The Carmarthen carriage rolled through the grand gates of Caestria Castle, and even the seasoned coachman couldn't hide his amazement at the vastness of the grounds. The castle loomed ahead, a majestic structure surrounded by lush green gardens that seemed almost too perfect to be real. The horses' hooves clattered softly on the stone paths, passing rows of royal carriages—resplendent in gold and red, encrusted with diamonds and beads. The horse shed alone was grander than most homes, and the grass stretched out like an emerald carpet beneath them.
Brione made a small 'O' with her lips, her awe mirroring that of the coachman's. "It's even more beautiful than what we've heard," she whispered to herself.
The coachman guided their carriage to the area reserved for the dukes, and Brione leaned over to gently tap Alexandra's lap. "Alexandra?" she called softly. The young girl groaned in her sleep, reluctant to wake. "We're here, Lexy."
With a groggy murmur, Alexandra blinked her eyes open. "We're here?" she mumbled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She glanced out the window, and her breath caught in her throat. The vast compound spread out before her, larger than she ever imagined. "Woah," she gasped, pressing her face against the window. "How big must the inside be!" She marveled at the orderly rows of royal carriages and the blooming flowers that seemed to glow under the castle's grandeur. *It must be something to be royal,* she thought.
"We should get down now, dear. The royal servants are already outside," Brione reminded her.
They stepped out of the carriage, the coachman and royal maids quickly attending to their luggage. Standing on the grounds, the castle felt even more immense, its towering spires stretching toward the sky. Brione and Alexandra made their way toward the entrance, their maids trailing behind with their belongings.
A few steps led up to the large brown double doors, where two royal guardsmen stood at attention. As they approached, the guards announced loudly, "Welcome, the Duchess of the East—Duchess Brione Carmarthen, and Lady Alexandra Carmarthen."
Brione and Alexandra ascended the stairs, offering respectful nods to the guards before stepping inside. They were greeted immediately by the King, with the Queen standing beside him, and Alfred, Alexandra's father, not far away.
"Welcome, welcome! It's a joy to have you both at our humble castle," the King said warmly.
"Your Majesties," Brione and Alexandra greeted in unison, bowing deeply. They barely had a moment to admire the opulent interiors before the Queen stepped forward with a radiant smile.
"Oh my! So, you are Duchess Brione? My, you are even more beautiful and youthful than I've heard," the Queen complimented graciously. She was a striking woman with rich brunette hair and glowing golden eyes—a trait unique to her and her son, marking them as the royal lineage of Caestria. Her skin was flawless and fair, and though she was in her mid-forties, she looked as if she were barely in her late twenties.
Brione chuckled, returning the smile. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Queen waved a hand dismissively. "No need for all that formal talk. Call me Selina. We should be friends, don't you think?" She reached out and affectionately held Brione's hand, surprising both mother and daughter with her warmth.
Brione exchanged a glance with her husband, who had been smiling proudly the whole time, and she couldn't help but smile too.
"Don't worry," the King chimed in with a chuckle. "My wife has never been fond of titles. She claims they feel too heavy for someone as young as her." His laugh was rich, his presence commanding yet kind. His hair, streaked with white, matched his steel-gray eyes. He stood tall, just as imposing as Alfred, though a few years older.
The Queen turned to Alexandra next, gently cupping her cheek. "And your daughter is just as beautiful. She would make such a perfect match for my son." She chuckled softly, letting her hand fall away.
Alexandra blinked in surprise but smiled politely. She was unaccustomed to such forward compliments, especially from royalty.
"Clinton!" Queen Selina called out, glancing around. "Ah, he must still be attending to the McCartneys," she shrugged. "He'll come down soon, I'm sure."
With a playful smile, Selina took Brione by the arm. "We must have tea together! Come along, both of you. Clinton will see to your rooms and have the maids take your things inside." The Queen, with the enthusiasm of a much younger woman, led them eagerly down the corridor.
As they disappeared into the halls, the King shook his head with a chuckle. "It seems my wife has made a new friend. She wasn't this welcoming to the other duchesses," he remarked, and both he and Alfred shared a knowing laugh.
---
The tea room, where Queen Selina led them, was a marvel in itself. Spacious and elegantly decorated, it felt like an intimate retreat within the grand castle. The white walls gleamed, free of any blemish, and the plush, three-seater couches seemed to invite guests to sink into them. The marble floors shimmered as though enchanted, and the bar along one wall was stocked with an impressive array of teas and wines. A small gas stove stood discreetly in the corner, ready to boil water for tea. The room smelled faintly of lavender and jasmine, a calming fragrance that enveloped the space.
"What flavor do you prefer, Brione?" the Queen asked as she stood by the bar, already on a first-name basis.
Brione and Alexandra exchanged a glance before Alexandra stood up and approached Selina. "Your Majesty, if it pleases you, I'd like to prepare the tea for you and my mother."
Selina's eyes sparkled with delight. "Oh, aren't you just the sweetest!" She patted Alexandra's ginger hair fondly. "But please, no need for 'Your Majesty.' Call me Auntie Selina, or just Selina. I think Auntie would be nicer, don't you?" she chuckled.
Alexandra smiled brightly, her dimples deepening. "Auntie Selina it is, then. If you'll allow me, I'd love to make the tea for both of you."
Selina clapped her hands lightly. "It would be my pleasure, dear. You know how to work the gas, right?"
"Yes, I do," Alexandra nodded.
"Wonderful!" Selina beamed. "I'll sit with your mother, then, and we'll chat while you prepare the tea."
As Alexandra moved to the stove, the Queen joined Brione on the plush couches, her excitement and friendliness infectious. It wasn't often one saw such a joyful monarch, and both Brione and Alexandra were beginning to understand why the people of Caestria adored their Queen.