Descendants of the Kings (Book 2)

Ch 55.2: House Llyr

The sea did not roar like a mighty lion; it raged like a furious dragon.

If she squinted out the window, past the condensation and dew, Ella could see nothing but fog and darkness. An inky black so dense, the sea was invisible. She could only hear it, thrashing against the pillars of the bridge, waves crashing so high, it sprayed foam up to the carriage.

"This bridge..." she said uneasily.

"Is it safe?" Val finished "About as safe as it can be. It's been here for centuries. It hasn't ever fallen, as far as I'm aware. Even during the battle with Cressa. Now, I can't say the same about carriages falling off."

Ella's eyes widened, and Val laughed. "Don't worry about it. I doubt we'll fall. The railings are very high. There are always guards patrolling below on boats, anyway."

Ella didn't feel reassured, but she said nothing, laying back in her seat.

The Nerean palace was not on the mainland, but rather, on a jutting rock a few miles offshore. It was just far enough that the only way to access it was by a thin bridge that stretched hundreds of feet above the raging sea.

Upon arriving, a welcoming committee had ushered the guests into small, light carriages, sending them off one by one. Now, their carriage bobbed along the bridge, a wisp in the blustering storm.

The bridge seemed to go on forever, stretching eternally into the sea, as if they were going to cross to the other side of the continent. But then, from between the fog, faint lights began to appear.

"Ah, there it is," Val chuckled as Ella pressed her nose to the window, her breath fogging up the glass.

The fog parted like a curtain, and slowly, the castle began to appear, like a flickering mirage.

Nature defying, the castle pierced the air like a trident emerging from the depths of the sea. A collection of uneven stone towers soaring high, connected by ramparts and bridges. Golden light spilt from windows on all levels, beckoning them near like a siren to a sailor.

The carriage finally reached the end of the bridge, pulling up into a long, winding entrance to the steps of the castle. In the flickering torchlight—kept ablaze by pure magic—the castle glowed an eerie ghost-grey.

A footman approached, opening their door to help them down. Ella descended, her eyes hungrily roaming the expanse of the building. A wet, salty wind dampened her cheeks, making her shiver. A pixie maid dressed in fine livery was quick to greet them, ushering them inside, away from the freezing wind.

Inside the grand entrance of the castle, it was delightfully warm, with hundreds of candles spilling from all corners, casting a fragrant, golden glow. Ella discreetly took in her surroundings as she waited behind a small group of well-dressed guests to hand in her invitation.

Her gaze was first drawn to the enormous, sweeping staircase. A teal runner cut through the middle of the creamy white marble, like a thin ocean stream. Two statues of sirens flanked the bottom, fierce sentinels, each holding burnished tridents. They were so detailed, that it looked as if they would burst from their confines and brandish their weapons.

In the light, Ella could now appreciate the walls of the castle were made of a glossy white stone. They gave off a wet glow, as if dew-kissed. Key-shaped windows dotted the surface, framed by heavy teal drapes. The same glossy stone had been carved into elaborate pillars from which hung brass lanterns and royal banners.

All was decorated in shades of teal, gold and pearl. The colours of House Llyr, just like the invitation in Ella's hand.

"Grand, isn't it?" Val said as they advanced down the short line.