𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞

17. A ghost story

The sun rose gently over the horizon, casting a warm glow throughout the royal palace. Arielle stood by her window, watching as the light painted the gardens in shades of gold and green. Today, her brother Samuel was coming to visit, and she felt a flutter of excitement. Although she hadn't spent much time with him since arriving in this world, there was a familiarity in his presence that comforted her. Plus, he even looked exactly like her little brother, Su Ting.

When Samuel arrived, he bounded into her room with a wide grin. "Sister!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Everyone missed you-especially Mother. She's been worried sick! You need to come back home at least for a week!"

Arielle's heart warmed at his enthusiasm. "I've been busy with lessons and royal duties. I didn't think anyone would notice my absence," she said, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Oh, trust me, they did. Mother hasn't stopped talking about you," Samuel replied, his tone teasing. "She was convinced you were being held captive in the palace or something."

Arielle chuckled, the tension of her recent life at the palace easing slightly. "All right, I'll go back for a week. I could use a break from all the lessons anyway," she said, feeling a rush of relief.

After informing her teachers about her decision, she packed her belongings and made her way back to her manor, eager to spend time with her family.

Meanwhile, at the palace, Aiore sat at the breakfast table, scanning the room for Arielle. He usually didn't pay much attention to her presence, but today was different. The absence of her laughter and the way she would tease Aldith made the table feel eerily quiet. He glanced at Aldith, who was casually sipping his tea. "Where is she?" he asked, attempting to sound indifferent.

"She went back to her manor for a week," Aldith replied, raising an eyebrow at Aiore's casual inquiry. "I think she needed a break."

Aiore's heart sank at the thought. A whole week without her? He dismissed the feeling as quickly as it came, telling himself she was annoying anyway. "Good riddance," he muttered, though he couldn't shake off the unsettling loneliness that began to creep in.

Back at her manor, Arielle was enveloped in the warmth of her family. Her mother welcomed her home with open arms, immediately pulling her to a tight hug. "I can't believe you're here! I missed you so much!" Like a teenage girl, she beamed and added, "We have so much catching up to do."

Arielle nodded excitedly, eager to reconnect.

That afternoon, she was the one to prepare lunch, taking over the kitchen, dismissing the cooks.

"Wow, Arielle! This is delicious!" her mother exclaimed after tasting a dish Arielle had prepared. "Where did you learn to cook like this?"

"I've been reading cookery books," Arielle said with a smile, looking at her brother from the corner of her eyes, hoping he would buy the excuse. Samuel joined them at the table, his eyes wide with disbelief. "You've never even set foot in the kitchen before! How did you suddenly become a master chef?" he teased, crossing his arms.

Arielle shrugged, feigning innocence. "I just found it interesting, that's all. I figured it would be useful," she replied, glancing at her mother, who looked proud of her daughter's newfound skills.

The family enjoyed dinner together, the conversation flowing easily. Samuel shared stories about his day-to-day life, while Arielle listened intently, laughing at his antics. It felt good to be part of a family, even if she didn't know them well yet.

Later that evening, Arielle sought a moment of peace in the garden. She settled onto a swing, clutching a book she had been meaning to read. Just as she was about to lose herself in the pages, she spotted a royal carriage pulling into the driveway. Her heart raced with anticipation-could it be Aiore?