73 Birthday celebration

Although Ariana, locked in the secret palace, was completely left out of the major events of social life, in reality, since the war, there has been such a good relationship between Predin and Hertian that the rulers paid their respects each year, at the other's birthday celebration.

As the King of Hertian was officially a widow, he traveled alone to Predin to greet Jerome on his birthday, and express his condolences due to the Queen's death.

However, as the prince's nanny, she couldn't miss Gideon's birthday banquet, so meeting with Jerome was also inevitable.

When the official letter arrived, that the ruler of Predin would also be present at the party, her stomach clenched.

'WHAT will happen if he recognize me? Or… if he comes for my parents … to execute them? '

She was trembling with nervousness.

"Everything's gonna be alright."

She was reassured by the deep voice.

"During the ceremony, be indifferent and by no means leave my side. And your parents are safe in my castle - I guarantee that. "

Gideon's hand weighed on her shoulder like an unbreakable shield. Ariana just nodded silently, hoping there would be no major incident.

Although the girl's hairstyle was nothing reminiscent of her old self, and it wasn't strange in Hertian for woman covering half of their face with a veil, her gestures and tone… her eyes… could easily bring her down.

The day of the banquet came, and Lady Violet appeared in a gold dress to the sole, adorned with only a few purple scarves.

Gideon did not leave the throne, sitting and welcoming guests, who, after bowing, could feast on the food and drink in the rest of the room. The atmosphere of the evening was enhanced by the traditional music and the performance of the hertian ladies dancing, which the guests could enjoy throughout.

Since Gideon didn't mingle with the guest army, Norman didn't leave his father's side either, so Ariana didn't have to talk to anyone, or even go closer to strangers than 3 meter.

As the more noble people appeared in turn, the girl calmed down, realizing the king was right, there would be no problem here.

She stood like a lifeless statue next to the king, but her beauty was still visible from afar. Of course, there was already news in Predin that the beautiful girl, who appeared on the side of the king had a good chance of becoming the next queen… so no one dared to flirt with her.

The hours passed and suddenly the figure of Jerome and Jürgen appeared in the ballroom door.

As much as she trusted her in disguise, as soon as she recognized her former lovers, her heart trembled. She began to fold her hands nervously and bit her lip so hard, she didn't even notice when a few drops of blood spilled out. She could only compose herself when Gideon took her hand. This movement finally reassured her, but it drew even more attention to herself. As she looked back at the crowd, she also made eye contact with Jerome and Jürgen against her will. From that minute on, the two men didn't take his eyes off her. They had not encountered violet eyes since the death of the Queen, and now they could think of noone else… only Ariana.

Luckily, the young prince had to leave the event earlier, so Ariana could leave as well.

After Norman fell asleep, she headed for her own room, but heard familiar sounds in the garden.

"I saw her go this way… Find her!"

It was Jerome and it was clear who he was looking for. Ariana quickly hide herself behind one of the bushes, however, as she began to run at an appropriate moment, the veil hiding her face got caught in one of the branches and tore off. She didn't have time to go back for the already useless piece of material, so she tried to cover herself with her hands.

However, her footsteps were noticed by the Predin guards and they followed her. She ran in panic, looking back more and more often, until she ran into something… or rather someone.