Nyx's POV
A week later, our journey to the capital of our kingdom, Arcanhaven, began in earnest. Mother had told me that it was not even half a day's journey from Noctisveil in our grand carriage. The excitement buzzed through me as we prepared to set off, and I felt a flutter of anticipation in my chest. I had heard whispers about the capital—the grand markets, the bustling streets, and, of course, the towering castle that loomed over the city like a vigilant guardian.
Astor and I were nestled comfortably inside the luxurious carriage, which I must say was quite magnificent. The soft, cushioned seats enveloped us, and the gentle swaying motion made it feel as if we were floating rather than traveling on solid ground. Father rode in front of the carriage on a magnificent black horse, flanked by our knights, their armor glinting under the bright sun. I felt safe knowing he was there, ever the protector of our family.
This was our first time venturing outside the mansion. Mother had always been protective, insisting we stay indoors, so stepping out into the world felt like stepping into a new realm. Astor, with his insatiable curiosity, pressed his face against the window, his eyes wide with wonder. He pointed out everything he saw, his voice a flurry of questions and excitement, while I answered him, though I found myself drawn into my own thoughts more often than not.
As we left Noctisveil behind, the landscape shifted dramatically. We soon found ourselves passing through a lush jungle, vibrant and alive with colors I had only ever seen in books. The road was smooth, a marvel that left me pondering whether it was the craftsmanship of the carriage or the careful upkeep of the path itself. I couldn't help but think of the magical creatures that might inhabit these woods—were they watching us as we passed?
The rhythmic sound of hooves clopping against the cobblestones, along with Astor's incessant chatter, made the journey enjoyable, but I felt my eyelids growing heavy. Somewhere between our excited conversations, I drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
When I finally stirred, I blinked away the remnants of sleep and found Astor sound asleep beside me. Mother was absorbed in a book, her brows slightly furrowed in concentration. I decided to remain quiet, not wanting to disturb the calm. Instead, I peered out of the window, the sight before me stealing my breath.
In the distance, I could see the bustling city of Arcanhaven, its lights twinkling like stars against the night sky. The magnificent castle stood tall and proud at the city's center, illuminated by countless lanterns and torches. As we approached, the excitement bubbled back to life within me.
We neared the city gate, and I noticed the guards standing at attention, their faces serious yet respectful. No one stopped us; I guessed it was the royal flag flying above our carriage that signified our importance. As we entered the city, the streets bustled with activity. Citizens lined the roads, their curious eyes following our passage.
I felt a mixture of pride and nerves as I sat up straight, Astor joining me as he finally woke from his nap. I couldn't help but wonder how he could sleep through all the excitement. Perhaps it was the thrill of the moment that kept me alert, or maybe it was simply my nature. Whatever the reason, I was grateful for the opportunity to witness this vibrant city, knowing that our lives were about to change forever.
The atmosphere was electric, and I leaned closer to the window, my heart racing as the sights and sounds of Arcanhaven enveloped me. I was ready for whatever awaited us in the capital, eager to experience everything this new world had to offer.
Far in the distance, we finally saw it—the large castle gate looming before us, slightly larger than the one at our own home and more intricately decorated. It was clear that this grandeur was in preparation for the upcoming Awakening Ceremony. As we passed through the gate, my excitement was palpable, mingling with a hint of nervousness. The entrance of the castle was as majestic as expected, draped in banners and crests, reflecting the occasion.
When the carriage came to a stop, Astor and I stepped out with our mother, feeling dwarfed by the towering castle before us. As we exited, we spotted Grandfather and Grandmother approaching, their presence always commanding attention. They greeted us warmly, with Grandfather's stern, yet proud expression softening at the sight of us. While they began to chat with Mother, I noticed Father approaching from the side, likely having just given orders to the knights. His demeanor was always serious, but I could see the faint smile tugging at his lips as he caught sight of us.
Just then, a figure caught my attention. The king himself, Aldric Valencrest, was walking towards us with his butler in tow. My heart skipped a beat—it wasn't every day one got to meet the ruler of Eldoria. The king greeted us with genuine warmth, or so it seemed. But something about the way he interacted made me pause. Was it because of our grandparents? I couldn't help but think, Oh, politics. It felt like more than just a warm greeting; there were layers to this, and I wondered what played out behind the scenes.
After the pleasantries, the king gestured for Father, Grandfather, and Grandmother to join him in another part of the castle. My grandparents exchanged a brief glance before following the king. Meanwhile, the king's butler led the rest of us—Mother, Astor, and me—toward our assigned rooms. As we walked through the castle halls, I couldn't help but compare. The rooms were nice, luxurious even, but still not as grand as our own back at Noctisveil.
When we reached our room, Astor and I practically collapsed onto the bed, our exhaustion from the day's journey taking over. I barely remember falling asleep, but it didn't take long before I drifted off.
I was only vaguely aware of the time passing when I heard Mother's voice gently rousing us from sleep. "Wake up, it's almost dinner time," she said. Astor groaned, rolling over in bed, while I blinked groggily, trying to adjust to the dim light of the room.
With the help of the castle servants, we freshened up quickly. I could feel the excitement buzzing in the air again, though it was dampened by the long journey. As we made our way to the dining area, Astor's earlier lethargy seemed to vanish entirely. He had been like a limp doll when we arrived, but now he was practically bouncing with energy, chattering on about the castle's grandeur and how he planned to explore every inch of it.
My only fear? What disasters Astor might cause at the dinner table. Knowing him, the combination of excitement and his boundless energy could spell trouble. I shot him a warning glance, but he was too absorbed in his thoughts to notice.
As we approached the grand dining hall, I could only hope that this evening would go smoothly. For once, I just wanted to enjoy the moment without worrying about Astor's usual mischief. But deep down, I braced myself for whatever chaos he might unleash.