The next morning, there was no time wasted in getting us out of Alowez. While it would be a slow journey, we could reach it in a day if we traveled light. Luckily last night, all of my things save for one bag I insisted on bringing for myself. It wasn't much, but I wanted to have a change of clothing and some provisions. I knew things would be available to me, however I didn't want to bother everyone if I just wanted to snack on something. There was no need to stop everyone for that. Then again, as we approached my new home, I wished I had taken every break possible.
Sobell itself was beautiful in its own right. Sunlight shone brilliantly for most of the year except for winter, which was short-lived. However, it had the potential to be harsh and unforgiving. Leaving those unprepared vulnerable and often attempting to find shelter in a short time if they didn't expire beforehand. I remembered the bite of cold and how my breath had frosted almost instantly. For now, I was grateful that it was spring and everything smelled fresh. Enjoying this even more so because I was riding Wraith instead of being driven in a carriage. This didn't seem to bother Nicolaus as much as I thought it would. There was a part of me that wanted it to. Cause a fight and then it would be a quiet ride the rest of the way. That plan didn't work out as well as I had hoped. Instead, he rode beside me, chatting idly and accepting my short answers.
Nicolaus cleared his throat, sitting tall and proud in his saddle as he loosely held the reins. When he spoke, it was easy for him, whereas I felt like I was dragging it out by making it awkward on my own. He had been nothing but a gentleman last night. After we had returned to the party, Nicolaus had kept his distance or gotten me something to eat. He even plucked a flower from an assortment and put it in my hair. This morning, he had given me a necklace just before our departure. Little things that made me feel better about him, even a little, made me want to kick myself.
Eryn had taken to riding in the carriage. Either burying her nose in her books or sleeping off the rest of her hangover, having been less than thrilled when I had to wake her up. While I had tried to drink, the wine coating my tongue in a lovely way, I couldn't bring myself to drink more than the one cup I had poured for myself. Meanwhile, Nicolaus nearly seemed to drown in his cups and somehow remained upright.
Clearing his throat again, Nicolaus made sure I gave him my attention before continuing.
"I am glad that you agreed to this."
I couldn't help the snort that escaped me. To my shock, Nicolaus nodded and chuckled in an agreement that I wasn't expecting.
"I agree. I wasn't ready to commit to this at first. However, when I learned that you'd grown into quite the woman, I couldn't wait to see you again." Turning in his saddle, he looked me over carefully as he continued. "You ride well, you can hold your drink and, from what I have been told, you are an excellent shot."
Feeling the heat rise to my cheeks, I ducked my head low. "I can shoot an arrow just as well as anyone, I suppose."
"Your brother told me you can take down big game right along with him." Nicolaus sounded impressed. Turning his gaze to the lush forest that surrounded us still, he nodded once. "We will need to go out on a hunting party soon."
A party? While I wasn't against the idea, I'd never had over one or two people with me at a time. I didn't feel the need to have guards, dogs, extra people, tents and everything else that seemed to accompany the adventures my father hosted. I could only imagine how much different it would be when a prince did the same. Was he even allowed to shoot his own arrow or go after a stag? I tried to ask this, however he continued once again. I didn't mind. The bobbing of his throat accompanied with the smoke smooth voice could hold me the rest of the way.
Shaking my head, I smacked myself internally once again. It wasn't working out as well as I wanted. However, smacking myself in the forehead would look strange, and I didn't want to draw even further attention to myself.
"When we get there, my father will most likely want to celebrate. You do not have to do this. If you are tired from your trip, just say so. You have your own rooms that you can retire to."
Shrugging, I shook my head as I looked around at the vibrant greens that surrounded us, eventually giving way to light browns and yellows as fields sprouted up.
"If he went through the trouble of setting up a party, I can attend. I would be rude of me not to. I doubt you want your people thinking your future wife is stuck up right off."
Nicolaus smiled deeply, his dimples returning as his eyes narrowed. My stomach filled with butterflies as he brushed my hand resting on my right thigh.
"Only if you feel up to it. I won't push you. Their opinions of you do not matter." Gripping my fingers in his hand, he squeezed them gently. "All that matters is that we can build a comfortable future together. Everything else can fall into place later."
