Amyntas rolls his eyes. “No one is listening. Trust me, I would be able to tell. If you want, you can stay with me…miss. I’m sure you need a place to stay.” He was speaking in code now. Mainly to make her more comfortable. “I’ve got plenty of spare rooms.”
Amyntas knew she didn’t want him to talk about her any longer, but he was always so stubborn. And for some reason, he wanted to help this poor girl out. He remembers his last card reading. It said he’d meet someone new. Someone who was important. Was she it? He sighs. “Look, you wont have to- move around…so much.”
Ariella was looking at him. There anger and something else, fear, in her eyes. He didn't know what he was getting into. He didn't know what he was talking about. "And what if I like traveling. My friends are here. This is my family." Her voice was low, so not to draw any attention.
While they were speaking, her hands had dropped below the table and onto her lap. She was decently pulling a dagger out of her waistband. She would defend herself if necessary. She could make it seem like am accident.
Amyntas leans forward. “Stab me if you want…but I don’t care what you do…I wanna help. And it’s not like I’ll keep you from your friends. I wanna give you a place to stay…to be safe.” He had true sincerity in his voice. Somehow, he didn’t seem to fear the potential death that he could be walking into. Why was this? Thank everyone who’s ever wronged him.
"And what's in it for you?" Ariella's hand curled around the dagger. Just because he knew what she was doing didn't mean she wasn't going to have her dagger in hand. Better to be safe than sorry. "You know who I am which means you know what I am. Do you intend to bring me to your home and use me for your political gains? I won't tell you. I won't break."
Her nostrils were flared. She had been used and used again. She had long since learned how to conceal her tells. She no longer let the pain show when she was told a lie. People died when she did. So she learned to keep it to herself.
Amyntas shakes his head. “Absolutely not. I’ve been used too and I know how terrible it feels. And besides…I’m not one for stupid politics. We’ve both had to go through pain. My father will protect you…and so will I…” He was whispering now, keeping his voice calm. From an outside view, they looked as though they were just striking friendly conversation.
Amyntas sighs. “Please. I only want to help. I hate seeing people suffer…I don’t want others to have to go through what I went through. Please.” He seemed to be…almost begging now. His bright blue eyes pleading.
Ariella looked at him in the eyes. There was no searing of pain, no lie. He was telling the truth. Something so odd to her. She was used to people trying ro use her. Use jer magic. A political ploy. Never had she encountered someone so genuine.
"And how will protect me? How can you keep me safe? You know my mother, you know what she can do. If word gets to her that I'm alive, that I'm with you, you'll never win against her. I cant- I can't risk my identity being leaked."
Ariella looked at him in the eyes. There was no searing of pain, no lie. He was telling the truth. Something so odd to her. She was used to people trying ro use her. Use jer magic. A political ploy. Never had she encountered someone so genuine.
"And how will protect me? How can you keep me safe? You know my mother, you know what she can do. If word gets to her that I'm alive, that I'm with you, you'll never win against her. I cant- I can't risk my identity being leaked."
He nods, “I know. But I’m sure you know how my father gets when people who are close to him are threatened. I mean- take a look at Hercules and his accomplices when they tried to kidnap my mother. You know how that went.”
Ariella drummed her fingers on her thigh, thinking. It would be safer. If he knew who she was, it was only a matter of time before someone discovered her and revealed her identity. Only a matter of time before her mother came looking for her.
"And you don't know the wrath of my mother. Not someone to trifle with." She thought. "No one can know who I am. No one can know my real identity. I'll come as Ella, a friend and advisor you picked up on your travels."
He nods. “Of course. Anything to keep you safe.” He stands, hissing softly. He looks at her and offers his hand. “Come on, I’m exhausted.”
Ariella looked at his hand then back at him, then down again. She rose and took it. "I'd like to pack my things." She couldn't say goodbye. If she did, she would never leave. She would leave a note and that was it.
He nods, “Lead the way…but please don’t mind me if I sit for a while.” He smiles warmly, honestly looking tired.
Ariella walked through the crowd, his hand still in hers. She equally walked on the outskirts and to the personal tents set up beyond a rope. She walked throught the tent until she found her own. She lifted the flap and ducked inside.
Amyntas follows, sitting down in a chair and sighing in relief.
"You seem to know who I am but you haven't told me your name yet, little prince," Ariella crooned as she began to pack her things into a small bag. She didn't have many things. A few pairs of clothes, the rest she would leave. Her throwing knife set and comb and ties. She wore her boots already and they would last well traveling. Grabbing a pen and paper, she left a small note saying she jad to leave and she wished then the best.
Amyntas chuckles softly. “Little prince.” He repeats, “Amyntas. Nice to meet you.” He says softly, smiling. “Is…that all you’re bringing…?”
Ariella smiled at him. "You as well. I'm Ariella. But please, just call me Ella." Ella was who she was now. Ariella died a long time ago.
She looked down at her things. Was there a problem with what she was bringing. "This is all I have." Other than more clothes. But those were long skirts and frills and wouldn't be practical from traveling. And not when she could purchase new, better clothing when they reached the palace.
He hums, “Alright. Thats fine. Just means I can spoil you more.” He smiles, standing. “Gods-“ He mutters. He looks at her. “Ready?”
Ariella stiffened slightly. She didn't know how to feel about that. Being spoiled. She hadn't been in, well, ever. Her mother taught cruetly and selfishness. She wasn't used to such a thing. Wasn't sure if she wanted it.
"I'm ready."
Amyntas smiles, offering his hand. “Ima do a nice little magic trick that’ll tire me out…but it’s so worth it. Brace yourself.” He gently takes her hand, and suddenly, they were in the palace. Amyntas stumbles slightly, leaning into the wall. “Augh-“
Hades hurries into the great hall. “Son! Where have you been?! Your mother and I-“ He pauses, staring at Ella. He looks at Amyntas, blinking.
Amyntas gives him a look, and seemingly, Hade’s confusion turned into understanding. “I see. Well. She is more then welcome here.”
Ariella gently placed her hand in his. She looked confused at him, eyebrows drawn, and then in a blink the fabric tent faded away and stone walls came into her vision. She stumbled, taken off guard. She had to blink several times, realizing what had happened. They had teleported?
She was quickly at the prince's side as he stumbled back into a wall. She placed her hands on his arms, trying to help steady him. She looked at the man who approached, realized who he was, and dropped her eyes.
Hades chuckles softly. “Please dear…I’m not Medusa. There is no need to avert your eyes.” He helps his son sit, silently scolding him.
Amyntas rolls his eyes. “Yeah yeah- I get it, father.” He looks to Ella, “Don’t worry. I’ll survive.” He grins.
Ariella's nostrils flared. She wasn't sure what exactly was wrong with Amyntas. He had come to her like this. Something had been wrong before they ever stepped foot in this place. She would figure out what sooner or later.
She gave a polite smile to Hades. "I think you should lay down and replenish your strength," she said to the prince.
He sighs, “Later. I’ve got stuff to do.”
Hades scoffs, “Oh shush. Listen to this very smart young lady. Go to bed.”
Amyntas grumbles, standing. “After I show her her room.”
Hades rolls his eyes. “Fine.” He smiles at Ella, then walks away.
"I'm sure I could ask a maid or someone to show me. You need rest. You can barely stand on your feet." Ariella wasn't exactly sure how her day had gone from manning a fortune teller booth to taking care of a prince who was clearly too exhausted to do anything.
