The Governess’s smile remained fixed, but subtle tensions played at the corners of her lips. She delicately clasped her hands in her lap, her fingers intertwining and squeezing as she grasped at collecting herself.

She learned about techniques that children will often use to scare their Governess away but…Her eyes met Ariels, holding the gaze momentarily before flickering away to a point beyond his shoulder. His words etched upon her soul and she swallowed; No one is allowed to leave the family. 

She heard from Marriot on the first day that he was a strange, disobedient boy who never had any education. He drove away the last three Governesses and she was certain that he would not do the same with her. 

“That's correct,” she pressed on. “My name is Aino Tainetto and I was born in Northwell, a town south of the Capitol.” she picked up her fork. “But before we get to that, I wanted to discuss with you about what we were just ta-”

Ariel cleared his voice, his lips barely moved, forming words in a language that only the Governess would know; kra üib io mbe. The words sent a chill down her spine and her eyes dilated, nearly dropping her fork. She inhaled sharply, keeping her composure. 

“We will speak in private about it then,” she regained the grip on her fork and began to probe the freshly cheesed eggs. “Now then, let's continue to enjoy this delicious breakfast. While we do that, why dont you tell me about yourself first, Ariel?” 

Ariel didn’t know how to answer that question. Through his eyes, he was nothing more than a boy who resided in a mansion within the sleepy town of Ghosfall. There were no other children for him to play with and he was forbidden from leaving the mansion grounds. 

But that wasn’t the answer he gave to the Governess. With the eyes of the dull servants watching, and ears located in the darkness, he smiled and replied, “My name is Ariel. I dont have many hobbies but I do study the language of flowers.”  

The Governess was taken aback. It wasn't what she was expecting from a troubled boy. She was expecting makeshift swords made from the bark of the nearby trees, hunting animals, or tracking down the Scoffas at the very least. She thought back to the conversation she had with Marriot within the Chamber of Red.

“Ariel doesn't have much of a father figure. The Duke is always busy, and his mother…she passed away giving birth to Ariel. It was very hard on the family since we loved the Duchess.” Marriot said, his voice taking on a somber note. “If you need anything at all to succeed in teaching the boy, please let me know.”