Chapter Trece: A Dome of Dreams

Then Serena and Adanna heard Miguel call their names. They turned to see him standing in front of a carriage. The carriage was drawn by a pair of sleek, grey griffins no larger than horses. "Princess Serena, Lady Adanna!" Miguel called out, beaming.

Serena and Adanna walked towards the carriage, their steps slow and cautious. As they approached, they climbed into the carriage. Miguel, settled opposite them and chuckled. "Aerionia can be a bit overwhelming at first," he admitted, his gaze flickering to Adanna before settling on Serena.

"Overwhelming in the best way possible, I should say!" Serena exclaimed, her voice full of excitement. "Everything is so different, so beautiful. Tell me, Miguel, what are these smaller griffins called? They seem almost... domesticated."

Miguel's smile widened as he leaned forward. "An excellent question, Princess. These are called Sky Colts, bred specifically for carriage pulling. Their larger cousins, the ones used for transportation between kingdoms, are called War Griffins. They are much more... formidable." He paused, his expression turning thoughtful. "Perhaps one day you might have the chance to see one in person, Lady Adanna."

Serena nodded, her eyes wide with fascination. She peppered Miguel with questions about the griffins - their lifespan, their diet, their training. Miguel, a patient and informative guide, answered each question in detail.

However, Adanna could not help but notice his gaze keep shifting back to her. Each time he finished answering a question from Serena, his eyes would linger on Adanna for a beat too long, making her feel even more self-conscious.

After a few moments, Miguel turned to her directly. "And how are you finding Aerionia so far, Lady Adanna?" he asked. The question caught Adanna off guard. Feeling a wave of nervousness wash over her, she stammered out a response. "Oh, it is... it is beautiful! Truly breathtaking. The architecture, the flowers, the griffins... everything is so different from Niameda." Her voice trailed off, realizing she had been rambling.

"I apologize for... my lack of knowledge on such matters," Adanna stammered. "I... I hope I am not... making a fool of myself."

"Please, no need to apologize," Miguel chuckled, his gaze still fixed on her. "It is understandable to be overwhelmed by Aerionia's wonders." He paused for a moment, his eyes seeming to search hers. "Is there anything in particular that catches your eye?"

Adanna, unsure of how to respond to his intense gaze, glanced out the window. Letting out a small breath, she pointed towards a large, open-air structure in the distance, teeming with activity. "What is that place?" she asked, hoping to deflect his attention.

Miguel followed her pointed finger. "Ah, that is the Royal Griffon Stables. It is where the War Griffins are housed and trained. Quite a sight to behold, is it not?"

Adanna nodded, relieved to finally be talking about something other than herself. "So, what becomes of the griffins after they are trained?" she inquired curiously.

"Ah," Miguel explained, "those who belong to the royal family or noble houses have their own personal Griffon Masters and trainers. These griffins live in luxurious stables attached to their owners' estates. But the War Griffins used for public transportation are housed and cared for by a dedicated team within the Royal Griffon Stables."

"That seems like a great deal of work," Adanna mused, her initial awkwardness fading as the conversation flowed.

"It is," Miguel replied with a nod, "but the griffins are an essential part of Aerionian life. We owe them a great deal."

Adanna smiled, feeling a deep appreciation for the majestic creatures around her. As their journey through Aerionia began, she was determined to learn everything she could about this fascinating kingdom and its inhabitants, even the ones who stared a little too much. The carriage ride felt like it lasted forever to Adanna. Every rustle of leaves and chirp of a bird only increased her growing anxiety. She glanced over at Serena, who remained calm and content, her eyes fixed on the scenery.

At last, Miguel announced their arrival. "We have reached the De León estate, ladies," he said as the carriage halted before a grand estate.

The De León estate was a perfect blend of rustic charm and elegance. The grounds were meticulously maintained, with flower gardens and trimmed hedges surrounding a stately manor house made of smooth, white stones.

Ancient oak trees, their branches heavy with green leaves, provided shade over perfectly manicured lawns. In the distance, a building stood where the griffins were taking care of. Each griffin had its own stall, its own groom, and its own life. This showed how much the family cared for them.

Adanna looked at the estate with a mix of amazement and self-doubt. She couldn't help but feel like her father's estate was much smaller in comparison. Her stomach turned as she noticed more carriages arriving from all directions, each one discharging a new group of well-dressed ladies.

Serena, oblivious to Adanna's distress, quickly climbed out of the carriage and exclaimed with glee. Adanna, forcing a smile, followed close behind.

