Keep Your Fangs To Yourself!

@ Sweet.Persephone
The older vampire's eyes narrowed ever so slightly as he watched Arielle coming towards him. It's been a little while since she'd come to his Castle, yet this is the first she'd come to speak to him. It was quite an odd thing for him to see. Especially since he had a feeling that the young female didn't like him in the least bit. After all, it's because of him and her father that she is stuck here in the first place. Being forced to marry one of his sons who would be leading the Kingdoms into the future.

"Princess Arielle." The King greeted his future daughter in law and offered her a small head nod in greeting. A small sense of satisfaction washing over him as he watched her courtesy. It was quite nice to see she still respected him. For sure, he was almost certain that she'd hate him for everything that's gone on. "Please, take a seat." There were people watching, after all, so don't make the old Vampire look like a rude man and force the human who'd soon be family stand all day.

Raising his right hand, one of the Kingsmen stepped forward and leaned forward to listen to the King. "Bring me a glass of red and the young lady something suitable for her palate." The King ordered and then dismissed the servant. Red, being the secret word he'd told his servants to use for blood to try and not upset the human princess. "Lovely day it is, isn't it?" The King asked as he glanced towards the young girl. One of the servants stepped forward with a second cup and set it in front of Arielle before starting to pour some tea into it. "How'd you sleep?" The King asked, his eyes flicking towards the bow before looking into her eyes after a moment.

@ FallenHope95

"Thank you," Arielle said softly as she moved into the chair across from the King. It only took her a moment to settle down in the chair. This conversation was important so she didn't want to be moving this way and that the whole time. So even if she did become uncomfortable the princess wouldn't do much adjusting. Luckily, it seemed, that the royal family liked being comfortable as it was quite a nice seat.

Her eyes lifted up to the servant as he was brought forward and then ordered to bring them some items for lunch. But the Kingsman left as soon as he came and soon enough it was just her and the King once again. She needed to ensure to keep her attention on him. Arielle needed the vampire to like her. At least enough to hear her out when a serious accusation was brought up. It would be hard since it would be about both of his sons but this wouldn't be the first time that Arielle had to charm someone and it wouldn't be the last.

"It is a very nice day out today." Arielle agreed with him. "I have found the weather here to be quite enjoyable. Warm with a cool breeze." Her eyes shifted over to some of the flower bushes and her face softened. The garden here was lovely and Arielle enjoyed her time in it. And, at that moment, it was nice to be somewhere that her and Gio had spent some time together. "It is no wonder that the garden here always seems to be blooming. Though I suppose I have not been here very long and the weather will change with the seasons, will it not? But it is my understanding that your seasons are not as drastic here either."

Her eyes lifted back up to the King as he asked her how she had slept. Although Arielle had done her best to hide it with makeup, she was sure that some of her tiredness had come through. And it would be even easier for the King to see it with how much better his sight was than hers. "Admittedly, I did not sleep much last night." Arielle told him honestly. She didn't want to lie. How would she ever gain his trust that way if she lied about such obvious things? But she didn't want to get into the reason why either. "But I suppose that happens to everyone from time to time. But I will be sure to sleep quite well tonight." Arielle said with a warm smile. She picked up her tea and took a sip. "Do you drink a lot of tea, your majesty?"

@ Sweet.Persephone
Reaching his hand out to grab his cup of tea, the King brought the expensive cup to his lips and sipped lightly. His eyes closing as he savored the sweet taste that entered past his lips. A small hum escaping from him as he opened his eyes and glanced towards the young beauty. His right eyebrow arched ever so slightly as he listened to her. "Ah yes. Although the flowers will lose their petals, the trees won't lose their leaves." The King explained to the young human. "The weather doesn't get cold enough for the leaves to fall, maybe once or twice in my long life we've had snow, but that was eon's ago."

Setting the cup back onto its saucer, The King sat up straight and looked towards Arielle as she spoke. His head nodding ever so slightly, a sign that he had been listening to the young lady. "Perhaps a good book will help put you to sleep, you young folk always stare into bright screens of the TV and Cellular devices for so long, it keeps your brain active." He sure sounded like a father in that moment. "Books will calm the mind more than movies will any day, by dear."

"I do." The King admitted when asked about tea. "It's quite a strange little thing, how just soaking leaves or flower petals in hot water can make something so soothing for one's soul." The King murmured, his eyes glancing down towards the deep-colored tea that he had in front of him. "This blend is supposed to be good for the immune system, please Princess. Try it." The King said and raised his hand to motion towards the teacup that was in front of Arielle. "It's a little strong, so if you need some sugar, there are some cubes of it and cream." The King lowered his hand back to his own cup and took a couple more sips.

