The secluded Springwood Castle was indeed a place of great importance for both Hope and Drake. It was where they met and fell in love. For him, it was the first place he could call home because there he found himself.
Even though it meant a lot for Hope as well, being now in Springwood Castle seemed different than before. It was better because all those insecurities regarding her feelings were now in the past. Also, it was worse because she felt the absence of Ayala. Her former maid was a spring of energy and power, and Hope had always felt better with Ayala at her side.
She would have wanted to go to the Golden Draconian Palace just to see her. But Hope understood that Drake needed the comfort of his home, at least for a while. She didn't mind waiting. Oh, she could understand many things, but not why he didn't permit Fenris to enter the courtyard.
