𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 (𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝)

33. I'm back

Arielle's eyes fluttered open as soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. Her limbs felt heavy, and as she slowly sat up in bed, her gaze fell on the figure slumped over in a chair beside her.

Aiore.

He was fast asleep, his head resting uncomfortably against the edge of her bed. The sight of him stirred something deep within her. He looked exhausted, dark shadows under his eyes, as if sleep had evaded him for days-no months.

Tears welled up in her eyes, her chest tightening with emotion. She couldn't bear to see him like this-so vulnerable, so utterly worn out from waiting. A sob threatened to escape her lips, but she quickly pressed her hands over her mouth, trying to stifle any sound. Her shoulders trembled as she silently cried, her heart breaking at the sight of the man who had stayed by her side for so long. The years of separation, the pain, it all came crashing down in that moment.

She didn't want to wake him. Not yet.

Suddenly, a soft gasp filled the room. Arielle turned, startled, to see a maid standing at the doorway. The maid's eyes were wide in disbelief, her hands trembling as she covered her mouth in shock.

"The king's fiancée... she's awake!" the maid whispered, her voice barely audible. "After three years..."

Arielle quickly put her finger to her lips, gesturing for the maid to stay quiet. She wasn't ready to announce her return yet, especially not to Aiore. Not like this.

The maid, though confused, obediently nodded. Arielle slipped out of bed with the maid's assistance, her legs weak but determined. Once she was standing, she looked back at Aiore, still sound asleep, oblivious to the miracle happening before him. She felt an overwhelming urge to run to him, to embrace him, to tell him everything. But she held herself back. There would be a time for that-just not now.

"I need a bath," Arielle whispered to the maid. "And a change of clothes. Then... I want you to take me to Prince Aldith."

The maid blinked, surprised by the request but nodded. She guided Arielle to an empty room, where she helped her take a bath and dress in a comfortable gown. Arielle's hands trembled slightly as she washed away the years of sleep, her mind racing with thoughts of what had happened while she was unconscious. She had to see her son. And Aiore. But first, Aldith.

Once she was dressed, Arielle followed the maid through the palace corridors, her heart pounding with anticipation. What would Aldith say when he saw her? How much had changed since her departure?

When they finally arrived at Aldith's study, the maid knocked on the door. Without looking up, Aldith's voice came from inside, absentmindedly focused on his work. "Come in."

Arielle stepped into the room quietly. Aldith was sitting at his desk, reviewing papers, his brow furrowed in concentration. He didn't even glance up at her, too immersed in the project in front of him.

"Aldith, I'm back," Arielle said softly, her voice cutting through the silence.

At the sound of her voice, Aldith froze. His head snapped up, his eyes widening in disbelief. He blinked once, twice, as if trying to convince himself that what he was seeing was real.

And then, without warning, he fainted.

Arielle couldn't help but let out a soft giggle as she rushed to his side. "Aldith, you idiot," she whispered, shaking her head. She knelt beside him, lightly patting his cheek until he slowly came to his senses. His eyes fluttered open, and when he saw her again, his face filled with a mixture of shock and joy.

"Arielle...? Is it really you?" His voice cracked as he reached out to touch her hand, almost afraid she would disappear. "Are you a ghost?"

Arielle rolled her eyes, smiling. "No, I'm real. Go on, touch me if you don't believe it."

Aldith's hand trembled as he grasped hers. When his fingers met her warm skin, he let out a shaky breath. "It's really you," he whispered, his voice filled with wonder. Tears welled up in his eyes. "We missed you so much. Come, we need to go to my brother-Aiore has been waiting for you for three long years. I can't even begin to describe how much he's missed you."

"I know," Arielle said softly, her heart aching. "But first... I need to see my son."

Aldith gave her a look that screamed disbelief. "Are you serious right now? My brother is going to lose his mind when he realizes you're awake, and you want to go see your son first?"

Arielle smiled mischievously. "I have a plan. I want to surprise Aiore. He'll never forget it."

Aldith sighed, shaking his head, though a smile tugged at his lips. "You waking up is already the biggest surprise of his life. But fine, let's do this your way." He stood up, excitement bubbling in his chest. "Come, I'll take you to see him."

As they walked through the palace, Aldith asked quietly, "How did you know he was alive? We weren't sure you even knew."

Arielle placed her hand over her belly, where she once carried her son. "I knew," she said softly. "Even in my dreams, I knew he was alive. I believed it. My heart told me my son was still alive. I knew you'd protect him."

Aldith smiled, his heart swelling with admiration. "We saved him, you know. I made sure of it. I knew you'd wake up and ask for him."

"Thank you," Arielle whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

They arrived at the little prince's room, and when Arielle stepped inside, she froze. There, sleeping peacefully in his bed, was her son. The toddler looked so small, so fragile, his tiny chest rising and falling with each breath. Tears filled her eyes as she knelt beside his bed, gently stroking his cheek.

"Baby," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Mommy's back. And this time, I'll never leave you again."

Aldith moved to wake the child, but Arielle stopped him. "Let him sleep," she said softly. "By the way... what's his name?"

Aldith hesitated, his face contorting with discomfort. "Do you really want to know?"

"Of course. I'm his mother, aren't I?"

Aldith coughed awkwardly. "His name is... Whatever."

Arielle blinked, taken aback. "What?"

"That's what Aiore named him. He's called... Whatever."

Arielle's mouth fell open in shock, but before she could respond, there was a sudden commotion. Aiore had woken up. His frantic voice echoed down the halls. "Arielle! Where is Arielle!?"

Aldith gave her a sly smile. "Let's prepare for the surprise."