Penelope and Ruby usher us inside the castle, and I still can’t fully grasp what was said outside. I’m getting married and I haven’t even met him!
Not only that, Alexander is a prince. A prince.
The castle’s extravagant architecture stuns me momentarily. Its intricate staircase, the marble flooring that seems to go on for miles with no end in sight, the crystal lights illuminating the ceiling.
We entered through a side door that was hugged by creeping ivy leaves. Hidden away from prying eyes, we slide through the empty halls quietly.
But even we can’t escape everyone considering the sheer amount of metal-clad guards that dot the hallways, still as boulders when we pass.
Mia extends her hand, moving to poke one of their hands, and I profusely apologize. The knight lifts his shield and tilts his head down to us, kind green eyes winking. The gesture almost manages to calm my nerves. Almost.
Once we’re down a more private hallway, I inhale, trying to collect myself. I can’t deny the way it feels like home, although I’ve never been here before.
I stop a few yards down the hallway when my eyes catch on something.
“It’s him.” I whisper.
My breath hitches in my throat as my fingertips trace the gold frame of a painting. Alexander sits on a throne, looking regal in a royal uniform. The way they’ve captured him with the oil paint is exquisite, apart from a few things they’ve missed.
He’s every bit as handsome as I remembered, but I can’t help to wonder if I had the talent of an artist, would I be able to paint the curvature of his hard edges better with all of the years I’d dreamed of him?
In the painting, his dark hair isn’t the usual tousled mess that I’ve grown accustomed to in my dreams, but instead is perfectly placed and styled. Damn him for looking so good in any situation.
His face looks slightly different, a little more rugged.
Ruby admires the painting with me. “Yes, dear. This was the day he joined The Shield.”
When I raise my brow in inquiry, Ruby gestures to the men that dot the halls, standing at attention.
“Do you see the guards around you? They’re here to protect the castle, along with Haven. Alexander joined when he was eighteen. Against his mother’s wishes, of course, but some men can’t be stopped.”
“So, he’s like a soldier?” I wonder aloud, looking to the medals that are pinned to his jet-black suit.
She laughs. “Darling, he’s more than a part of it. He’s their leader.”
Before I can wrap my head around that information, Mia is fake swooning beside me. “He’s so handsome!” she squeals. “I can’t wait to meet him!”
I turn to Ruby. Giant, glowing mushrooms, military pins, and strangers dance through my head, making my brain swirl.
It’s overwhelming, and all I want is to see his face in person.
“I really appreciate everything, I do, but I’ve traveled worlds to meet him.” My eyes pan to the portrait. “Can we please break tradition just this once?” I plead with her, unsure how I’m going to take another moment without him being in front of me.
With a polite shake of her head, she apologizes. “I’m sorry dear, if it were up to me, I would let you, but Alexander was adamant about this. He wanted everything to be perfect for you, and for the first time you see him to be as you’re floating down the aisle.”
“Don’t you mean walking?” I question.
Penelope looks as though she’s going to pass out. “Oh, dear Haven’s no! Why would a bride walk to her groom? How odd!” she quakes.
I shake my head, not understanding. “I don’t understand, I can’t fly.”
Penelope’s pink cheeks bounce with her grin. “The fairies will carry you to him, that way no bad magic can get to you on your way.”
“I want to see a fairy!” Mia exclaims, and almost immediately, she yawns.
“In due time, little one.” Ruby replies to Mia, gesturing for us to follow her. As we walk down the endless corridor, Mia bounces ahead to walk with Penelope. I stay behind to match Ruby’s slower pace.
She knows every nook and cranny of this castle, confident in her stride and at ease with the guards that stand watch. I wonder why there are so many, but it just adds another question to my already busy mind.
Ruby looks to me with kind eyes.
“Arianna, I know this must be extremely overwhelming for you, but I want you to know that you don’t have to worry about a thing. Alexander made sure that your every wish was taken care of. We’re all here for you.”
“My only wish is to meet him,” I mutter, feeling regret for speaking my mind at the sight of the short frown I receive from Ruby. “I’m sorry I just—”
Ruby holds up her hand, sending me a warm smile, “No need to explain, dear. You will see him very soon, I promise. For now, let’s get you two acquainted with your room and rested, shall we?”
“This place is huge!” Mia squeals, her running feet squeaking against the marble floors of our shared bedroom. It’s prepared for guests, for us. A bottle of wine lays inside an ice bucket, while a silver platter dotted with colorful treats sits beside it.
Breathlessly, I walk past the endless vases of gorgeous flowers and through the open balcony doors onto a stone deck.
So very far from the ground, a spectacular view lays out before me. Trees of all different shapes and colors line the property to my right. To my left, a crystal-clear ocean shimmers against the setting sun. All of this on a backdrop of pink and purple sky.
As the sun disappears between two mountain peaks in the distance, I have to wonder if I’m dreaming.