A couple of moments later, a servant came back with a small tier of sandwiches for Arielle to eat. As well as a small assortment of sweets to enjoy with the tea as well. Then he placed a goblet full of dark red blood in front of the King. "It seems to me that you and Jax have hit it off. The people adore you both together." The King's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked back towards Arielle. Watching, wondering if he'd catch a nervous tick or something. Anything really, just to see how she'd react by hearing her betrothed's name falling from his lips.

@ FallenHope95

"It must be nice, always having such a warm climate." Arielle said with a light hum. She did like the idea of a place that was always warm and sunny. Like it would also be the weather of summer or spring around here. No one would have to worry about accidentally not bringing a jacket or black ice. The weather was just less hostile in general, it seemed. Still, at that moment, she rather deal with the concerns a dramatic climate has to offer than what occurs there in the vampiric court. A blizzard was easier to deal with than the storm they all brought in. "Though I do love the snow. Especially when it first starts to fall. But, of course, it brings complications with it."

As the King started to speak about books, Arielle looked over at him. Her eyes seemed to soften slightly as he spoke of the benefits of reading over the electronics everyone had now. "You sound exactly like my father." Arielle said, allowing herself to let out a light laugh for a moment. "But perhaps you are right and I should make my way to the library after lunch to see if that works tonight. Do you have any recommendations?"

Arielle did not know why, but it surprised her to hear just how much the King enjoyed tea. And it was something that she made a note of. Since it was a clear interest of his, it was one that she could use to bond with him, perhaps. Though Arielle could not say that she knew a lot about tea. Even so, as he motioned for her to take a sip, Arielle picked up her glass and did so. But he was right, the strong taste made her eyes widen a bit and she set it down on the saucer before adding some cubes and cream to it. With those additions, Arielle raised it back to her lips and took another sip, now satisfied with the taste of a slightly calmed down favor.

Once she set the tea back down, her eyes shifted to the tier of sandwiches that had been set down before her. The young woman had noticed the goblet of blood but did her best not to. After all, it wasn't see through so she just tried to tell herself that it was wine. When the King mentioned Jax, Arielle tried her best not to make any strange moves or signs. And, for a human, it would have easily gone unnoticed. Probably as well for vampires who were not paying attention. Though the King was and noticed the slightest tightening in her jaw and the way her breath stopped for barely a second. But just as quickly as it happened, her jaw relaxed and her breathing returned to normal. "Yes, they do." Arielle said, keeping her voice sweet and warm. "It is very lucky, really. I had thought it would take more time. But I even had the pleasure of showing Jax a magazine from home that warming up to him."

@ Sweet.Persephone
"Complications come in all shapes and sizes dear, don't just count them as just a storm." The King said as he offered Arielle a small smile. "We often have dry spells and have to transport gallons of water from somewhere else in the kingdom and then have to figure out if that location will become parch in response to our efforts." The King explains in a calm and collective tone. A small smile playing along his lips, finding it interesting to be talking to someone of the younger generation like they were one of his closest comrades.

When being told that he sounded like her father, a light chuckle escaped from the King. "I'll take that as a compliment." The King murmured. "If you honestly want my recommendation, then I'd say pick something with poetry in it." Reaching out, the King slowly gripped onto his cup full of blood and took a couple of small sips before setting it down. "The way that authors word things with poetry really help the mind imagine things, putting the emotions behind the words into a different perspective and allows for one to really get a better feel for things that are in our subconscious." Grabbing a napkin, the King dabbed at his lips lightly to clean them. "Poetry is like music to the heart." If you find a good one that resonates with you, it sticks in your mind.

Being the skeptic and observant man that he is, the King's eyes slightly narrowed in interest as he leaned back in his seat. Raising his right hand, the King slowly waved off the servants who surrounded him and ready to were ready to serve his every whim. In well-trained sync, the servants all bowed down to him and filed out of the gazebo. Moving to stand in a spot out of earshot of the King but still have the ability to have eyes on him in case he needed the assistance of some sorts. A small sigh escaped from the King as he relaxed a bit in his seat and raised his hand to his face. Rubbing his eyes with his pointer finger and his thumb. "Princess Arielle." The King started, his tone mellow and soft like that of a parent who was trying to get their child to listen to reason. "I am well aware of the fact that being betrothed to someone that you've barely met can be a challenging obstacle, but it's an honor that you should treasure. You are helping to stop a possible war from waging." The King lowered his hand and looked towards Arielle once more.

"Something is on your mind, about my people. Am I right? You come from a land where humans are free to do as you please, my people aren't welcome. Correct?" The King paused to allow for his words to settle in. "You've got questions, concerns. Please child, speak freely." The King said and then motioned for Arielle to release what's on her mind to him.

