The Queen Who Shares Love
S2 Chapter 33 Happy Days (End)

Arion waited for his father and mother in front of the horse-drawn carriage. A suit-clad shirt accompanied by an imperial badge perched on his chest. There was no way she would not wear decent clothes at her brother's birthday party. 

Arion's nape felt hot as if someone was staring at him. Arion used his aura to check around. A sigh came out of Arion's mouth knowing the person he knew was watching him from earlier.

"I'm better, Sylvie. There is no need to check on me all the time" Arion said.

Sylvie appeared suddenly, opening the magic hood. "I'm just worried about you, Rion."

"I know, but we'll meet later at my brother's party. You can check on me later, Sylvie," Arion replied.

"Alright, sorry to bother you, Rion." Sylvie disappeared instantly.

Arion scrunched his forehead. It was not his intention to throw Sylvie out, but he did not want his friend to waste time just to see him at all times. He can take good care of himself.

Arion sees his father and mother walking side by side. They also headed for the Hillbright residence.

***

Ariana saw the view outside the window of the horse carriage. She wears a dress because she can't afford a new dress. He rested for a few days after his poisoning incident, but once back to work as a Saintess many people came to ask for blessings. 

He was overwhelmed to face them.

In front of Ariana, Raymond sat opposite her. Yesterday Raymond offered to be his companion at the Duchess's party. He agreed because he did not want to go alone.

"May I say something Saintess?" ask Raymond.

Ariana turned her eyes to Raymond. "Please, Brother Raymond."

"I know it's presumptuous, but may I wish I could be by your side forever?" Raymond looked at Ariana straight. 

Ariana widened her eyes. Face heated. His head bowed slowly. He did not know that Raymond saw him as the opposite sex. Concern that is wrapped up like friendship turns out there are deeper feelings.

During this time, Ariana felt helped by the presence of Raymond. His heart felt calm and comfortable with that holy knight. 

Ariana raised her head. Raymond patiently waited for his answer. Ariana's mouth opened.

"Can Brother Raymond wait for my answer as an adult?"

"Of course, Saintess."

Ariana nodded slowly. "Don't call me Saintess. Just call me as usual."

"Well, Ana."

Raymond smiled wryly. At least he has hope. Ariana turned her face away, she could not wait to give Raymond an answer.

***

Leonard waited for Judith in front of the Duchess' room. He could not wait to give his gift to his beloved. Actually, Leonard wanted to give gifts in the morning, but he wanted Judith to wait and wonder about the gift.

The sound of the door opening. Leonard turned to look at Judith who looked very beautiful. His lips curled upwards. He handed over the scabbard that had previously been hidden behind his back.

"Happy birthday, Judith." 

Judith received the gift with a smile. "Thank you, Leon."

Judith went back to the room. Quickly, he changed his old sword sheath. He stared at Leonard's sword sheath with a twinkle.

The piles of gifts are in the corner of Judith's room. Some were still tightly wrapped, only gifts from his family and closest people had been opened. 

Leonard chuckles and thrusts his arm at Judith. "Come, Duchess."

Judith hugged Leonard's arm towards the party hall. He looked at Leonard who looked nervous. Judith will announce her relationship with Leonard later. 

Judith entered the party room. A surprised look was on him. The nobles did not expect the Duchess to pair up with the commoners. Judith ignored the response of the nobles. They like to talk about the bad of people.

Judith gave a greeting at her party. He thanked the nobles present and announced his engagement. The nobles did not dare to whisper or reproach as the Emperor continued to look at them with murderous gazes. 

Leticia and Gerald approached Judith, congratulating her. Arion and Ariana follow the Emperor and the Empress. So did the others.

The dance starts off with fun. Ariana kept her lips together during the dance with Raymond. Unlike Arion who has no partner. He looked at Sylvie who was standing by the window. Arion stepped closer to atone for his guilt.

"Will you dance with me, Sylvie?" Arion stretched out his hand.

Sylvie looked at Arion hesitantly. However, his hand moved itself to reach the invitation of the one prince.

"Of course, Rion."

They were joined by guests who danced. Unable to cover up Sylvie's excitement kept smiling.

"Why do you keep smiling like that, Sylvie?" 

Sylvie's smile suddenly faded but quickly returned again. "It's nothing, Rion." 

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to throw you out."

"I know."

Silence was between them. There were only footsteps and music. Arion brought his head closer to Sylvie's ear.

"Do you want to be the Crown Princess?" 

Sylvie slips. His eyes followed Arion's face which started to drift away. 

"Why did you choose me, Rion?"

"So you don't want to?"

"Not want to, but-"

Arion interrupts Sylvie. "The thing is to."

Sylvie is increasingly confused by Arion's attitude. Did Arion pick him because Sylvie was his friend? Wouldn't the Crown Princess be the spouse of the Crown Prince until it continued into the marriage?

"Your declaration of love, this is the answer." Arion smiled knot.

The prince pretended to be asleep. No more precisely he just closed his eyes, but the statement from Sylvie made him confused. He did not have the right answer and asked for opinions from his brother and parents. Arion's decision is to follow his heart. 

"Thank you, Rion." 

Sylvie held back her cries. He didn't want to ruin the Duchess's happy day. His love does not clap one hand.

The Duchess ended the dance. It allows guests to enjoy the available dishes. His gaze was fixed on Leonard next to him. His fiancee was already struggling hard to practice dance even though it was still stiff. Leonard led him to the balcony, freeing himself from the crowd.

A box was removed from Leonard's pocket. He opened the box featuring a ring with a yellow jewel. His feet bowed before Judith. He clasped Judith's hand tightly.

"Do you want to marry me, Judith?"

"Wait a minute."

Judith took out a box containing a plain ring. They were laughing at each other because they had the same thought. They put a ring on their partner's finger.  

Leonard grabbed Judith's nape. A kiss landed on the Duchess's lips. Judith smiled back at Leonard's kiss. 

"I'll grant your request to become a noble. I'll make you Duke after we get married."

"It's my pleasure to wait." Leonard kissed Judith many times until Leticia stopped who caught them both. Leticia stayed away, pretending not to see them.

Leonard considered it an agreement to continue his actions earlier. Judith kept smiling imagining her life with Leonard. The peaceful life he craved would be realized.