Horse Charmer

Horse Charmer - Chapter Four - Part Two

The descriptions of Castle Vespera didn't prepare Cassia for the reality of its grandeur. It wasn't that the castle was huge. Well it was, but no larger than Castle Karah. It was the fact that it appeared to grow out of the mountainside behind it. She hadn't understood what they'd meant when they'd said it was built into the mountain. Now she did. It was built into a gigantic mountain, the back half of the castle safe from attack by the cliffs surrounding it. You had to go up a hill to approach the main gate which afforded the guards an excellent view of anyone approaching.

The mountain rising above them made the castle seem larger. Cassia obediently ducked back into their carriage when the caravan set on the final climb for admittance into the castle.

As they were expected, and a royal party, there was no delay in getting through the gates. Her mother had drawn the curtains on the carriage so Cassia couldn't see out and no one else could peer in. Cassia fussed at her skirt and sleeves as they rumbled into the courtyard. Noises bounced loudly off the castle and courtyard walls. Sarahann looked impeccable as usual. Cassia wasn't sure how she did it considering they had both been on the same journey and sitting in the same carriage. Yet, Sarahann looked like she was on an afternoon jaunt while Cassia looked like she'd been on a hard journey for nearly three days.

"Relax," Sarahann said softly.

The carriage jolted to a stop. Cassia twisted her fingers as she tried to go over her lines. The door opened, washing them in the afternoon light.

Sarahann climbed out and Cassia followed behind her, blinking once to adjust her eyes to the sudden brightness. She smiled politely at Maconahay as he helped her out. The horses and other wagons were not in sight and Cassia wondered where they were. She glanced around. They weren't unprotected. A full detachment of Karahan Royal Guards accompanied them. Some still sat on their horses while others surrounded the carriage and walkway to the large door.

It swung open and Erich stepped out with Torr by his side. It felt like an eternity since she'd seen them, but it had only been about a week since the Vesperans had left Karah to begin the wedding preparations.

"Princess Cassia, Queen Sarahann," Erich said. "Welcome to Castle Vespera. My people are at your disposal."

"Thank you for your hospitality, King Erich," Cassia said.

Erich quickly descended the stairs and kissed both of their hands. Cassia wasn't quite as charmed as she had been the first time. Torr followed his father more sedately. He did not offer to kiss either of their hands.

"The news of the wedding has been met with great joy," Erich said. "There's nothing like a royal wedding to fill the people with hope."

"I'm pleased to hear that," Sarahann said. "I wish I could say the same for my people. I'm afraid the announcements weren't met with as much enthusiasm."

"I'm sure once the wedding has occurred," Erich offered Sarahann his arm, "your people will settle down."

He led Sarahann up the stairs leaving Torr and Cassia alone at the base. Cassia sighed. Her mother was going to openly run the show instead of using Cassia as her puppet. She looked at Torr. He silently stared at her. It was hard to believe he'd be her husband.

"Prince Torr." She bowed her head. She'd been brought up with manners even if he hadn't.

"Your Highness." He rested his hand on the hilt of his sword. Maconahay and one of her other guards stepped up and he shot them a look of disgust. "Shall we go in?"

"Of course," she said as she hesitantly took the arm he ceremoniously offered.

"They left us so we'd have a few minutes to talk before we finish up the wedding plans."