A while ago before the unexpected meet up with Aria in the slum near plaza Miranda.
"Take all of these, kid," Sir Kieran said, handing a bag of bread to a small child with dirty clothes and a hopeful smile. His eyes lingered on the kid's innocent face before he turned back to the stall, buying more goods to distribute.
"Hey mister! Thank you!" the kid yelled, looking back at Kieran, running away to share his loot with his friends.
"Hey! Over here!" A male voice called out from the throng of people waving at Kieran. It was Jecko, Kieran's friend who runs a shop for those who can't afford the luxuries of the plaza. Jecko was a young man from the east continent with a heart of gold, always looking out for those in need.
"Ah, Jecko!" Kieran called back with a smile, his eyes lighting up as he navigated through the crowd. "I haven't seen you around for months!" Jecko's grin grew wider as he stepped out from his shop, his arms loaded with goods.
"You look so much better since according to some nobles, you've been staying at the palace," Jecko said. "That's just baseless rumor," Kieran replied with a shrug, his eyes scanning the crowd.
"Aww come on! Is lady Gaia really pretty?" Jecko teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Kieran rolled his eyes, "Don't be absurd, she's just... I don't know, like a doll or something," he said, trying to keep his feelings hidden. Jecko chuckled, "Ah, I see, you're smitten with her!"
The sound of a yelling lady made them both turn around. "Lila!" The lady called out, pushing through the crowd.
"Oh, it's lady Aria!" Kieran said, surprised to see her in such an unexpected place. 'Where is she going?' Kieran had only glanced toward the cupcake stand out of idle curiosity, until he saw her stumble.
Her foot caught awkwardly on a rock, and the moment seemed to stretch as she pitched forward, arms flailing, straight toward a disaster of frosting and humiliation. He moved before he thought, instincts kicking in. In a blink, he reached out and caught her by the arm, pulling her back just before she could crash into the sugary display.
He felt the jolt of her weight against his arm, the tension in her frame as she realized what nearly happened. Her eyes widened, cheeks flushed a deep red, and for a moment she looked like she might vanish from embarrassment alone.
Kieran held her steady, his grip firm but careful. "Are you alright, my lady?" he asked, voice low and calm. His dark eyes met hers, scanning her expression for signs of pain or maybe something else.
She gave a small nod, trying to compose herself. But Kieran caught the flicker of recognition in her gaze, the subtle shift of annoyance that followed. He knew exactly what that meant.
His mouth curved into a soft, amused smile. "That was close," he said, not letting go just yet. Even if she was frustrated, possibly with him, or maybe with whatever twist of fate had caused this encounter, perhaps there was something unspoken in her eyes. Something that gave him pause.
"Thank you, Sir Kieran," she murmured, her voice tight. He couldn't quite read her expression, but there was something there, something beyond the cold mask she usually wore around him.
It was awkward, standing there with Aria's hand in his, surrounded by the sweet smell of baked goods and the buzz of the market. Kieran felt his heart racing, and it wasn't from the exertion of saving her. It was something else, something he hadn't felt since... since the last time he saw her, perhaps? He quickly released her, hoping she hadn't noticed his sudden erratic heartbeat.
'What in the world is happening?' he thought, trying to calm down.
they both stood there for a moment, the tension between them palpable, as the crowd of shoppers swirled around them, oblivious to the drama playing out. Aria's eyes narrowed slightly, her mind racing.
'Why is he here? And why did he save me?' she wondered. Meanwhile, Kieran was trying to make sense of the sudden jolt of... something that had shot through him when he touched her. It was unlike anything he had felt before, and he wasn't quite sure what to make of it. luckily, Jecko inserted himself into the situation with his usual enthusiasm like a real life saver of some sort.
"Hello there, my lady, I see you've found yourself in a bit of a pickle," Jecko said cheerfully, stepping forward and slapping Kieran on the back. "It seems that you know her, introduce me!"
"Oh, right," Kieran said, clearing his throat and gesturing to Aria. "This is Lady Aria Wellington of House Wellington," he said with a formal nod.
"Oh! The Duke Wellington's daughter?" Jecko's eyes widened.Kieran nodded to confirm it.
"Sorry for my abrupt insertion of myself, it's an honor to meet you, Lady Aria," he said, bowing slightly.
"Likewise," Aria replied through gritted teeth, still clutching the amulet. 'well, at least it does seem to work because I nearly trip in front of a lot of people,' she thought, trying to find some humor in the situation.
"So, what are you doing here, Lady Aria?" Jecko asked, his eyes darting between the two of them curiously. Aria shot a glare at Kieran, who returned it with a knowing smile.
"Just... sightseeing," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "You know, the usual thing to do when you're betrothed to the crown prince." Jecko's eyes widened even more, and Kieran couldn't help but chuckle.
