Ariadne's POV

"Okay girls, let us get back to our scarves."

A few groans mixed with one cheerful sigh from Galene who had been attempting to work on her beautiful red scarf when our laughter and chatter had interrupted her progress.

The last suitor had just finished his three days and was now gone. He was not nearly as rude as Prince Damon was, but he was not very bright either. And we had been in no mood to entertain during our time of grieving. 

I moved my handiwork into a comfortable position and then began to subconsciously move my hands in a rhythm I had developed so that I could think about something other than trying to make every stitch perfect. The only way that had worked was when I thought about the scarf as a maze, one of the strings was the person trying to get through the maze and the other string was the maze that slowly formed as the person pushed forward. It was a little silly, I admitted, but it helped.

Peter won't respond. I thought as I remembered the letter that I had delivered to his cottage earlier that morning. I needed to talk to him about Julie. Nothing had been resolved in the council and I wanted to help. 

Does he want your help?

I stood up only to sit back down when I heard Harriet's words echoing in my mind. If you so much as step a foot out of this castle again then I will make it my pleasure to see that you and your sisters receive no more pleasantries of any sort.

I felt like sulking in my chair but chided myself. A princess should be finding an answer to the problem, not feeling sorry for herself.

Just then the door swung open and Harriet strode in, a pleased smile on her face. Two maids followed her, each carrying two trays. The trays were then gently placed on the circular chair in the middle of the room. My eyes, however, were following Harriet who had a piece of parchment protruding from her apron. 

Harriet seemed to have an uncanny sense of knowing two things: when you had disobeyed her, and when someone was staring at her. That moment Harriet's eyes locked with mine after she noticed me eyeing the letter. 

"It is not for you princess," she chuckled. "This letter is addressed to me, from my daughter, Amelia." 

"Letters are wonderful to receive, I am elated that she wrote to you."

I could picture Harriet now surrounded with grandchildren huddled around her begging to be told a story. Bell, Charities and I had managed to get a few stories out of here once in a while when I was no older than Juno was now. I had not thought about those memories in years, it was a comforting thought. 

"Well, do not stand there gapping, come get some food," Harriet said helping some of the younger girls to their feet. "But be careful not to spill any crumbs on the carpet," she warned.

I smiled. Harriet was still Harriet, just happier.

We ate until our stomachs told us not to eat anymore, the food was divine. It was by far the best food that could be found in the all the realm.

"Harriet," Bell asked meekly, and I looked at her in surprise. Was Bell, my sister Bell, being shy? "Could you tell us a story?"

"Of course, my little princess," she said glowing with delight.

We all gathered at her feet, except Juno who crawled up into her lap and waited anxiously for her to begin as she got situated comfortably.

"Once upon a time," she began, "In a faraway kingdom, there lived five princesses. But these princesses were not like you: they were trapped. All-day and night they were locked up in a tall tower that no ladder could reach nor beast could climb. The only glimpse they had of the world below was through a small window. Now do not despair, my dears, there were many benefits to living in this tower, for it was magic. If danger arose then it would protect the girls accordingly. They also had an endless supply of food and water and anything else they could need. No living soul dared come close to the tower out of fear of the magical tower and the terrible dragons that lived there. No living soul, that is, until five brothers decided to take their chances, for they had heard of the beautiful princesses that occupied the dangerous tower and wished to rescue them.

"They were on their noble steeds racing to find the beautiful princesses only spoken of by legend when they heard a loud roar. These brave young men were frightened for no more than a second, for they did not fear beasts and were the most honest and brave of anyone who had ever roamed our world. They pressed onward, in spite of sounds that could scare full-grown bears. The roars grew louder and stronger as the five princes continued, and they went on as quietly and as carefully as possible through the forest. Then they were stopped in their tracks as a dragon fell from the night sky right in front of them, breaking trees and moving boulders as it skidded to a stop in the dirt of the forest. The roar that followed caused all living creatures within the kingdom to fall on their knees and cover their ears, as they attempted to muffle the deafening sound.

"The handsome princes all crawled behind some bushes so the huge dragon would not see them and decide it was hungry. Then they watched as the magnificent creature slowly stood up and flew off, disappearing into the night. The young men then decided that they had had enough excitement for one night and set up camp there, and soon they were all sound asleep.

"The next morning the princes awoke and resumed their journey to save the princesses. They were in sight of the castle and had climbed to the top, finding the princesses and telling them of their plan. The princesses were delighted to be free and followed the princes to escape. 

"But the dragon soon realized that the beautiful princesses were gone, and he stormed through the forest in rage, searching for them. But the dragon soon became tired and fell asleep. However, he fell asleep between the princes' path to safety. They were trapped."

Just then a loud knock rapped the door, and it flew open without hesitation, causing us all to jump and scream as we were caught up in the excitement of the story.

"We have a new contestant who wishes to try to solve the slipper mystery," Sir Sneddon announced apologetically.

"Now, I know you girls are a little hesitant for a new suitor to try his hand at this, seeing as the last ones... weren't what we expected."

I saw Bell shudder out of the corner of my eye. That was an understatement.

"-However, I am fully confident that this fine gentleman will be just that - the perfect gentleman. Especially seeing as how he already has his sights set on Princess Ariadne."

