The Marí

Part.27

Photo of Morpheus Alexander Cassius the XX above!

As we stepped into the hallway, the air felt cooler, carrying a faint scent of cedarwood mixed with a floral note I couldn't quite place. The soft glow of candlelight flickered against the polished wood-paneled walls, casting dancing shadows that made the castle feel even more ancient and mysterious. My feet ached from walking, and it was clear we were far from the inn. But where exactly were we? I kept glancing around, trying to memorize the layout of the hallways, noting every window and pathway that could serve as an escape route. I sighed, memories of my daring escapes down our castle walls—driven by my longing for freedom—flooding my mind.

Claire walked ahead with confident strides through the winding hallways and up various floors, though I noticed her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted her apron.

When we finally reached the heavy oak doors leading to the dining room, Claire paused, resting a gentle hand on my arm. "One thing, milady," she began hesitantly, her blue eyes meeting mine. "The Marí... he can be quite... umm... particular. It's best to let him speak first."

My thoughts tumbled over each other—what would I say to the Marí? How should I act? A sense of dread coiled in my stomach, but I kept my face neutral.

I nodded, even as the knot in my stomach tightened. Claire's warning only deepened my uncertainty. Before I could ask more, she pushed open the doors, revealing a grand room lit by a chandelier of crystal and silver. A long dining table stretched before us, lined with candelabras and set with polished silver dishes. It looked fit for a royal feast. The aroma of roasted pork and sweet desserts mingled with a faint hint of fresh lemon in the air.

The dining table, dressed in a plain yet elegant cloth, stretched on with a variety of chairs. One at the far end was especially large, covered in intricate runes that reminded me of those on the throne at the festival grounds. The chair beside it bore a similar, though less ornate, design, while the rest were simpler.

Perhaps today I'd finally meet the Marí and his spouse. The room was bustling with unfamiliar faces, all engaged in loud, animated conversations. I swallowed hard, realizing that the only empty seats were the rune-adorned one and the one beside it.

The people gathered around the table were strikingly beautiful, with a timeless, ethereal quality that seemed almost otherworldly. Their attire, though less formal than evening wear, still radiated luxury, more fitting for a grand breakfast in a castle. Each of them had the same peculiar blue eyes—piercing and icy, like a frozen lake in winter. Their gazes held an intensity that made my skin prickle. The men wore fine morning coats, tailored to perfection with high collars and subtle silver embroidery running along the edges. Their waistcoats were richly colored in deep blues and dark greens, adding a refined touch. The fabrics of their coats and trousers were of the finest wool, soft yet structured, catching the morning light streaming through the windows. The cuts of their dresses were simple yet sophisticated, with elegant draping and delicate lace accents along the sleeves and collars. The women were dressed in flowing morning gowns made of delicate silks and velvets in soft hues—lavenders, dusky pinks, and pale golds—that caught the light beautifully.

One woman wore a sky-blue gown with billowing sleeves, cinched at the waist with a satin sash that highlighted her graceful figure. Another wore a dress the color of rose petals, with intricate lace trailing down her bodice and a delicate shawl draped over her shoulders.

Their hair was styled with the same care as their clothes—soft waves pinned with jeweled hairpins or held back with delicate ribbons. The faint scent of jasmine and roses clung to them, blending with the warmth of freshly baked bread and the tangy aroma of citrus that filled the room. Despite the relaxed nature of their attire, they carried themselves with a poised elegance, like they were born into refinement.