"Oh Father," Madeleine sprang to her feet and reached for him, his arms open for her as he welcomed her into a tight embrace. She felt the way he held her, as if reassuring her that everything was going to be fine. "If the king is a monster, will he buy from us?"
"Although I do not know the king's intentions," he said calmly, "but a monster does not send a dress to a lady and not offer her a ride."
Madeleine looked at him; his smile was not as wide as her mother's, but she could see it, a small smile curving his mouth. How marvelous everyone must act, all fine as if this were going to be easy for her to handle.
"Make the most of your time, I'm sure the king does not like to wait," her mother came up behind her and held her shoulder. "I have already made sure to get your luggage and the box ready."
Madeleine frowned, "I will live no more than two days at the castle; a luggage might not be necessary."
Her mother shook her head, made Madeleine turn to face her, and said, "A lady must have many clothes to travel with, it does not matter if it is for a day or for a month." It felt like they were selling her off to be with the king when, in fact, this was only for business.
"I will try my best to persuade the king to buy from us," she bowed and walked out of the room.
They followed behind her until she was out of the cottage. Jo had gone to the cathedral; she felt it was for the best so he wouldn't have to see that she was leaving and think it she was leaving for long.
"Do you have anything to say, Gavin?" her mother held her father's hand and squeezed it once they reached the carriage.
Mr. Gavin sighed and faced Madeline, who leaned against the carriage, staring at them, "I wish you well and do what your mind tells you while convincing the king."
Madeline nodded and gave each of them a hug. Despite the way they were suddenly acting, she knew she would miss them dearly even though it was for two days. Being away from her family had never occurred to her.
Maybe they were feeling overwhelmed, it is not every day you wake up to be noticed by the king, the ruler of this country.
After she finished talking with her family, she stepped into the carriage where she was the only passenger. There was only a horseman who had come to pick her up; he was like the messenger who was sent, old and of small stature. He wasn't like the horseman she had met weeks ago, the one who seemed to be sent from up above.
"Hold on, my lady, the ride will start soon," she heard the horseman's voice, loud from his seat. Through the open window of the carriage, she watched her parents who clung together, looking at her.
In their eyes, she saw something other than the happiness that radiated from them this morning, something like a little sadness, something she couldn't quite place.
As the carriage took off, she waved to them. It was hours later when the quietness began seeping in that she felt the loneliness of being away from home. Throughout, her gaze was fixed through the open window, gazing at the many houses passing by, at the dense forest.
"We will stop by an inn to eat, for the castle is still a while away," the horseman said, halting the carriage.
Madeline stepped out and found herself in front of a large stone building with an open door. They entered, where she ate and refreshed herself before continuing their journey.
The path they traveled had fine houses, less crowded streets, and Madeline wondered what big town this must be. The loneliness she felt vanished, replaced by awe at the fountains they passed, the nobles in beautiful clothes walking by, and high-status children playing around.
An hour later, they entered a dense forest, one that seemed to close in on them. The shadows from the trees brought a different type of fear upon her.
"Almost there, my lady," the horseman informed.
Madeline's mind began racing again, pondering what it would be like when she reached the castle. As they drew closer, she started feeling almost scared to meet the king. She couldn't comprehend why her heart was beating so fast and why she was experiencing this fear when she hadn't even met him yet.
The castle started coming into view; she first saw it through the trees, a big white limestone building that stood tall like a tower.
As they drove further, she came across a long bridge before the castle came into full view. With night fast approaching, it might be a bit difficult to take all of it in, but she saw how grand it was, how wide and tall the castle looked.
A gasp escaped her lips at the sight of how big the castle was; it could contain everyone from her village.
"We are here, my lady," the horseman announced as they neared the gate.
The gate was big and loomed over them, with two lanterns on both ends. The gate opened as they arrived, the door making a groaning sound.
"This is the castle?" she whispered to herself as the carriage rode in.
As they neared the buildings, she saw a fine fountain depicting a man with water coming out of his chest.
When they reached the front of the castle, Madeline stepped out. There was a wide staircase leading up to a door, with two guards standing on both sides.
But the castle looked eerie, as if no one lived there.
She would have asked the horseman where everyone was, but she chose to keep it to herself. The day had turned into night, and they were probably sleeping. Her questions could wait until morning as she was extremely tired.
The horseman clapped his hands, and two guards wearing armor approached, their faces grim and intimidating.
"Please take the lady to her room and carry her luggage," the horseman instructed.
They nodded, and one of them went to pick up her luggage, while the other stayed to escort her.
"You will meet with the king afterward," the horseman informed her.
Madeline's eyes widened in surprise. It was late, and she was exhausted from the journey. Wouldn't she be meeting with the king in the morning? Despite her thoughts, she did not question the horseman and followed his instructions.
The inside of the castle had marble floors and walls, but the corridor they passed through was dimly lit despite the white walls. The lamps in this area were dimmed, making it hard for her to see clearly.
"These servants should add more oil to the lamps," the guard carrying her luggage muttered to himself, and Madeline overheard his frustration.
As they walked further, the path became brighter, and a sigh escaped her lips as she feared being kept in a room in that dark corridor.
As she walked, the castle corridor came alive, the walls marveling her under the bright lamps. Doors were present in every corner.
"Oh, dear Demoiselle," a voice called out behind her, causing the guards to turn and bow their heads in respect.
There was something angelic about the voice that made her stop in her tracks. She could hear approaching footsteps, and although the guards bowed to the person, she did not turn around but tried to discern where she had heard that voice before.
"How precious to see you again," the voice said, and this time she turned, only to be bumped by the man.
She stepped back and bowed, "Forgive me."
"Raise your head, Demoiselle," he said, and she complied. When she saw who it was, she gasped.
It was the horseman, the one with an angelic-looking face and white hair.