Arcanum

Chapter 38: Aiyana

"Aiyana?" A voice called from below the tree, and I looked to see Charlene standing below the tree.

"Hey." I half smiled, and the girl turned into a bobcat, and joined me on the branch of the jungle tree. Charlene then transformed back into her normal form, and looked at me with a sad expression,

"I heard about you and the General, and I have something to tell you." She explained, and I looked at her, "He disappeared a few hours ago." Charlene gaze travelled to the foggy night sky. I almost screamed in rage, and buried my face in my hands,

"I have to find him." I snarled, and Charlene touched my shoulder,

"I'll come with you." She offered, and I sighed, but finally agreed. The two of us scrambled down the tree, and were about to head back to my house when Kenji and Akira appeared in front of us.

"Hi?" Charlene blinked at the guys, and Akira was the first to speak,

"Princess, tomorrow Prince Chayton is arriving from the other Catori Kingdom." He explained,

"Why?"

"He wants to marry you." Kenji cut in, and my eyes widened in surprise,

"But I can't marry him!" I cried out, and the brothers sighed,

"The priest says he is the one for you."

"No please." I starting crying,

"We talked to everyone in the village, and sadly they want you to marry him too."

"They can't make me." I growled, but Kenji grabbed my shoulders,

"Princess, I know he may not be your soul mate, but think of your village."

"Chayton is a good fighter too." Akira added, and I sighed,

"Fine. When is he arriving?"

"Around early evening. There will be a ball hosted so you can meet the prince."

"Okay." I nodded, and headed back to my house, ignoring everyone on my way back. When I got there, I laid down on the bed, and stared at the ceiling, grabbing my emerald necklace. "I wish you were here mom. You'd stop this." I whispered to the necklace.

"There's the beautiful princess." One of the tailors from my village walked in, her hair up in a bun. In her hands, she was holding a dress. I tried my best to smile as she handed me the dress. As I undressed and slipped it on, I realized how beautiful of a dress it really was. It was dark purple, and the top half hugged my chest and waist perfectly. The dress was also covered in white beads. The bottom went out like a typical ball gown, and faded into a lavender colour.

"It's beautiful." I said to the tailor, who just smiled,

"Glad you like it." She waved, and I examined the dress once again. I wished I was wearing this to see Lucas, and not some prince. Sighing, I got out of the dress, and slipped it into my closet. After that, I crawled into bed, and didn't waste any time falling asleep.

---

"It's almost time." Charlene stood beside me, looking over my dress.

"Yeah." I nodded, and the girl looked at me,

"I'm sorry. I wish I was put in your place instead. I know how much you loved the General. Plus, to be honest, Prince Chayton is a jerk. Surprised anyone likes him." I giggled at Charlene, and she smiled,

"Can I say that Lucas would be in complete shock if he saw you in this?"

"Thanks." I smiled at my friend, and gave her a hug. Charlene giggled, and then sat me by the mirror,