Chapter 53: Where the Water Glows
Ariana stood, a slow smile curling on her lips as she thought about how she had hidden the painting exactly where no one would find it. She wasn’t going to paint that again—not after he had laughed.
’Ughh, why did he have to laugh? I know my painting isn’t that bad. He’s just overexaggerating things,’ she said to herself, rolling her eyes just as the door pushed open.
Ariana braced herself, expecting to see the teasing glint in his eyes. But to her surprise, it wasn’t him—it was Leah.
"Queen Ariana, His Majesty had something to attend to and so he left. He’ll be coming later today. I was told to pass the information to you."
Ariana nodded, her lips curling upward—almost in disappointment. He was the king, and matters like this were things she should get used to. She should be grateful for the time he had already made for them.
A soft sigh escaped her lips, which Leah caught.
"We could finish the painting now. I remembered the last time you weren’t able to finish it because of lunch. Now you could finally complete it," she suggested.
Ariana’s eyes widened. How was she supposed to bring out the drawing she had hidden? Oh heavens, this was so embarrassing. She had planned to keep it from Zavren, and now she—
Ariana pressed her lips together and slowly raised her hands to sign gently:
’You don’t have to worry. Is there anything else I could do? My hands are quite tired,’
She lied. The truth was, she just couldn’t bring herself to go get the painting. Why had she hidden it in the first place?