@ FallenHope95

The smile across Arielle's face was quickly wiped away as the King started to speak of the challenges of an arranged marriage. She had thought she had done so well in her response. How was he able to see through that? It was vampire's damn abilities. How was she ever meant to get away with necessary lies when she was here? Sure, some were done for comfort but there were reasons royals kept some things secret. And while her words about Jax weren't lies, her feelings about it had been... It had happened all so quickly as well. Only 24 hours ago she would have said that he was a great man.

The princess dropped her eyes down as he continued on. Now she was thrown off. All she had wanted to do, all she had needed to do was have a nice lunch with this man. And although he was encouraging her to speak freely, Giovanni's words were at the back of her mind. She couldn't just bring up her evidence about Jax right now. She needed more time, more trust than what a few minutes could provide.

"I apologize if it seemed that I was not honored by my position in stopping the war, your highness because I am. I truly don't want our kingdoms to fight. And, yes, admittedly there are some difficulties in being engaged with someone I know little about but these are not matters that I don't believe can be resolved." Azana's eyes lifted back up to meet his, the frown still settled onto her face. "There are things on my mind but they are not about your people or your country or your laws. And, since you asked me to speak freely, honestly, I didn't come to you today to discuss any of it."

Arielle brought her hands down into her lap and started to slowly smooth our her dress. She was a bit worried that he would be dissatisfied with the response she was providing. But, at least her words were true and her emotion genuine. Hopefully there was no way for the King to tell she was holding back when she was currently being as open as she could. "Your majesty, I know I am going to be spending a lot of my time here, in your castle, for the rest of my life. I am trying to make an effort to make this place feel like a home away from home. Talking to my future father in law seemed like a good place to start." Once again, her words were true. Although Arielle preferred the idea of going back home, each day she was accepting the fact that this marriage was going to happen no matter what. It was just the who she needed to focus on changing on. "I can leave if I have bothered you."

@ Sweet.Persephone
As the King listened to Arielle, his lips slowly pursed together and he couldn't help but lean forward slightly in his chair. His hands folding together as he paid the young girl his full attention. A rarity in and of its self. The King's full attention was not something that he often gave to just anyone, even his own family. Heck, it's unknown the last time that he'd actually fully had a heart to heart conversation with his own wife or sons.

"Princess Arielle." The King said slowly as he rested his elbows on the table and threaded his fingers together. His full attention on her eyes as he spoke, watching for any sort of reaction to his attention on the young girl. "You have a good heart, and a good mind as well. Only, I fear that you use your mind more than you use your heart." The King said quietly, and then slowly sat back as he relaxed his hands back onto his lap. "You will find this place to your liking if you just relax a bit more, not think about us being any more different from your people back home than the different colors of roses that are blooming around us."

The soft thudding of footsteps caught the King's attention and he shifted his gaze towards the right. The corners of the King's lips slowly raising as he spotted Jax coming towards them. "Father, Arielle." Jax greeted as he reached the gazebo, stopping by the steps since he wasn't invited up by his father. "Jax." The King nodded in greeting. "My apologies father, I was hoping to spend some time with my betrothed, may I take her from you?" Jax asked, and then offered out a hand to Arielle. As if he was ready to help her down the steps of the gazebo.

"Hmm, very well." The King murmured quietly as he looked back towards Arielle. "Please join me for lunch once more sometimes. It was quite nice speaking about something other than politics." The King told Arielle as he then motioned that she was allowed to leave.

@ FallenHope95

Relief flooded her small frame at the King's reaction. She had been worried that her words would upset him, especially as Arielle had stepped around asking any questions that he had probably wanted her to ask. Instead, her words seemed to cause the opposite reaction. He was interested and keen on hearing more. This was a good start. And, for now, it appeared that she might have gotten over the difficult part of starting her lunches with the man. Hopefully, this meant that he would be less suspicious of her and more open to just having a regular conversation. Nothing about politics, countries or families. Just about subjects that they both wished to discuss. The more she brought him in, the faster he would start to trust her. Though it still remained that she would need to be genuine. Arielle was going to have to share her true self. Hiding in the shadows would do no good.

"I will try my best to relax then," Arielle responded gently, smiling a bit. She was pleased that this was seemingly working. Once the King's glaze turned away from her, the princess' own eyes followed. What she saw immediately caused her to tense up. The young woman had hoped to spend a day without seeing Jax. Now he was a true monster in disguise. Even so, the woman forced herself to relax her body completely, doing her best to show nothing in her psychical features. The vampires noticed too much. Though she could not get herself to muster up a smile for the man. Instead, busying herself with readjusting the bow around her neck.

