"I . . . I can't let her know . I can't let her know that I'm asking you for this favour . " Ariana said pathetically, she felt stupid for even saying it . Halina was her friend but Mirela told her not to let her know . That was why she needed the girls to leave the school, she could careless about the guys . It was Halina she wanted gone . If she left the school grounds she would need to leave her familiar behind as they are bound to the school and student, not the individual person .  

'You made my master leave so you could speak to me?' Ophelia asked with a her beak hanging open . "Yes . " Ariana admitted without hesitation . "I will talk to my husband . I doubt I will have an answer right away . So if he chooses to speak with you, he will come find you . . . That's the best I can do . " Ophelia said as she lowered her head in shame . "Thank you . " Ariana whispered . Ophelia was helping her behind her master's back, she could imagine what the familiar might be feeling at that very moment .

Ariana looked up at the wall clock and sighed . It was time for her to go . "Ophelia . . . I'm sorry . " Ariana sad she dropped her forehead on top of Ophelia's head . Ophelia said nothing . Not even after Ariana got up . Not even after Ariana walked to the door and looked at her with so much guilt . Not even after Ariana left the room . There was nothing but suffocating silence .

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A rock formed in the pit of Ariana's stomach as she walked away . "Vasu, I'm not sure of what I'm doing anymore . " Ariana said with such uncertainty and worry that Vasu became concerned . 'Then do what you think is right . ' Vasu said as he floated beside Ariana .

"What if . . . . what if I'm wrong?" Ariana asked . 'Does it matter? It's your choice . Do what's right for you . ' Vasu replied softly causing the heaviness that Ariana was feeling to be lifted but it only lifted slightly . "You're right . It has to be my choice . " Ariana said with a bittersweet sweet smile . "It's my choice . I have no one to blame but myself . " Ariana said as she stopped in front of Vanessa's room . She raised her hand and knocked politely on the door .

Vanessa opened the door abruptly and walked out, slamming the door behind her . For such a pet.i.te girl, Vanessa could show the most powerful expressions and it always surprised Ariana . "You look sickly . " Vanessa scowled as she looked Ariana up and down . "You look lovely . " Ariana said as she looked at Vanessa . She had her hair down with a peal clip holding a few locks back . She wore a pleated, a line collared, light gold coloured dress . Vanessa looked very elegant .

"Let's go . " Vanessa said as she blushed . Ariana stepped aside and allowed Vanessa to lead . "You know you could have cancelled our tea date . " Vanessa stated rudely as she kept her gaze ahead of her . "But then what would you tell your parents? Aren't they the ones pus.h.i.+ng you?" Ariana asked bluntly as she smiled sweetly, causing Vanessa to stop walking for half a heart beat . "Let's get this over with . " Vanessa said sharply as she started walking faster .  

They had walked in silence until they reached the pick up and drop off area at the bottom of the winding road . "Uhm, Vanessa are we leaving the school grounds?" Ariana asked awkwardly . "Of course! This place at best can only serve subpar tea . " Vanessa snapped as a carriage started to a.s.semble before them . "I think I'm going to go back . You're right I'm feeling awful and I should go back to rest . " Ariana said as she took a few steps back . "My parents will punish me severely if we don't have this date . " Vanessa said coldly .  

"Are you serious?! You're a complete daddy's girl . You said so yourself . How, no why would they punish you?!" Ariana shouted in total confusion . "You know nothing . " Vanessa said quietly but her words had a horrible impact . Ariana dropped her gaze . She wouldn't be alone . Vasu was going to go with her . The others had to stay back so they wouldn't create suspicion . Ariana stepped forward with a heavy sigh . She brought her gaze up and looked at Vanessa . "You know what I am . If your parents think I'm anyone special they are wrong and you know why . " Ariana said coolly before she stepped into the carriage .

Vanessa clutched her dress . She knew what Ariana meant but she couldn't speak up to her mother when she interrogated her yesterday . "I won't let them hurt you . " Vanessa said under her breath before she climbed in after Ariana .  

Ariana remained perfectly quiet until the carriage stopped in front of a cafe . Ariana looked at Vanessa with utter disbelief . "Why are we here?" Vanessa looked at Ariana and smiled in an unfamiliar manner . "I think a public place is best . " Vanessa replied . Ariana nodded her head and opened her own door .  

They both walked into the cafe and found a table pretty quickly . A sweet looking waitress walked up to their table . She wore a light pink uniform with a frilly white ap.r.o.n . Ariana couldn't help but smile . "What can I get you . " The young woman asked cheerfully . "Your best tea and cakes . " Vanessa said as she looked at the waitress indifferently . "Right away . " The young woman said with a very business like smile . "Why are you looking so smug?" Vanessa snapped . "Is this place new?" Ariana asked brightly . "I think this is the second one I have ever seen in the capital . " Ariana continued .  

"Probably? I don't know . We are here based on a recommendation . " Vanessa said as she averted her gaze . "Well thank you then . I'm happy that there are more cafes opening . " Ariana said as she relaxed . "You're acting like you own the place . " Vanessa said as she rolled her eyes . "Only when it comes to this . " Ariana said with a wink . The young woman returned with a small cart . She unloaded a tea pot and two tea cups . Then placed a three tier cake stand on the table . "Enjoy . " The young woman said before she rolled the cart away .

Ariana took a slice of fruit cake and took a big bite .