“It all seems so unreal.” I whisper to myself.
“Haven is a magical place full of amazing things!” Penelope’s chipper tone frightens me. I didn’t know she was right behind me.
I continue to look out. “Is there peace here?” I ask, something I long for Mia to experience. My eyes pan back when there’s no answer to find both women looking to each other. Ruby nods to Penelope. “There is now.”
I can’t help myself, or my questions. “What is the Shield for?”
“To keep us safe.” Penelope responds, then she backtracks. “We’re always safe though, more so protected.” She fidgets with her fingers. “With magic comes great responsibility!” She stammers. Her voice is high pitched, her finger floating up and down in front of her in a nervous manner.
Ruby shakes her head, ushering Penelope and Mia away from us. She closes the balcony doors to gain privacy with me. All that’s surrounding us is still and silence. Her wrinkled fingers wrap around the railing. “Haven is safe because of the Warriors that protect it, Arianna. Because of men like Alexander” She tells me. “He wouldn’t have brought you here if things weren’t okay.”
“So why all of the guards?” I ask. “I mean, if it’s safe, surely there isn’t a need for all of this.”
Ruby sends me a warm grin. “Most of what you see now is for the wedding. Your wedding,” She smirks.
“Penelope just seemed so nervous answering my question.” I worry.
Ruby waves her hand in dismissal. “Because she’s a worry wart,” I raise my brow in inquiry. “A demonic wolf.” She calmly replies.
“A ... a what?” I stammer.
Ruby laughs, “Something of legends, dear. Don’t worry about all of that. None of us do.” She gestures out to the nature spread before us. “There is a line of Warriors waiting to ward off any evil that dare come here.”
“Are we safe to walk around?” I gulp, looking to the forest. Unable to believe that something so pristine, so beautiful, could ever harbor anything evil.
Ruby laughs, gently grasping my shoulder. “Of course! The knights shield Haven with a fierce protection. You’re perfectly safe here.” She dusts her hands. “Now, is there anything we can do for you?” I detect a smidge of secrecy to her answers, but I’ll find out more soon.
I shake my head, trying to let the information sink in, but my mind won’t stop bouncing around. “I ... I just don’t understand why Alexander wouldn’t want to see me. Do you think,” I pause for a deep breath. “Do you think he truly wants me to be his wife?”
Penelope giggles behind us. Ruby rolls her eyes at the chipper maid listening in on our conversation. Her hands are bunched up under her chin, and her pink cheeks are raised. “Arianna, I’ve known our prince for a very long time. For as long as I can remember all he’s done is talk about you.”
Ruby smiles, stepping back inside. Mia sits on the bed, tinkering with a box. “It’s true, the entire palace has been awaiting your arrival.” Penelope chimes.
Their words help me to calm, slightly. “How was I able to come here? Why now?”
Ruby places a gentle hand on my shoulder, “I’ll let the prince explain all of those details to you. For now, make yourselves at home. This is your castle, after all.” She reminds me.
“Thank you, Ruby.” I beam, thankful to have a moment alone to collect my thoughts. “Thank you, Penelope.”
“Oh, dear. Call me, Pen!” she groans.
I look to Mia, and her smile threatens to tear her face in half as the women exit the room. She immediately goes from a calm eight-year-old to a maniac, jumping on the bed, falling in a fit of giggles, all while clutching a peculiar box. “I can’t believe it! I can’t believe you’re marrying a prince!” she exclaims.
“I know.” I breathe, unable to believe it myself. I gesture for her to hand me the striking purple velvet box that sits in her hands.
I sit on the bed, and she plops down beside me, tilting her head while I carefully pull open the silk ribbon. “Do you want to marry him?” Mia asks.
“Yes, of course.” I reply without hesitation. There’s no doubt in my mind, but I can’t help the sadness on my face from him being so close and me not being able to physically touch him.
“What’s one more day?” Mia shrugs. Such wise words from my little sister makes me laugh. Especially since she’s now running around the room acting like an airplane.
I ponder if they have airplanes here, or cars, for that matter. But I look down to the open box to find a cream-colored card sitting flush on top of a bag of herbs. The note is addressed to me.
Arianna,
I hope this gift finds you well. It’s a calming tea blend, as I’ve heard you’re fond of herbs.
From one healer to another, Willow.
What a sweet gesture. I wonder who this woman is. As I take in the room more, I notice cards tucked into the endless flowers and next to the treats. I search for a letter from Alexander, but don’t find one.
Thankful for the warm welcome but missing such a huge piece, the only piece really of why I came here, I walk to the balcony to collect myself. “Did you look at the view?” I ask Mia, smiling when she dashes outside next to me.
“Purple trees!” she bellows.
I nod, taking in their vivid hues. “And the ocean literally sparkles,” I notice. I hold tight to the railing and lean my head back, smiling to myself. “I can’t believe Alexander is somewhere in this palace.”
