Return of the Legendary Runesmith

Ariana finally stepped out of the meeting room after spending over two hours discussing security plans with the officials.

They had gone over every detail of their preparations for the upcoming meeting with the Vermillion family.

To her surprise, they even revealed secret information—hidden soldier placements and traps set around the palace.

It might’ve seemed like they trusted her, but deep down, Ariana knew the truth. If anything went wrong, they wouldn’t hesitate for a second before turning on her—calling her a traitor or worse.

I need to get out of this mess, she thought. She no longer wanted to be involved with the Capital or whoever they were trying to impress.

Her only concern now was the academy—and the students.

Unless something truly catastrophic happened, she had no intention of returning here again.

"Ah, Aria. Wait!" a voice called out behind her.

Ariana instinctively picked up her pace, hoping to avoid yet another conversation.

But he was quick—far too quick—and caught up to her in no time.

"You’re joining the celebration this evening, right?" the Prince asked with a smile.

The Vermillion family was expected to arrive in a few hours, and the King had arranged a small gathering in their honor.

Ariana shook her head. "I won’t. I’m tired and need to be at my best for tomorrow."

She was responsible for the King’s protection—and since she was among the strongest present, her role tomorrow was crucial. She needed to stay close to him throughout the day.

Edward blinked, clearly confused. "But I thought you needed to be near Father? Besides, some of our old school friends are coming tonight. You have to come."

Ariana narrowed her eyes slightly. "This isn’t the kind of celebration where you invite outsiders."

He gave a sheepish smile. "They work for the Vermillion family. I received a letter from them."

"Oh." Ariana was a little surprised, but she still replied, "I don’t think I’ll get a chance to meet them. My duty starts tomorrow, after all."

She planned to use tonight to relax—perhaps even spend some quiet time with Adrian while she still could.

Edward’s smile faltered. His shoulders sank a little. "That’s... too bad. But still, if you change your mind, come by. They’d be thrilled to see you."

Ariana gave a small nod. "Alright. I’ll think about it. And... Edward, can you stop calling me that?"

The Prince looked puzzled. "What?"

"You’re a Prince now, and I’m just someone working here. Let’s not give people the wrong idea by speaking too familiarly, alright?"

Edward paused for a moment, then said softly, "I don’t care what they think. We’re close friends—and that won’t change."

Ariana’s expression soured. Something had changed. He seemed more persistent now—too forward.

Edward waved and walked off, leaving Ariana standing there, troubled.

He wasn’t exactly crossing a line... apart from that nickname. So, she couldn’t reject him outright or ask him to stay away.

Running a hand through her hair, she let out a breath and continued walking.

...

Ariana arrived at the reception hall, but Adrian was nowhere in sight.

She let out a thoughtful hum and turned to the maid nearby.

"Where is he? Adrian?"

The maid silently gestured toward the corridor leading deeper into the palace.

Ariana gave a small nod and started walking.

The hallway was quiet, lined with old paintings and delicate antiques on either side. Soft, dim lighting bathed the space—gentle on the eyes and easy on the mind.

She walked in silence, her steps echoing faintly... until a subtle shift caught her attention from the right.

But the moment her eyes landed on him, she didn’t resist.

"Caught you," Adrian grinned, pinning her gently against a pillar. freewēbnoveℓ.com

They were hidden from view by the heavy curtains draped between the pillars.

Ariana tilted her head slightly, a teasing glint in her eyes.

"Getting any fun ideas here? I should remind you—I’m not into exhibition."

Adrian chuckled softly. "Don’t worry, neither am I."

He brushed a few stray strands of hair behind her ear, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"I just wanted to see you."

"But we were just together a few moments ago..." she murmured, though her voice softened near the end.

Truth be told, she missed him too. Ever since they got together—and especially after the night they spent in her office—being apart, even for a little while, felt strangely uncomfortable.

Adrian studied her face, his smile fading as he noticed the stiffness in her shoulders and the weariness in her eyes.

"Is everything alright?"

She sighed. "Just not used to long meetings."

After a short pause, she added quietly, "And... Edward’s been acting strange. Trying to get close again, like we’re still the friends we used to be."

Adrian frowned, "Should I go talk to him? You know I don’t care about his position and our relations."

Ariana held his hand and told him, "I know that’s why let him be. If things come down it I will clearly tell him I am taken. I just don’t want to resort to that yet because I don’t know whether we should reveal our relationship to others or not."

The only factor that makes her hesitate is the fact that they are cousins. And they haven’t told their parents about it.

She doesn’t fear what others would say or how they would see their relationship. She is worried about her parents...she didn’t want to hurt them...but surely, she wouldn’t leave Adrian even if they don’t agree.

Adrian could sense her unease—the faint shift in her expression, the way her eyes met his yet somehow felt distant.

Small signs, but enough to tell him what must be weighing on her mind.

He gently cupped her cheek and tilted her face toward him.

"Ariana," he said softly, "I told you, didn’t I? I’ll make everything alright, no matter what. So trust me... and stop worrying about things that don’t deserve your attention."

He pulled her into a warm embrace, holding her close.

Ariana closed her eyes, letting herself melt into his scent and the safety of his arms. Her fingers clutched at his shirt as if grounding herself in his presence.

She felt calmer now. This was what she needed.

For a while, neither of them spoke. The silence between them was comforting.

Then Adrian murmured, "We’re meeting my father tonight. We’ll tell him about us."

Her grip on his shirt tightened—but she nodded, voice low.

"I’ll wear something nice... This will be the first time I meet him not as my uncle."

Adrian smiled, a flutter in his chest at the thought.

He kissed the top of her head and whispered,

"I love you, Ariana. Thank you... for making my life so beautiful."

Ariana’s ears turned red, and though she couldn’t bring herself to say the words, she hummed softly in reply—her silence full of meaning.

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.