Of Witches and Warlocks: The Complete Series

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

We landed at London Heathrow Airport around eight in the morning. After getting off the plane, we boarded another small flight to Inverness, Scotland, arriving about an hour and a half later.

Gathering our luggage, we met the driver from Inverlochy Castle. He was very friendly and collected our bags from us, leading us out to a beautiful Rolls-Royce Phantom. Vance helped him load our items inside, despite the man's protests he shouldn't worry himself over such things. When they were finished, Vance climbed into the car beside me, and the smiling man closed the door behind him.

"Great car." Vance glanced around with an appreciative eye at the custom interior.

I nodded, smiling at his male attributes coming to the surface. He rubbed his hand almost reverently over the leather seats, before he scooted closer to me, holding my hand.

Our chauffeur's name was Connell. He was a very friendly man, short and stocky in his build with graying hair that looked as though it may have been a flaming shade of red during his younger years. Dressed informally, in sportsman styled tweeds, he pointed out the sites and facts of interest along the trip through the countryside, on our way to the castle. I had to listen to him carefully so I could understand him, since he spoke in a thick Scottish brogue, but it was a delightful tribute to the authenticity of our current experience.

The drive was breathtaking, and we could see the snowcapped mountains around us, as well as the icy loch off to our right for most of the way.

When we approached the castle, my breath caught for a second, my eyes widening in wonder.

Inverlochy Castle was a large granite stone facility that sat at the bottom of some of Scotland's highest mountains. The famous peak of Ben Nevis shadowed overhead, while the castle itself sat on perfectly maintained grounds. Tall trees on the property, which sloped down a gentle decline, until they overlooked the gorgeous waters of the loch, framed the massive structure in.

"It's beautiful." I smiled at Vance, unable to think of a grander way to describe the scene.

"Fit for a queen," he replied, placing a tender kiss against my neck.

The car pulled to a stop, and we exited the vehicle. Vance led me up to the great gothic looking doors while Connell got our luggage, and we went inside to the front desk that was located in the great hall.

After we were checked in and given our key, Vance followed the bellhop to our room, towing me behind him.

I looked around, taking everything in as we passed by, the beautiful old oak staircase, the grand fireplace invitingly ablaze, and the fine furnishings that held quietly mingling guests here and there in comfortable looking nooks and crannies. The décor was amazing.

The room Vance reserved was called The Queen's Suite, aptly named after a visit from Queen Victoria who had apparently spent a week there at some point during her lifetime, becoming quite enchanted with the place.

Entering the plush room, I could see why she might have found it so charming. I wandered around looking at the pale colored furnishings with its canopy bed, silk drapes, and other fine fabrics, before venturing to the windows to take in the view. The bellhop put our luggage away, after which Vance tipped him generously, closing the door behind him.

"The Queen's Suite?" I asked facing him, feeling slightly overwhelmed by his extravagant treatment of me.

"I thought it was appropriate for the guest I was bringing here," he replied, coming closer and placing his hands on the sides of my face. "After all, you deserve only the best."