The Arrival

by Nicole MacDonald

  'Helloo.'

  I relaxed, relieved and pleased. 'Yakov. I thought I was the only one crazy enough to be out here at this time.' I grinned at the red faced man.

  He laughed at me. 'Ha. This isn’t even early. Normally I run when the moon is still up. You’ve got nothing on me.'

  'Mind if I join you?'

  'Not at all,' he panted. 'Come on then.'

  We raced off down the track, managing a brief conversation.

  'Looking forward to the ball?' he gasped out.

  'Yes,' pause. 'And no.'

  'Why not?' Yakov asked in surprise.

  'Because after the ball we begin with our real roles.'

  'Ahh.'

  We both fell quiet when we started up a bit of a climb. At the top, having passed through the gate, Yakov turned to me.

  'It will be a very interesting position.'

  'Oh I don’t doubt it. It might sound silly, but I find it unnerving to only look at things from one way. Having it spread out in front of us, so… so cut and dry,' I paused. 'It just feels weird.'

  Yakov considered this for a moment. 'You’re saying you’re nervous because it feels too easy?'

  It did sound silly when he said it like that. I sighed.

  'Don’t let it stress you, Cat. It is a position that will allow you to travel all over the world and of course, you’ll be at Alek’s side all the time. I know this training period has been intense, but it’s been necessary.'

  I gave a curt nod. 'I do understand. It’s just all been such a rapid change that it has left me feeling a bit… lost.'

  Yakov continued to study me then suggested. 'Why don’t we spend the morning together after breakfast? I know Alek and the other men are busy and we can talk through your concerns.'

  I agreed and headed off to shower and change. When I got in the others still slept, not waking while I got ready then slipped back out the door with Audi. Few of us sat in the Great Hall, making breakfast unusually quiet. It felt odd to sit at the end table without Alek and all the others. Even Elena was absent. We ate quickly then Yakov decided to take me on a tour of the castle.

  'Alek’s already taken me on a tour,' I objected.

  Yakov laughed. 'You could walk this castle for a good month and still have not seen everything. I shall take you on the Royal Tour.'

  That sounded interesting. Audi and I stuck to Yakov’s side. He led us up one of the turrets to the third floor and we wandered along the corridor. 'As you know, this floor only has one main corridor, unlike the second and first floors. It’s solely for those of Royal status or the advisors closest to them, like the Griffon Guard or the Elementals. You’ve seen both those quarters, so I will show you the Royal quarters.'

  We headed down the corridor past our own quarters and continued until we reached a door. Yakov produced a key, unlocked it and ushered me in.

  The furnishings on this side of the door looked very elegant. Ornate lamps on beautiful side tables dotted the walls and portraits of people in elegant garb hung above them. I paused at a portrait of a young boy with blue black hair and stunning blue eyes, an older man with lighter blue eyes and brown hair clasping his shoulder. Both wore formal uniforms but genuine smiles graced their faces. Yakov stood beside me and smiled at the portrait. 'Alek would have been eight when that was painted.'

  I stared at it feeling a twinge of pain at knowing that only two years later, Alek had lost his dad. We continued down the corridor until we reached a set of elaborate doors. A guard stood at either side and they bowed when we approached, pulling the doors open. 'This was the late Queen’s quarters.'

  We entered into a foyer and I spotted a beautiful portrait of a wooded area. The artist had done an incredible job, it looked so real.

  'Do you like it?' Yakov stood beside me while I studied the picture.

  'I love it. It’s so realistic.' I’d swear I could count the leaves.

  'It’s an area in the Scrodian Mountains, Queen Ariadwen loved that spot,' he said, a nostalgic look in his eyes. 'Which is why King Nikias commissioned this painting. Have you seen an enchanted frame before?' Yakov arched an eyebrow at me.

  I shook my head. 'No, what do you mean?'

  He pointed at the picture and I leaned closer. I gasped when I spotted the faerie flittering around a bush. 'What’s that?'

  'That is faerie feeding on the nectar of that jurven bush. You’re able to see them because the frame is enchanted. King Nikias got it for his Queen when she was pregnant with Alek and couldn’t safely travel to her favorite holiday spot.'

