My Prince Charming [05]

Chapter 5

Arial sat on a large rock, her notebook in hand. She scribbled in words, not caring if they rhymed. Small blotches of tears blurred some words. The usual presence of the moon was absent and along with it’s comforting light. The dark clouds swirled around and threatened to rain. However, Arial sat still, only her hands moved.



A bright flash of light ran across the hills and skies above. Arial paid no heed. Then a few moments later, thunder followed. This caused Arial to snap out of her reverie. Sighing, Arial closed her notebook and stood up. Brushing her dress off, she glanced up to the sky. At the exact moment a drop of rain fell on her right cheek.


Not even a second after, tons of water fell from the sky as if an invisible wall that had kept them up disappeared. Arial looked over the hills and estimated her chances of getting home. Soon realizing that her chances were slim, she crept back under the willow tree. Safely shielded from the rain, Arial fell into a peaceful sleep.


Arial opened her eyes, looking straight up, she saw leafs. Confused, she sat up quickly wondering where was she. Then last night’s events came back into her memory. She suddenly felt sick, her stomach lurched in nausea.


“I am not dreaming?” Arial though in despair. Regretting the fact that she ever awoke, Arial stood up. Stretching her muscles, she made her way to her home. The air had the refreshing sent of grass covered in dew, with the birds chirming in solitude of the warm air.


The roof the manor, slowly appeared over the miniature giant hill. The landscape had lots of soft rolling hills. With the occasional woods scattered here and there. As Arial walked up the steep hill, she lost her footing on the wet grass and lost her balance. Her right ankle twisted in the fall, to which Arial yelped out in pain.


Feeling miserable and wet, Arial felt tears prickle in her eyes. She closed her eyes tightly and tried to control her emotions. She didn’t like to cry, it made her felt weak. Breathing heavily in through her nose and exhaling through her mouth, she felt herself calm down. However her twisted ankle could not be fixed so easily by a breathing exercise. Pain throbbed through her right foot.


“This is just brilliant!” Arial yelled up to the sky and blamed her troubles at the crystal clear sky. Just then, she heard the sound of a horse. Turning around, she saw that a mail-boy was on his way to the manor.


Arial yelled out to the mail-boy and asked him for help. He obliged and sat her on his horse while walking beside the horse. He dropped Arial off at her home, and gave her a letter from Mrs. Holmes Dress Shop that the dresses were ready for her to pick up.


Upon arriving at the manor, Arial limped her way to the kitchen in search for Mary. The task proved to be quite difficult as her ankle started to swell. Finally, reaching her destination, Arial was panting for air. The kitchens were empty, which greatly puzzled Arial. Puffing in frustration Arial started up the stairs to her bedchamber.


“Arial? Is that you?” Mary questioned Arial, in her entrance into her room. Stepping inside, Arial found Mary sitting in a chair looking…well scary. “GOODNESS, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!? DO YOU NOT KNOW THE WORRY YOU HAVE CAUSED ME!?” Mary shouted.


“Please, Mary do not be angry with me. I know that my actions last night were irresponsible and un-lady like but that could not be helped.” Arial said and she fell upon her bed.


“CANNOT BE HELPED? What should be so terrible that must cause you to run off to god knows where and not return dawn!” Mary again asked in a loud booming voice. Her face had long turned pick and her hair as per usual frizzy. “Pray tell me what troubles you my dear.” She added in a softer voice.


“Did you hear of the engagement?” Arial asked as her eyes once again felt watery.


“Yes, I have. And what is wrong about the engagement? Young Alexander is quite a young and handsome man. He shall make a good husband.” Mary said and placed herself next to Arial’s side.


“Well, that’s the problem. He would not make me a good husband. He is a conceited, snobby, and a chauvinist man!” Arial’s face flushed as she started to blame Alexander for her misery.


“Well, how do you know all this? You have only known him for less than a day. How could you have possibly figured out his whole character in such sort time?” Mary asked and raised her eyebrows as Arial stopped in her response.


“You are right. I do not know him. I only know his name and that’s as far as the facts go.” Arial said after a moment’s pause.


