#Chapter 396 – Kiss the Ring

I bury my scowl at the prospect of meeting my enemy and nod to Gabriel, letting my face break into a pretty smile like I’m excited about it. Gabriel stares at me for a moment, I think surprised, and then breaks into a dark laugh, shaking his head as he leads me away. “You can drop the front around me, Ariel,” he murmurs, wrapping my arm tight in his so that I walk close at his side. “Though it is good around everyone else. Yes, let the court believe you docile and sweet.” “There is no front, highness,” I say, quite light, smiling and nodding to those around us who take a moment to nod to me. “I’m very pleased to be here. You’ve saved me from the tyranny of my home land.” He huffs a laugh and glances down at me again. “Lies. I know you for the patriot you are, Ariel.” “Patriot I might be,” I say, raising my eyes to his. “But it doesn’t mean I can’t believe that some things are done better here in Atalaxia. We could benefit from your influence, especially in terms of our social str