I searched my mind of all the possible lords and princes that I knew. Not all would be a welcomed sight for this endeavor.

"May I introduce, Prince Wilson Mears Worthington II of Credarus."

Finally, someone who is actually decent.

He walked through the doors as we all stood and curtsied, as I came out of the deep curtsy, I had to breathe in sharply, he was even more handsome than the last time we had met. His striking blue eyes were looking right at me, and I quickly looked back down so he wouldn't know how much I was staring.

"It is so good to see you again, your highness," I said.

"Oh trust me, my dear, the pleasure is all mine."

He slipped my hand through the crook of his arm and led me out of the room, and before we reached the end of the hallway I heard my sisters giggling, no doubt at something Bell had said. I would have to question her later. But for now... I looked up at his face and smiled. 

Today was going to be a good day.

Then angry voices sounded from down the hallway. Perhaps I had spoken too soon.

"-I arrived before the Prince! I should be allowed to participate in this forsaken mystery just as much as he is."

"I am sorry Mr. Fairborne, but he is higher ranking than you and as such, he gets to try first. If he had arrived tomorrow then no doubt the situation would have been reversed, but as it is-"

"Excuse me," Prince Wilson interrupted Sir Sneddon, revealing our presence. "I could not help but overhear your conversation, and I propose a solution."

Peter glared at him. I was not sure if it was because of the prince's closeness to me or because the man he appeared to hate was offering assistance.

"I say that we both try our hand at solving this forsaken mystery, perhaps two heads are better than one in this case."

"And what happens if we figure it out?" Peter asked looking at me.

"Then we both win, of course, there are twelve daughters." Prince Wilson looked down at me and placed his other hand on mine. "Of course, I fancy one more than the others, but you my friend have a few other very talented women to choose from. I know for a fact that Bell and Charities both love you and your family."

I looked over at Peter and could not tell if he was going to box the prince's ears or storm out of the room.

He did neither.

"I will accept your offer. However, I would like to change the deal a little. Tonight, we are working on our own and if we do not figure it out separately, therefore only declaring one winner, then tomorrow we will put our two heads together and solve the mystery."

"You have yourself a deal. We are allowed three days here so I see no problems in that. May you have fortune on your side."

"And you as well."

They shook hands and everything about them appeared relaxed and in accord except for their eyes. Both men were glaring at each other so intense that the whole room was filled with tension.

"As long as you both agree, I suppose arrangements will be made," Sir Sneddon said and scurried off presumably to prepare said arrangements.

"I wish you both the best of luck as well, and before either of you ask, I would help you if I could, but unfortunately I cannot." I wanted to say more, about us being cursed, but I knew it was pointless.

"May I speak with Ariadne alone for just a moment," Peter said.

"Of course," Prince Wilson said, but he hesitated in handing me over.

"I will meet you in the courtyard," I told the Prince as Peter and I walked towards the library.

We sat down at an all-around clean table, except that it was surrounded by books.

"Ariadne, I know I already agreed to Prince Wilson's deal, but I want to know your opinion before I put every effort I have into solving this thing."

"My opinion?"

He sighed and ran his fingers through his thick dark hair. "Yes. I have always assumed you have known my intentions and... feelings for you. However, I cannot assume any longer, I need you to know the truth and I need to know what you think about it."

My conversation with Julie immediately popped into my head. Oh no.

"I have loved you for many years now."

What? Why is this conversation happening now?

"I don't know when it started. Probably very soon after our first meeting. Anyway, that is my reason for participating in this forsaken mystery. Since I have lost my title, I have no other foreseeable way of obtaining your hand. But, if you do not feel the same then I will retract the deal with your prince and you will never see me again."

I do not want to never see him again. But it would be painful for him, besides you love the prince. 

"Ariadne?"

I snapped out of my thoughts and looked at him. What should I say?

"I don't know what to say, Peter."

"You don't know?"

I shook my head and looked down at my hands. I needed to say something and fast!

"Do you want me to keep my agreement with your prince?"

I looked up at him, into his caring unsure eyes. 

"Yes, but I cannot confirm that I reciprocate your feelings right now."

He looked crestfallen, but not surprised.

This is the way it has to be.

"If you had come to me at any other time in my life then I would have said yes. But you are right, my heart belongs more to the prince than it does to you now."

I sighed, hating myself already for what I was about to say. "I want you to figure out the mystery. But I do not want you to choose me as your bride."

"Why would I participate in something so dreadful, watching you and your prince fall over each other, when I cannot have you in the end?"

He looked furious. 

What have I done?

"Peter, I-"

"No, I don't want to hear any excuses. I know you have a kind heart and you are probably just trying to let me off easy. I wanted the truth, and I got it. But Ariadne... Princess Ariadne, if I can't have you then I will not torture myself by being in the same building as you, especially when you are with the man whom you actually love."

With that, Peter stood up and left.

I could not move. Had Peter, my best friend, the man whom I adored, just confessed his love and I rudely rebuffed his affections? He said I was trying to be kind, but what I said was anything but kind. 

And now I would never see him again.

So that just happened... 

Do you think Ariadne went too far? 

Is it better to lead someone on or to be honest? 

Comment and vote if you want to know what happens!