The Storyteller

Chapter 2

Ariadne sat on a log humming to herself quietly, she sighed longingly as she imagined herself at the ball tonight. What her mother didn't know was that she had already met the King, not officially of course but she had seen him when she took secret trips to the city. She would wrap herself in a dark emerald coat and put a small untraceable glamour on her face so that each person that looked at her would see something different.

On one of her visits, she had literally bumped into him and fell to the floor in her attempt to move away quickly. He had helped her to her feet and as she stood she started apologizing and thanking him, he moved closer to her his lips almost touching her ear, she shivered as she felt his breath caress her neck.

"That is a very impressive glamour, as you have not tried to kill me nor anyone else I shall not reveal you. I assume you were told not to come here by your mother or father?" He whispered, he still held her hand in a loose grip. His thumb moved slowly back and forth caressing the back of her hand sending goose bumps up her arms.

"Yes your majesty, my mother." She answered desperately hoping he couldn't hear her heart as it tried to beat out of her chest .

"Yes I thought as much, don't worry it'll be our little secret." He smirked mischievously and winked at her, she swore she heard him chuckle as he walked away from her leaving her breathless and stunned.

From that moment on she used any free time she had to sneak into the city but she didn't see him. She got desperate at one point and transformed herself into a small bird, a nightingale, she flew around the castle in hope of catching a glimpse of him. She almost gave up until at last, she spotted him in the tallest tower, elegantly leaning against the balcony. Feeling bold she flew towards him and perched on the wall surrounding the balcony.

"Ah, little one you are more than what you seem aren't you? You are very skilled at magic little nightingale." He smiled secretively before diving off the balcony. She was glad that she couldn't scream or she would have felt rather humiliated as she watched him transform seamlessly into an owl. If owls could laugh she knew he would have been, she chirped softly to herself as she flew back home exhausted from the magic she had used.

Shaking her head she stood up and began to sing softly to herself.

But I'll be there for you,

As the world falls down.

Falling, falling in love.

"That's very beautiful Aria." Libera smiled.

"Avia, you scared me! It's just a little song I was thinking of singing at the ball tonight." Ariadne explained modestly.

"I'm sure the King will love it," Libera said knowingly.

"You really think so? Oh I mean it's not for the King I just umm..." Ariadne trailed off blushing madly.

"Now really Aria, did you think I didn't know about your trips to the city? Or that time you flew as a nightingale to the castle?" Libera asked rhetorically.

"I'm sorry I know I'm not supposed to go but I get so bored cooped up in here all the time I just couldn't help it." Ariadne apologized though they both knew she didn't mean it.

"Aria, you are very capable of taking care of yourself. It is why I have not told your mother. As long you continue to be cautious and as long as your duties come first, I see no problem with it." Libera said kindly.

"Speaking of duties what are we doing today?" Ariadne asked.

"I'm glad you asked, first of all, we are going to help the young rock caller back to his home." Libera began.