The Tour

BEFORE YOU READ THIS CHAPTER!!!

PLEASE YOU WILL NEED TO GO BACK TO CHAPTER 13 (BROKEN BEYOND REPAIR) AND READ THE WHOLE THING. I MADE A MISTAKE WHEN I WAS UPLOADING AND FORGOT TO UPLOAD A WHOLE CHAPTER. I HAVE ADDED TO IT. I AM SO SORRY.

IF YOU ARE JUST BEGINNING THIS BOOK AFTER NEW YEAR, YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY.😅

Eva's POV

I came down the stairs to where the queen and the old royal stood with two men. The older one had a curled mustache that strangely suited him with a head of black hair that was sprinkled with gray. It made him look stylishly distinguished. He bowed and I reciprocated. "I am George Evans and It is an honour to finally meet you, princess." He took my hand and put it softly to his lips.

"The honour is mine as well," I mentally slapped a hand on my forehead, since I don't even know who he was.

"Sir George is the royal historian," The queen supplied.

I nodded and turned to the younger-looking gentleman. He bowed as well before taking my hand. "Aaron Everdew delighted to make your acquaintance, princess."

"Sir George's best apprentice."

"Lovely meeting you," I said.

From the side of my eye, I could still notice the old royal staring subtly before she spoke. "You have been told of what today will hold for you, my dear?"

"Yes… grandmother," I answered, trying to keep my voice even.

"Good of you," She finally smiled, softening her features. "I hope you understand the importance of today's activity and why it had to be set so quickly?" She asked.

"In order to get accustomed to the castle," I answered. The little praise she had given me boosted my confidence.

"Your mother, the queen, will accompany you if you are nervous." She suggested.

The queen looked hopeful that I would agree to the idea but something in the old royal's voice told me that her suggestion was more of a test.

"There will be no need for that, " I said. The queen hid her disappointment but I could sense it from where I stood

"Brilliant." The old royal said before turning to the men. "Ensure she is both informed and comfortable," She told them.

"Yes, your Majesty."

And like that the queen and the old royal left me with the men.

"Shall we begin, Princess," Sir George asked. There was a carriage that was made ready for the tour. The couch man greeted us and I was assisted into the vehicle.

"Lead the way," I replied with graceful enthusiasm.

We headed out of the castle and headed for the outer bailey. Some workers unloaded carriages filled with mostly food supplies but were not in close proximity to us. They bowed and greeted us when they saw us. It reminded me of the people who lived around us back when I was in Thandon. They looked lowly. It made me aware of how much my status had changed

"We will start with the exterior and then the interior," Sir George informed.

"Alright,"

He looked up at the castle and pointed. "The castle is approximately three centuries old, it was built by the first king Irus as a fortress for defense against the formidable enemy,"

"After the threat had been neutralized, the fortress was further developed and over the centuries that passed, became what you see today."

It was a fortress indeed, I thought to myself. The mosaic of stones that constituted the walls was aged yet they look indestructible. "Who was the enemy?"

The historian looked taken aback by my question making it obvious that he had not expected me to ask. "It is recorded that the enemy was the army of King Irus' stepbrother."

I tore my gaze away from the castle to look at Sir George in surprise. "That is something." I subtly exclaimed.

"Indeed it was," Aaron quipped. "It is called the battle of Etheren." It was evident, he did not want to be left behind in the conversation.

We moved along with the tour. The castle was quite enchanting, to say the least. I felt like I had been transported into a world contained in E.C.'s books. It had a wide array of structures such as statues, fountains and so on. Each had a story to tell which Sir George would do the honours and slightly shy Aaron would make additions.

The wars to me were what I found most compelling but to my disappointment, he did not touch on the topic of witches at all.

"What about witches?" I blurted.

I notice him freeze before turning rather eerily to me. "Witches?" He asked, his eyes narrowed and his voice hardened. "What about them?"

His reaction made me think twice about how I would lay the question out so as to not arouse any suspicion. "I heard that they are horrible creatures who want nothing more than to wipe out the human race."

"May I ask from where you heard that?"

"A rumour," I was quick to say.

"The rumour is false, my princess," He told me.

"Then what is the truth? What is their origin?" I caught myself before I asked any more questions. Again, I failed to keep my emotions in check. I wanted answers because of Rosé. What had she been hiding? What could she not tell me?

Sir George contemplated for a while with eyes on me. "It is a wide topic, princess and not at all what I plan for the tour," He said. "In fact, that was the reason I refused to bring up the topic but if your curiosity needs to be satisfied then I advise you to come to the library. There are books on witches, the Zorrite war and so much more." He gave me a soft smile. "And if I am not available, Aaron will help you."

"Yes, my princess," Aaron said eagerly. "I will be at your service."

It was music to my ears. "I would be glad to come by," I said.

