Aria tightly held her black shawl as she followed closely behind Lizzy. The busy night life of the capitol surrounded them, melting them within the drunk and busy crowd. Laughter, and loud voices could be heard all around, bouncing off the cream-colored walls and night stalls through the city. Aria had always taken the short cut back to the Marcellus estate to avoid the crowds, but tonight was different.

She needed to disappear into the crowds. Away from the crown prince and his knights. 

No matter how much she wanted it to be untrue, she definitely felt their murderous aura. Was it because she recognized the crown prince? Or maybe he was not supposed to be at the temple at this time? Or was it because…the crown prince wanted her dead? 

Aria shook the thought from her mind and continue to blend through the crowd. She slightly turn back to see if Lizzy was still following her.  Lizzy was her personal maid from a young age and has always put up with her obnoxious wishes, but tonight, Aria knew her maid would no longer put up with her. There’s a chance they might not even make it back home. 

“M-M’lady!” Lizzy whizzed. “I c-can’t run anymore…”

“No, we must keep going.” Aria whispered in a low voice. She ran back to Lizzy who was bent over and had her hands on her knees. Aria quickly grabbed her arm. She pulled Lizzy along behind her as they made their way through a small group of people who were watching a small play in the back alley. 

Why are you running…come here.

A voice echoed in Aria’s mind, making her stop in her tracks. Aria gulped, but her throat was so dry it felt like she was swallowing needles. She scanned the surrounding areas, only to find drunks and prostitutes laughing away and cuddling up beside each other. Aria’s hand felt cold, and empty. 

“L-Lizzy!” Aria whispered her breath. Lizzy’s arm had somehow slipped away during their run in the crowds, and now she was alone.

Aria’s shawl that was tightly around her shoulders, slipped down. A few drunk men standing around notice and stared. With thirsty eyes, they took a large gulp of their beer, and scanned her body, and then to her beautiful long white hair. Most of the people who live round this area were mercenaries, and criminals. Aria was sure she took the main road out of the city, but somehow, something led her here instead. 

All the men set their cups down and made their way to Aria.

D-Don’t come near me…

Aria suddenly felt a slimy hand on her shoulders, and she yelped in fear, jumping at the disgusting touch. She then heard a man laugh, as she flinched at another touch near her waist. Aria could feel the world turning around her, and the laughs and shouts spun around her. Even their faces were becoming blurred and distorted as Aria tried to escape. 

“Ack!” 

Suddenly Aria was pushed back. At that moment, a large body blocked her view from the group of mercenaries. Aria heard fast movements, a few screams, and then thuds. The laughter and loud voices all disappeared within seconds, and Aria could feel her legs trembling. Unconsciously, she forced her legs to move, and she ran. Without looking back, and without hesitation, she continued running through the streets, pushing pass numerous people, and carts. Her heartbeat rung loudly in her ears, swallowing all the noises.

Run…run to h i m.

Soon Aria could see the path leading her towards the main road that she could catch a carriage back to the Marcellus estate. She was in such a hurry that she left Lizzy behind, but she was sure Lizzy would be fine. She had lost Lizzy prior to meeting those mercenaries, so she should be safe. They had made plans to meet at an undisclosed place if they had lost each other, so Aria was planning to take a carriage there first. 

Aria was desperate to leave, and it was past midnight at this point, so everything was pitch black since she was no longer in the city. The only source of light was from the stars above her, giving her some sort of solace. 

“Ack!” Aria yelled in pain as something snatched her ankle and forced her to fall. Like a sharp rope, hot like it was burning snatched onto her ankle. It continued to burn and slither up her calves. Aria tried to reach there, and pull it away, but she felt nothing. 

He’s here…

A large body suddenly appear in her view, and enveloped her small frame on the dirt round, casting a dark shadow over her. Aria slowly moves her chin up, trembling at the threatening atmosphere, but could not dare to look or open her eyes. 

With her eyes closed, Aria breathed in and out slowly. All she wanted to do was pray at the temple and wish her family safety after disrespecting the crown prince. And now, here she was, confronted with something frightening again, or perhaps, even worst.

At this point, she was not even sure who this was. Was it the crown prince’s men from earlier that unleashed that terrifying murderous arura? Or was it an assassin sent from a noble family to kill the future crown princess? Or a kidnapper? A murder?

Aria dug her fingers into the dirt. 

If only I had my dagger with me. 

“Open your eyes,” the deep voice said above her head. 

Huh?

Aria immediately open her eyes and saw the familiar face and body. His cold grey eyes, and stern sharp face entered her view. Even with the large hood covering his red hair, Aria knew it was him. 

The Crown Prince…with fiery red hair.

Aria could feel his large fingers slightly reaching out to her, and then the hot fingers slowly stroking her bare shoulders, as if to calm her trembling body. Aria shifted her body away from him and moved back. Like how his dark eyes were glued onto her, she also had her eyes on him. Even if she was afraid of him…she had to look strong. At least a little strong in his eyes so he cannot take advantage of her.

I can’t show him I’m weak…

“This is the second time we’ve met.” Lucien said as he got off his knees and wiped his hands with a handkerchief from his pocket. After doing so, he discarded it. The white cloth fell next to Aria. Was touching her, so disgusting? Aria almost frown at the sight but chose to stay calm. 

“The first time we met was by accident.” His voice was cold, “But now…I don’t think that’s true anymore.”

Lucien towered above, and it reminded her of the first time they met. Was he always this overbearing? Especially with his all-black military uniform, and hair slicked back, made him terribly handsome, but somewhat more arrogant than normal. Aria almost whined at herself at the realization she even thought he was handsome.

“Are you sure you’re following me on purpose?” he asked, and this time with a much lower tone. He seemed to sense her mind was on something else.

Aria’s eyes widen.

“I’m not following you,” Aria said slowly, and looked away from his piercing gaze. “That night in the white rose garden was the first time we’ve met.”

“I know that…” His eyes glowed as his face shifted under the moonlight. The light shone half his face, while the other half was pitch black, making him more threatening.

Aria flinched as she felt the tension on her ankles grow hotter. Like before, it felt as if a burning rope was tightening its grip there, even though Aria saw nothing. Her eyes kept moving from his face to her legs, and then back at his face.

“So why are you here again…in my presence?” He asked again, his gaze still on hers. 

I don’t want to be here either…

Aria wanted to get up, and shout what was on her mind, but the tightness around her ankles prevented her from doing so. She simply closed her eyes tightly and readied herself. Should she just reveal herself so he will let her go. There is a possibility he might rethink his treatment of her if he finds out their connection, and the upcoming engagement. At this point, if she doesn’t do anything, he might capture her and take her in for questioning and that would be even worse.

“I-I’m your fiancée.” Aria finally said, as she tilt her head up higher to reach his glistening, diamond eyes.

“…” 

“Aria Marcellus.”