Arielle had hoped that the King would tell his son to fuck off, to say that they were busy and Jax would just have to speak to her later. Instead, the man did the exact opposite of what she wanted and allowed Jax to take her away. And to avoid any issues rising in the relationship she was trying to build with the older man, it was her duty to go with the son. The son that Arielle could only pray would be gone in a month's time.

"Of course. I hope to join you again soon." Arielle told the King softly before she moved up onto her feet, leaving her meal untouched. Which was fine, she couldn't say she was all that hungry in the first place. The princess curtsied to the King before turning to step down from the gazebo. She then turned to Jax, waiting for him to take the lead. Though she was fully planning on ditching him the moment they were out of the King's sight. God, just being near him made it hard to breathe.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Acting as the true princely character that he was, Jax gave the King a small nod of thanks before looking down at Arielle as she stood next to him. His hand that had helped her down from the steps tightened its hold slightly on the girl's hand as he started to lead her towards the way he had come. His movements slow as if he was just enjoying the time with his betrothed. Taking in the flowers and warm weather or some shit like that. When in reality, he was just putting on a show for his father and the servants.

As they stepped inside and out of sight of the King and his servants, Jax tightened his grip on Arielle's hand almost painfully so as he turned towards her. His eyes bore into the young girl as he took in her appearance. His eyes narrowing as he raised his free hand and pulled on the ribbon that was around her neck. Undoing the pathetic piece of fabric and letting it fall to the ground. "I must prefer to see my mark upon you, and I don't want to see you covering it up again," Jax said as he moved his free hand to lightly cup her chin. His thumb lightly running along her bottom lip as he gazed down at the young human. "Do you understand? Princess?" Jax asked, arching a brow as he used his hand to lift her chin and turn her head to take in the appearance of the bite marks on her neck. Taking in the slight purple coloring of the bruised skin that he had caused.

A small humph escaped from Jax as he released her chin as well as her hand. "You look good with a claimed mark," Jax murmured quietly as he allowed for his eyes to stay on the ugly mark he had bestowed upon the Princess's neck. "Maybe I shall return to your chamber tonight and give you another marking on the other side of your neck, or maybe another part of your body. Hm? What do you think?" Jax asked as he moved closer towards the Princess. His hands rising and pressing against the wall on either side of her shoulders.

@ FallenHope95

Feeling his grip tighten around her hand caused Arielle to wince. Though instead of pulling away or crying out, Arielle turned her head away from the man. She just needed to leave once there was an opportunity, which should be coming soon now that they were out of sight from the King. Arielle did not want to cause a scene in the castle at all, however. It would only cause her problem if it got back to the King. Though she was quick to tense up, her head turning quickly to look up at the man as he pulled on the ribbon around her neck. Soon, it was off entirely and the two marks around her neck exposed. One from Jax and the other from Giovanni.

With the way that Jax was folding onto her ace, Arielle could not help but lookup. Though she tried to step back as he ran his thumb along her bottom lip. Unfortunately, all the woman found was the wall. "I understand," Arielle whispered meekly. The tightness of her chest only grew worse and Arielle's eyes started to swell up with tears. Although not a single one dropped yet. Feeling him release her hand, Arielle folded them together and pressed her hands against her chest, trying to make herself smaller in his presence. With his hand no longer lifting up her head, Arielle looked off to the side, not wanting to look at the monster.

A shudder came over Arielle as he mentioned coming back and providing her with another mark. Her stomach was getting so wrapped up that the young woman felt as though she was going to be sick. Her skin started to go cold and calmy. "I would not like that," Arielle whispered to him. Feeling him move closer, now his hands on both sides of her, Arielle felt as though she was getting pinned. Although part of her feared the repercussion, the princess felt as though she could not take any more of Jax without fear of crumbling into herself. Arielle was quick to duck under one of his arms and slide out so that she was now standing in the middle of the hallway besides Jax. "I-I won't cover up the mark but please don't come back to my chambers again, Prince Jax."

She hoped that her half compliance would get the man off of her for now. Arielle quickly curtsied to Jax before turning and heading off in the opposite direction of where Jax was taking her. She didn't want to be wherever he was.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Sitting back in his chair, the King let out a small sigh. He raised his right hand and rubbed his eyes tiredly with his pointer finger and his thumb. It's been a rather busy day and it was barely past one in the afternoon. People were calling and asking for audiences like crazy from the King. It was like he barely had time to breathe today, let alone have anything for lunch. Not that he actually needed lunch.

Just as the King was lowering his hand, a knock sounded on his office door. "What?" The King snapped in a slightly irritated sounding tone. The office door opened slowly and one of his guards poked his head into the office. "Sir, Princess Arielle has requested an audience with you." The guard spoke in a calm voice. A small sigh escaped from the King before he slowly nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, please do send her in." The King said calmly and waved his hand for the man to move along as do his bidding.

