Inside the Dormitory.
"You all did great. And i am proud to all of you" Aria said hugging Ana and Mary.
"Thanks Anny for coming. You don't know how much happy we are. It's all just because of you and mother". Ana whispered.
"No, it's all your hardwork and determination that you all are here today. Sister will be very happy hearing this news".
"So will you go to meet them?" Mary asked.
"Maybe…but don't worry, you will meet them soon". Aria replied.
"How is Uncle Rowan and Aiden and uncle Allen and about brother Nolen?" Mary asked.
"They all are fune and guss what-they liberated Rooth hallow and Moncho and they are in Netles".
"it's a very good news" Ana grinned.
On the garden at night.
The sun was just set on the horizon and moon took the place in the middle of the stars on the sky. Aria was on the garden when Cirion approached-
"You summoned me here?" He asked.
"Thank you, Prince Cirion". She smiled turning towards him.
"For what?" He whistled.
"For not telling them about the war, about the outside matter and mostly-taking care of them, and congrates for your today's battle" stated then added " It was impressive-the way you lead them and made an strategy".
" It is a honour to get praised by Lady Aria. I will take it as a compliment and also as a charm". He bowed with mischief.
"Oh. I really did to forget this mischievous side of yours but....i really appreciate you and i can see the spirit of a mighty king awakening within you". She confessed.
"I am honored through your voice and i believe that a great is the one who believe in his people more than he do in himself and this is what i did today". He claimed.
"So what is happening here?" a voice came from the corridor-Darius.
"I didn't aspect you to be interrupt and spy on us". Aria teased.
"And i didn't aspect you to talk in secretly. Is the topic is that much important?" he said with a grin.
"I think i need to leave you both here on your own". he interrupt watching the changing atmosphere and added " i hope you would bear me for my interruption but let's talk about it later". he bowed to her and went towards his Dormitory.
There was just silence before She said-
" So why are you here?" she asked, crossing her arms.
"I thought you were missing me so i came finding you and i found you". he replied with the same teasing tone.
"Our kingdom have pledged friendship-but let not the king of Dagon kingdom mistake that for permission to do whatever he desires". she mocked.
"Lady Aria has no idea what i could do… if i truly wished to". he said leaning forward and their faces were just inches apart.
"Then stay away, maybe it will destroy we both" he said turning back towards the garden. Then added "By the way, Ruslana. I want to know about her. She was amazing on the arena and only few people could make strategies like her-even i couldn't".
A beat of silence then he replied " 3 years ago, a great tragedy struck our kingdom. General Malthos, along with a few royal ministers, conspired and ignited a rebellion. In that chaos... We lost our father. But the storm hadn't passed-not yet. We were forced to flee, with only a handful of royal soldiers at our state.
And it was Ruslana-yes, she was just a 11 then- who took control of the soldiers . Under her command, we fought back. It was by her direction, her clarity, that we reclaimed the royal palace.
Back then, the safety of the kingdom meant more to her than anyone's life-including her own. And today, you heard her say it yourself: If one must die in battle, then let them-but take the enemy down with you.
To her, survival was never the goal. Victory was. She didn't fear death-she feared failure. And because of that…we stand here again, in our rightful place".
A beat of silence. Aria didn't said anything-she was just letting his words to fill on the air.
On the other side of the garden.
Naida and Charles were on the stone bench sitting beside each other when Naida first broke the silence.
"Why you chose me yesterday instead to Ana?" She asked.
"Because she is goid in swordmanship and i knew she wanted to do it that's why i chose you"he replied.
"Ahh, i can see now. You care too much about her. So i was right-you like her, don't you?" she whispered.
"Yeh i do but not like how you understand. I respect her and more than that i believed in you-that's why i chose you". Her breathe hitched.
"I believed in you that's why i chose you and i only wanted you to be there with me". he admitted.
Silence.
"So you don't love her. Ahhh i thought too much about it and now my head is spinning". she said closing her eyes in regret.
" But wait…why you said you only wanted me there?" she asked suddenly.
He smiled faintly instead of answering her and it made her more mad.
After two days, inside the Principal office.
"So you are going now?"The principal asked.
"I have to. I can't stay here for long-i have responsibilities" she replied.
"Your father…he was a judge of a contest years ago-before he died-do you remember?" He asked.
"How could i possibly forget? That day that turn my world upside down…a day that ruin history itself. The day his friend got killed. The reason he took his own life. The day i lost him. The reason King adopted me. His death was nothing than a curse upon Minoan kingdom".
On the garden.
Aria was ready to go but she was not alone-Darius was also going back. Ana, Mary, Cirion, Charles, Naida , Yuna and Ruslana was there to said good bye.
"Take care of yourself and i want you two to become more strong when we will meet again" Aria said.
"Take care of yourself, Anny. You have responsibilities on your shoulder". Ana replied.
"Anny, this is for you" Mary said giving a locket to Aria.
"Thanks Mary for this precious gift. I will always wear it". Aria said.
"Hope to meet again in the future with both of you two" Charles said bowing his head.
"No need for the formalities". Darius said.
"Brother, promise to come soon" Ruslana said.
"I will".
"Hope for your safe journey" Yuna said.
"Thanks" Aria thanked her.
"Thanks for supporting and guiding us. It was an honour to be guided by you". Naida said, bowing her head.
"But it was all of your hardwork and dedication. I did nothing to be appreciate". Aria replied.
"Why not we go together. After all we are going from the same way." Darius approached.
"No. I am going to meet someone so we are not going from the same way but thanks for asking"she replied.
"As you wish".
After Half month in Netles.
"Aria! Why are you here? Is everything ok?" Ariana asked with shock.
"Everything is fine. I went in Minoka Academy so i thought why not to visit you". Aria replied.