Rose couldn't help the relief she felt when she saw the gates of a town at sunset. The town looked better than Edenville; it was also more progressive. The first thing she noticed was that there was a proper gate at the entrance with guard towers on each side.
The twin gates were at least five meters high. There was also a portcullis sticking out the top of the gates, the two huge doors weren't the only protection. Rose's neck hurt a little as she tried to take in all of this. She had never seen anything like it—even the baron's manor couldn't compare to this.
As they approached the gates, the men didn't need to slow down before the doors were opened. Rose could hear the rattling of chains from a distance as the huge gates were unlocked. She felt the crown prince glance at her before he picked up the pace. Rose winced at the pain of riding, but she did her best to keep up with him. Her rear was sore, and she was covered in dust. Unlike the soldiers, who were dressed in full attire, all she had was a flimsy dress.
They burst through the gates into the town. Rose noticed the guards bowed as they rode past, and the people on the streets dropped to their knees, but Caius didn't stop, nor did he address them. Out of the corners of her eyes, Rose could see guards appear on both sides, and a few subtly moved to the front, leading the way. Their clothes were similar to the crown prince's men, but the designs were different.
They led them through the town. Rose couldn't help but look around in awe. Even though it was dark, the town was bustling. Lamps lit up the path, and children could be seen playing outside. Rose stared as she rode; she couldn't help it. She had never been out of Edenville, not once. She had never had a reason to. Her father had made a few trips to the capital and would often tell her about it, but it wasn't a trip he made often. The last time was over two years ago.
Suddenly, the path emptied, and not a person was in sight. Then, not more than ten meters away, Rose saw the biggest house ever. The gates were almost as big as the town's main entrance. It was already dark, but it still didn't hide how massive the mansion was.
They pulled up to the gates, which had two huge torches on both sides, shining on the path. The gates opened, and Rose held her breath as they revealed a stone path with lantern stands that lit up the place. It was nighttime, but Rose could clearly see the compound.
Trees and flowers covered the front yard, and a fountain stood right in the middle. But she didn't get a chance to look around as much as she wanted. They rode off to the front of the house, and Rylen got off his horse just as the lord of the mansion stepped forward with his wife and three daughters beside him.
"Your Highness," they all bowed. "It is truly a pleasure," the lord said.
"Lord Edric Harrington, third Marquis of Stonegate," Prince Rylen said and stepped up. "Thank you for having us."
"Don't thank me, Prince Rylen. I wouldn't have wanted this any other way. My family is happy to have His Highness in our town and our humble abode," Lord Edric replied.
There was nothing humble about Stonegate, Rose thought as she adjusted on her horse. Her sore rear was even worse now. Her action caused her horse to move, drawing attention to herself. Rose couldn't help but wince as the eyes of the Harringtons landed on her. Their disapproval, disgust, and confusion were as clear as day.
The Marquis of Stonegate had three beautiful daughters, who were all the spitting image of their mother. Two were close in age, while the last daughter looked to be in her early teens. They were all dressed in regal dresses, and their hair was lifted high. Jewelry hung from their necks and ears.
They drew their eyes away as Caius came down from his horse. He didn't even look at Rose, but she knew she had to do the same. Rose struggled off the horse, getting another grunt of complaint from the animal. She finally got to the ground and curtsied to the Harringtons without saying anything.
"Right this way," Lord Edric said, and the doors were swung open.
Caius stepped in line with the Lord of Stonegate, with his wife and daughters behind them. Rose wasn't sure if she should follow along, so she just looked around helplessly. But when no one told her otherwise, she slowly followed after them.
The mansion was massive. If she thought the exterior was impressive, the interior was even more so. The doors opened to the entrance hall, and Rose felt her jaw drop to the ground. It was exquisite. The only interior she could compare to this was the merchant's house, but that paled in comparison.
The ceiling was high, with lit chandeliers hanging from it. Paintings could be seen on the ceiling, and Rose squinted her eyes to get a better look, but she quickly brought her gaze down. She couldn't stare with reckless abandon. There was a grand staircase and portraits of the Harringtons scattered all around the house. Servants lined up on both sides, looking eager to receive orders.
"Your Highness, may I present Master Benedict Hughman, my trusted steward. He oversees the affairs of my household and is at your service during your stay," Lord Edric said, and an older servant stepped forward.
He held his hands in front and bowed. "It's an honor to serve, Your Highness."
"Benedict will lead you to your chambers. Dinner will be ready soon. I will be delighted if you could join us, Your Highness."
Caius merely grunted in reply. He had not said a word since he got to the lord's house, and now he quietly followed the servants who led him toward his chambers.