Leaning over, he lifted my hand to his mouth. Turning it over as he did so, I felt a shock jolt up from my wrist as his lips grazed my skin.
Rolling my lips together, I tried to hide the redness that no doubt shaded my cheeks. As much as I didn't want to, he was attractive and looked to be athletic. It had been nearly a year that I had laid with anyone, and my mind was going into overdrive. I had read in stories where the night of the wedding; we consummated it. I also read that there were often people, mainly men, that stood in the room and watched. This memory made my hackles raise. I wouldn't be on display for a bunch of old, perverted men. They could get their pleasures elsewhere and the marriage would never be official if this turned out to be the case.
Taking a deep breath, I turned my full attention to the land before me. It was beautiful, open and dotted with homes. In the distance, I could see smoke rising from chimneys to prepare for lunch. The fields were being tended to by multiple people and animals pulling plows. Women, men and children all helped to till, maintain and harvest the crops by the looks of it. Just beyond the fields was the bustling village of Sobell, and just beyond that, on a hilltop that sat overlooking the surrounding land, was Sobell castle. I could see the tower jutting up as the centerpiece as the rest of the castle had been hidden behind a large, gray white wall. Even further still behind that was a dense forest that, even in the early afternoon light, seemed to stay dark and foreboding.
Continuing on to the village, it unfolded more as the hills obscuring some of it faded to the background. Sobell was more of a city. Flowing into that city was the Tol. I could just make out where it had been when we first arrived, now however, it rose to meet us as we trudged over the road and to the city. From my vantage point, I could see fish jump and dive back into the water, no doubt leaping for insects for their afternoon meal as well. Smoked pike and a round of beer sounded fine in the moment. I said nothing, however, as this was quickly overrun by the butterflies once again.
They soon gathered on the street, bodies all shoving to get a glimpse at the newest addition. While they cheered, many tried to steal a glimpse into the carriage itself. Some looked pleased, while others looked confused. They might have heard stories of how I looked, some might have been able to see a portrait. However, stories and pictures differed from reality; their curious whispers and glances didn't go unnoticed. Despite this, we pushed our way through the main vein of the city. Men in heavy armor stood only five feet apart as they lined the road leading to the castle. They tilted the pikes they held forward as we approached, creating an arch for us to pass under.
Just outside of the front gate, we dismounted. The dress I had on reached the ground just as my boots hit the stone. It seemed heavy and out of place among the lighter colors surrounding us. Even Nicolaus' attire was a cool gray embroidered with white to create the image of a massive tree on his chest.
Holding his hand out to take, Nicolaus whispered as we crossed through the gate to the massive open doors. "Welcome home, my trinket."
Looking around the courtyard, I could see soldiers standing along the wall. Some faced outward, while every other seemed to be turned to monitor the happenings behind the castle walls. The courtyard itself was spacious, it wasn't nearly as open as Alowez. However, that made sense, as this was a castle. The future of the continent rested on the inhabitants being safe. As I continued to look around, I had been subsequently forgotten. Nicolaus had arrived back in one piece and by what I could tell, he was gone a lot longer than just a couple of days. The way they greeted him with such warm smiles made my anxiety skyrocket.
They loved their prince and future king. I was an outsider, a nobody that had come into their home. This much showed as they formed a wall between me and Nicolaus. Pinching my pinky, I put a gentle smile on my face and waited patiently. My eyes shifting over the rest of the courtyard to the steps leading inside of the castle. Standing on the top step was a man, tall and slender. His jaw protruded elegantly, leading up to ears that he kept covered and a crown that sat easily on his silver hair. It cascaded easily over his shoulders, bright against the dark fabric of his clothing. A long, slender nose sat over thin lips that had been set in what I could only assume was supposed to be a welcoming smile. The angle and the way he tilted his head made me uneasy. It looked sinister, as though he had just won some giant prize that had been hand delivered to him.
While I had seen him many years ago, I wasn't entirely sure what I'd been expecting. He clearly held power, and while his long limbs moved easily, he looked like a child compared to my father. The only notable feature I remembered from my time was his anger. King Yarrow was a naturally calm man until someone threatened his home or family.
