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“Sounds good,” I answer quickly, happy we have a solid direction for our mission. As we both stand, my stomach growls, drawing Leon’s attention.
I haven’t eaten anything since our small microwavable dinner almost 24 hours ago.
Leon pauses, giving me an apologetic smile. “Sorry – first we feed you. Then we go to the council’s castle.”
Chapter 21
IF I THOUGHT LEON’S CASTLE WAS GRAND, I HAVE NO CHOICEBUTto call the council’s castle breathtaking. It’s massive, likely larger than my entire college campus.
The castle stands in the center of the massive city atop a tall hill. Despite being so central to the city, the castle is far removed, with the hill surrounded by sprawling, immaculately manicured gardens and forests.
Every facet of the building oozes excess and wealth. The windows are crested in gold, and the architecture looks like something out of a fantasy movie. There are tall towers, ornate arches, and more stained glass. Despite the beauty, the castle seems imposing, looming overthe city below.
I guess some things never change. The elite love to look down on normal people, no matter what realm they’re from.
Leon is eyeing me, waiting for my reaction to the beautiful scene. I look up at him and smile. “It’s beautiful,” I say, knowing it’s what he wants to hear. If Leon grew up here as a wealthy noble, I don’t want to accidentally insult his heritage with my opinions of upper-class snobbery.
Leon grins back, pleased with my reaction. He’s apparated us just on the outer edges of the castle grounds, partway up the hill so that I can see the city and castle. He explained that it’s impossible to apparate within the castle grounds due to the vigorous shields and wards. As an added precaution, the castle wards also block out all Creator and Destroyer power.
Leon lets me marvel at the sight a moment longer before taking my hand into his and heading up the main path that leads to the massive castle doors. I hurry beside him; suddenly feeling thankful that Leon took the time to loan me a beautiful long dress. He warned me that it’s likely out of season since it’s been sitting in his castle for millennia, but it will have to do.
The dress looks like something from out of a fairy tale, out of season or not. The soft pink chiffon skirts swish with my every step. The bust of the dress is corseted with a modest square neckline, and the sleeves end in sharp points just above each of my wrists. Chiffon butterflies and flowers are sewn into a large V at the bottom of the dress and travel all the way up the bust before disappearing at one side of my neck. I wasn’t surewhat to do with my hair, so I settled on letting it fall into loose waves around my shoulders.
The dress looks like a fairy tale wedding gown; it’s so fluffy.
I outright ignored the long underwear that came with it. Admittedly, that decision was a gamble. I didn’t have a chance to grab any underwear when I left my apartment, especially given the fact that Leon had shredded the ones that I’d had on that night.
Here’s to hoping no strong gust of wind comes around.
Leon must have some idea of how to act here because as we approach the castle, I see other people just exiting the doors and some in a garden nearby. Looking at what they’re wearing, we will fit right in.
It looks like Cinderella’s ball is the daily standard for attire here. Leon is dressed up, too, abandoning his leather pants and white shirt for a more elegant royal blue outfit. His jacket has a high collar and twin gold buttons coming down the front. It fits him snugly, giving him a regal look. The colour matches his eyes perfectly.
Leon leans down and whispers to me as we approach the castle doors. “Stay close to me at all times. You have no allies here. Trust no one except myself and Need.” I nod, not needing to be reminded of the corruption in this place.
I’m not saying this place has the same vibe as a white van with the words ‘free candy’ spray painted on the outside, but we’re in that same wheelhouse of foreboding.
Reaching the grand doors now, Leon inclines his head to the guards as he moves to open it. One of the guardsputs out a hand, blocking Leon’s passage. Leon steps back, annoyance flashing across his face.
“Business here?” The guard asks. He’s wearing metal armour that looks similar to what knights wear in movies. His head isn’t covered, though. His hair is thin and dark and hangs around his face. His eyes are narrowed, and he eyes Leon in obvious contempt.
Leon holds his temper. “We’re on official business for Need. Above your pay grade, so I suggest you step aside and let us in.” His voice is coated in obvious threat.
The guard balks a moment, considering his choice. Moving aside, he murmurs. “Not a good time to be a Destroyer. I heard the council wants to put you all down. The humane option for rabid animals.”
Leon bristles but ignores the guard, wrenching open the door and walking inside. I start to follow behind him but pause, meaning to give the guard a good, solid frown. At the contemptuous look on his face, I can’t help myself as I let my mouth get away from me. “You didn’t hear it from me, but you’re right. The Destroyers are being put out of business.” I whisper, looking around conspiringly. “But the council is planning a special event where all low-ranking guards will be forced to fight them for sport. It’s how Need wants to clear house. A fresh start to rid the castle of stale guards.” As I finish, I look at him with a worried expression. “I wish you the best of luck.”
It’s official. Hanging out with Sarah has definitely removed some of my inhibitions. I'm not sure whether it’s for the better or the worse.
The rude guard blanches, obviously believing my story. I turn from him, smirking, meaning to enter thecastle, but before I do, I catch the younger guard biting his lips, trying not to laugh at my little ruse. He holds the door for me now as he tries to school himself into a bored expression. “Madam.” He notes, slightly bowing his head. I nod to him as I head inside, hurrying to catch up to Leon, who is already halfway down the grand entryway.
When I reach him, Leon barely spares me a glance. “Close, Vivian. I asked you to stay close.”
I mentally kick myself. “Sorry,” I mutter.
The grand entryway is empty but opens to a hall filled with people moving this way and that. The first thing that stands out is that not everyone here is human. There are tall, elegant-looking fairies, their glittering wingtips reaching at least nine feet in the air. They move with an ethereal grace about the hall. Others are massive bear-looking creatures, but they seem to be able to speak without issue. And on the diversity goes. There’s some kind of water-dwelling people, something that might be a leprechaun or a gnome, and there’s an honest-to-goodness human-sized cat lady.
It would be rude to scratch her ears.
