Fangs Of Rebellion.

CHAPTER THREE.

SERAPHINA'S P.O.V.

       As the carriage rolled along the winding road, taking me farther away from the familiarity of my home and closer to the unknown lands of the Shadowmoor kingdom, my mind swirled as feelings of anticipation and trepidation surged through my body. The sunlight streamed through the open window, casting its golden rays across the elegant interior of the carriage.

    I gazed out, through the window, at the passing countryside, and watched as the lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers whizzed by in a blur. Although my eyes took in the beauty of nature that passed by, my mind was focused on a completely different thing. The fact that my life, in it's entirety, was just a few moments away from unexpected and unplanned change bore on my mind like an heavy weight.

    As the carriage rattled along the uneven road, my gaze drifted to the horizon as the distant towers of the Shadowmoor Castle came into view. My mind was overcome with a mix of fear and unease at the sight of the castle's towers which loomed in the distance. But once I saw the way in which the golden sunlight bathed the landscape in a warm glow as we entered the outskirts of the kingdom, I was overcome with awe.

   The villages we passed through were like scenes from a storybook. Stylish cottages lined the cobblestone streets and their flower filled gardens bloomed with vibrant colors. While I watched as the villagers went about their daily routines, their friendly smiles and warm greetings to one another made me feel welcomed; they went about their daily lives with a sense of contentment and joy that was infectious. They reminded me very much of home.

    The kingdom was enchanting, but it was the palace itself that truly took my breath away. As we approached the palace gates, the towering spires reached towards the sky. They were adorned with intricate carvings and the sparkling windows reflected the sunlight.

    The carriage rolled to a stop, and I stepped out onto the cobblestone path that led to the grand entrance of the palace. As I looked up, my breath caught in my throat. The palace towered above me, its elegant architecture seeming to reach towards the heavens. The golden spires sparkled in the sunlight, casting such a radiant glow, that it made me feel like I had just stepped into a fairytale.

    I had believed, during my journey, that as I stepped foot into this unfamiliar land, I would only be reminded of my reason for being there in the first place; to fulfill a duty that fate and my parents had thrust upon me. My duty to become the bride of the Shadowmoor kingdom's Crown Prince in place of my older sister, Olivia.

   But instead, on my arrival at the grand palace, I was met with the desire to venture into the new world that stretched before me, contrary to my initial belief. This new feeling pulled me away from the reach of my responsibilities and planted in me the yearning to look around the palace grounds while taking my time to soak in the beauty that surrounded me.

   As my entourage bustled around, busying themselves with unpacking my belongings and settling me into my chambers,  I observed their movements with a unconcerned interest while my mind was preoccupied with planning ways of escape. I knew I should wait, to follow protocol and go through with the expectations that were placed upon me, but my curiosity burned deeply within me. It very well trumped my sense of duty.

   When I realized that my entourage, including the ever watchful Leana, was too busy to pay me mind, I took the opportunity to sneak away from their watchful eyes. I set forth on my personal adventure, slipping through a hidden side entrance before quickly  creating a safe distance between myself and the busy servants. All the while, my heart pounded heavily in my chest with excitement.

    With each step I took, the palace unfolded before me and my curiosity soon led me further away from the palace walls. The vibrant colors of the blooming flowers and the sweet scent of the blossoms filled the air, causing me to be lost in the beauty of the gardens. I wandered aimlessly, allowing my feet to guide me as I strolled along cobblestone paths. The sweet melodies of birds filled the air, and in the distance, I could hear the sound of a brook.