really wanted to develop mine because she knew that I had great potential…” She looked down. “My mother did not finish her plan because she died earlier after getting a mysterious illness.” After that, she tried to play the Reinagle’s Op 1. “How about you? How did you learn to play the piano?” “Curiosity,” Francis laughed. “Every noble like us needs to practise a lot to impress people. However, I only learn how to play simple songs. And, I hate to admit that I am quite envious of you.” Then, he scratched his head. “Well, I guess that I need to practice more to have such equal talent as yours, Miss Aria!” Francis was very interested in knowing more about Aria. He hoped that Aria could spend more time with her. “Of course. I could even teach you other complicated songs.” She flipped the pages of the music book in front of her. Then, she began to play the beginning tune of the moonlight sonata. “This song is my favorite, especially when I need to reflect on something. It helps me to decide on both rough and happy times.” Francis listened to how she explained everything. “Aria…” Francis held her hand and squeezed it gently. Aria felt something unusual. It’s the same strange feeling when Keith held her hand too. “Are you willing to be kind enough to teach me everything that you know about piano? Especially the moonlight sonata. The song is very beautiful. Also, I was quite surprised that you even learned how to play this song. Maybe you are a professional musician!” Then, he changed the tone of his voice. It became gentler than before. “Do you have a problem right now? I could help you if you need help! I will listen to everything of your stories.” He then asked Aria politely. “So, Aria…could you please teach me more about piano?” “Of course, I am glad to teach you.” Aria thought for a while about when they would start the first session. “Perhaps, after the croquet.” “Yes, after the croquet.” When Aria left the library, Keith saw Francis staring at the ceiling. Then, he sat beside him. “Do you still see her as a little sister that you never had, brother?” Keith was referring to Aria. “Or, there is something that has developed inside of you?” Francis was startled when Keith asked him that kind of question. He tried to maintain his composure. “Oh, Keith… You know that when I first saw her. She’s like an innocent child and like a little sister that I never had. But…” He paused for a while. “I hate to admit that I am developing feelings for her. Tell me what do you think I should do, Keith?” Francis asked him back. “Do you think that she is also developing the same feelings for me as well.” He stared at Keith’s blue eyes. “So, what do you think? Do you think I have a chance…with Aria?” Francis couldn’t believe that he became nervous when he answered those kinds of feelings. He cannot no longer hold onto his feelings towards her. He was getting nervous about what Keith was about to say. Keith did not expect the answer that he heard. Francis and he developed the same feeling towards Aria. It seemed like he'd have a strong competitor. “I also thought the same as yours,” Keith said. “Her beauty made me fall in love with her. She’s like a rare gem…” He thought in the back of his mind. “Did I say something weird?” Francis raised his eyebrows. “Not at all.” Keith cleared his throat. “However, it will depend on Aria who she is going to choose. Perhaps we need to wait because she’s still a child. And, her unique personality can really hook both of us, unlike with Briana or Clarisse. I enjoy the moment that I spend time with her exploring the estate with Storm. (He’s referring to his appaloosa). How about you? What did you like about Aria?” “Well, that is the thing that I’m talking about. Aria is a special one. I like everything about her, her personality, her way of thinking. The thing that I loved the most is her talent at music. I could go on and on about her special personality. But I also think that everything depends upon her if she has feelings for me. So, what do you think, Keith? Do you think I have a chance with Aria or not? I’m willing to wait for her until the perfect time.” Keith shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe, it’s a yes or a no.” Keith sighed. “I never thought that we had the same taste when it comes to women. I do hope that Henry has a different choice.” He chuckled. “Anyway, I want to say it is ‘good luck’ to you, Brother.” He gently tapped Francis’s shoulder. “Well, Keith,” Francis turned to him. “I am happy to know that you agree with me to have a chance with Aria! What about you? Are you interested in Briana or Clarisse?” “I will think about it.” Keith smirked at him. At the back of his mind, he had other thoughts. ‘I swear that you will not succeed with your plan.’ ~~~---~~~~ Aria stared at her reflection in the standing mirror. She was happily flipping the edge of her red checkered puff-sleeved dress when she saw Francis’s presence behind her. It made her startled. “Sorry, if I have scared you.” Francis gave her a genuine smile. “Today’s the perfect day for croquet, right?” Aria nodded. Then, Francis tapped her shoulder. “If you win today’s game, I’ll give you a special gift.” ‘Special gift for me?’ Aria pointed at herself. She wondered what it would be. It unlocked her curiosity. It might be a jewel like Keith gave her yesterday. The only problem was she had never played croquet before. It might be hard for her to win the game. It was a sunny day and a perfect day for croquet. They started to choose their own club to hit a small round ball. "How can I hold this?" Aria stared at the wooden club. "Both hands or one hand. Uhm... it's a little bit heavier than I expected. " She tried to lift the wooden club. She could hear the others laugh but only Keith remained silent. All of them gathered in the garden. Briana was wearing a violet dress while Clarisse was wearing a yellow dress. Keith looked dashing in his light blue suit while Francis wore his white suit. Henry came late in his brown suit. They decided to pick their wooden clubs. Since Aria was the slowest among them all, the only wooden club left for her was the heaviest. “H-how will I play this again?” Aria scratched her head as she tried to get hold of the wooden club. Keith approached Aria and walked behind her. “You hold it like this,” He put her hands on the handle of the club. Then, he showed her how to hold it properly. Aria’s young heart skipped a bit when Keith was holding both of her hands. She didn’t know how to concentrate when he’s already near her. “Now, let’s try it ourselves!” He said as he grabbed his own club and walked to the first ball. Then, he glanced at Aria. “You need to hit the ball with your club. Once you are satisfied with your shot, then you can start playing. Simple as that!” He said as he gave her a warm smile while teaching her the basic techniques. “Okay.” Aria gave him a thumbs up. When it was her turn, the weight of the club was not balanced with her body weight. She lost her balance and fell to the ground. Aria watched the ball roll to the second ring. It was a little further than Henry’s. Francis watched from far but then heard Aria’s fall. He immediately ran to her in order to check her condition. “Are you okay, Aria?” “Oh…It’s just a small scratch.” Aria swept off the dirt from her hands and the edge of her dress. He extended his hand to help her to stand. “I see that you have some problems using the basic steps of Croquet.” Francis demonstrated the basic skills again to Aria. “Here, let me show you how to do it correctly.” He held Aria’s wooden club, he made sure that she could do the techniques. “If you still have some problems, I could teach you everything that I know about it.” Then, Aria watched Francis hold his own club during his turn. It reached the third ring. Keith watched them from afar. When it was his turn, he gathered all his energy as he swung his own wooden club. It almost rolled to the fifth ring, which was the farthest among them all. “See, Francis.” Keith tapped Francis’s shoulder. “I could still beat you in this game even though I have a little practice.” He was happy that he won the first half of the game. The girls were shocked that he won. But that didn’t stop him from being happy. “Aria, I told you. It’s easy if you just focus your eyes on your ball.” He said as he raised his hands in celebration. Aria took a deep breath as she wondered if she could win in order to get the gift that Francis told her a while ago. She needed to beat Keith. However, she wondered how she would beat him. Keith went beside her. “If you win this game, I’ll owe you one request. But if you join my training sessions together with Francis,” he said as he stuck his hand out for her to shake a deal with him. “Sounds great to me.” Aria shook his hand. “I bet you will lose the second half,” Briana said with confidence. “Because you’re still a little girl.” “I am not a little girl!” Aria protested as she folded her arms. “Actually, I agree with that.” Keith patted Aria’s head. “You’re still a little girl to me.” “Wait and see.” Aria pouted as she took her last turn after Clarisse’s turn was done. She closed her eyes and made a silent prayer.