  I almost had my nose to it now. 'Are they expensive?'

  'Yes, it is a difficult spell to cast, so they are quite rare.'

  'Could Elena do it?'

  Yakov frowned. 'Of course, but it wouldn’t be appropriate to ask the Archduchess for something so frivolous.'

  I bit my lip. Oops, hadn’t meant to insult her. 'I’m sorry. I’ve just been wondering how powerful Elena is?'

  He gave me a sideways look. 'Very. Now let me show you the rest of the apartments.'

  He led the way while I admired everything. I couldn’t get over how much space was set aside for just one person.

  'So this is just the Queen’s quarters? She wouldn’t share them?'

  'No.' Yakov smiled at my surprise. 'The King has his own separate quarters, and there’s the Royal nursery and rooms for any Royal children.'

  'Why do they need so much space?'

  'They don’t, but this castle was built by the Thalian line, these rooms were set aside for the Queen and so they have stayed since. It’s appropriate.' He shrugged. 'Other realms have even larger areas set aside for their royalty.'

  My eyebrows shot up at that. We peeked into King Nikias’ quarters and laughed when Audi thought she’d found something. She seemed rather disappointed to discover the dragon she’d stalked was just a toy.

  'It was one of Alek’s favorites,' Yakov explained when I examined the green and purple soft toy. I placed it down in front of Audi who sniffed at it then shoved it over and ignored it. We chuckled and then Yakov led us down an internal corridor and pointed out the nursery and the school room.

  'And that is Alek’s room.' Yakov winked mischievously at me. 'Want to have a look?' He laughed when I flushed red.

  'No. Alek will show me when he wants me to see it.'

  When I walked back into the room I found all the girls awake and piled onto Sian’s bed, chatting.

  'Where’ve you been, Cat?' asked Loi.

  'Yakov gave me a tour of the rest of this floor.'

  I wandered over and climbed on the bed, then told them about the beautiful picture. It inspired us to make a trip to the library—finally—and we spent the rest of the day there. It made for a good distraction with us nervous at the idea of starting our new, official lives and it gave me something else to think about when I fell into bed that night.

  We didn’t say much when we woke and dealt with the usual morning stuff then walked to breakfast together. The Great Hall buzzed with activity as we neared it; servants worked on opening the walls between the ballrooms and the throne room. The castle had two ballrooms divided by the main corridor and the walls on the corridor were bi-folding so that the two rooms could be linked for large events. The throne room linked to the outer most ballroom, which overlooked the woodland area between the castle and inner gate. Stacks of the silver framed mirrors that we’d seen in one of the ballrooms leaned against the walls.

  'Those must be going to line all the walls,' Loi said while we watched the frenetic activity in awe. 'Looks like it’ll be quite a night.'

  The butterflies in my stomach seemed to be changing from nerves to excitement and I smiled at the others.

  'I think I’m looking forward to it.'

  We made our way to our normal seats, delighted to see Citaan and Gredel there.

  'Hello. We wondered when we’d see you.'

  Citaan looked amazing, like usual, with her baby bump more pronounced. She smiled. 'We thought it woul
d be easier to come over early on and get ready in the Griffon Guard quarters. That way we can avoid the rush and dealing with security.'

  We settled down to breakfast when Kassie glanced up and gave a tiny squeal. I looked up to see the men had walked in and felt a huge grin break out on my face.

  ALEK FELT THE tension that had bothered him dissolve at the sight of Cat’s delighted smile. She raced over and threw her arms around his neck, pulling his head down for a kiss. Loud clapping and cheering brought him back to his senses and he gave a sheepish smile to their audience when they parted.

  'Happy Birthday,' she beamed up at him.

  'Thanks,' he smiled. 'Are you excited about the ball?'

  She wrinkled her nose, making him chuckle. 'I wasn’t, but I am now.'

  'Awww, did you miss me?'

  She threw him a coy sidelong glance. 'Maybe.'