"Ah, yes, the usual," he said, his voice full of mirth.
Aria felt a sudden urge to wipe that smug smile off his face, but she had to admit, it was a little charming. "Well, I should be going," she said, her voice cool despite her racing thoughts.
"Nice meeting you Jecko and thank you again for your assistance, Sir Kieran."
"Not so fast my lady," Jecko said, holding up a hand.
"You can't leave without company, and you are in luck since my friend here is available!" He said, then he elbowed Kieran who is very confused.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Aria raised an eyebrow at the sudden turn of events.
'Is he really going to tag along?' she thought, trying to keep her annoyance in check. "It's okay, Jecko," she said with a forced smile.
"I'm sure Sir Kieran has more important matters to attend to than babysitting me."
"Nonsense," Jecko said, waving a hand dismissively. "He is very willing to accompany you, now go on!" He practically shooed them away from his stall, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and mischief.
Kieran looked at Aria, a question in his gaze. "Are you sure you don't need help?" he asked, his voice holding a hint of genuine concern that made her stomach flip. 'oh come on, are you going to play along?' she thought.
"I can handle it," Aria said firmly, taking a step back and glancing around for an escape route. But before she could make a break for it, Lila emerged from the crowd, her eyes wide when she saw Aria with Kieran.
"Oh, Lady Aria, I forgot something for the ball!" she exclaimed, holding up the fluffy pastry.
"Thank you, Sir Kieran, please have this and continue accompanying my lady," she said, pushing the dessert into Kieran's hand and giving him a knowing wink.
"Uh, no no no! You misunderst—" Both tried to say in unison, but it was too late. Lila retreated back into the crowd with a giggle, leaving Aria no choice but to accept Kieran's company.
With a huff, Aria turned and began walking away, not expecting Kieran to follow. But as she heard the crunch of his boots on the cobblestone, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of annoyance. "Look, I don't need your company," she said without looking back.
"I can take care of myself."
"I know," Kieran said, his tone light and nonchalant. "But it's a big city, and it's easy to get lost. Plus, I'm sure the Duke would prefer if I saw you home safely." Aria's steps faltered, torn between the thrill of the unexpected turn of events and the fear of being caught in the story's plot. She threw a sidelong glance at Kieran, who walked alongside her, seemingly enjoying her discomfort.
"You know, I didn't expect you to be so... easy to be with," Kieran said, his eyes still on her as they strolled through the market. "But I suppose it's part of your villainous charm," he added, his tone teasing. 'What do you expect given that you indeed ignore me few days ago, of course you will not expect lol!'
"Villainous charm?" Aria echoed, unable to hide her boredom. "Is that what you call it?"
"Well, you have to admit, you're quite the enigma," Kieran said with a chuckle, popping the pastry into his mouth.
"One moment you're as cold as ice, the next you're slipping on rocks and tripping over your own feet. It's... very ironic."
Aria rolled her eyes, "You know what, you are also very ironic, I'm very aware that we don't like each other as far as I remember, that is why I'm surprised to still keep up with me."
Kieran swallowed the pastry, "Well, it's true, But I don't need to like a person to keep them from harm," he said, his eyes still holding a hint of mirth.
"Besides, I've heard the Duke's daughters are quite the handful." He said, then he offers the pastry to Aria, "Here, your maid handed me a lot more than I can handle."
'She handed you a lot to set us up to date, dumbass!' Aria thought to herself, taking the offered pastry with a forced smile.
'Well, if it keeps him near from my neck, I'll take it.'
'Just you wait Lila, I'll get you for this,' Aria thought to herself, her eyes narrowing as she took the pastry from Kieran's outstretched hand. She knows she was being led into some kind of trap, but at the same time, she was oddly curious about where this 'tour' might take her.
They wove through the bustling streets of the capital, the cobblestones shimmering with the occasional ray of sunlight that broke through the overcast sky. The market was alive with the cries of merchants and the laughter of children, and Aria couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for her own world. A world where she wasn't trapped in a novel with a destined fate to be hated.
"Here, try this," Kieran said, handing her a stick of spiced meat. She took it reluctantly, her eyes still searching the crowd for any signs of her maid when he came across a child in the corner, looking lost and scared.
"Here child, eat this, you look hungry," she said, her voice kind and gentle. The child looked up at her with wide eyes before taking the food.
"Thank you lady," the child mumbled through a mouthful of food, their eyes never leaving Aria's. She couldn't help but smile back, a rare genuine expression that didn't fit the villainess mask she was wearing.
"Where are your parents?" she asked gently. The child looked down, their shoulders dropping.
"I... I don't know, I'm living alone here," the child whispered, looking up with hopeful eyes. Aria felt a twinge of pity, and something else she couldn't quite place.
