CHAPTER 143: A PARTNER IN UNLADYLIKE WAYS

The head maid moved to the kitchen as she began to inspect the area and the things being cooked, as she usually did for every meal prepared.

She was in charge of checking them and also instructing on what to add, according to the queen’s wishes or the guest’s needs. As she walked, she noticed a particular maid waiting for her, while the others were busy preparing the meal.

"What is it?" she asked as the lady bowed.

"You had said I should come back later, as you would like to talk to me." The maid finally spoke still with a bow, the head maid frown changed back to normal, as it seemed like she had forgotten.

The head maid nodded, then walked toward the back door, needing to show her something in the garden that needed to be done.

"Come with me."

The maid bowed and followed her.

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Back at the fish pond, Ariana held a plate that contained the fish food as Stephanie held another. They could see the fishes as they swam because of the see-through glass window. Though it was a small pond and the fishes were small, Ariana moved her plate gently as she spoke.

"How about you put yours?" Lady Stephanie nodded at Ariana’s words. She bent, putting the seed-like food inside the drawer, then closed it. She noticed the seeds move up through a smaller tube at the side before they splashed into the water.

And just as they did, different fishes surrounded it, making the water splash wildly. Ariana and Stephanie looked at each other with wide eyes and amazement, as they had not expected that at all.

"Wow, that was unexpected—in a good way," Stephanie spoke as she hopped lightly on the grass. Ariana laughed at her cuteness.

"You know, I had thought I was the only one who acted unladylike, but it seems I have a partner."

Stephanie nodded quickly at Ariana’s words.

"Yes, Luna Ariana, I am your partner in this," she said with a soft smile on her lips. Then she added, "But I feel those Royal rules are just too strict. Like..you’re telling me I would have to sit up straight and laugh with my hand fan slightly covering my face?"

Stephanie knew how hard it was to learn to be royal and ladylike, especially since things could be much worse if the teacher instructing you was strict.

Ariana laughed, then spoke.

"Oh, Lady Stephanie, that is very unladylike. I must say, I admire you."

Ariana spoke gracefully, lifting her chest in gesture, her head turning to the side sassily and dramatically. Stephanie smiled in return, then straightened her face dramatically as she raised her chin trying to mimic it well, her hands moving together as she turned her legs in a perfectly elegant manner.

They were mimicking noble behaviors..even do they were one of them.

"My greatest pleasure. The fishes are one of a kind—perhaps you would join me to check them out some day." Just as she spoke, they both laughed.

The reason why they laughed was because they both knew that "someday" really meant "never," as many nobles spoke sarcastically in a very gentle way.

Ariana was so glad that she had met Stephanie. She knew she had not laughed this hard until today.

"Thank you so much, Lady Stephanie. I am really glad you came," Ariana spoke sincerely as Stephanie smiled widely.

"It is my pleasure, Luna Ariana."

Ariana moved as she wanted to put the fish food she was holding into the food tank. She opened the small drawer-like place, poured it in, then closed it. The fish seed food moved through the tube and finally came out. Again, the fish gathered. Ariana giggled softly.

"Why are they rushing the food this much?" she asked curiously.

"These fishes never get tired of food. Even after eating bags and bags, they still rush for any food given."

Ariana nodded with a smile. Just then, a maid arrived and bowed—the same maid who often helped Ariana, as Leah was usually busy taking care of the little one.

"Time for lunch, Luna Ariana and Lady Stephanie," she said with a bow. They nodded, and the maid gently began to push the wheelchair. Lady Stephanie walked beside Ariana as they headed toward the dining hall.

"Mother will be coming anytime soon," Stephanie spoke with a wide smile on her lips as she knew that the maid must have gone to call her. Ariana nodded softly, a slow smile curling on her own lips.

"The villagers—where do they stay?" Ariana suddenly asked curiously.

"Oh, about that, there is a royal village outside the castle. That is where they are right now for safety," Stephanie answered.

Ariana nodded with a smile. She was curious if her sister was there. She had not seen her sister in a long time and missed her. She wondered how she was doing. And even though they had not been on good terms, they were still blood. Whether they wanted to admit it or not, that little spark of connection was still there.

They finally reached the dining room. Stephanie sat down as Ariana’s wheelchair was moved closer to the table where she would be eating her lunch. She knew that after this, she would need to rest before doing anything else. Maybe she could visit her sister, but that would not be now.

"The food, I must say, is lip-smacking." Ariana nodded at Stephanie’s words, the aroma of the meal filled the room.

The soft tapping of a walking stick echoed gently as Lady Emberg came into view. She had just woken up, as her sleepy look said it all.

"Mother, I hope we did not disturb your beauty sleep," Stephanie asked calmly as Lady Emberg waved her head.

"Nonsense. When there is food, you disturb nothing, my dear great-granddaughter," she spoke with a smile as they laughed at the old woman’s joke.

They began to eat. Stephanie mixed the orange and apple drink together in a cup as she ate silently. The place was comfortable. Then Lady Emberg spoke.

"It seems you two went to feed the fishes without me." Lady Emberg finally spoke, Ariana smiled as Stephanie replied.

"Oh Mother, but you had said you would like to rest. Hmm, now it seems like you are regretting your decision." They smiled as Lady Emberg shook her head.

"You should have begged me. Who knows, maybe this old woman would finally change her mind," she spoke as Stephanie smiled at her great-grandmother’s words.

"Noted, Mother. I will make sure to do just that next time."

They continued to eat. Ariana moved the fork to her lips as she ate the meat—she had grown a deep liking for meats and chickens.

She moved to take a sip of the orange juice, but Stephanie raised her head to suggest a concoction but noticed something.

"Luna Ariana, wait," she spoke before Ariana’s lips could touch the glass.

Ariana dropped the cup gently as she looked at Stephanie, Lady Emberg looked on curiously at the suddenness of Stephanie’s words.

"Orange juices do not have a darker shade unless more ingredients are added to it—or if it has been used for a concoction," she said, her eyes scanning it. "It also does not turn lighter when moved. I noticed it was darker when it was on the table, and as you lifted it, it turned lighter."

A frown moved to her lips as she spoke.

"Luna Ariana, that drink is poisoned."