“See, my dear. You could come to respect and perhaps love him some day. So dear, do not be so quick to judge his character.” Mary finished. The pair fell into a silence.


“As much as I loath to be negative, I cannot see that ever happening.” Arial said in a quiet voice.


“Oh my poor dear child! How you must suffer!” Mary said and grabbed Arial into a warm motherly embrace. “You must not think like this. It is not very healthy for a young lady. Look on the bright side dear. He is a charming, tall, and a quite handsome young fellow. Count your blessings. Luckily he is no old man, of a hundred years!” Mary laughed and tried to cheer Arial up. Though Arial appreciated Mary’s attempts to comfort her, she could not help but mope in self pity.


Mary, who looked upon Arial with much motherly affection, her heart broke into two. How unfortunate to pressure a girl into a marriage at such a tender age! Mary became confident that no good will come of the marriage, so she decided that she would do anything in her power to persuade her master otherwise.


‘Her mother asked of me to take care of her daughter, and so I shall!’ Thought Mary. After Mary had consoled Arial to sleep. She retired to her bedchamber herself to placate upon her plans.



***


The early morning like crept in through the windows, thus signaling for the servants to begin their daily chores. With huffs and puffs and other forms of silent protest, the servants washed their face and put on their aprons.


Arial, like usual, woke at early dawn’s light. Her head ached on the two previous day’s events. Pushing those thoughts away, she climbed out of her covers. Washed her face and repeated her usual morning rituals. After putting on her day gown, she exited her chamber in search for Mary.


She skipped down the halls in a way to amuse herself, and upon turning a corner, she almost bumped into Alexander. He shot her smirk. Arial rolled her eyes, refusing to be lady like. He had done nothing worthy to gain her respect.


“How do you my lady?” He asked, while putting extra emphasis on the word ‘my’. “I hope you had a good night’s rest, for we have a busy day scheduled.” He smiled.


“What do you speak of?” Arial asked as she raised one eyebrow.


“Well, you father and mine have decided that we should get to know each other better. Considering the circumstance. In order to accomplish this, you and I shall take a stroll in the park. Then we shall go riding.” Alexander said with a smirk.


“I hardly agree. We do not have to get to know each other, even under these…circumstances. Today’s forecast seems not very agreeable. It would be foolish to be stuck in the rain! It would ruin my gown.” Arial fibbed. She planned on acting as much as a spoiled brat to persuade Alexander not to marry her.


“Why my dear Miss Arial, you should not worry your pretty little head on such manners. I shall take care of everything.”
‘Is this man not get the gist?’ Thought Arial as she mentally wanted to slap Alexander over the head.


“Fine.” Arial said through gritted teeth. She turned her back to him, and proceeded on her way to the kitchens.


“What Miss Arial? I am afraid I did not hear your response.” He said in a fake manner.


“I said that it would be wonderful.” Arial responded, her voice dripped with sarcasm. ‘I hope he caught that part.’


“That is what I had thought I heard. I am glad my ears have not failed me.” He said with satisfaction. He caught up with her and followed her path to the kitchens.


Arial and Alexander enter upon the kitchens to find that the servants were busy with preparing the breakfast. And seeing that Arial had company, all the servants bowed and greeted Alexander as if there was no tomorrow. She quickly escaped while Alexander was wrapped up with conversing with the servants.


“Mary?” Arial said and tapped Mary on the shoulder. And the old woman turned and gave Arial a wide smile.


“I am glad you are out of bed. You look much better. Have you caught up with your sleep?” Mary asked. Arial nodded her reply and sat herself on a chair, opposite of Mary. And Mary continued on making her famous bread and buns.


“There you are, Miss Arial. I had begun to fear I had lost you.” Alexander said as he entered the kitchen. Mary and Alexander exchanged greetings, and he turned his attention to Arial again.


Mary, as she had promised, decided to put he plan into action. As Alexander placed himself besides Arial, Mary threw her dough hard onto the counter and flour exploded off. Which flew directly to Alexander.


“WHAT IN THE WORLD!?” Alexander yelled and shouted. He tried to dust off the flour, Mary ‘accidentally’ spilt the hot porridge on him. He left complaining about bad service, and god knows what else.