A couple of moments later, the same servant from before knocked on the door. "Come in." The King called and then watched as the guard opened the door and stepped aside to allow the Princess to enter the room. "Princess." The King greeted as he sat up in his chair. He outstretched a hand and motioned for the young girl to sit across from him. "Please, come and sit." He said and offered a small smile. "What's on your mind?"

@ FallenHope95

Once she was allowed into the King's room, Arielle stepped inside, clutching onto the evidence that she had against Jax. The princess felt like her nerves were frayed after what had occurred the last three weeks and finally she could not take it anymore. Despite Gio's suggestion of waiting a month to bring the truth forward to the king, the woman simply couldn't handle it anymore. She had tried to be good, to remain calm, to avoid angering Jax. But it seemed like no matter what she did, it did not matter. He continued to come, breaking into her room despite her best efforts to keep her out and feed from her. Her arms, neck and collarbone were littered with marks from the man. And he was so adamant she keep all of them showing. The emotionally abuse had also been weighing heavy on Arielle.

Jax's actions against the young woman had caused her nightmares, when she could sleep. Walking into her own room brought tears to her eyes, so much so that Arielle had been trying not to sleep at all - or would fall asleep in other areas of the castle. More than once had a servant woke her and offered to escort her back to her room. This really had to end, Arielle couldn't take it anymore and the King was her main chance.

"Your majesty," Arielle barely spoke above a whisper as she curtsied to him. Once he offered her a seat, the princess' movements were lethargic and it took a moment for her to sit down. "Yes, I had something that I wanted to discuss with you. Since it's a... political matter, I thought it best to have an audience."

The woman glanced down at the Manilla envelope where she was keeping all of the evidence for a moment before she opened it up and started to set the material down. "It is about," Arielle took in a deep breath, forcing herself not to start sobbing. The last time the King brought up the Prince, she had started to cry and had to excuse herself from lunch. "Prince Jax." She set down the minutes from the advisors hearing concerning forcing Giovanni on drugs and who would do it. She then set down the vial that was used on Giovanni and the following evidence she was able to find against Prince Jax during the last few weeks. Some of it she had gotten from his own desk.

"I have discovered that the prince was the one behind Giovanni's drug scandal." With all of the evidence now on the table, Arielle wrapped her arms around herself, doing her best to hide some of the bites on her skin. She just hated looking at them, feeling them against her skin. The young woman barely felt like she was in her own skin. "It was all set up to make him look unfit for the throne so that Jax could become the next heir. Some of the advisors were aware and assisted him in committing this treason. All of the proof you need is here and I am sure you can confirm this information with those involved."

@ Sweet.Persephone
Every moment that ticked by caused the strained smile that was placed upon the King's lips caused the muscles to lose their strength. It was clear to the King that Arielle was not well. As well as seeming to have something weighing heavily on the young girl's mind. She looked exhausted, unwell. What Jax and his betrothed were up to, was not something that the King could comment on, even as King. What one does in a relationship is personal, not political.

Although, it seemed that the Princess was pitching the King a curveball. The forced smile fell from his lips, and his eyes narrowed. "Princess." The King drew out the girl's title, his head slowly shaking as he sat up straighter than before and leaned over his desk. His head shaking ever so slightly, not sure he was ready to hear more about Princess Jax. Or how she was feeling like he wasn't treating her well. Then though, he looked down at the paperwork and glass vial that was placed on his desk. The name of his favorite son falling from her lips causing his heart to ache. "You think that Prince Jax would do such a thing to Gio?" The King asked, trying to not show favoritism when it comes to his sons.

Reaching out a hand with the timestamps and advisors' names on it. The King raised the paper to his eyes as he leaned back in his chair and started to look over the information. The human blood that pumped through his dead veins going cold and unsettling his stomach. "These are some serious allegations, Princess." The King murmured in his monotone voice, doing his best to not give away how he was truly feeling on this matter. His son, Gio was framed. Like he was trying to explain when he was sentenced. Like he begged to be heard as he was escorted out of his home. Away from his birthright. The thought of betraying his son caused a deep ache in his chest and the King wanted nothing more than to bring his son home right away.

As much as the King wanted to have his men rush to bring home Giovanni. He couldn't, that would cause too much confusion in his people. The King let out a small sigh as he set the paper he was holding down and looked at the other papers on the desk. His eyes scanning the other papers, examining the vial on the table with a bit of an elixir still in it. "I will have my men look into this." That was all the King was able to say to the Princess as he leaned back into his seat. His hands folding together and resting in his lap as he looked towards Arielle. "You do know though, that if this evidence is to be proven false, that you might face the death penalty though, right? Framing a Prince, my son is no silly game, Arielle. Just because you're unhappy to hear, does not mean you get to play with my people's lives." He hated himself for saying this to Arielle, he truly did but. He was King, he couldn't allow his true thoughts or feelings to show. They were weaknesses, ones he couldn't allow to be seen.