  BREAKFAST FLEW BY and afterward we headed to the solar. Alek and I were last, following Gredel and Citaan up the turret. Poor Gredel stressed about everything it seemed and insisted on holding Citaan’s arm while she climbed the stairs. When we reached the top he rushed to get her a seat at the table and she flicked a glance our way. It read both exasperation and love.

  I wandered over to the windows and looked out at the Anguem range. The view of the mountains looked amazing, they really had situated the castle well. Spying a small door set in one of the windows, I peered out; it led to a narrow balcony I hadn’t noticed before. 'What’s that for?' I glanced at Alek.

  He looked to where I pointed. 'That’s for archers, in the event that the enemy makes it past the inner gate.'

  I nodded and stepped closer to the window for a better look. 'It looks rather narrow.'

  'It isn’t a design feature, Cat. It’s for just in case. Do you want to have a look?' He opened the little door and led the way out. The others edged along behind us and we stood in a row. If I thought the view good inside, it didn’t compare to this. I clutched tight to the waist high railing and looked over the edge. The forest that grew in the space between the castle and inner gate didn’t seem so dense from up here; I could just make out the guards on patrol. A squeak from Sian and a shuffling motion from the guys announced Audi’s arrival as she squeezed past them. Reaching my side she carefully stood with her front paws clinging to the rail so she could see what we looked at. It started everyone chuckling and Sabyn reached out to ruffle her ears.

  'Nosey creature,' he scolded her. 'Nearly shove us off just to satisfy your curiosity.'

  THE MORNING WENT by fast and it seemed far too soon that they had to go and get ready. Kassie clung tight to Rumal for a moment when he bent to embrace her.

  'Not long,' he said, his molten eyes creased in affection.

  She nodded back, unable to speak due to the lump in her throat. Not long. It brought the jitter of nerves back but they were whirled off to get ready. The Beautens bustled with people when the girls walked in.

  I CAUGHT SIGHT of the snooty Countess I’d met when we’d first arrived; she pointedly ignored me. Not a problem. I’d rather not have to talk to you anyway. It wasn’t until they moved me to the hair stylist’s seat that I realized Melanite sat beside me. 'Melanite!'

  She laughed. 'I saw you all when you first came in, did you only just notice me?'

  'Oh I’m sorry, I’m totally away with the fairies at the moment.'

  Drat. I’d forgotten they exist here. The confused look on her face amused me; she shrugged away my weird comment. We chatted and I noticed Loi and Sian talking to a couple of the girls we’d met in Gartoll. 'How big an event is this usually?'

  'I would expect a couple of thousand to attend. Dignitaries from all over Elion and even further will come.'

  'Really? How will they travel here?' I asked.

  She thought about it. 'I know that those coming from Delanta and Lanion arrived in Elion last week. They’ll be getting ready in the town and there maybe a few who are brought in by the Griffon Guard.'

  The stylist tapped my shoulder and I had to turn away.

  LOI ADMIRED HER hair in the mirror. The stylist had teased the top of her hair and smoothed it over then clipped the top half of her hair back. She preferred to have her hair loose, so this made a good compromise and meant she could have a pretty clip too. The stylist ushered her over to a couch where Sian sat, so she could move on to her next client. Sian’s hair had been teased like hers, and drawn into a high pony tail, highlighting her cheekbones.

  'You pleased?' Loi arched an eyebrow at her.

  Sian smiled and ran a hand over it. 'I am, it’s very sleek. It’ll look great with my dress.'

  They both fell silent, observing the chaos as stylists raced around, tripping over one another, clients voicing loud opinions about each others’ hair and make-up. 'It nearly reminds me of our last night on Earth,' Sian said nostalgically. 'Just crazier.'

  Eventually Kassie and Cat were done and the four of them walked back to their room. The corridors and turret were crowded with guests and staff dashing about. Slipping into their room they closed the doors with relief. Ada had dropped their dresses off and they hung from each of their dressing table mirrors, a pair of matching shoes below.

