After his meeting with the Emperor, Charles was surprised to find Benjamin's room empty. Upon inquiry, he learned that Benjamin was in the tea room with Princess Sofia, Princess Ara, and Prince Zaid.
As Charles made his way to the tea room, he found Shirin waiting for him. They walked together to the tea room, with Shirin inquiring where he had been and Charles doing his best to dodge the question.
When they arrived at the team room, the room was filled with the warm sound of overlapping conversations and laughter. Ara and Benjamin were seated next to each other, across from Sofia and Zaid.
When Shirin and Charles walked in, the group exchanged greetings before the lively chatter resumed. Shirin took a seat next to Zaid, while Charles sat next to Benjamin.
Benjamin had been sitting slightly turned toward Ara. They were catching up with one another. He had been telling her about his years as a doctor and his clinic in Aster, while Ara spoke of her years at university.
"Ben, I have something to tell you," Charles said, tapping his shoulder. Benjamin turned and nodded, waiting for him to speak. "I can't say now, but are you free later?"
"Benjamin is going out later," Ara said. "I told him I wanted to tag along, but he said I probably wouldn't be allowed."
"I want to go, too," Sofia added. "It's unfair that staff are required to follow us around all the time."
"I agree. Charles, you can do something about that, can't you?" Ara asked.
"Please let us go with Benjamin. Felix will be with him," Sofia pleaded.
"He even rejected me, so what hope do you all have?" Charles scowled. Everyone burst out laughing, except for Shirin.
"If you all want to go to the beach, we can take a trip there after the ball," Shirin suggested. "Your parents would be livid if you went unaccompanied."
"True," Ara admitted. "My father would faint from worry."
"What about your mother?" Zaid asked.
"She doesn't worry as much, since my father does all the worrying for her," Ara replied, as everyone burst out laughing.
Her parents King Wuxian and Queen Rei, while well known to be beloved by their people, were also well known to worry incessantly over their one and only daughter, Princess Ara.
"Sofia, come here for a moment. There's something in the gardens I want to point out to you," Ara said, standing up and walking toward the other end of the room. Sofia excused herself and followed.
"What is it?" Sofia asked with excitement, her eyes lighting up. She knew Ara hadn't dragged her away just to point out something.
"I just wanted to ask... How is it going with your secret admirer? We haven't seen each other in a while, and I was wondering if there's any progress." Ara flashed a mischievous smile. "Do you still need any help?"
Sofia giggled. "It's going really well. There are still a few minor obstacles, but besides that, we're doing great. And you?"
Ara shook her head. "You know me. There's not much to share."
"So..." Sofia leaned in closer, "Benjamin?"
Ara flushed a deep red. "Shhhhh!"
"I know there's something there," Sofia giggled. "It's my turn to help you. Oh, and you know that Liv is coming tomorrow."
"You better not tell her," Ara warned.
"But why? Liv is—"
"What are you girls talking about?" Shirin asked, suddenly appearing before them.
"We're just talking about how Liv is coming tomorrow. We're excited to see her," Sofia replied without missing a beat.
"She is a troublemaker. It's always fun when she's around," Shirin agreed. "Do you girls want to take a mud bath and get massages?"
Sofia and Ara agreed, both excited.
"We can also test some perfumes," Shirin added. "We can choose which ones to wear for the ball."
Before the princesses excused themselves, Ara asked Benjamin if she could speak to him privately. Benjamin stood up and followed her to the entrance of the tea room, where they made plans to meet the next morning.
Charles had known Ara for many years, and he could see from the way she spoke to Benjamin that she clearly had feelings for him. Is this why she isn't in her usual casual wear even though we're just meeting informally?
Charles was confused as to how they had become so close that she would develop feelings so quickly. Knowing her personality, Charles knew that Ara was never swayed by a person's physical appearance, their title, or accolades.
Why did she ask to talk to him privately?Didn't they just meet today? Charles wondered as his eyes remained fixed on the two of them.
Observing Charles, Shirin noticed his gaze following Ara and Benjamin. Is Charles interested in Ara? Shirin wondered. But, she doubted it.
To her, there was nothing remarkable about Ara. She was pretty, yes, but not enough to stand out. And, she was only a beta. And, sometimes, the way she presented herself wasn't very princess-like. She was surprised that Ara was dressed in a black silk gown tied with a sash at the waist. When she wasn't at a formal event, Ara dressed down.
Shirin couldn't figure out what Charles saw in her, but she swore to herself that before the ball ended, she would make sure he only had eyes for her.
Meanwhile, Sofia went to interrupt Ara and Benjamin. Overhearing something about a meeting, she walked over and Benjamin and Ara let her in on the conversation.
"Oh, can I join you two tomorrow morning?" Sofia asked.
"We'll hang out with you after," Ara quickly replied. "There's something I need to discuss with him... in private."
Benjamin nodded, and Sofia quickly agreed, though her mind was racing.
Is Ara going to confess to him tomorrow? She's just met Benjamin again after what, a decade? I'd better talk to her tonight. What if he rejects her? Isn't he… Well, I'll support her no matter what. And, she might be good for Benjamin.
Sofia watched as Ara pulled her along and the princesses finally excused themselves from the room.
Afterward, Benjamin also excused himself, saying he needed to get ready to leave for the beach. Charles wanted to chase after Benjamin, but earlier, Zaid asked him to spar and train with him. Charles couldn't say no without looking suspicious. He had always trained with Zaid whenever the two had met. So he had reluctantly agreed.
Charles eyes followed as Benjamin left the room.