Heart of a Hero: Somehow I've become the Vampire Queen?!

Chapter 34 - Red-Tiled Rooftops

As Ambra made her way through Leviel, the city seemed to transform before her eyes. The mainly wooden, almost creaky houses of the outskirts gave way to beautiful stone buildings adorned with intricate ironwork. Lush, green trees lined the cobblestone streets, and every corner seemed to boast a statue or a fountain that glorified some hero or deity. Maybe there was one of hers? No way.

But it was when she reached the innermost circle of the city that she was truly taken aback. The air smelled of jasmine and lavender, the natural fragrances seemingly handpicked to mingle with the laughter and light conversations of well-dressed nobles strolling the avenues. The elegance of the buildings reached a pinnacle, each mansion more extravagant than the last as if competing in a silent war of beauty and affluence.

Finally, her eyes landed on Duke Altair's estate as Emil had described. It was an awe-inspiring monument to nobility and power. The mansion itself seemed as if it were sculpted by the gods, built from an alabaster-colored material so white it nearly glowed in the daylight. Pillars decorated the front, each one etched with intricate patterns and motifs that told stories of the Duke's lineage and victories in Altura's warmongering history.

Above, the roof was a vivid red, each tile laid with meticulous precision to form intricate patterns and designs. The mansion seemed to sprawl endlessly, wings extending in both directions as if reaching out to embrace the world.

Surrounding it all was an expansive garden, a veritable Eden. Fountains adorned with marble cherubs were interspersed among flowerbeds that showcased an array of colors so vivid they appeared painted. Rare, exotic trees shaded the landscape, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze like a whispered secret.

But what struck Ambra the most were the gates—tall, golden, and magnificent. They were ornamented with complex patterns that seemed to move and twist, making it seem like the metalwork was alive. At the center of each gate was the family crest of Duke Altair, an intricately carved griffon with ruby eyes and Altura's silver phoenix and golden sun

As she made her way along the path, she noticed the guards' eyes following her, their gaze lingering just a moment too long. Every face seemed etched with suspicion and caution. And she knew why: her dark cloak screamed 'outsider,' a stark contrast to the finely-tailored garments of the nobles. She even saw a few noblewomen pull their children closer, steering away as if she carried some kind of malady.

Ambra sighed inwardly. She remembered the times when nobles in Nuberia had vied for her attention, attempting to curry favor with flattering words and obsequious smiles. Yet, here too, she was an object of scrutiny, just for different reasons.

Finally reaching the greatly ornamented gates, she paused for a moment. They were even more spectacular up close, a work of art that guarded the world of affluence behind them. Gathering herself, Ambra prepared to enter, knowing that whatever awaited her beyond those gates, she was ready to face it.

The guards glanced at one another, and then one stepped forward, hand on the hilt of his sword. "State your business," he said, eyeing her dark cloak and mysterious demeanor.

Ambra opened her mouth, greeting the guards with an awkward, "Hello." The word seemed to hang in the air, quickly swallowed by the weight of the guards' suspicion. Their eyes narrowed, glances exchanged between them. They saw her not as a visitor but as a potential threat.

"State your business," the lead guard repeated, his voice tinged with irritation and suspicion.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, Ambra spoke. "I'm here to meet Lady Camila. She's expected to be a guest at Duke Altair's estate, and I've been asked to ensure her safety."

At the mention of Lady Camila, a noticeable tension swept through the guards. They exchanged wary glances, disbelief coloring their features. The lead guard's eyes narrowed further, the crease between his brows deepening.