"Now." The King said in a calm voice. "Is there anything else you'd like to speak to me about?" The King asked as he slowly leaned forward to collect the evidence to place on his desk. He'll have one of his most trusted men look into all of this and see if the Princess was speaking the truth or not. "Because if not, I have other matters to attend to and I have a meeting in an hour as well. So I won't be able to humor you with a relaxed conversation today."

@ FallenHope95

"There is more than just unhappiness in my relationship with the prince, your highness." Arielle mumbled as she lightly pulled on one of the marks on her arm. How much the King knew or saw was up in the air but he wasn't blind. How could he allow this abuse towards her? "But I wouldn't frame him or make up lies to get him dethroned. I am not that kind of person. The evidence I bring forward is true and you will see it as such soon,"

The young woman stood up from the chair and curtised to him, lower than she would normally. It was all in his hands now and Arielle could only pray that he would make the right decision. "There is nothing else. Thank you for hearing me out, your majesty."

---

It had taken longer than what Arielle would have liked for the King to bring Prince Giovanni back home. Though he had been insistent in running an complete investigation on the matter. By the time the truth was determined, a week had flown by. A week of an angry Jax had not been kind on Arielle. But, at least, Giovanni was coming home today. Even if Jax wasn't getting kicked out, this was an improvement.

Arielle was trying to maintain her good image as the human princess. Which meant not waiting by the entrance of the castle like some servant or love sick juliet. So, she had resorted to waiting in the music room that had a good view of the drive leading up to the entrance. She had tried to play some but found it too difficult and instead watched out the window, pulling on fabric of her dress lightly. It was still in the style that Jax insisted on that allowed him to see all of his bites on her arms, neck and collarbone. But now it also showed the two hand bruises she had gotten the night Jax found out about invesigstion. One around her upper arm and the other around her wrist.

As one of the royal cars made its way up the drive, Arielle scrambled onto her feet and started to make her way down to the entrance. At first she walked at normal speed and then slowly started to speed up the closer she got. Though once the entrance door was opened, Arielle was sprinting towards the unsuspecting prince. Once she was close enough, the princess flung herself at Giovanni, not caring if she knocked them both down in the process.

@ Sweet.Persephone
She had done it, Arielle had managed to get his father onto her side. That fact alone made Giovanni extremely impressed with her because the man was a stone wall when it came to being friendly with those not of his immediate family. Yet, she managed to get close to him in a short month and then a week after got his case to be looked into. When Gio saw the news that morning after his mother texted him to pack his bags once more. Giovanni was shocked beyond belief. His father had made a public statement about how new evidence had been discovered and that they were lifting the ban on him. Gio was once more a royal and not only that, but he was allowed to come home. The only catch was that he still wasn't heir and he wasn't Arielle''s fiance. Both though, he planned to change. One way or another.

Blinking from his thoughts, Giovanni watched as the gates opened up. The car bringing him ever closer to his family, his home. A small flutter erupted in Gio's chest at the thought. He could feel how anxious Arielle was inside. Or was that excitement? Gio wasn't sure, the poor thing barely felt anything but fear since he'd been gone or hell, even before everything went down. The mere fact that Arielle's human heart was still beating amazed Giovanni.

As the car pulled to a stop in front of the palace, Giovanni couldn't help but sit up straighter in his seat. He smoothed out his blazer and then swung one leg out effortlessly as the car came to a stop and the driver opened his door for him. A wave of maturity washed over Gio as he cast his eyes over his family's servants, their employees. Faces he'd grown up seeing and ordering around. Looking forward, Gio kept his expression neutral as he walked towards the large double doors that led to the palace. Giving a small nod to the two guards as he entered was the only indication of thanks that Gio gave as he entered his home once more. A new refined prince had entered the palace, no more was he the foolish oaf that he had been before. Now, Giovanni was determined to make things right. For his people, and himself.

Of course, though, his parents were inside waiting for him. They weren't a commoner or a servant so they'd need to wait inside to hide their excitement that he'd be coming home. Gio understood, what he didn't understand though, was the fact that Jax was there as well. If only to greet Gio with a small nod before turning to leave, as if the sight of his younger brother disgusted him. Gio's parents, on the other hand, were ecstatic, well mostly his mother. She was on the verge of tears that her boy was home. So much to, that Gio could barely greet his father before the King had to take the woman away to console her so that she didn't make an embarrassment of herself in front of the servants.

