𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞

18. You aren't boring

The next two days at her family's manor felt like a rejuvenating retreat for Arielle. After the constraints of lessons and royal duties, she embraced the warmth and familiarity of home. Each moment spent with her family reminded her of the comfort and joy she had missed since arriving in this new world.

On the first day, Arielle awoke to the inviting scent of breakfast wafting through the house. Her mother was already in the kitchen, bustling about with a smile on her face. "Arielle, come help me!" she called, her voice bright with excitement. Arielle hurried to the kitchen, where they spent the morning together, laughing and chatting as they prepared a delicious meal. They made fluffy pancakes drizzled with honey, colorful fruit salads, and savory omelets.

While they cooked, Arielle's mother shared stories from Arielle's childhood-her first steps, her first words, and the countless moments of laughter they had shared. Arielle listened intently, feeling a deep sense of connection as they worked side by side.

In the afternoon, Arielle and her brother Samuel ventured out to the garden. The sun shone brightly, and the flowers bloomed in vibrant colors. They spent hours tending to the plants, pulling weeds, and planting new flowers. Samuel taught Arielle about each plant and how to care for them. The simple act of working the soil and nurturing the plants filled Arielle with a sense of accomplishment and peace.

On the second day, she joined her father in his study, where they discussed the family business. Though it had never been a topic of great interest to her, she found herself captivated by her father's passion and expertise. He explained the intricacies of their trade, the importance of building strong relationships, and the values that guided their dealings.

That afternoon, the siblings went for a walk by the lake, enjoying the cool breeze and the gentle sounds of nature. Samuel told her about their childhood adventures, especially the time when they had tried to catch frogs, only to end up muddy and soaked. Arielle found joy in these moments, although these memories didn't belong to her.

On the morning of the third day, everything shifted. A royal letter arrived, hand-delivered by a guard. Arielle's heart raced as she recognized the seal-it was from Queen Ezra. With a mix of anticipation and anxiety, she opened the letter, reading its contents carefully.

The queen requested Arielle to serve as a co-hostess at an upcoming banquet, seeking her assistance in preparations to help her gain experience in hosting. The thought of being back in the palace and seeing Aiore again sent a flurry of butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

"I'll go," Arielle declared, a newfound determination settling in her chest. She felt ready to return, excited by the prospect of seeing Aiore and the involvement of palace life. After all, she had enjoyed her time with her family immensely, but her curiosity about Aiore was undeniable.

Upon arriving at the palace, Arielle was greeted by the hustle and bustle of the royal household. The air was filled with laughter and chatter as servants busily prepared for the upcoming banquet. Arielle quickly dived into the preparations, her excitement rekindled.

However, the work proved to be unexpectedly demanding. What began as a straightforward role quickly evolved into a whirlwind of tasks. She spent hours coordinating with the chefs, selecting menus, organizing invitations, and arranging decorations. With each passing hour, Arielle found herself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of details-everything had to be perfect for the queen's banquet.

As the day wore on, Arielle found herself skipping meals in the chaos. The preparations consumed her every moment, and by the time midnight approached, her stomach growled with hunger, punishing her for skipping meals.

Entering the kitchen, she was greeted by familiar silence. However, to her surprise, Aiore was there, rummaging through the leftovers. "You should have woken me up," she said lightly, trying to keep the mood playful despite her exhaustion.