King Yarrow swept his arms out wide as he descended the stairs. The smile even reached his voice as he looked me over. "Welcome, lady Nyx. I hope your journey was comfortable and my son didn't bother you too much."
I could see more of his features now. His dark eyebrows, they were also thicker from when I first had seen them, sat over a set of eyes that reminded me of a cat. The intense green that stared back at me made my stomach drop to my toes. He seemed to analyze me, sizing me up before allowing me to enter his home.
"Nicolaus, I hope you have been a gentleman on your bride's journey." King Yarrow pulled up his hand, brushing my cheek with the back of his fingers. He didn't look away from me as he did this, continuing as our eyes remained locked. "The poor thing looks pale and exhausted."
That stung. They had never seen me as frail, helpless or otherwise. Even as a child, I didn't recall ever being seen as frail or helpless. Despite this, I felt my anxiety melt away at his touch. Somewhere deep in his eyes, I could see comfort. I was welcome here, no matter how I or anyone else made me feel. Sobell was now my home.
"Come, your journey must have exhausted you."
Following the king up the wide steps and into his castle, the sudden shift sent a shiver down my spine. The warm spring sunlight being dulled behind large stained glass and stone. This cast everything in a flurry of reds, blues, and oranges. Along the floor were flower pedals, bouquets of flowers lined the walls and sat on tables as servants moved about quickly to prepare for tonight. Their faces and clothing were not spared from the colorful light that streamed down from above.
King Yarrow's throne centered in the middle of three large windows. Colors poured over it, making the king brilliant as his subjects addressed him. Carved from a warm wood, it would easily stretch at least three feet above his head when he addressed anyone. The dais that it stood on had a simple rug over it. This seemed rather dull in comparison with its solid red that sucked in all colors.
Stopping in the middle of the hall, King Yarrow reached for my hands, placing a kiss under my ear. Embracing me to make a public statement to the nobles present, I was welcome here. Looking my face over, he gave a gentle smile as he broke the silence he created. "I know you have had a long journey, but I hope you don't mind that we have arranged a welcome party for you. I hope you show for even a short time before retiring for the evening. As for right now, please rest."
Waiting for the king and his constituents to leave, Nicolaus grabbed my hand and turned us back to the main doors. For a moment, I thought about making a run for it, my legs fighting my thoughts. The idea was quickly put to rest as the grip that Nicolaus now had on my hand made it clear. Exhaling slowly, I allowed him to lead me out of the vast hall and into a much smaller one. I could hear heavy footfalls behind us. Glancing over my shoulder, I could see several guards. Lynx was mixed in with them. His stare never leaving me.
"They are my trusted guard. You have nothing to worry about." Nicolaus kept his hand loosely on my hip, his fingers guiding me along as we wound through passageways and up three different sets of stairs. When I thought we would never stop, he stepped behind me and covered my eyes. Yelping at the sudden movement, I instinctively gripped his wrists, trying to pull him away.
Nicolaus chuckled. "Awe, that was cute. Just keep your eyes closed for a second."
Taking small steps, I held refused to let go of his wrists until we came to a stop once again. Gently pulling his hands from my eyes, they greeted me with a massive room. An immense bed sat against the wall to my right, centered across the room in front of an enormous fireplace. Light curtains that hung from the wooden posts shifted easily in the breeze that came in from the balcony. The large wood posts they were attached to had been carved to look like tree trunks. The bottom of the posts spreading to connect all four corners, mimicking the look of bare roots. Minor details of animals, down to the texture of their fur, were carefully carved into the wood. The canopy had been done to look like leaves. Some type of fruit hung from them.
Standing across from it, the fireplace was cold, but massive. Above it hung a large painting of a ship in a violent storm. Tattering the sails as it rocked violently in the squall. Waves battering against the haul threatened to take the toy and its carefully painted passengers down to the cold depths beneath.
"This isn't my room." I shook my head, pulling my hand from the sofa that served as a barrier between me and the fireplace itself. The soft fabric hugged my fingers. This room couldn't be mine. Why would they make it so nice?