Then, just as Giovanni had thought that all of his welcome homes were done and over with. A sound coming from his right caught his attention. The sound barely registered in his mind before Gio had to turn and catch Arielle as she flung herself at him. His arms wrapping around her waist as he stumbled back a couple of steps before falling onto his ass in the now empty hallway. "Nice to see you too," Gio murmured quietly as he hugged Arielle back and then slowly released her as he leaned back on his hands to look at the young human who was surprisingly amazing. The small smile that graced the Prince's lips slowly faded as he took in the marks, then the bruises that littered her body before looking back into Arielle's eyes. His happiness for seeing Arielle vanishing with the wind. "Shit, Ari," Gio murmured quietly as he moved forward and hugged Arielle once more. This time a little bit harder as he buried his face into her shoulder. "I'm, sorry." He murmured quietly against her bruised flesh, his words muffled from how tightly he was hugging the girl.

@ FallenHope95

The moment she collided with Giovanni, her arms were around his body tight and her face buried into him. She only tightened as Giovanni fell backwards and they both found themselves on the ground with Arielle on top. But the princess truly didn't care about that. The immense amount of relief and joy she felt from having the prince back overshadowed all of it. And Arielle felt like she could have easily clung to Gio like this for the rest of the day.

But she felt the man release her so she did the same. Her hands slid off of him and pressed down onto the ground on both sides of the prince. She was still on top of him after that fall. So Arielle started to shift so that she was sitting besides Giovanni and not on top of him any longer. "I am so glad you're back, Gio." Arielle whispered to him, the largest smile over her face. It was so big that it caused the woman's cheeks to hurt but that didn't matter. All that mattered was the the prince was here. Things were going to get better with him by her side. They just had to.

Though her smile was quick to fall when his demeanor changed. She didn't like that look. It made her chest tighten up as he seemed to swear under his breath and hug her into him. Arielle was much slower in wrapping her arms around Giovanni, unable to stop the uncertainly creeping up in her. She had known that he would not like seeing the marks and bruises. Arielle had known that. But the woman had not thought much about what his reaction would be. Perhaps a look of disappointment. But nothing more. Not that he would hug her so tightly. Not that Gio would apologize to her. No one had. Not Jax. Not the King. Not even a servant. No one in the castle had said a thing as Jax's collection on her body grew. The looks the young woman had gotten from them all, how she had noticed some of the staff whispering as they saw her. It had been silently screaming at her but still not a single word was said her way. So Arielle had not considered that Gio would say a thing.

So it felt like a shock to her system. That someone had even acknowledged her suffering. It took a moment for it all to sink in. But when it did, Arielle suddenly found herself clutching onto Giovanni and truly sobbing like a child. Not the kind of silence cry that adults did but the type of loud, uncontrollable crying that only came from true unadulterated pain. Arielle couldn't stop it. Hell, she could barely even catch her breath.

@ Sweet.Persephone
And so, the Princess cried, and Giovanni hugged her. He hugged her for what felt like ages, not letting go. Holding her to him, in fear that she'd disappear and go back into the darkness. Back to a place where he couldn't see her once more, to hold her like this. He held her, in the hallway, on the floor where anyone could see them and he didn't care. Giovanni did not care one fucking bit. He knew Arielle needed him just as much as he needs her right now. Things were going to get rough, dangerous even for them. So, they needed this moment, even if it was breaking them both mentally and physically.

A little while later, once Giovanni was sure that Arielle had cried herself silly, Gio slowly pulled back. His hands slowly holding onto her cheeks as he looked into her slightly swollen eyes. His thumbs brushing under her eyes slightly to erase the tear streaks that were quite evident along her cheeks. His lips were pulled into a thin line as he looked at the Princess. Then, he leaned forward and placed a quick kiss on her forehead before pulling back. A small sigh escaping past Giovanni's lips as he closed his eyes and rested his forehead against Arielle's for a moment.

Then, slowly, Giovanni moved to stand up. He bends slightly to help Arielle stand up as well because as much as he wouldn't mind carrying her, he could already hear the servants whispering about how she was cheating on Jax. It was hard enough that she had cried in his arms for who knows how long. "Come on Ari, let's take you to get cleaned up." Gio said quietly, wrapping an arm around her waist as he started to lead her towards her bedroom to fix herself up. Not knowing that was the location that she was attacked so many times by Jax.

@ FallenHope95

It had taken a while for Arielle to calm down. The way she had sobbed was shameless, really, and Arielle couldn't help but feel some embarrassment from crying so terribly and openly. But the woman had not been able to help herself. And, after doing so, she felt some relief from the burden she had been carrying. It had been difficult to be in the castle with Jax without a friend by her side. Especially as she had discovered that no one there had really cared enough to help the young woman stop from crumbling inside of herself. But now Gio was here. Now Arielle knew she had someone.

