I Don't Need the Prince! 22

Amanda and her crew slowly made their way towards Ariel. They swayed left and right with their fans covering their mouth. Occasionally, they would greet nobles along the way giggling and laughing behind their fans. If Avina didn't know any better, she'd think they were only interacting like the other nobles, not going towards her spot to humiliate her!

Soon enough, the group arrived outside the terrace. It was Amanda who started her act first. Walking towards her, she acted surprised, gasping at the sight of someone already at the terrace. It was like she truly did not know Ariel was here.

"Oh my! I didn't think there was someone here," instead of walking away, she moved even closer. Her dress swayed left and right sweeping the dirt off the floor. Her scheming eyes exposed compared to her crafty smile hidden under the fan. Amanda had her other hand crossing her red dress. It was different from all the other dresses, it was red, provoking red. The more on stared, the more one felt blind. A huge stop sign just walking around.

Avina stared at her red dress feeling it was an eyesore. Even relaxing, she can't even take a break. "Greetings Countess Amanda. How is your evening so far?" Avina stood up and curtsied at Amanda. Manners weren't something to be forgotten, unlike a certain snake.

Amanda's shoulders shook as she giggled, and she then greeted Ariel. At her cue, the women behind her also stepped forward and greeted Ariel. Despite their greetings, their eyes filled with pure amusement and laughter betrayed their thoughts. They enjoyed bullying others. They looked like hyenas laughing.

"Where's His Royal Highness, Prince George? Is he not with you tonight?" Her fake concern oozed out but it was clearly evident in her laughing eyes she had no goodwill. She glanced around acting surprised and shocked. Annoying.

Forced smile hanging weakly on her lips, Ariel said, "He is out greeting his loyal subjects. He was worried I would be tired walking too much." Alright you greedy lollipop seller, if gossip is what you want, then go ahead! Your face will be slapped sooner or later. Giving out bait, she played the forlorn lover.

As expected, Amanda and her gang giggled while hushing one another. Looks of fake pity were given to her, but Avina did not care. The more rumors the better. A good plan always starts and ends with patience.

"How sweet of him. Then I will leave you be. Farewell Lady Devera," feeling her purpose was completed, Amanda sauntered away. Her confidence reeked of arrogance and contempt. It was disgusting the victorious smile on her face, but it wasn't time yet. Soon, soon it will be time to wipe it off her face.

Avina went back looking at her monitors watching everyone's movement. She saw George working hard strengthening his faction, Amanda being the snake she was, Earl John being Amanda's lapdog, Jane's and Rey's sprout of love, and felt everything was falling into place. Swishing the glass again, she stared at her reflection.

Her eyes looked deep without clear thoughts and her hair looked like threads of silver in the night. In the day, it looked like fine golden ribbons, but the contrast now was beautiful. It reminded her of Hector and she decided to open a new monitor.

As the monitor loaded, Avina looked at the bustling party and felt how far away it was. It was but a step to escape and another to join. But it was all so far away.

Avina stared at the new monitor, and her eyes slowly opened with shock. She knew Hector had hunches of the schemes happening behind their family's back, but she never thought he would devise his own plans to expose them. It would help her immensely because it was too hard to expose anything without help.

Her plan was originally to have George investigate and finally, everything would be revealed. But if Hector were to compile evidence before the accusations, it would speed everything. She would finish the mission quicker!

Avina's shock changed into joy at the thought of finishing the mission. She was closer to being home, to being back to where she belonged.

George returned quicker than she had thought. Once he returned to the terrace, he immediately grabbed her hands and the two ran off away from the people. His footsteps were longer and faster than hers and she soon couldn't keep up.

Just as she was about to ask him to slow down, he stopped. She bumped into his back hurting her nose in turn. Her eyes redden from the pain but it stopped as soon as she looked around her.

A sea of purple greeted her. The night breeze shook the plants bring a hint of lavender to her nose. It was a field of lavender growing in peace.

There were small drops of water rolling on the long reeds of purple. As the moon shined upon them, it glistened like diamonds atop a sea of violet. The fresh smell of sweet lavender rode the breeze bringing its aroma to float everywhere.

In the middle of the field was a small blanket with a basket next to it. Holding her hands, George guided her down and the two sat next to the lavender staring at the moon and stars above. Opening the basket revealed the treats hidden and Avina was handed one.

"Let's enjoy the night together," George grabbed another pastry placing it into his mouth. With his other hand, he loosens his collar and stared at the sky above. The stars were twinkling and winking playfully with the moon.

She looked at George's smiling eyes and she too smiled. Eating, the two of them admired the night while talking of everything possible to talk about. The night passed with peace and tranquillity. Each person, while busy or not, would spare a fleeting glance at the moon feeling relax for even a short moment.

That was nearly half a month ago. Ever since then, a lot of things had happened. Rumors of Ariel grew even more terrible to the state where even commoners were talking of her. And Jane's reputation grew immensely even claiming her to be the goddess's messenger. No matter how far fetched the rumors got, as long as there was someone to believe in them, it spread for another day.

Avina watched as the people around her anxiously struggled to control the situation or provoke it even more. She thought it was such a pity how futile the real villains were acting. End the end, she was going to be the one to triumph. Finally, it was the day she was waiting for, the graduation banquet.