  WE HAD ABOUT an hour to kill and I paced the floor in nervous anticipation. I couldn’t lie down thanks to my hair; curled and then pinned so it cascaded down like a waterfall. I was to wear it draped over one shoulder, the stylist had insisted after she gushed over the color. It made me laugh. Sure, my hair was pretty but with the fabulous blues, greens and violets I‘d seen today I didn’t think it compared. The stylist had shrugged and informed me red hair was unique. So I still stand out. Even on a different world. Figures. Audrey could sense my mood and it made her agitated. I studied her for a moment. What will I do with her this evening? As I pondered, a knock sounded on the door. I was surprised to find Ada there. 'What are you doing with Audrey tonight?' she asked, seeming a little anxious.

  My jaw dropped. 'Do you read minds too?' I asked in amusement.

  'N-n-no-o,' she stuttered. 'It’s just, I haven’t a partner this evening and I intend on leaving early. Everyone’s focus will be on the ballroom. I’d feel so much safer if Audi was with me. Would you mind if she stayed over in my room?'

  I almost laughed at the look of concern in her eyes; she’d solved my problem in an instant. 'Audi, do you want to visit with Ada?' I smiled down at my furry critter who ignored me while she fussed over the diminutive fabricer. The other girls laughed and I said, 'I think that’ll be fine.'

  'Will she behave at the ball?'

  I blinked in surprise. 'The ball?'

  'Yes, I want to take her as my partner.' Ada giggled, an impish look in her eyes.

  'Umm, I think so. Perhaps put her on a leash so she can’t wander off.'

  Ada excitedly said, 'Oh I have a whole outfit planned for her. She’s going to look beautiful.' She cooed at the dog, and I watched the two of them walk off.

  Chapter Thirty Four

  TIME SEEMED TO vanish while we rushed about to get dressed and made the final touches. As I checked myself over in the mirror a heavy knock announced the men's arrival. Everyone froze for an instant and stared at one another, giggling like silly sixteen year olds. My anxiety vanished replaced by super excited butterflies. The others seemed to feel it too, Loi and Kassie hopped with excitement. 'Sssshh!' hissed Sian when she headed for the door and we assumed poised faces. I could feel the hysteria rise in my chest as I focused on the door and not on Loi, who shook with suppressed laughter. The hilarity dissolved when we watched the men enter. They wore what must be their formal uniforms and looked amazing. I’m sure I just gaped at Alek for a good few minutes. The uniforms were black double-breasted collarless blazers and slim straight leg pants. Silver accentuated the black with three bands on either wrist, a stripe down each leg and on the front edge of their blazers. Even the row of buttons fastening the blazer were silver. A red epaulette on each shoulder and black leather ankle boots finished the look. Being the Royal me
mber of the guard, Alek had a sash added to his uniform. Caught at the epaulette on his left shoulder it came across to his right hip and was red with bands of color in the middle.

  ALEK SMILED DOWN at Cat, who hadn’t spoken a word for several minutes. She looked beautiful. The green dress showed off her figure to perfection and the color looked stunning on her. He felt a sudden pang of nerves. It almost made him laugh, of all the things to make him nervous it was the woman who stood before him.

  THE OTHERS CHATTED and made their way out of our room while Alek and I still stared at each other. I listened as their voices grew faint then arched an eyebrow at Alek and broke the silence. 'So?' I spun in front of him. 'Whatcha think?'

  His dark blue eyes fastened on mine as he stepped closer. 'Beautiful. Indescribably so.'

  I flushed in pleasure. He reached out and gently traced his fingers from my forehead to chin making me shiver. Then he tipped my chin up and ducked his head to mine. The intense kiss made my head swim. Feeling me sway, he tightened his arms around me, deepening the kiss.

  PULLING AWAY, HE held Cat for a moment before setting her back on her feet. Then he led her to the long seat at the dresser and placed a jewelry case in front of her.

  I STARED BLANKLY at the large velvet case he’d set on the dresser surface. 'What’s this?'

  He smiled. 'Open it.'

  SHE GAVE HIM a look of concern and bit her lip. Then she reached, picking the case up and eased it open. Sucking a breath in she gasped at its contents. Alek felt thrilled. He’d seen several sets he thought she might like, but Sian had said this was the one. The look on Cat’s face told him she’d been right. Unable to resist any longer he demanded, 'Do you like it?'