Under the Oak Tree - Riftan's POV - Multiverse

CHAPTER 23: Riftan Arrives

[This story starts in Chapter 23 of Riftan POV - To know the beginning of this version (multiverse) of Riftan POV, Please read the original Riftan POV]

"Finally! I can eat and drink as much as I want for the coming months."

Hebaron steered his horse behind Riftan's and muttered in anticipation, while he took a deep breath as they entered the castle. It was his first time returning to the castle grounds after nearly 11 years. Every time he passed by a familiar scene; old memories sprang up in his head. He gazed at the neatly lined shrubs and bright blooming flowers along the castle's orderly pathway. As they passed through its beautiful and vast garden, the Duke of Croix's castle emerged.

"I've only heard famous stories about the Duke's castle. Truly, it's incredible."

Even Uslin, who came from one of the most prestigious noble families in Whedon, exclaimed in admiration as he trailed his eyes over the splendid fortress.

"I heard Princes Agnes has been here since last week. Rumors are flying around about a marriage involving the Duke's household and the Royal Family. " Hebaron murmured.

Riftan turn his hear to face Hebaron and without thinking said "Which one is it?"

Hebaron look at him "Huh?"

Riftan slowly breathed out. "I meant which one of the Duke's daughters got engaged."

Perhaps thinking that he asked out of mere curiosity, Hebaron shrugged lightly and responded to his question indifferently. "How am I supposed to know vice-commander? It doesn't matter which one got engaged. What's important is that there may be a union between those households, right?"

Riftan suppressed the urge to grab him by the collar and make him remember clearly what he heard and who got engaged. He remembered that Maximillian was several years older that the prince, so maybe it was the younger sibling. However, if it happened to be her... Riftan swallowed the profanities rising in his throat. Even though he felt like he was falling into a fire pit, a surprisingly composed voice came out of his lips.

"You are right." He kept his composure and turn his head around trying to hide is pain.

They climbed down from their horses and handed the reins to the servants and orderly went up the marble stairs leading to the entrance. As they entered through the arched doors that were at least 20 kvets (about 6 meters) high, a golden hall alit with thousands of candles appeared before their eyes.

Riftan lifted his head, his eyes wandering the surroundings. Everything in that hall seemed to be the epitome of all the luxury people could imagine. A gigantic chandelier bejeweled with white crystals sparkled and hung from the arched ceiling, hundreds of glass windows surrounded the hall, and golden armors lined the plaster white walls. He was skimming them through with a half-exhausted expression when a haughty voice echoed.

"I heard the news of your victory. You have been through a lot of hardships." The Duke of Croix slowly sashayed down the stairs, accompanied by his guards. "The Royal Knights arrived early last night and are currently resting. I shall grant all of you a room too so you can rest comfortably. The Holy Knights will be here soon. We can all share dinner together."

"Thank you for your hospitality."

Triden marched forward and greeted politely. The Duke of Croix looked at him as if to acknowledge the man's sincerities and nodded at his servants.

"Bring the guests to their rooms."

As soon as the man released his orders, dozens of servants rushed down the stairs and the knights followed them. As they crossed the great hall, a group of ladies were glancing at them from the second-floor balcony, giggling among themselves. Princes Agnes were among those ladies, and she caught his eyes. To be precise, it was not exactly her that caught his eyes, but the woman next to her in a dark blue dress standing next to the Princess Agnes.

Riftan felt like someone hit him in the head out of nowhere. He had thought of the possibility of meeting her, but he was determined not to attach any deep meaning into it. Nevertheless, the moment his eyes laid on the red-haired girl, his head instantly went blank.

He stared and skimmed his eyes through her figure. Her height would reach around his chest, so she was still tiny, but considering how she used to reach only up to his waist, she had grown quite a bit. Riftan's throat felt dry, and he pulled the robes that felt like it was tightening against his neck. Riftan stopped in his tracks. He couldn't see her face clearly as she was facing the Princess, but he was able to recognize her hair that was the color of a deep red wine. He swallowed dryly, his throat suddenly tightening. As he unconsciously moved towards her.

Princes Agnes seeing Riftan coming up stairs waved her hand and call his name "Riftan Calipse" Unable to stop his feet; he stopped until Riftan was in from of the two ladies. Seeing both together seems to confirm Riftan's suspicions of Maximillian engagement. Riftan who has forgot how to breath was there in from of them trying to suppress all his feeling trying to escape from his throat. He polite bow in front of the lady and manage to say, "Princess Agnes, it has been a while."

The princes smiled. "Please Riftan, you don't have to be so formal. I like to call you by your name, so I expect you to pay me the same favor."

Riftan simple nod at the Princess' words. He tried to not stare Maximillian too hard, but his heart was not longer beating, but racing. He thought he would faint before he would be able to introduce himself. The princes, who notice Riftan's stare to the young lady standing next to her, decided to speak first "Have you been introduce to Lady Maximillian Croix?"

Note [Thank you for reading! I will try to write one chapter per week!]