Panic Mode

It's all About Perspective

The castle was, in short, stunning. The carriage itself was magnificent as well. Created from Balsa wood, it was extra light and buoyant. Held together with thin traces of magic, it shimmered on the inside, giving off a soft blue glow. A sleek silver dragon, who pulled the carriage, sniffed at Anna as she got on. Fortunately, no one noticed Artie's excited squeaks when he caught a peek of the other dragon.

The castle itself towered towards the sky in thin, spiraling needles. Diamonds glazed the outermost walls, making it shine brilliantly under the cloudless sky. It seemed almost impossibly tall compared to the city around it. The highest buildings nearby were as high as four stories. There was also a massive field that surrounded the castle. It held a forest, lakes, streams, and herds of creatures of almost every kind. Everything was closed in within a single wall that circled the castle. It was almost cursed as an image of beauty. Neva informed them that it also served as protection, by blinding attackers as they approached. She also went on to explain that its creators spelled it to scan any visitors for threats. Sierra gaped at the castle as it swept a beam of light over the carriage, checking for any harm.

"How does it do that?" Asher yelled into the wind, leaning out the window. Startled, Sebastian yanked him back into the carriage. Neva cracked a grin.

"Like I said, magic." She replied. Asher whooped into the wind.

Affected by Asher's infectious mood, everyone was giggling by the time they touched down in front of the entrance. All except James, of course. He scowled as Neva chuckled to herself. Several guards stood at attention, lining the path to the doors for the prince. James cast a glance over them, almost daring them to be seen with him, before exiting the carriage and strolling down to the doors. Neva shook her head and frowned as she followed him out of the carriage. The group sat still in the carriage. It seemed as if they stepped out, it would shatter the upbeat enthusiasm. It would mean acknowledging that they had nowhere else left to turn to. Ace sighed and stepped out first.

"It'll be fine," He muttered under his breath to the others. "We're here now." With that, he marched out of the carriage, startling several guards as he followed Neva inside. Sierra caught up to him and walked closer to him while the others trailed behind. Ace overheard several mutters from the guards. Some were simple, others were vulgar and rude. Some even remarked Anna's wings. Anna glared at them as she looped Asher's arm around her neck and supported him as he walked. As they approached the door, Neva stood over them, glaring back at any guards who stared at them. When they finally entered, escaping the stifling tension outside, they all relaxed.

"Is it always like this?" Sebastian asked. Neva frowned and shook her head.

"It's because we came with a prince," Sierra waved it off. Anna grunted in response and shifted Asher's arm to better support him. Ace remained silent as he studied their surroundings.

The hall was long and silver beams arched up to the ceiling. The walls were a pale blue, making the deep plum of the carpeted floor more vibrant. Every third beam had a pot and a large purple-blue succulent. At the end of the hall, James had stopped and tapped his foot impatiently. Sebastian glared at him as they passed. Neva escorted them to a grand set of doors before stopping and turning to face them.

"Now," she took a deep breath, "there are some regulations for if I want to keep someone in the castle. Whether as a guest, prisoner, or anything, I must gain approval from Queen Victoria."

"Wait," James interrupted, "They're going to stay at the castle?"

Neva nodded, "Yes, but keep in mind, Although we call her queen, she is the Empress. Please, don't do anything that might upset her, like mess up the throne room."