CHAPTER 142: THE GARDEN AND SECRETS

Ariana’s eyes rested on her little baby as they sat outside in the garden. Leah had suggested the baby receive a little sun and fresh air, and the little one seemed to be enjoying it.

Unlike usual, she wasn’t sleeping—she was wide awake. They were under the shade of a tree, where several benches were placed. Leah sat on the bench closest to Ariana, watching them carefully. The place was beautiful and colorful, perfect for all of them.

"Wow, it seems little Vreni is loving this, as she is just wide awake," Ariana spoke with a smile as the baby’s eyes finally moved to her. Her golden eyes, the exact color of Ariana’s, stared curiously at her before shifting away. Ariana couldn’t help but giggle at the child’s cuteness. The little girl then put her hand to her mouth, clearly filled with joy.

"Bwehh... bweeh," she said. Leah reached for a napkin from the little basket, moving gently to clean the baby’s mouth.

Then, she picked up the small cap. Ariana adjusted the baby so Leah could slip the warmer onto her head.

"Why is this needed?" Ariana asked curiously, noticing that whenever it was windy or cold, Leah always loved putting the cap on the baby’s head.

"To avoid the baby catching a cold," Leah replied. Ariana nodded, now understanding that the little one needed to be carefully wrapped. A small smile rested on her lips as she then spoke.

"I had thought of that... but I just needed confirmation," Ariana said, now realizing it made sense.

Time passed in a comfortable silence until Ariana noticed the little one had fallen into a deep sleep. A soft smile touched her lips as she stared at her. She knew this baby was a gift—she always brought joy to Ariana every single time her eyes fell on her.

"Leah, please take her inside," she spoke calmly. Leah nodded. She had wanted to ask earlier but realized the queen had truly been enjoying the moment. Ariana didn’t want to wake the little one, already seeing how deeply she was asleep.

Leah bowed, then gently carried the baby inside, knowing the little one would be needing a peaceful nap.

Ariana just stared at the flowers. She didn’t know why, but she felt a little bit of fear. She knew Zavren could take care of himself, but she missed him already. She missed him deeply—so deeply that she found herself annoyed at how slow time was passing. It was only the second day, yet it felt like weeks had already gone by.

"Luna Ariana, you seem to be in deep thought," Stephanie spoke as Ariana finally turned, a small smile on her lips.

"Lady Stephanie," she called softly as she looked at her.

Stephanie moved and sat on the bench closest to Ariana. Her eyes fell on the little basket resting on the chair beside her, and she guessed it held the baby’s things.

"I was passing by and noticed you sitting here, so I thought...how about I join the queen? We could have a little chat and enjoy the scenery with some tea. I sent for tea, by the way," she said. Ariana nodded.

"Do you think I’d sound strange if I said..." Stephanie paused, looking down as she fidgeted with her dress nervously. Her face flushed as she continued.

"I really miss him. There were so many times I could have spent with him, but I was too shy when we first met. I messed up those chances. Now I want him back, and I want to spend all the time I can with him, my queen," her voice cracked lightly. Ariana understood her well.

"Things like this happen. You don’t have to be hard on yourself. The past has passed—what matters is that you’ve learned from it. Next time, you’ll do better," Ariana said kindly, and Stephanie smiled softly.

"But what if there is... no next time?" she whispered, lifting her head to the bright blue sky. She bit her lip, hating to be negative, but the thought haunted her. She knew Zekel, but still...

"What if there is? Tongue is power, sweetie," Ariana spoke softly. Stephanie smiled, grateful she had finally found someone to talk to without being judged.

She smiled again, then confessed, "I wrote him a song. Well, not really a song...I made a note for him. That’s what I had been preparing that night before he came..."

Ariana’s smile widened. It seemed her friend had truly fallen in love.

"Do you know what I feel?" Ariana asked. Stephanie turned to her, curious, and shook her head.

"I don’t know... but I feel the person next to me is already in love." Ariana playfully shook her shoulders as if dancing to some imaginary rhythm. Stephanie laughed, realizing she was the one next to Ariana. Her cheeks flushed even more as she laughed again.

"I... I like him," Stephanie finally admitted.

Ariana clapped her hands, her face brightening. "I knew it, sweetheart! Eyes don’t lie."

Stephanie smiled, then stood. "May I take you to the side so we can see the fishpond?"

Ariana nodded with a smile on her lips.

*****

Raven walked toward the outside of the castle just as the carriage arrived with the new delivery. Pandora wasn’t with him—she was in his room, writing.

A slow smile curved his lips as he remembered the way she had danced when he encouraged her to write. She had called it her "Victory Dance."

He chuckled again but quickly calmed his expression. Why was he smiling? It wasn’t like they were... anything. He needed to stop this. His duty was to watch her, to keep an eye on her...nothing more.

He followed as the painting was lifted from the carriage and carried upstairs. They placed it in a small room, not yet moved to the gallery, since King Zavren had not given the order.

It was the Beauty is Pain painting, finally delivered.

"You may go," Raven said to the guards. They nodded and left.

Once alone, Raven stared at the painting, his eyes carefully studying it. He turned to leave—but then something caught his eye.

At the bottom of the painting, written in the kind of small letters one might easily miss, were two chilling words:

Doom and chaos.

They were the exact words Pandora had read in that book.