"What's your name child?"
"I-I don't have one," the child stuttered, looking away shyly. "Everyone just calls me Street Rat," the child said, looking back up at her with hopeful eyes. Aria's heart clenched at the sadness in the child's voice. 'This isn't right,' she thought, 'No one should have to live like this.'
"Child, you want to come with me?" Aria asked, her voice gentle, but the child took a step back, eyes wide.
"It's alright, I just want to help you," she assured, but the child remained wary. Kieran watched the exchange, a hint of admiration in his gaze.
"Why don't we give you a name first?" Kieran suggested, crouching down to the child's level.
"How about... Keion?" The child's eyes lit up.
"Keion? Like the knight in the stories?"
"Exactly," Kieran smiled. "Now, come with us, Keion. We're going on an adventure," he said, holding out his hand.
Aria felt a strange warmth in her chest, watching Kieran interact with the child. It was a stark contrast to the cold, unfeeling prince she had met earlier. 'But wait, where did I heard that name Keion? ' She thought.
'Oh! Now I remember, this is the part where Kieran should come across with lady Gaia, and they will meet this child on the street, and it's supposed to be a heartwarming moment, but instead, it's happening now, with me,' she thought, her mind racing to catch up with the plot's deviation.
'Oh come on! Give me a break!' Aria thought, her heart racing as she watched Kieran with Keion. Just when she thought she had a handle on this mess of a situation, the plot threw her a curveball. But she had to admit, the child's smile was infectious, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of joy herself.
'What's done is done, now, I want to have this child safe,' Aria thought, placing a gentle hand on Keion's shoulder. "Come on, let's go," she said, her voice firm but kind. Kieran nodded and took the lead, navigating the crowded streets with ease.
As they strolled along, the atmosphere grew tense. Aria could feel the plot thickening around them, like a noose tightening with every step. And then, as if on cue, she heard the unmistakable sound of a horse-drawn carriage approaching with 4 horse men on each sides. Her heart skipped a beat, it had to be the crown prince with Lady Gaia.
Sure enough, the carriage pulled up alongside them, and out stepped the prince himself, his arm wrapped protectively around Gaia. Aria's stomach churned as she took in the sight of them, perfectly poised and in love.
The crowd parted like the Red Sea before Moses, creating an aisle of adoration for the couple to walk down, luckily, none of the commoners know Aria as the crown prince's fiancee, so it is safe that rumors will not spark, not unless if there's someone with status that may spot them.
"Well, well, well," the prince said, his eyes landing on Aria with a cold glare.
"What do we have here?" His voice was like a whip crack, and she felt the sting of his words. Gaia looked at her with a mix of confusion and curiosity, her eyes flickering to the child clinging to Aria's skirts.
Aria just looks at him like she was uninterested. "Your Highness," she said, dropping into a low curtsy, her eyes never leaving his. "It's fancy meeting you here," she said with a sugary smile.
The prince's eyes narrowed, "Isn't this your usual haunt, Lady Aria?" He replied, his voice dripping with disdain.
"Indeed," Aria said, rising to her full height and smoothing her skirts. "But what a surprise to see you both here as well. I would have thought the plaza were below your station, Highness." Gaia's cheeks colored, but the prince's grip on her arm tightened, his eyes not leaving Aria.
"Well, I heard there is a good dessert shop here," Gaia, trying to keep the conversation light. "Perhaps we should all go together?"
"Umm... I'm sorry lady Gaia, but I cannot join you since I have guests accompanying me," Aria said, gesturing to Kieran and Keion. The crown prince's expression darkened, and Gaia looked confused, glancing from Aria to Kieran and back.
"Oh, it's such a shame," Gaia said, her voice laced with disappointment. "Another time, perhaps?"
Aria nodded stiffly, her eyes on the prince. "Of course, Lady Gaia. I would love to," she replied, her voice dripping with sweetness. But inside, she was seething.
'Come on prince yell at your fiancée, show me your true colors!' she thought, hoping for a dramatic scene to unfold that might push her closer to her goal.
But the prince merely offered a curt nod, his eyes never leaving hers. "Perhaps," he said, his voice as cold as ice. He turned to Kieran, his expression unreadable. "You really like being around to anything that may have a connection to me, even with my hated connection, don't you, Sir Kieran?"
Kieran's smile didn't waver, "Just happen to see this rebellious lady trip over her own feet and thought I'd offer a helping hand," he said, his tone light and airy. The prince's gaze flickered to Aria, who was doing her best to keep the smugness from her own expression.
"Rebellious, am I?" Aria replied, her voice as sweet as the confectionery around them. "I'm surprised you say that sir Kieran given the fact that you have the choice to go away and leave me alone from my tour escapade." she said, her eyes meeting Kieran's with a challenge.
