Orion may not be happy about it.
“I really don’t care. There are places for you to hunt and relax while we’re there. Besides, I’m tired of being separated from you.”
I am too.
The group followed the guards up a low set of steps to the middle of the structure. “Remain on your horses, as close to the center of the platform as possible.”
Their escort stayed beside them as the floor vibrated with a strange sort of energy. The astral fae had his arms outstretched and eyes closed in concentration as he used his magic to move them.
The platform lifted. Ava looked up, trying to get a view of Caelestia but all she could see were thick white clouds as they made their ascent.
“What if we fall off the edge?” she whispered, eyes widening at the lack of railings.
“Then you die,” the guard answered as he continued to raise the ethereal elevator.
The horses shifted on their feet, whinnying with nerves. Ava leaned forward and stroked Bella’s neck, whispering softly. Aro plopped down with a chuff, as if he was bored, while Luna snuggled into his fur. Quinn’s panther, Bastien, sat on his haunches, his eyes never leaving the astral soldier as he licked his chops. Percy perched on Jorrar’s shoulder, contentedly fluffing his feathers.
“When we arrive in the capital city of Borealis, you will be escorted to your quarters. Freshen up and change. His Majesty is expecting you for dinner.”
They rose higher, passing through thick white fog as far as the eye could see. Moisture dampened Ava’s skin and clothing, goosebumps on her arms from the chill of the clouds.
After a few minutes they emerged. Ava couldn’t hold in her gasp as she took in the sprawling metropolis before them.
Caelestia.
What they hadn’t been able to see from the ground were dozens of floating islands, the clouds at their base like a fluffy white ocean. Miles away were more islands—the smaller towns hardly visible from where they stood. Waterfalls cascaded down the sides of the landmasses, disappearing into the sky below. Wide, golden bridges with high railings connected the floating land, citizens walking along and going about their daily business without a care in the world.
“This is stunning,” Ava whispered.
“I must admit, it is,” Casimir said calmly but he was clutching his reins so tightly his hands were trembling and sweat had formed along his brow.
“Are you alright?” Ava asked, reaching out to touch his arm.
“I’m fine. I’m just not a fan of heights.”
Ava narrowed her eyes, not buying his explanation. But she didn’t push. He’d tell her later when he was ready.
The platform halted, arriving at a structure identical to the one on the ground below.
“Welcome to Caelestia,” their guide said, then nodded to several other guards. “They will escort you to the castle.”
Ava guided her horse off the platform, followed by the rest of her team.
“Please dismount. We will take your horses to the stables and ensure they are taken care of.”
Swinging her leg over, Ava stepped off Bella, thanking the soldier who led her away.
“What about the animals?” she asked.
“There is a forest near the castle where they may spend their time. Please, follow us.”
They arrived at the edge of the capital city of Borealis, spread out over several floating islands, and followed their escorts through the bustling town.
The buildings were made of bright white stone, carved with celestial designs framing the doors and clear glass windows. Moons, stars and suns were depicted on flags lining the white brick streets. The citizens donned clothing made of soft, flowing fabrics in varying pastels and whites and golds. Everything was ethereal, light, airy. Trees packed with pale pink blooms grew throughout the city, the breeze laden with their faint floral scent reminiscent of gardenias.
Most of the citizens barely gave their party a passing glance, not friendly like her people in Mosshaven, as they went about their errands. There was less diversity here too, the majority of the townspeople appearing to be high fae. Not like the orcs, goblins, pixies, gnomes and other fae in Ava’s kingdom. They passed eateries, a bookshop and a blacksmith with golden weapons displayed on the wall of his shop.
Casimir reached for her hand, interlacing their fingers as they made their way to the castle. He was still a bit pale, but wasn’t trembling any longer.
