Chapter 22: 22. Receiving Help

The sound of the falls was clearly heard. Some young children run around with immature lanterns. Some of the little ones also greeted Ariadne with great courtesy. Sheep herders also greet and bow their heads to Ariadne.

Ariadne and Avery are on the bridge heading to the falls. Speaking of Avery's private life, it's best to be outside the kingdom. Ariadne fears only that one of the servants might hear their conversation.

Elie did allow Ariadne to go with Avery. Because Avery himself had the courage to ask Elie for permission in person. To take Ariadne away from the palace for a moment.

"Let's talk under the apple tree, Avery." Said Ariadne. The girl walks first. Avery led the horse to a grassy area.

From the bridge to the falls, there is indeed an apple tree plot. The ground was covered in green grass, regularly flattened. So the grass was not too thick and very comfortable sitting on the grass.

Ariadne has just sat there when she found a place where she feels comfortable. The girl chose to sit under a shady apple tree. The apple tree is quite tall, so the leaves don't bother the person sitting under the tree.

Avery was also sitting next to Ariadne after locking his halt on the apple tree across from them. The man paused for a moment to enjoy the cool midday air.

"All right, tell me what really happened to you, Avery." Said Ariadne.

Avery smiled. His blue eyes are particularly beautiful when exposed to the sunlight that picks up between the leaves of an apple tree. "As I said, princess. Everything I've done for you is fake.

"Just tell me from the beginning."

"My father has asked me to seduce you. My father wants me to marry you right away. His goal is for your kingdom and my kingdom to be one. And my father wanted to take possession of that fortune." Avery said. The man is trying to tell Ariadne the truth and everything.

"So true, all this is a fake? No wonder I feel weird about you. You're not like a guy who really likes me. And you're always talking about marriage and talking about the union of empires."

"Forgive me, princess."

Ariadne is holding Avery's right hand. "Avery, I don't know your royal condition and I don't know your personal condition. I'm sorry, too, for expecting you. I thought for a moment that you would do evil to me and my kingdom."

"That's exactly what I am. I wanted to do something bad to you."

"No, that was your father's wish. Not your wish. If you were really gonna do evil to me and my kingdom, you wouldn't be as honest as you are right now, Avery."

Avery let out his quiet breath. The heavy burden he felt seemed to lessen a bit. There was a feeling of relief Avery clearly felt.

"My mother and I could only do as my father says, princess. When I fight, then I must be ready to receive my wounds. And when my mother was wrong, I was willing to take her place to be beaten. That's why I see you only once in two weeks. I had to disguise my wounds first."

"Wounds? Did the king of Eden use violence against you?"

Avery nodded. "Yes. And there are only two servants who know of this in my palace."

At the sound of Avery's story, Ariadne's heart sank. Ariadne had no idea Avery was living a bitter life every day.

"Are you okay now?" Ariadne asked with her eyes, almost in tears.

"Yes. I'm okay now. If I come here, then I'm in good shape. When I return from your kingdom and I have brought no good news, then tonight I shall be struck again."

"You should've been honest with me a long time ago."

Avery shook his head. "I'm afraid you won't accept me at your court."

"I do not believe that the king of Eden had this quality. Is your mom okay, too?"

"Yes. I will always protect my mother, princess. She's healthy."

"I'm sorry to say this. But I had a strange feeling about you from the start. You always talk about marriage with me, but you never bring your parents into my palace. Elie once told me, a good man is the man who introduces his love to his parents."

Avery smiled slightly. "I've told my father to come to your kingdom. But he's always telling me to take care of things on my own."

"Ah, all right then. I understand your condition. Bring a box of diamonds later when you go home."

"But princess --"

"I insist. Take a box of diamonds from me. I don't want you getting beat up by your father again. I'm only giving you one chance. If your father wants more diamonds, then he wants more. And I'm not giving it anymore." Said Ariadne with the straight look on Avery's face.

"I am most grateful for your kindness, princess. I'll bring you your gift later."

"What will you say to the king of Eden? What if he asks why I gave you a box of diamonds?"

Avery smiled. "I'd say the diamond was a gift from you."

"What if your father wants to get you married to me right away?"

"I'll try to buy some time, princess. That's not gonna happen. Unless you approve of this marriage. But, I won't force you to marry me. You know my truth."

Ariadne was silent. She was thinking about what Avery said. Ariadne's just afraid something bad might happen.

"Well, let's just say the diamond was a gift from me. It's because you pay attention to me and visit me all the time. Just say it like it is, Avery." Ariadne's orders.

Avery nodded. "Well, I'll do it, princess. Thank you very much."

"You're welcome. Let me know if you get into trouble. Maybe I can help you. But do not try to use me, I shall know it." Ariadne alert.

Strong action is also needed in situations like today. Because Ariadne still doesn't understand Avery completely. Maybe Avery will take good care of her. That could happen.

Because a great many people have been helped, but they are taking advantage of the good that helps. For Ariadne, such a thing is most disrespectful and worthy of punishment.

"Yes. I'll tell you, Ariadne. Did elie not know about this later?"

"No. I'll have one of the waitresses bring you a box of diamonds later."

"That's very kind of you, princess. I'm so happy to be honest with you."

Ariadne smiled. Now she can see the other side of Avery. The other side of Avery who turned out to be very weak. Ariadne simply did not expect that the man next to her had led a hard life.

"Use a diamond from me for something good. Because if you can manage a box of diamonds and develop it to live up to your kingdom, it would be very rewarding. Especially if you were able to revive the production of pearls for all your workers. I would love for you to make good use of the diamond, Avery." Ariadne said seriously.

***

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