Feeling him pull back, Arielle looked up at him. The princess took in a deep breath as his hands held onto her cheeks and then her eyes closed for a moment as he started to brush his thumbs against her face. "I couldn't help myself." Arielle whispered to Gio. Her hands that had been clutching onto the back of his shirt released and slid away. Stopping once they landed on his side, not holding onto a pinch of fabric there. A light kiss to her forehead quickly followed and Arielle's body untensed a bit, causing her to sink down into the floor a bit. Doing so even more as his forehead rested against hers. Despite how gross she felt, from the marks, and the crying, Arielle desired a little more than a kiss to her head. But she knew that couldn't happen. Her feelings didn't matter as much as her official engagement to Jax.

With Giovanni's assistance, Arielle got onto her feet. "Okay," She whispered, leaning into Gio as he wrapped his arm around her waist. Her hands reached up, rubbing her swollen eyes as they walked down the hallway. For the most part, she wasn't watching where they were going. Arielle knew they were going in the directions of the bedrooms and that was all. Though when they didn't head towards Gio's sleeping area, the woman's heart sunk. They were going to her room. Of course, why would they go anywhere else? That was where her things were. Her breath seemed to be speeding up with each step they got closer. Arielle hated it there. She hated it. It took her time to hype herself up enough to go get changed and shower when she needed it. The young woman was trying to remind herself that she could be quick. Just in and out. Oh, she thought she was going to be sick.

Once they were outside of the room, Arielle stopped dead in the hallway and looked at the door. All of the blood had drained from her face and she was as white as a sheet. But what really mattered to her was that she was quiet. Her ears were perked as she tried her best to hear if Jax was on the other side of the door. Sometimes he waited for her there. "Do you... do you want to come inside?" She whispered to him.

@ Sweet.Persephone
As they neared Arielle's room, something started to feel off to Giovanni. Arielle's heartbeat was speeding up like she was scared of something. Of what, Gio couldn't really understand. Hell, he was kinda clueless. This was Arielle's bedroom why would she be freaked out about it? Glancing down, Gio could feel himself frowning as he saw her complexion turning pale. Was she sick or something?

Opening his mouth, Gio stopped mid-word as Arielle blurted out a question he was not expecting from her. The last time he was in her room, he was kicked out. So, Gio being Gio, he pursed his lips together and just looked at Arielle in confusion for a moment. Trying to get what her motive was. "Um, sure?" Gio murmured quietly, his free hand raising and slowly rubbing the back of his neck. His eyes glancing down each side of the hallway before slowly looking down towards Arielle once more. He did his best to offer her a small smile as he saw how scared Arielle suddenly was. "Let's go in." He said and then motioned for Arielle to open the door for them.

Once the door was open, Giovanni allowed Arielle to go in first before slipping in behind her. Closing the door quietly, Gio looked around the room. Trying to see if she'd changed anything, which didn't seem to do. He just didn't know what to do in Arielle's room. Usually, when Gio was in a girl's room they'd be too busy sucking face to really care. Followed by clothes being thrown off somewhere. "So uh," Gio mumbled, looking back towards Arielle. "I'll be in here, so just go freshen up. Then we can do something. Sound cool?"

@ FallenHope95

When Gio motioned for her to open the door, it took Arielle a moment before she reached out and did so. Though she was quick to step back, half expecting Jax to pop out out of the room. The princess was more than sure that the man was furious about Gio's presence in the castle. Plus, things seemed to reach his ears quickly. When the news of her sobbing into Gio reached his ears, there would be repercussions. But, it seemed that Jax was not currently waiting for her. So the young woman was quick to step inside, knowing that she needed to move quickly.

"Yes, that sounds good." Arielle told him as she disappeared into the bathroom. She didn't want to spend too much time in the bedroom. It felt like every second in here was playing with fire and her heart was still racing. The first thing she did was shift her dress and smooth it out. Luckily, none of her makeup had run off onto it so there was no need to change. But Arielle was going to wash her face and redo her makeup. Normally, after crying so heavily, Arielle would have preferred to shower to wash the ickiness down the drain but that would take longer than she wanted.

So she washed her face and then sat down in front of her vanity. A little sigh left her as she took in the sight of her marks. She depised how she looked now. Arielle used to think she looked so lovely and now she was just littered in wounds. In wounds she wasn't even allowed to cover. Her fingers twitched for a moment. There were still times where she wanted to rip them all off of her. Arielle took a deep breath, trying her best to calm herself down before she went to work, doing only the bare minimum of what was expected.

Soon, Arielle was walking out of the bathroom, but instead of stopping at Gio, she made her way right to the door. "Okay, I'm done." She opened it up, walking out and then holding it open for Giovanni to come with her.