Amulet of Fate

Chapter 5

Kaliste

After what seemed like forever, the royal coachman opened the door of the carriage, bowing down in front of the Princess. Of course, her carriage was magnificent. It was vibrant, with shades of green and gold, glimmering in the sunlight, embellished with the finest of emeralds. She stood up, walking outside and smiling brightly at the Solandi crowd that greeted her. Anyone from the poorest peasant, to the king and queens themselves had gathered to greet her and her parents.

How cute.

Her gown was a deep shade of green, with short sleeves, and elegant sequins made of gold. Her strawberry blonde hair was twisted and held into a gorgeous bun, with a tiara on top. She was stunning, beaming with every step that she took.

Her parents walked in front of her with prestige and elegance, and she followed behind with the same.

"Presenting King Ailard, Queen Gadina, and Princess Kaliste of Sylgalia." A servant announced. There were blaring trumpets to honor them as they walked to the castle, which was glorious. It appeared as if the exterior was made from gold, which dazzled as the sun's rays shone upon it. The towers seemed to rise up to the clouds themselves, never seeming to end. Prince Dusan was standing in front of the doorway, his sight taking her breath away. His crimson hair fell slightly above his shoulders, and his eyes were an icy silver. He smiled at her and held her hand before kissing it gently.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Princess." Dusan greeted, his beautiful eyes glinting at her.

"Believe me, the pleasure is all mine." Kaliste smiled sweetly. "It's been far too long, I cannot wait to catch up and spend as much time with you as I can before I leave."

"Yes, of course. I agree."

"Also, my parents have grand plans for our engagement ceremony, it's going to be just splendid."

"Wonderful."

He was so handsome, with his broad shoulders, his freckles, and even the little beauty spot he had under his eye. Kaliste could feel her heart jolt just by looking at him, he must be feeling the same way, for she was the most beautiful girl in her kingdom, she must have been. She only wore the finest of clothes, she had her skin cleansed with the most pure of products, and her hair was smooth and silky.

She hoped he felt the same way about her, for they were going to be married after all. He offered her his elbow, and she gladly held on to it, as the two of them were led down the halls by their parents. The Solandi Castle was truly radiating, it might not have been the Sylgalian castle, but it was truly breaktaking. The decals at the very top of the ceilings were designed to appear like little stars, shimmering in the night sky. Golden columns filled the halls, and embellishments adorned the halls. She snuck a glance at her fiancé—well, future fiancé.

He was looking at the paintings of the walls, of his ancestors and whatnot. He was the youngest child of the Solandi King, the eldest being Princess Asterin, and the middle child being Prince Caiden.

Kaliste cleared her throat.

"Oh, my apologies Princess, I am a bit distracted." He finally spoke, looking at her with his sparkling eyes.

"Is there anything on your mind, your highness?"

"No, nothing at all."

"Truly, if there is anything that bothers you...you may tell me if you wish." Kaliste smiled, rubbing his arm in reassurance.

He smiled at her. "Truly, I am alright. Please do not worry about me, Princess."

Kaliste felt her heart skip a beat, he was so kind, and considerate. But, he was mysterious. She remembered how he was as a child. His hair was shorter, and he used to curiously wander the Castle grounds. He was always so observant, with his head buried in those old dusty books, and his hands sketching anything in sight. She wondered how his sword fighting skills were, surely he must have been astounding.