After the hug, Arianne took a seat and started arranging the snacks with Marie.
They finished arranging the snacks in the table near the bed. Maria stood near the door watching both of them.
The Empress is currently bedridden due to an illness. Arianne, seeing her mother in her condition felt bad. She kept telling herself that the reason her mother is in that condition is because of herself.
"Here, mother! Try this one, This is my new favorite snack it's called an apple pie!" Arianne said
Receiving the slice of pie from Arianne the Empress was quite happy. "This used to be my favorite snack when I was younger." Scarlett mentioned.
"Mom must have the same taste buds as me when you were younger." Arianne giggled.
"You're maybe right."
"Mom I wanna hear something about things you've done in the past." Arianne said knowing that her mother had a lot of things to say about when she was younger.
"Okay then"
"When I was 10, my older brother secretly took me out of our home. He wanted me to see the city he loved so much, since I wasn't allowed to go out without an escort we secretly left. And it was at that I have fallen in love to the city too. I loved the bustling streets each night and day, the people busy working hard everyday, the children playing around happily, I loved those."
"Are there no sh*tty criminals there?"
" While, there might be criminals every so often that tries to harm the people and it's city, there are also a lot of good strong people too. And also watch your words." She chuckled
She was focusing on her mother's words that she forgot to not use vulgar words. But she forgot about the thought of not using those words since no one else is around.
Arianne understands what her mother is saying since she experienced it too when she went out to the city. Even Marie does.
"So you had that kind of childhood mom. That must have been fun" Arianne said in a melancholic voice.
Hearing those , Scarlett was saddened. Turning to Marie ,she signalled her to go out for a while. "Marie can you give us space. Please wait outside the door."
After Marie left the room, Scarlett started to stare at Arianne's eyes.
"What is it mom? Are you gonna tell me a secret story? " She said puzzled.
"No, that's not it, I.... I know that you don't want to talk about it, but...,"
At this moment Arianne is listening attentively to her mother words.
"but you should stop pretending to be fine Arianne." Her mother said with a sorrowful voice as she held Arianne's small hands.
The words said by her mother stunned her for a minute. 'Was it obvious? Everytime, I acted like I mean it though. It feels like mom can see right through me.' Arianne thought
"What are you talking about mom. There's is nothing–" before she could finish what she want to say Her mother interupted her.
"Lies. Arianne stop fooling yourself. Your not emotionally stable." Scarlett yelled leaning forward as she gently stroke Arianne's cheeks. ' The only time I saw you genuinely happy is when you see me and the rest of the family doing better. I don't want you to be like that,I want you to be happy not only because of us but because of other things too.' she thought
"Mom, I'm partially aware of that. But Its still me inside, please mom, I really don't want to talk about it." Arianne replied.
Letting her hand go Scarlett felt like she made a rush approach. " I'm sorry Arianne" Hugging her.
"It's nothing to be sorry about, mother. How about we take a walk right now mom?" Arianne said trying to lighten the mood.
"I've already took a walk this morning with your father. And it's hot outside so I can't, sorry" Scarlett said
"It's okay mom. By the way Mother, did someone visit you this afternoon" Arianne asked looking around, seeing a freshly picked flowers.
"Ah yes. The twins came here a moment ago and they brought me those flowers. And you just missed each other." Scarlett replied with a smile
Seeing her mom smile made her happy. 'It seems like mom is doing better and better each passing day, I hope you get better soon mom.' she thought, contrary to what she thinks, her mother's condition is actually getting worse.
"What did you talk with the twins mom, I'm sure they bother you?"
"They didn't, your older sister Alethea told me that she'll be attending a tea party hosted by one of the nobles. She said she was almost forced on attending it by Aidan," scarlett chuckled then an idea came to her mind.
"Arianne how about attending the same party as your sister. It will be good chance to make some friends."
Arianne acted like she's debating on what to do but she already has an answer
"I would love to but I think I still lack etiquette. I might become a laughing stock there, So maybe next time" Arianne laughed, and made an excuse, deep down inside she doesn't feel like she fits in with them.
"It's alright" her mother said as she patted Arianne's head.
"But I hope in one of these days you'll come to me saying that you made a wonderful friend, You don't need to make a hundred friends but I would love it if you have that much friends same with Aziz."
"with that said, even if its only one as long as that person is someone that will cherish you, then that'll be no problem. When that happens I'll be at ease . Can you promise me that?" Her mother said raising her pinky finger.
Arianne did not like what her mother said because it's like she's saying goodbye to her.
"I'll try my best" doing the same and they locked each others pinkies.
" I know you'll do, your my daughter after all. And make sure you introduce you're first friend to me. I'm not talking about the workers in the palace but someone near your age" She said cheerfully.
"Of course I know that mom" Arianne said
Then out of the blue, Scarlett face suddenly turned pale "You should go now and take your snacks with you, I'll be taking a rest since I'm feeling tired, must be from too much excitement" she chuckled
"Yes mom" Arianne replied, she didn't notice the sudden change of expression.
Looking at the snacks, very little food was eaten by her mother. She took all the food left on the basket and went out. "Then I'll be taking my leave, mother. Take care!"
Scarlett responded with a nod. After Arianne closed the door, Scarlett put an end to her act and started coughing all the bloods she hold in.
Looking at her hands filled with blood she started thinking 'I guess I don't have much time left in me. Two years left huh?' tears began forming on Scarlett's eyes.
'God, please let me stay with my family a bit longer, sob...sob..., I wanted to see them grow up into a wonderful person, they themselves can be proud of.' She said crying while wiping her endless tears with her bloody hands.
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Outside the door Marie can be seen waiting patiently for Arianne.
"Princess, that was quick. Aren't you gonna spend more time with the Empress?" Marie asked
"Mom said that she'll be resting. You see, Big sister Alethea and big brother Allen visited mom earlier, its only natural that she's tired."
Arianne and Marie can already imagine how noisy the room became. And left the Empress Palace immediately.
Back to the Emerald palace, Arianne went to visit to yet another individual. And that individual is her little brother The youngest prince of the imperial family, Aziz Brian De Astrea.