SRAAAKK!!
Ariadne's left arm was cut by Charlotte's sword. Instantly Charlotte dropped her sword and approached Ariadne.
Ariadne seemed to weep in pain. The skin of her left arm seemed to be torn lengthened. Her armor would not be so safe if it liked to be struck by the sword of the opponent.
"My goodness! Ariadne! I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I really didn't mean it. I was so stupid. I knew you were moving to the right but I was swinging my sword."
Charlotte was really scared. Ariadne's left arm is stained. Since Charlotte had not brought supplies of cloth in case of injury, the girl tore the tip of her garment to be wrapped in Ariadne's arms.
"It's okay, Charlotte. Your move was merely a reflex. It's my fault to move to the right when you're about to attack from the left. I should use my sword to restrain yours." Said Ariadne. The girl just winced as Charlotte tightened the cloth on her left arm.
It is not Ariadne who cries. Instead, charlotte sobbed a little. The girl's shoulders were seen going up and down.
"Hey, why are you crying Charlotte? Hahaha god. It should be me who cries." Said Ariadne with a giggle.
Charlotte stared at Ariadne in exasperation. How can Ariadne laugh like that when her left arm is now bleeding?
"Stop your laughter! It's not funny at all Ariadne! Huhuuu... "said Charlotte with a gasp.
"It's okay. I'll fix it myself when I get back to the palace."
"How come? Will you be able to control your horse? Elie and your servants will know of these wounds. If they know how? The servants who pose you and change your clothes will be the first to know."
"Charlotte, relax. It's gonna be okay."
"I cannot calm Ariadne. I told you not to make me attack you. Starting next week we won't be practicing opposites. I'll just teach you a few counter-moves. That's enough for today." Said Charlotte. She tried to stop her crying and control her breathing.
Ariadne smiled effortlessly. "Hey, I'm fine. Every night I would heal my wounds on my own. If it was not covered up, it would quickly dry up."
"Oh, why are you so patient Ariadne? I understand this is your first scar. Don't you ever get hurt?"
Ariadne chuckles at hearing that question from Charlotte. "I'm human, Charlotte. I've been wounded. I was injured by a needle while I was embroidering. I got cut by a knife once while learning how to cook. I once fell off a horse and bruised my knee. My calves nearly cracked my first time riding with Darian. Any wound will heal, Charlotte."
"But you didn't cry at all."
"What am I, a child? I'm just a little sore, not sad."
Charlotte breathed her breath. "Follow me to my house. It's still daytime anyway. Let me treat your wound properly."
Ariadne nodded only. She did not want her friend to feel overly guilty. The girl followed charlotte through another shortcut to charlotte's house. The equipment Ariadne brought was also delivered by charlotte. Ariadne has only been able to control her horse slowly.
It's true what charlotte says. Riding a horse with one hand is very hard. And Ariadne can only keep her horse running smoothly. Follow charlotte from behind.
Some do not recognize Ariadne as she entered the residential area. Charlotte's wide-circle hat now Ariadne wears to mask her face.
If anyone knew Ariadne was hurt, we would be in for a shock and sound throughout the empire. That can't happen. Ariadne's fight will be in vain.
"Come in. I'll get you some clean water and a soft cloth." Said Charlotte inviting Ariadne into her home.
"Where are your mother and sister?" Asked Ariadne.
"It's still daylight. They were both at the bakery. My sister just helped run the shop there. My mom makes the dough."
Ariadne nodded in understanding. Charlotte's house has been the same since Ariadne was last here. Charlotte's yard was spacious and a lot of pretty flowers. The inside of Charlotte's house is simple.
There are some wooden chairs and countertops for the living room. Charlotte's house looks cozy even though it's not the same as Ariadne's. Although she is small, yet Ariadne can feel the warmth of charlotte's family.
***
Ariadne's left arm is much better after being treated by charlotte. Since the skin on Ariadne's left arm was scratched lengthward, finally charlotte chose to send a medical expert to her home.
And Ariadne's wounds were finally stitched to keep from bleeding out. Of course Ariadne was in pain from being stitched earlier. It is a good thing the medical expert did not recognize Ariadne because her hair was darkened upward.
And now Ariadne is in her room. The girl had just finished her afternoon bath. Ariadne wishes to bathe alone and put on her own clothes. Does not allow the servants or Elie to touch the body.
Before wearing a modest long sleeved gown, Ariadne observed her left arm. The stitching is neat and the string is black. Next week Ariadne will have her stitches out when she sees charlotte again.
Even though her left arm is still a bit sore, Ariadne still has to come out of her room. To see the state of the palace and see some documents on its throne seat.
"Princess, where have you been?" Darian asked while approaching Ariadne in the kingdom hall.
"What is it Darian?"
"I haven't seen you all day. I thought you trained riding alone. But griffin wasn't in the cage either. Did you hang out with Grifiin?"
"Of course.. I took Griffin out."
"You're alone? Why didn't you summon me to accompany you?"
Ariadne smiled. "I heard you were watching the mines. I didn't want to disturb you. So I'll just leave it with Elie. Just ask her. She knows where I'm taking griffin."
"But you're alone?"
"No. I have guards looking out for me." Said Ariadne was lying.
"Ah, well. I worry about you. I'm relieved to hear you're okay. Do you need anything?"
Ariadne shakes her head. "No darian.. Rest if you're tired. You're busy with so many things."
"I took a short break. Elie brought me food too. What are you checking out?"
"I was just going through some paperwork. Marlyn's gonna be here again at dinner. Things are going well-- Aaargghhh!!"
"Princess, what's wrong with you?" Darian asked frantically.
Ariadne grimaced with pain by holding her left arm. She tried to lift up the thick book in her desk drawer. Yet Ariadne's right hand moved to her left shoulder to avoid suspicion.
"Oh, my shoulder's a little sore. Maybe it's because I'm exhausted." Says Ariadne's lying again.
"Just rest.. I'll talk to Marlyn about the royal document."
It seems Ariadne must be resting. The medic just said her left arm shouldn't move much. If much movement will cause the seams to tear or tear and bleed again.
"All right, I'm gonna go to my room. Tell Elie I want to have dinner in my room."
Darian nodded obediently. "I will command my mother, princess. Should I drop you?"
"No. I can go by myself."
***