Choosing - On Hold UFN

Chapter 3 - In the Castle

From a distance, the city had been incredible. Up close, the towering buildings were magnificent. To think that I would be living here was a tough concept to hold onto. I would get to see this beauty daily? Could looking up at these monuments ever get old?

We eventually managed to make port and as we exited the ship there was a crowd waiting to greet us. All finely dressed with half smiles plastered on their faces, they appeared to be nobility of sorts.

I sighed and gave my gown a slight tug before descending down the ramp, following the train of people in front of me.

We were quickly greeted and then directed to carriages that would take us to the castle. As we did, our procession was broken up and intermingled with the various people that had waited to greet us.

I was left with a couple of my handmaidens, Ren included, and a man.

“Sir Stuart, my lady,” he announced as he extended his hand towards me.

I gave him a half smile and took his hand, “Lady Asmira”.

He raised one eyebrow with a curious face, “Oh? The Lady Asmira? Well, my lady, you certainly do live up to the rumors. I had my doubts, but here I am, corrected.”

I frowned a little, “If you don’t mind me asking, what rumors?”

He gave a short laugh and responded, “The rumors of your beauty, of course. When we learned of the marriage, many were skeptical. Why should we allow this marriage to commence? We gain almost nothing, really. A marriage to the Empire – ha! - might just be more beneficial. Then the stories of your incomparable beauty surfaced and even the prince was open to the possibility.”

I couldn’t help but feel pleased with his words. Compliments tend to do that. “I am glad that I can live up to such high expectations.”

“Well of course you do” Then, after a slight pause and a hand gesturing to the passing buildings, “How do you like the city so far? Pretty impressive, isn’t it?”

“It is indeed very impressive,” I paused and gave Ren a panicked look. I was unsure of what to else to say in response. She shrugged slightly and I was left to my own devices, “How did you manage to build such tall towers? Shouldn’t they have fallen over when they were just half their height?”

He gave me a cat’s grin, showing teeth ear to ear. “Yes, they should have… if anyone else had designed them. But, the chief architect is a brilliant man. Perhaps a bit out of his head, but brilliant none-the-less.”

“Could I meet this brilliant man?”

He raised an eyebrow, “You are interested in these structures?”

“Why else would I want to meet him?” I spoke without thinking. I immediately wished I could take back my words. He would certainly think I was being impolite. Already making a poor impression, now aren’t we?

Despite my worries, he seemed oblivious to my bluntness. “I see. Well, if you truly wish to pursue the topic, I could get you in touch with the master.”

Blissfully pulled from my fretting, I gasped. “Would you really be able to find him?”

He chuckled loudly, “Well, I would hope so. The old bat is my father. If I can’t find him, who could?”

Ren gave a short laugh, loud enough for the whole carriage to look at her. Then, covering her mouth, she turned a bright red. I felt sorry for my friend. She was easily embarrassed and this did not help at all.

“Excuse me,” she said meekly.

“No, please excuse me, my lady. I have thoughtlessly neglected to ask your name. Miss…?”