Not Just A Pretense

Chapter 9 - Friends in Low Places

Arielle's POV

The Next Day

Yesterday was the one of the most painful days of my life. I hadn't seen that man since the day of the assault, and I'm not entirely sure I was prepared to see him again. Maybe it was foolish to think I'd ever be ready. Edward was so strong, and I'm so grateful to him for being there for me. Because of him, that man will never hurt anyone again.

As I sit in my room thinking about everything that has happened, a knock on my door calls my attention. I call out to allow the person to enter. My aunt is in town, so I doubt it's her at the door. It can't be the prince either, because he's dealing with some political matters. I don' know who it could be. I'm surprised to see Hope, one of the younger maids, open the door.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, milady," she begins in a shy voice. "There is a Mister Alfred Noel here to see you. He is waiting in the library."

"Thank you," I smile at her, standing. I can't believe I had forgotten about Alfred. He was a good friend of mine during the entire scandal. He's not of noble blood, but he's really cultured for a commoner. Most of the time, he's traveling the world, so it took a little while to track him down when I needed him. If anyone could help me out of a bad situation, it's Alfred.

I walk as calmly as I can down the stairs and into the library. My aunt and I managed to track him down in the kingdom of Oriens. We had originally asked him to come to Charles with a couple of fake passports and a plan to smuggle me out. I was really hoping to leave before Prince Edward figured out what had happened; I'm glad the prince wasn't upset with me.

"Mister Noel," I greeted warmly as I entered the library. He was sitting in the antique wingback chair thumbing through a first edition novel by some American author I don't remember the name of. He looks up at me and smiles slightly. His eyes look tired, as if he had been traveling all night.

"Lady Arielle," he stands and walks to my side. "I apologize for not coming earlier, but I didn't receive your message until three days ago."

"It's no problem. Everything has worked itself out." I gestured to the wingback chair and sat in the seat opposite of it. "As I stated in my message to you, I was worried certain events would come to light."

He nodded and resumed sitting in the wingback chair. "Yes. What happened?"

"The prince of this nation was trying to find out about my history, and I was worried that once he discovered the truth, I would be stripped of my title and banished." I gave a small smile. "He surprised me, actually. Instead of punishing me, he punished you-know-who."

"I'm impressed. I have a feeling I'd like your prince." He grins, his eyes lighting up.

"Prince Edward is really kind. I'm only sorry you had to get a last-minute flight all the way from Oriens."

Alfred grins as he leans back in the chair. "It's good to see you again, and I'm glad everything worked out." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small booklet. "Wanna hear about my latest adventures?"

We talked for hours about how the last few months have gone for us. Alfred talked of his travels, and I spoke of my engagement. It was a wonderful night full of laughter and tears.

#

It was late when we finally said good bye, and I got to go to bed. It was good seeing Alfred, and I'm glad he didn't need to smuggle me out of the country.

Thinking back on all that has happened, I can't help but marvel at the way everything turned out. I'm finally free of my past. Prince Edward and I are dating. My aunt is no longer bugging me about courtship. Things couldn't be any better. I'm only left to wonder what will happen in the future.

Sorry for the short chapter. Next chapter will be posted later today or tomorrow. It's been a crazy few weeks, and I'm sorry for all the slow updates. As always, I want to thank everyone for reading!