Todays song is overwhelemed by Royal and the Serpent.
ENJOY
It was about an hour's ride to what looked like the downtown part of the kingdom. Many would think that in such a dark place would be full of violence, no sunlight or laughter, but it was quite the opposite. From the carriage window, I could see people without a hint of fear. Children were running around as if there was nothing to worry about."You've been staring out the window for ages, princess," Adele's voice cut through my thoughts, a teasing edge to her tone. "Something caught your eye?"
"It's just… nothing like I imagined," I said, my voice trailing off. "Everyone always described it as dark and lifeless. But this…" I gestured vaguely at the bustling streets. "It's almost… enchanting."
"Not everything is how it seems," Adele replied with a knowing smile. "There's always more to the story than what people say."
I nodded in agreement. "It's beautiful," I murmured, turning back to the view.
Though the place wasn't bathed in sunlight, the soft light and cool breeze gave it an almost magical charm. Trees were decorated with glowing blue flames, and the intricate architecture of the buildings was mesmerizing.
After some time, the carriage came to a halt, signaling that we'd arrived.
"Oh, that was quite fast, wasn't it?" Adele opened the carriage door and stepped out, making space for Obrovosky and me to follow.
"Ah, the town breeze is as refreshing as always," Adele said with a content sigh as she inhaled deeply.
Though this was an entirely different kingdom, it wasn't as foreign as I'd expected. Surprising, really—I had always imagined the Cerberus Kingdom to be a cold, shadowy place filled with spirits lurking in the dark.
" wandering around could get you lost, The prince wouldn't like that," Obrovosky warned, his voice firm.
I understood the message and glanced at him standing just far enough to watch my every move. Nodding, I followed Adele's lead.
The walk wasn't long—ten minutes at most—but the weather made it delightful. Though my body was following Adele, my mind was elsewhere, consumed by the questions swirling in my head. As we moved, I subtly noted paths and places that might help when the time came.
"It's been quite some time, Adele," a strange voice snapped me back to the present.
A tall man with broad shoulders, hypnotic gray eyes, and a commanding presence stood in front of us. His aura radiated power— a wizard.
"Oh, Louise dear, it has been a while," Adele said, her voice light and warm. I took a small step back, instinctively cautious.
His eyes shifted to me. "And who's this enchanting young lady?"
His piercing gaze was impossible to meet. I looked away, pretending to study the cobblestones beneath my feet.
"Louise, this is Lilith," Adele said, gesturing toward me.
Louise reached for my hand, pressing a light kiss to my palm. "What a pleasure, Lady Lilith."
I hesitated before responding, my voice steady. "Lilith Somerset. The pleasure is mine." I gave him a polite bow, assuming he was older than me.
Our eyes locked in a brief battle of gazes. It had been a long time since I'd been treated with such respect by a man. I was starting to think all men in this kingdom were either indifferent or outright awful.
"Now, now, what brings two beautiful ladies downtown?" he asked, finally breaking eye contact.
"Oh, you might already know," Adele replied with a tired smile. "Preparations for the ceremony aren't an easy task."
"I don't doubt that one bit, my dear Adele. Well, I won't keep you—"
"Oh, but why not join us, if you're not too busy with your studies?" Adele's surprising offer caught both of us off guard.
"It would be my pleasure, as long as the lovely Lady Lilith doesn't mind," Louise said, his focus returning to me.
I nodded, keeping my expression composed. "Of course not. In fact, maybe you could show me around?"
His grin widened, amusement glinting in his eyes. "It would be my honor."
Internally, I cheered. This could be an opportunity of a lifetime.
"Well, then it's settled. Let's go. I need to collect the ceremony tourmaline, so why don't the two of you help me by fetching the flowers? They're ready and just need to be loaded into the carriage," Adele said.
"Sounds easy enough," I agreed.
We parted ways five minutes later. Unfortunately, Obrovosky refused to stop following me—a shadow I couldn't shake.
"So… is the big guy back there your bodyguard or…?" Louise leaned in, his voice low, meant only for me.
I glanced back at Obrovosky, standing stiffly a few paces behind us. "More like a glorified babysitter," I muttered, rolling my eyes.
"Oh, poor you," Louise said with a soft chuckle.
"Hey, man!" Louise called over his shoulder to Obrovosky, who stiffened at the sound. Both men exchanged intense stares. "Why don't you join us instead of lurking back there?"
My eyes widened. "What are you doing?" I whispered, confused.
"Better to have him on our side, don't you think?" Louise winked at me playfully.
Obrovosky finally closed the distance, standing at a respectful yet noticeable distance from us.
"So, how did you two meet?" Louise asked, his tone casual but curious.
"I was sent to guard the princess," Obrovosky replied, his voice as rough as stone.
"Alex sent him to babysit me," I corrected, crossing my arms.
"I'm not your babysitter, princess," Obrovosky growled. "I'm your guard."
"A guard protects. A babysitter hovers. It's obvious Alex sent you to make sure I don't step out of line," I shot back.
"Well, I can see you two get along splendidly," Louise teased, his smirk making me glare at him.
"Pardon," he said, laughing it off. "Why don't we focus on what Adele asked us to do?"
"That's the best idea you've had so far," Obrovosky muttered.
"How boring," Louise quipped, casting me a playful glance. "But if the lady insists, I'll behave."
We walked for another few minutes before arriving at a stunning building draped in plants and roses.
"It's beautiful," I said, unable to hide my awe. The intricate architecture combined with the vibrant greenery was unlike anything I'd ever seen.
"You've never been here before?" Louise asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No," I admitted. "And I regret never knowing about this place."
"Never knowing?"
"I don't go out much," I said with a shrug. "I didn't realize something so beautiful was so close by."
Louise's expression shifted, his eyes studying me intently. "You don't have to lie to me, darling."
"What now?" I asked, unsure of his meaning.
"Your aura is blue," he said, his voice soft but certain. "You're not from here, are you?"
My stomach dropped. Did Adele tell him?
"How did you—"
"Don't worry, darling," he interrupted, his tone light as he winked. "Your secret is safe with me."
This couldn't be good.