Painfully yours

Help.

I sighed and turned to go to my closet. "I don't know ."
I picked out my ironed shirt and skirt and layed it out on the island while I picked out a warmer and stockings along with a black sweater.

"Arya, what's wrong? You haven't even smiled since the morning. Are you even happy that I'm here? " I couldn't see her because of standing between the cupboard doors . But the concern and irritation was evident in her voice. What did I do to irritate her?

"I'm happy okay, there's just other things that weigh .... More." I sighed looking at the neatly folded stack of underwear in the drawer. I felt terrible now. Everytime I felt anger towards her , I was humbled by the fact that she was a person of authority, a Royal. I didn't know if that was the reason for my deference for her, didn't know if it was because she was a Royal or just elder. Maybe because she had started mentoring me .My voice broke. Picking up a lace underwear, I wore it from under the towel. Scanning the bras in the drawer below, I felt her stand behind me.

Her hand turned me around and she hugged me tightly not bothered about my wet hair.

As Ariana wrapped her arms around me, I could feel all the tension and worry melt away. It was as if her embrace had the power to make everything okay again. My face turned wet from the tears streaming down my face. All that mattered was the warmth and love radiating from her.

I breathed in a long breath feeling myself let go

Her hair, it smelled like a safe haven. The familiar scent brought me comfort and reminded me that I wasn't alone. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of love and security.

The floodgates opened, and I started crying loudly on her shoulder. But Ariana didn't flinch or pull away. Instead, she rubbed my back and held me tighter, offering a safe space for me to let it all out. I squeezed her tightly, not wanting to let go of this feeling of safety and love.

"Why're you crying arya" she held the back of my neck and more water cascaded onto my back soaking the towel.

In that moment, I wanted to share everything with her. I wanted to tell her about all the things Xavier had done to hurt me. For so long, I had felt alone even when I was in Xavier's company, constantly dreading his presence. But now, with Ariana by my side, I felt like I wasn't alone anymore.

"I'm not okay." I sobbed.

"I know you're not. Tell me what will make you happy Arya. I want to help you." Her promising voice sparked a hope within me. My heart raced with excitement shelled in anxious anticipation.

She comforted me with her presence, whispering softly that everything would be alright, that it was okay to let it all out. And in that moment, I believed her.

"W-will you do something for me then?" I sobered up from my emotional ride. Breaking our hug I looked in her soft and empathetic eyes. Her camisole completely wet from my hair.

"Anything Arya, I'll take care of you." Her compassionate voice soothes the vibration in my head when Grace's voice echoed in my mind

"They dated since forever . He was the most romantic person ever."

Why did they break up?

"Why though? I haven't done anything for you." Ariana hugged my waist. Her upper body inclined backwards caressing and tucking my hair behind my ear.

My flicks bounced back forward as she answered with a smile."You're just special to me."

"But don't you hate me? You had a relationship with Xavier." I looked down at the close proximity between us. My heart beat faster, The closeness now felt eerie and uncomfortable.