“You know...” A mischievous grin spreads on Mia’s face. “You could go meet him tonight.”
Dusk is falling rapidly, and the bustling castle has calmed. What once was the pitter patter of feet dashing through the halls has transformed to stillness.
We had dinner in our room. It was brought to us by the most exuberant chef named Gerardo. He wore a large white hat and laid the plates out for us, lifting the silver covers from the top and showcasing our meal like in a movie.
What I found peculiar was the man that was with him. He was around my age, and before we touched our plates, he sampled small pieces of our food, seemingly deeming them fit for us to eat. He didn’t speak but instead bowed his head, and when he was done, he left.
I assured them it wasn’t necessary, but they insisted.
Around twilight, Ruby didn’t want to overwhelm us further. So, any curious workers left us be. I’m thankful people are happy we’re here, though; I feel so welcome even having met only a few people.
I thought this experience would be different, with a calm life in a village, but with the wonderful people I’ve met so far and the calm feel of everything falling into place, it almost seems that this is how it was supposed to be all along.
I’m excited to meet everyone. Most importantly, my heart.
“Mia, can you play for me?” I ask, smiling when her face glows as she grips her cello.
We step out onto the balcony and she begins to play.
I get lost in song after song, thankful for her. There may be times where we fight—we are sisters after all—but I can’t explain my gratitude for her trusting me. The only thing I would miss from my world is her, but I get the best of both worlds now, literally.
A million stars twinkle in the sky, telling me that it’s time. We go back inside and have our tea that Willow made. It’s sweet with a hint of chamomile and lavender. I tuck Mia in, but she shakes her head.
“Go find him! I’ll stay here and pretend to be asleep, but you better tell me everything!” It’s much past her bedtime, but how can I tell her no?
I’m so thankful she’s taking all of this so well; she seems happy. I am too, but this is all a lot to take in.
I understand why an eight-year-old would be adjusting to a magical land and castles with princes and fairies, but I’m not eight, and while I respect their traditions, I’ve waited almost a decade to lay eyes on my Alexander in real life and until I see him, I won’t feel fully comfortable.
“I’ll be back.” I announce with a smirk, checking my hair once more in the vanity mirror. I creep out of the bedroom wearing a sundress I brought from home.
The castle is immensely quiet compared to earlier, aside from the stop and go steps of guards every so often. My fingers trail on the red wallpaper lining the hallway, its intricate design inviting me to swirl my fingers in the grooves as I creep down the unfamiliar path.
A guard rounds a corner, and I dip into a small alcove. Once he passes, I continue. I have no idea where to look, but something tells me I need to go up.
So, so many stairs. Spiraling wrought iron dizzies my vision until finally, I make it to the top. Carefully, I tip toe down a never-ending corridor, my heart threatening to burst out of my chest.
At the end sits two heavy, cherrywood doors just begging to be opened.
Gently, I press my sweating palms to the smooth wooden surface. I’m surprised when they easily push open to reveal a dimly lit office.
No, not an office. More of a headquarters. Dimly lit, wide, and double the size of our already vast bedroom. A large circular table sits flush in the space, and heavy chairs surround it, but they’re all empty.
A man stands with his back to me. Broad shoulders and tousled hair look out of the window, admiring the twinkling ocean as I did earlier. “Alexander,” I breathe in a whisper, my heart dancing furiously.
He turns to me, and I take in his sharp features that are illuminated by the silver of moonlight. He opens his mouth as if to speak but stops himself as he glares at me. “What are you doing here?” He hisses, not moving towards me like I am to him.
“I’m ... I’m sorry?” I stammer, confused. My heart sinks at his stoic appearance and his uninterested voice.
Alexander nods once, pulling a hand from his crisp jacket pocket. “I’ll see you tomorrow at our wedding.” he states, his tone oozing annoyance. I must have mistaken his icy expression for a simple gaze when I walked in, and I can’t control the lump that’s taken residence in my throat.
“But ...” I step forward and he scoffs. “Don’t you want to see me?” I whine, not caring if I sound desperate.
He looks back out the window for a moment. “We can do all of that later. Go back to your quarters with Mel.”
“It’s Mia.” I remind him, tears trickling down my cheeks.
Alexander rolls his wrist, “Mia whatever.” he snaps.
I’m dumbfounded, and the pit in my stomach is growing. “I’ve waited practically my entire life to meet you, and this is how you treat me?”
He looks to the clock with a rectangular faded outline around it above the fireplace, his expression not faltering from boredom. “Are you done now? I’m busy.” he barks. Turning away from me, he grips the window seal and continues his leisurely business.
I don’t hold back, my voice rising well above a whisper. “You’re nothing like the brilliant, loyal man of my dreams.” I exclaim, trying to hold myself together despite my shaking words.
One deep, guttural laugh escapes him. Without turning, he responds in the most heart shattering tone. “Reality is a bitch, isn’t it?”