As they stepped onto the meticulously swept driveway, the front door of the estate swung open. A line of servants, all impeccably dressed walked out of the estate and formed a perfect line. . Then, a lady stepped out.

The lady was breathtaking. Her tan skin was flawless, her dark brown eyes sparkled, and her long, dark brown hair was braided and she was wearing a gown that made Adanna's jaw drop. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. The dress was made of this really silky, brown material, and it had pretty gold designs on it. But what really made it special was the feathers from griffins on it.

The lady stopped before the gathered crowd, her gaze sweeping over them. Her presence was commanding, her poise effortless. Even from a distance, Adanna could see that she was the most beautiful woman she had ever laid eyes on. "Welcome, ladies, to Aerionia," she announced, she had an accent, and it was lovely. "I am Duchess Camila De León, and it is my pleasure to host you for the upcoming competition."

A collective murmer of appreciation rippled through the crowd as Duchess Camila De León addressed them. Adanna, still struggling with her own insecurities, could only smile a little bit. The competition had officially begun, and the stakes, she realized with a rising sense of trepidation, were far higher than she had ever imagined.

Miguel ushered Adanna and Serena into the grand estate. The interior mirrored the exterior's grandness, but with a surprising touch of rustic warmth.The ceilings were decorated with beautiful, exposed wooden beams, while the floors were covered in plush rugs that softened the cold marble surface. Even though it was obvious that the place was expensive, there was a warm, cozy feeling that made Adanna feel a bit more at ease.

This place didn't look like any ordinary house; it felt like home.

Serena, squeezed Adanna's hand. "Is this not amazing, Adanna? Imagine living in a place such as this!"

Adanna forced a smile. "It is... something else," she managed, her heart still pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

As they climbed up the stairs, the rhythmic clicking of their heels bounced off the walls, filling the huge space with a melodic sound. The seemingly endless hallway that appeared before them was lined with twenty doors, each one housing the other contestants who could be heard chattering softly behind them.

"These must be our chambers," Serena whispered.

When Miguel halted in front of one of the doors, his hand resting on the ornate doorknob, he announced, "This shall be your shared bedchamber, ladies."

Adanna, bracing herself, watched as he swung the door open, revealing a stunning room. The rustic theme was immediately apparent; the walls were made of stone, covered with blue curtains, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Two king-sized beds, draped in silk sheets and fluffy pillows, were placed on opposite sides of the room. Each bed had a matching vanity beside it. The room's centerpiece was a large wardrobe made from a dark, rich wood.

"This is..." Serena's voice trailed off, her eyes reflecting the same awe Adanna felt.

"It is for your comfort, of course," Miguel added with a courteous bow. "Your luggage shall be brought to you shortly. Allow me to leave you to settle in."

Adanna mumbled a thank you as Miguel closed the door, leaving them alone.

Serena turned to Adanna, "Are you well, Adanna?" she asked gently.

Adanna sank onto the bed. "I am supposed to be," she sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It is just... everything is so different here. So..unique." She glanced around the room, taking in the rustic yet luxurious atmosphere.

"And everyone keeps staring," Serena finished, her voice tinged with sympathy. "I have seen how they look at you, Adanna. It is not fair."

Adanna bit her lip, the sting of those stares still fresh. "It is just... I am not accustomed to it. Back in Niameda, everyone is open to their 'gossip' about me but no one dares to look at me like that." She glanced at Serena, her friend's soft features mirroring her own confusion. "I do not understand why they are so interested in me, of all people."

Serena sat beside her, placing a comforting hand on her arm. "Listen," she said firmly, "we came here for a reason, remember? To get away from Niameda, from the whispers and judgment. You are here to clear your head, to forget about all that. Do not let these people define you, Adanna. You are strong, kind, and beautiful, and no one can take that away from you."

Adanna met Serena's gaze. "Thank you, Serena," she whispered, a grateful smile gracing her lips. "You are right. I need to loosen up a little. Let us just enjoy ourselves, shall we?"

Serena grinned. "That is the spirit! Now come," she said, pulling Adanna to her feet. "Let us explore this chamber and see what other treasures it holds!"

Adanna chuckled, a wave of relief washing over her. Yes, this was a new environment, a challenge, even. But with Serena by her side, she could face it. Taking a deep breath, Adanna allowed a spark of excitement to ignite within her. This was an adventure, after all, and who knew what incredible experiences awaited them within the walls of the De León estate?