Flowers on the Path

Chapter IV

Behind the massive walls, the castle emerged before them—the largest Dalia had ever seen. It seemed to reach the sky itself, with sharp, angular towers casting long shadows over the courtyard. The structure, carved from dark gray stone, looked as if it had been hewn from a single block, void of any decoration or embellishment to soften its severe appearance. Nothing grew at its base except for wild grass stretching as far as the eye could see. No trees, no flowers, not even creeping vines to break up the unyielding stone.

It all seemed so unwelcoming, devoid of life.

In front of the grand staircase leading to bronze doors, a chamberlain awaited with a line of servants. Dalia felt a pang of disappointment—why had she expected, deep down, that the king himself would greet them at the threshold?

"My lady, the House of Havengard welcomes you to our lands," the chamberlain said, bowing deeply. The servants followed his lead, their heads dipping with mechanical precision. Caspar dismounted, handing his reins to one of the silent attendants before striding wordlessly toward the castle. Dalia, watching his back, dismounted as well, gracefully helping Lucia to the ground, while Torus did the same for Mariella.

"Would you allow me to escort you to your prepared chambers so you may refresh yourself?" The chamberlain's gaze met the princess's, hollow and devoid of emotion. The other servants kept their eyes down.

Mariella drew herself up, lifting her chin defiantly, though she was still more than a head shorter than the chamberlain.

"My clothes..." she began, clearing her throat as her voice cracked, "...are in the baggage."

"Fresh garments have already been arranged for you in your chambers," he replied coolly.

"This way, sirs," one of the older maids said, addressing Dalia and Lucia.

"Dalia will come with me," Mariella said, attempting a commanding tone, but the uncertainty in her eyes betrayed her. The maid glanced at the chamberlain, who gave a curt nod.

Dalia handed her horse's reins to one of the mute servants and followed the chamberlain and Mariella into the castle. As the heavy doors opened, the chamberlain cast her a brief, irritated glance. He didn't seem pleased with her presence.

Dalia knew from books that the castle they entered was ancient, said to have stood since time immemorial, before people even inhabited these lands. Inside, there were few windows, so even in daylight, countless candles were lit, casting a warm glow. Each room they passed was filled with an abundance of furniture and trinkets, with cat motifs appearing frequently in the decorations and paintings.

Servants bustled about the corridors, paying them no mind as they attended to their tasks. The castle was immense, its layout more labyrinthine than deliberate. It was clear that it had been renovated many times, with rooms and passages added at the whims of its various owners. This hodgepodge of styles and decor distinguished it from the stark simplicity of other fortresses, like the austere stronghold of House Valeris.

Mariella walked beside Dalia, her head held high as if to project that the grandeur of the place didn't faze her. This was meant to be her new home, yet a flicker of unease crossed her features.

Finally, they reached the end of a long corridor. The chamberlain opened an ornate door and gestured them inside. The room exuded an old-world elegance, with a grand bathtub shielded by a decorative screen. Mariella let out a small, dreamy sigh at the sight.

She opened a wardrobe, silently running her fingers over the fine fabrics. Dalia, yearning to collapse onto the opulent chaise longue upholstered in expensive material, settled instead for a simple wooden stool, her damp clothes clinging uncomfortably to her skin.