"In the meantime, let us visit the Herté, where the witch hunters train." He said.

We made our way into a quarter that had its entrance covered by a leather sheet. When we had alighted, Sir George pulled it aside and made way for me to enter. In the Herté, were men with different weapons. Some with spears, swords, bows and arrows were white. Another peculiar thing about them is that they all glowed at the sharpest surface. It was very visible despite the afternoon sun that shone above. I supposed it was a special substance for battle.

There were some of the men without weapons that seemed to be supervising the others. They looked older and more mature.

One of them walked toward us. His appearance was jarring. His left leg was wooden and he wore an eye patch. He had a large scar that was drawn from his right cheek to his chin but that did not stop him from smiling as he approached us with a limp.

"You must be our new princess," He said. "greetings."

His voice was the opposite of his appearance. It was as inviting as his smile.

"Thank you, kind sir," I replied before I could gape any further.

"This is a former general of the prime witch hunters, the third sect, Jonathan Warore." Sir George introduced

The scarred man chuckled lightly. "Quite a long and unnecessary title, don't you agree?"

"I am sorry but I will have to disagree, each of your scars represents your honour which must be reflected in your title." I regretted talking immediately, I had just exposed myself that I had been very aware of his disfigurement.

There was silence before Jonathan burst into a peal of hearty laughter. "Indeed, my princess but I am not special. There are many like me, we are very dispensable."

I peered beyond his shoulder at the younger ones. They were next in line to carry the cross and risk their lives fighting the 'enemy'. I turned my attention back to Jonathan and I found it hard to swallow that witches had done this to such a pleasant man. I suddenly had a new perspective on the affair.

"Where is Xavier?" George inquired, the question pulled me out of my reverie.

"He had an errand to run," Jonathan supplied before turning to me. "It is a shame that he is not here to meet you but I guess I have something to brag about now."

I chuckled at his humour. "Who is Xavier?" I asked.

"He is the current general," There was a twinkle of pride in Jonathan's eye. "One of a kind."

"hmm, I hope to meet him soon,"

"You certainly will, my princess," He assured.

"The princess is curious about witches," George notified.

"Really, my princess?"

I nodded.

"I would love to be of help, you can call on me anytime,"

I smiled at his willingness to come to my aid despite his condition. He seemed like a man with a heart of gold.

"I will," I responded. We left the Herté and continued the tour.

"Are you not interested in the knights?" George asked.

"Sure I am but do we still have time? The sun is already bowing out." I pointed out.

George was quiet and seemed to be studying me. "We don't princess,"

"There will be other opportunities so there is no need to worry," I told him.

"I am not worried, I thought you would not be interested in going there," His tone was light but something was unsettling about it. Was there something I was meant to be afraid of? I wondered but did not voice my question.

We went back through the gatehouse. We made our way to the inner bailey which looked like fantasy grassland. It had flowers decorating each corner, the statues were polished and the water at the fountain was as clear as day. Beautiful birds hung around singing their songs. This is obviously for the royals. This was what they would see if they looked out the window. I was tempted to get off the carriage and kick off my shoes to feel the grass on my toes.

George talked briefly about the place. I suddenly felt eyes on me. I looked up at the castle, most of its windows were shut but one was open. There stood Vincent who was looking at me with dread. He was scrutinizing me as though measuring me for my grave. We stared at each other for a while before he left the window and disappeared. George was still going on, not noticing I was distracted. "That is where princess Vivianne holds her tea parties." He pointed at a beautiful little house-like structure with tables and chairs. It was decorated with vines of flowers that grew all over it.

Soon we were done and I was dropped off at the front entrance once again where the queen and the old royal were waiting for me.

"How was the day, my dear?" The queen asked with a soft smile. Her eyes twinkled and she looked so happy to see me.

"It was very insightful," I replied. "Good evening, grandma," I greeted the old royal. She in return rewarded me with a slight smile. Maybe I was going to be okay after all, I thought hopefully.

"We have to get you ready for dinner," The queen said as she started to usher me away from the old royal who stayed behind as another gentleman joined her. Once we were out of earshot, the queen whispered, "Do you know how to use cutlery?"

"A spoon?" confused, I asked.

"Let us get to your room," Her voice was drenched in worry as she walked faster. We got to my room and sat down on my bed.

"We have to be quick," On the bedside table, gold spoons, forks and knives were arranged. "Look at me carefully!" Her voice was calm but the underlying panic was palpable.

By the time we came out of my room, I was equipped with the knowledge of how to use the royal cutlery. At least that was what I hoped I could smell the assortment of dishes from the top of the stairs which only fueled my nervousness. Only the gods knew what the night would bring.

We made our way down the stairs to the dining hall as the queen continued to give my hand reassuring squeezes with every few steps. I could sense that she was slightly more nervous than I was.