"This is your room, Nyx." Nicolaus confirmed, amusement in his tone as he walked around the room. "My room isn't far from here. You can get to it easily enough if you want me to take you there."
A mischievous smile danced on his lips as he took a deep breath and chuckled.
"I would like to see your room." I smiled at his obvious shock. "If only to know where it is, of course."
"Of course." Nicolaus rose an eyebrow and held his hand out.
Taking it was simple at this point. Finding his hands warm and inviting rather than cold like a snake, like I had expected. Nicolaus led me from my room to his, just one floor up from where mine was. It looked nearly identical, with the bed and fireplace being in the same places. The detail of the wood, however, was dull. Basic spirals had been dug out and helped to support his mattress. Beneath it were rugs made from animal skins. It muffled cold stone beneath my feet as I ventured further into the room.
"It isn't as bright as yours, I'll admit." Crossing the room, he pulled open the curtains and opened the large windows that jutted out from the castle walls. "However, you are welcome here whenever you like. A guard isn't needed in here, unless you would like one. However, there will always be at least one posted outside of the door at all times. There will be another man assigned to you while your man gets his bearings. We don't need you getting lost in your first hours of being here. Your man can introduce himself to the others. The castle guards will show him his sleeping area. Otherwise, he will be with you at all times."
The light streaming in from the windows was warm as I approached them. Making it warm and comforting despite the chill that covered my body. I smiled at the view that he had for himself. The large lake that was protected by the castle was fed from an unseen source. I could see even from this distance the water was a beautiful shade of blue and green. I could just make out the small white sails of boats that were floating on the surface from where we stood. These small boats looked to be floating in the clouds as the water reflected the warm spring day.
I wondered if anyone had swum in it or even had the thought. Taking a deep breath, I filled my lungs with the sweet spring air sent a charge through my body. Taking another lungful of fresh air, I turned to the room once more. Feeling even more out of place than I had before as my clothing felt heavier in the spring heat. I had wanted to make a good impression, so I had kept one of my best dresses out to wear on our way here. While it allowed me to ride, it wasn't nearly as breathable as it had been.
A gentle knock came from the open door across from me. A woman with a pointed face and high eyebrows that looked to be drawn on presented herself. Just behind her were three girls, all holding dresses.
"I apologize for the interruption, your highness however I have the dresses requested for my lady." The woman stepped to the side, her arm sweeping toward the room, hurrying the girls along.
I walked over to where the girls stood. All of them wore the same beige colored tunics with their hair pulled tightly back into buns. I tried to smile at them, but they did not meet my gesture as they focused on keeping their heads down.
Brushing the soft fabric with my fingertips, it was cool to the touch. "These are beautiful. They are all for me?"
The seamstress nodded, looking rather pleased with herself.
My hand settled over a vibrant blood orange dress and I immediately remembered Eryn. Snapping my head around, I looked at Nicolaus in a panic.
"Where is Eryn?"
Nicolaus motioned for the girls to leave the dresses and then excuse themselves. The seamstress closed the door behind them as they hurried out of the room without another word.
"Eryn is fine. She is also being shown her own room and will join us later." Nicolaus strode over to his bed, unbuttoning his doublet and tossing it to the lounge. Underneath, he wore a black, loose-fitting shirt that helped to obscure his figure further. His collarbone, however, showed and on his left shoulder, just as the bones met, was a large mole. It looked nearly out of place on his tanned skin, regardless it made me smile.
He bent down to remove his boots, tossing them away as he sat down on the bed. When he spoke, his tone had deepened, becoming more commanding than before. "Come here, Nyx."
Despite myself, I listened obediently, standing in front of him as he reached up and caressed my cheek. The storm had faded and in its place were two mica colored orbs free from any storm. He looked almost vulnerable to me from this angle and while he was only a few years older; it didn't show outwardly. Also, from here, I could see more of his physique. His body had been molded so he could take down his enemies. The kindness that danced behind it deceived his steely glare only. Strangely, I felt comfort in this realization, allowing him to pull me on to the bed with him as his smile deepened.