The castle was turned upside down and preparation the princes’ arrival. Although she was busy, Demi watched her mistress with quiet, barely hidden amusement. Avelyn was joining in the hustle and bustle of the castle, her face shining with excitement.
Demina walked the hallways, carrying her bucket of dirty water to throw out. She stopped when she heard the singing and smiled. Oh, Avelyn. Her friend was very much in love and the feelings were very much reciprocated. Demina sighed in sadness, feeling a twinge of jealousy and loneliness. She quickly shook it off. She was happy for Avelyn. Avelyn deserved every happiness that came her way. But...Demi couldn’t help but thinking, “what if?”
Castiel blew out a frustrated breath.
“How much longer to this Impreza, Jaxon?” he asked.
Jaxon never slowed down.
“We have to reach the lifts,” he answered, “they will take us down the mountain to Impreza.”
Castiel sighed, wearily. He was ready to kill Jaxon for forgetting the horses.
“And how much farther are the lifts?” he asked. Jaxon stopped finally.
“Not far. Actually...we’re here.”
Castiel caught up with him and stared at the building. It seemed a bit deserted. It creaked in the breeze, its groans like complaints. Jaxon went in, Castiel following behind cautiously, and rang the bell for service. A young woman soon came out. A large smile was on her face and her eyes sparkled, making her look like she was laughing.
“OH, Jaxan! Oof to see Aveelyn aw we?” she asked, cheerfully.
She spoke with a slight accent and lips puckered a little bit. Jaxon handed her the coins and smiled.
“Yes, Nissa. I am. Should I tell them you said hello?”
“Please. Tell them I’ll be visiting soon.”
The woman beamed at them before ushering them through a door and into a waiting room. The room was filled with glass windows. You could see the next cable station. The lines looked secure as the cars moved on them. Madame Nissa came to them.
“I told Matthias that you need a ride down. He’ll be here shortly.”
Both of them sat and Nissa left once again. Probably to see what was taking Matthias so long.
“This place seems deserted, Jaxon. Why come here?”
Jaxon shrugged.
“Loyalty, I guess. A lot of people have had to leave the mountain.”
Jaxon looked out the window again, a look of concern upon his features. As much as he wanted to see Avelyn, there was another reason for his visit. Castiel was curious.
“Really? Why?” he asked. Jaxon was about to answer but was interrupted by Matthias arrival. Nissa trailed in behind him.
“Don’t do anything crazy, Matthias, alright? Keep them in one piece.”
Matthias rolled his eyes, stepping into the cable car.
“Nissa, I know,” he said. Under his breath he muttered, “Mother!”
Nissa glared at him and Matthias ignored her, ushering Jaxon and Castiel in. The door shut and Nissa stood waving as they descended.
“Women.”
Jaxon rolled his eyes as Castiel laughed and started talking to Matthias. He tuned out the conversation, thinking about Avelyn and the mountain.
