Life in a Castle

When I open the door it is just as open as the courtyard. There were no walls on the outer side of the room, just large marble pillars every ten feet or so separating the room from a large balcony. On the balcony are vines shaped into a circle and what looked like a tub in the middle of them. The room was much larger than I was used to with vines decorating the walls and pillars. On my right are large shelves which turned into two wardrobes on either side, and then my left had the largest bed I had ever seen. It was circular in shape and adorned with lovely white sheets. Curtains hung around to create a feeling of privacy. Past the bed was a door to the bathroom. I have never had my own bathroom before. I couldn’t help but smile. This was amazing, but my thoughts were interrupted by the image of Aired in a white robe. Who is he? How could he not tell me? We spent the last seven years becoming the closest of friends and I’m not sure If I even know him at all. Was everything he told me a lie? I went over and laid across the bed. The sheets were warm and I suddenly found myself getting sleepy. All the excitement, nerves, and confusion were finally getting to me and I let my eyelids flutter down.

I am awakened to the sound of knocking at my door, and I hear Pelleas call to me. “Miss Niccola, it is time to head to dinner.” He informs me. I jump up, check my hair in the bathroom mirror and fluff my dress.

“Coming” When I exit my room all of the ambassadors are already waiting with Pelleas. “My apologies, the bed was so comfortable I had fallen asleep.”

“How could you fall asleep? There is still so much to see.” Amelia said and Luke nodded in agreement.

“Let’s head to the dining hall. Best not to keep the King waiting.” Pelleas starts to walk towards the maze-like hallways. We follow him, every once in a while asking questions about the architecture or the decorum and Pelleas would kindly answer each of our questions. Finally we arrive at a room with a large wooden table in the middle. Fruits lie across the middle with a long white sheet running through the center of the table.

“Please take a seat. The Royal Family will be here momentarily.” Pelleas guides us to the tables and then leaves out a side door.

“So what are you all most excited about?” I ask the other Ambassadors as we wait for the Royal Family to come.

“The classes.” Says Luke as he fiddles with the silverware.

“I’m not sure, I’m excited about all of it. We have spent so long studying their life and culture and now we get to live it.” Amelia exerts energy. You can’t help but smile at her. I completely understand what she means.

“I personally would like to spend some time with the Elvish musicians.” Benjamin crosses his arms and chuckles thinking about it.

“The musicians?” I question him.

“I studied Ancient Elvish Culture and Music. I play the flute myself.” He brims proudly. What a funny image. This large man, playing a small flute, I think to myself. A few moments later the doors open and two guards enter, stopping on either side of the doors, and the King and Queen enter, followed by Aired.

“I hope you were not waiting long.” The Queen says as she takes her seat next to Benjamin. Then the King sits by Amelia. Unlike our Royalty they do not separate themselves at the ends of the tables.

“No worries, we just got here.” Amelia says but you can tell she is nervous. Aired takes a seat next to Luke and right across from me. Of course, I roll my eyes.

“This castle is lovely and the living chambers are beautiful. Thank you so much for inviting us into your home.” I smile looking at Queen Iverna. Aired can sit across from me but I will be ignoring him till I get some answers. Plus they can’t find out we know each other.

“I’m glad to hear. We are most joyous that you are here.” She takes her glass and raises it. “To new beginnings and new friends.” She says, we all lift our glasses and cheer in response taking a sip of the sweet wine. “Now tell me all about the human lands.”

“Really? Haven’t you seen them before?” Benjamin says thinking about how only 500 years ago there were no divided territories.

“We did, a very long time ago, so a lot must have changed.” King Eloquen adds, “Please tell us of your home towns.” So we do as we are told, sharing descriptions of our towns and forests; as well as, stories of our childhood. We eat as we talk and though I was concerned about not eating meat for six months, I found that the food was delicious, and the bread was rather filling.

“Thank you for joining us for dinner.” King Eloquen stands, “We must be heading to our chambers. Pelleas will guide you to your rooms.” The King bows his head, the Queen follows him out and Aired, or rather Prince Elauthin is the last of the Royal Family to leave. He glances over his shoulder at me before disappearing behind the doors.

We make our way back to our rooms and say our goodnights before heading in. I shut my door and look around. I can’t believe I have this whole room to myself for the next six months. It is almost the size of my house! I walk over to the bathtub determined to have a nice soak before bed, and realize it isn’t a regular tub. It looks like a personal sized hot spring. I strip off my dress which is quite the task without my mother’s help, and slowly sink into the water. It warms me instantly to my bones. I soak for who knows how long until I start feeling sleep talk to me. I sigh not wanting to leave the warmth but also not wanting to drown in my sleep and step out of the hot spring wrapping myself in a silk robe.

I then sit on the edge of my bed, braid my long black hair, and then wiggle under the sheets preparing to sleep, when for the second time I am woken by a knock. I huff and get out of bed. I’m sure Pelleas forgot to tell me something or maybe Amelia is nervous staying in a new place. I get to the door and pull it open with a smile which instantly fades.

“Nic, can we talk?” Prince Elauthin pleads to me, I can see the sadness and anxiety in his eyes. I move away from the door letting him in, and he shuts it behind him.