Before Arainna woke up the next day, prince Liam had left already, however he dropped a small note for her on her side table. The note read " please be ready, the meeting starts soon. "
Arianna smuggled a little, before she pulled herself together. She was so eager to read what the note said, that she failed to recognize that there was a new tray of food beside the note. The old one that she didn't touch the previous night had been taken away. The food smelt nice, there was also a refreshing cup of tea, it smelt of ginger and mint, the smell of the tea was soothing, as she sniffed it in a little. She resolved to take her bath first before the meal, for she was very hungry. She sluggishly got up and walked into the bathroom.
She took her bath and did justice to her meal. " It's a new day to unravel mysteries, c'mon Ariana you got this ", she said to herself, heading for her dressing room, aunt Rose dressed her up into a very beautiful blue gown, there was always a new dress waiting for Arianna on a daily basis, and her beauty complimented them all.
The meeting was to be held in the king's chambers. She walked downstairs with the aim of finding prince Liam. She didn't know how she was going to walk into that room filled with family members alone. She was going to meet more people, she didn't know how prepared she was for that exercise. As she walked down the stairs, she scanned through the the bulk of people that moved to and fro the large living room. Maids and palace wardens filled the whole place, she wondered what kept them so busy. She stood and continued to search.
Someone called her from behind. She turned to look. It was aunt Marie. " Brianna my darling " she came to Arianna and wrapped her in a hug. Arianna faked a smile while returning the hug.
" Looks like someone is married now, and wouldn't come to visit me anymore. Since your wedding I have been expecting you, but you never show up, don't tell me you have changed from loving me ? " Aunt Marie asked with a playful fume.
" Oh ! Aunt Marie please forgive me, my bad. Only I have been quite busy settling in, as soon as I am well settled, I shall come visiting and we'd get to talk about everything we haven't talked about since after the wedding. " Arianna apologized pretentiously. Arainna was fully ready to blend in well with everyone. She was ready to mingle with anyone, so long as she got a clue to the happenings around the palace.
Aunt Marie hugged her warmly again. She was always a jolly good fellow.
" Aunt Marie, have you by chance seen prince Liam anywhere ? " Arainna asked a bit distracted again.
" He is seated already for the meeting with the king, more like pre discussions for the meeting, come I'd take you to him " aunt Marie offered. Arianna was relieved. She followed aunt Marie briskly. As they walked. Arianna's eyes met with a young beautiful lady of about her age and size. She was elegantly dressed in a red dress, with a very captivating makeup. She sat elegantly and comfortably, with her legs crossed in the large living room. The lady gave her an obscene look. she was supprised at why the lady looked at her with so much hate... She kept looking back to catch a glimpse at the lady, until she was out of sight.
" What could be wrong " Arainna wondered within her.
Aunt Marie opened the door to the king's chambers. The room was large beyond description. Arainna walked in amazement. She was perfect at maintaining her elegance else she would have tripped at the sight of the room. Aunt Marie walked briskly with a smile. Arainna's eyes caught prince Liam. He sat with a gloomy face.
Some people were seated already, however it was obvious the meeting hadn't began. Arianna quietly walked to where prince Liam was seating. Before taking her seat, she gave a shy bow to the king and queen " your honor " she greeted respectfully. The king and queen responded with a nod and a receptive smile.
Arainna recognized a few people on the table including the king's other sons, except for prince Lucas. He wasn't seated yet. There was chattering all over the room. Arainna's noticed a man sitting close to the king. He looked liked king Lawrence. More people continued to troop in. This were totally strangers before Arainna, she was very sure she hadn't met them before. Arainna just maintained her cool. Prince Liam obviously didn't want a conversation, so she just quietly watched.
As soon as the room was full enough, the king cleared his throat loudly, in a bid to catch the attention of everyone in the room. The room suddenly became quiet.
" I welcome you all to this family enlarged meeting ( king Lawrence began ) I indeed feel very honored that you all responded to this call, on this very short notice. " He was quiet for a while. He turned to prince Liam, " any news from Lucas ? Why is he not here ? " Prince Liam was silent.
Arainna began to think of prince Lucas again. There was a mystery around him that she needed to unravel.
" I have called you all to this meeting, for the throne sake. My health isn't getting any better. ( He said letting out a dry cough, the queen robbed his shoulders affectionately. ) I have decided to step down from the thrown earlier than I planned " the king announced to the utter amazement of everyone except for Arainna and prince Liam.