But instead of backing down, Kieran's smile grew wider. "I'm afraid I can't do that, Lady Aria. After all, who knows what trouble you might find without my watchful eye?" He winked at her, and she couldn't help but feel a strange warmth spread through her chest.
The carriage waited patiently as the tension grew between the two groups. The crown prince's eyes narrowed at Kieran's words, and for a moment, Aria thought he might say something cutting. But instead, he offered a forced smile to Gaia.
"Perhaps we should continue our shopping," he said, guiding her away from the scene. "We wouldn't want to keep you from your... tour," he added with a pointed look at Aria.
Gaia gave a strained smile and a small wave before following the prince, her eyes lingering on the child, Keion. Aria watched them go, her heart racing with a mix of anger and something else, a determination. She turned to Kieran, "Well, I guess we should go too," she said, her voice a tad too bright, then she saw how Kieran smiled so happily.
"You really liked her," Aria said, watching the retreating figures of the prince and Gaia.
"Who?" Kieran asked, feigning innocence.
"The lady with the dessert obsession, Lady Gaia," Aria said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Kieran's smile was unwavering. "I have to admit, she's quite endearing," he said, his eyes still on the retreating figures. "But," he turned to Aria, his gaze serious, "it's not for you to worry about what i like or not." Aria felt a sting of annoyance at his evasiveness.
'What game is he playing?' she thought. But she couldn't deny the flutter in her stomach at his proximity. "Fine," she said, turning on her heel.
"Keion, come here," Aria said, her voice filled with a gentle firmness that surprised even herself. She reached out her hand, and after a moment of hesitation, the child took it. The warmth of the small hand in hers felt real, and she realized she didn't want to let go.
"let's go shop things for you," she said. 'I'm going to adopt this kid; he is too cute to be on the street' she thought.
'Wow! She became like a different person when talking to Keion.' Kieran thought with expression of disbelief.
meanwhile, Nathan the crown prince took a simple gaze back to Aria and Keion, his eyes lingering on the child.
'Why do Aria look so genuinely happy with that urchin?' he thought, his curiosity piqued. 'And is she going to bring that child to her house?'
The prince was so lost in thoughts that he didn't notice Lady Gaia's confused look.
"Nathan? Are you okay?" she asked, tugging on his arm.
"Hmm? Oh, yes, I'm fine," he said, tearing his gaze away from Aria and Kieran. "Let's go, shall we?" He offered his arm to Gaia, who looked at him with a hint of concern.
"You know what Nathan, haven't you observed lady Aria, it's like she is change, she doesn't yell or glare at me like usual," Gaia said.
"It's nice to see a light from her," she added, her voice filled with genuine curiosity.
"I bet she's like that to get my attention," Nathan muttered under his breath, his jaw tightening. He couldn't shake off the feeling that Aria was up to something, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Gaia looked at him with a pout.
"You're way too sure about yourself, aren't you?" Gaia said, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Aria isn't exactly known for her sweetness based on my experience, but maybe were too judgmental of her," she suggested.
"What do you mean you?" Nathan aske, raising an eyebrow at Gaia's words.
"Well, that maybe lady Aria was hurting with the suffocation the society is putting on her, and she just snapped," Gaia said, looking at him with a knowing smile.
"You know, not everyone can handle the pressure of being perfect," she added, patting his arm.
'"How can you be so sure about that?" Nathan demanded, his voice sharp with disbelief, almost anger.
But she didn't flinch. Her eyes softened, drifting to a memory that had never left her since that day.
' Because I saw her.'
' Not the villainess everyone whispers about… not the cold, calculating noble they fear.'
'But a girl so fragile, trembling, and crumpled beneath the withering branches of the old magnolia tree in the farthest corner of the palace gardens. Her back was turned to the world, her sobs muffled by her own trembling hands, as if even her sorrow wasn't allowed to exist.'
' That was the real Aria.'
'I watched her cry like the world had already sentenced her to death. Alone. Forgotten. And for the first time, I didn't see someone I needed to avoid… I saw someone begging silently for someone to understand her pain.'
'That's when it hit me,' she thought, her chest tightening with conviction. 'She's not cruel because she wants to be. She's cruel because no one ever gave her a chance to be anything else and that was a let down on my part.'
She turned back to Nathan, her voice quiet but unwavering.
"I made a decision that day," she whispered.
"Even if she spits venom at me, even if she lashes out or tries to hurt me... I won't retaliate. Not because I'm weak. But because she's already fighting a war inside herself, and she's losing."
"And someone has to stay. Someone has to believe there's still something left to save."
She looked away, voice thick with quiet fire.
"So, whether she hates me or begs me to leave... I won't. She doesn't need another enemy."
"She needs someone who won't run."