Chapter eight( The day of departure)

Nicholina wrapped her hands around her mother,saying her final goodbye with tears rolling down her face. A royal carriage stood there waiting for Nicholina. Rhealphel sat in, patiently waiting for his bride to finish her goodbyes with her parents.

Rheaphel sat in the carriage completely bored and uninterested in what was going on around him. His mind was still on what happened the previous day,still wondering who would dare threaten him to stay away from a war that hasn't yet started. Hoping Rayson would give him an information about who was the person,he couldn't wish for anything but to be in his palace. Casting a glance at his bride who was finally walking towards the carriage he couldn't help but smirk. Was every woman like this? Spending eternity to just say goodbye to their parents.

Nicholina was helped by one of the horsemen into the carriage. Lost in her own thoughts she stared blankly into the distance oblivious to the striking man sitting across her. A knock on the carriage signaled the horsemen and they started rolling. Startled by the sudden movement Nicholina snap back into reality only to meet a pair of silver blue shade eyes staring deep into her soul a playful smirk tagging on his lips,lost in his eyes Nicholina found herself staring in awry. With the veil draped on her face she couldn't see him clearly but now with the veil out of the way she was completely speechless. How can a person be so handsome,he was hand crafted by God himself and not his subordinates.

"Does my lady know is inappropriate to stare at a man with so much admiration?" Rhealphel's deep baritone voice snap her back into reality. Feeling embarrassed her cheeks flush red and she quickly averted her gaze not knowing what to say. Why does she have to embarrass herself now that they are alone, all she wanted now was the earth to open up and swallow her.

Seeing her reaction Rhealphel chuckled lightly,the sound chilling yet soothing. He found her amusing. Not many people had dared to look at him for long,fearing for their lives,his gaze alone could scare away the bravest soul.But this his bride was staring right at him her eyes full of admiration.she was really daring." Has my lady refused to answer my question " Rheaphel asked a teasing smile on his lips.

Panic surged through Nicholina as Rhealphel's voice came through again asking if she had refused to answer his question. Fearing she might have angered him she quickly rushed to explain"l...l didn't know,you didn't tell me it was a question " she replied feeling more and more embarrassed. Was today against her,first she embarrassed herself staring at him and forgetting to avert her gaze and now this, would the earth open up and swallow her already?

Finding her reply amusing he chuckled again the sound sending chills down her spine. This woman was very amusing, he didn't know people had to tell others they were asking a question before they had to answer. Looking at her flush cheeks he couldn't help but smirk.

The rest of the journey was rode in silence. Looking into the window of the carriage Nicholina wondered how much time they had left to reach his kingdom and couldn't help but feel curious about how his castle looked like,will there be a garden? A fountain? Her curiosity peeked as she felt the carriage come to a halt.

Filled with nervousness she slowly lifted her head to peek through the windows having no intentions of getting out. A horseman came to the carriage and a knock on it signaled him to open,Rhealphel got down stretching his hands towards the curious Nicholina. Swallowing hard Nicholina took his hands and came out of the carriage.

Upon getting out Nicholina mouth fell wide open,she was stunned by what she saw. She couldn't help but marvel at the magnificent castle in front of her,its towering spires piercing through the sky like sentinels of a forgotten era. Its weathered stone walls,veined with ivy seemed to hum a story of old,their carved archways and grand battlements exuding a timeless majesty.Stained glass windows shimmered in the golden morning lights casting jewel-tone reflections onto the cobbled courtyard below.

Beyond the castle's formidable gates,sprawling garden unfolded like a dream. Roses in every imaginary shade spilled over wrought iron treilles,their sweet fragrance perfuming the air. A winding stone path,softened by a moss and lined with wild lavender,led toward an ornate fountain right in the heart of the garden. Crystal clear water danced over marble cherubs. Butterflies flitted through sun-dappled groves and the gentle murmur of a nearby tree added to the enchanting symphony of rusting leaves and birdsong.

For a moment,Nicholina stood still drinking in the sight. A perfect harmony of architecture and nature.The castle wasn't just a building it was a masterpiece a monument to time itself. And as the wind carried the scent of blooming jasmine through the air,Nicholina couldn't help but admire the castle's beauty. It magnificence a true testament of its owner.